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Text File | 1992-11-05 | 66KB | 1,106 lines

Slick is a Copy(c)right 1985,1992 product by Gary M. Raymond, New Orleans, La. Slick Modem Terminal Program V5.9 Simple <Software> Company HOME of SlickWare Gary Raymond Post Office Box 8184 New Orleans, La. 70182 (504) 288-6550 Compuserve 70613,3165 ==================================================================== USER FEEDBACK: * The SliCrypt PRIVACY mode is ideal for our company security! * SLICK's ability to DIAL my favorite BBS at runtime is neat! * Storing phone numbers in a simple text file makes editing a snap. * With SLICK at home and the office, I now have two way access! * My kids really enjoy the ansi bbs music feature! * I never thought I would EVER abandon xmodem, until I found SLICK! * With SLICK's DoorWay, I have no trouble running DBase remotely. * Where others fail, SLICK looks great on my dismal laptop display. * I have one floppy and 256k of ram, ProCom wont but SLICK, YES! * Your pre-registration telephone support was very gracious, thanks! * The copy you customized for COM8 works great, we need another. Quote PCM Magazine, Nov 91, "This is one of the best bargains to come along in some time!" CONTRIBUTED BY A USER: Out of Money? Time? Hard drive freebytes? Memory? Patience? Love? Companionship? or worst yet, your "Low Beer" light is blinking like crazy, then it's time for SLICK light. Smooth, but very satisfying, mellow yet very robust, SLICK light can rejuvenate your ability to communicate without the loss of a single byte! Try SLICK light today! Still less than 100K! ==================================================================== NEW SELF REGISTRATION: SLICK Ver 5.9 12/01/92: Registration fee of $19.00 + 1.00 ship & hand. Registering your copy will remove the opening and closing logo's and deactivate the evaluation counter, as well as activate all the newer perks and advanced features. Upon receipt of your payment we will provide a registration code number which will allow you to self register and personalize your shareware copy. Upon receipt of your personalized code number, type "SLICK REGISTER" at the DOS prompt and enter your first and last name (as you provided it to us for encoding) followed by the registration code number. That's all there is! ==================================================================== NEW LIBERAL UPGRADE POLICY: If you are a previous registered user of SLICK Terminal, you need only provide proof of payment (copy of cancelled check) to receive the registration code for SLICK V5.9. If you no longer have the cancelled check, send us your old registered copy on disk and we will promptly send you your new validation (registration) code. ALL upgrades from this time on will require reuse of your original registered validation code. This upgrade offer is valid for any previously registered version regardless of fee paid. ==================================================================== LIMITED LICENSE: You are hereby granted a limited license to use SLICK for the next thirty days; at which time you are required to send your $19 registration to continue operating SLICK Terminal.The advantages of Registration are 1) You receive a personal validation code that is valid for this and all future releases. Validation eliminates our opening and closing advertisements as well as unlocks some great perks. 2) You will be entitled to friendly telephone support at no additional charge. 3) You will be eligible for all future upgrades free of upgrade charges. You need only download the latest version and register it with your original registration code. Or, for nominal cost of postage and handling, we will be happy to ship you the most current release. The shareware demonstration TERMINAL is fully operational and NOT crippled in any fashion. The Host Mode, ANSI Music and Time Stamp Log are perk's; and, as such, are not necessary for normal use of the terminal. ==================================================================== SLICK59.EXE Self UnPacking Archive contents: README 1ST Registration info, etc. SLICK DIR Sample ASCII Phone Number Directory SLICK EXE Main Terminal program SLICKED DOC Documentation for Dial Directory Editor SLICKED EXE ASCII Text Editor for Dialing Directory SLICK DOC Terminal Documentation DROPDOS BAT Used by Host Mode to enter DOS MODEM INF Async IBM Tech Info COMTUTOR TXT Communications insights by Gary MUSIC Sample of ANSI music PLAY EXE Utility to play MUSIC. READ EXE Documentation Viewing Utility READ DOC Docs for Viewing Utility These Files are Generated by SLICK: SLICK LOG ASCII Log Capture record file. SLICK PIC ASCII Screen Snap Shot record . SLICK PWD ASCII Host Mode password file. SLICK HST ASCII Host Mode logon user record. SLICK TYM ASCII Connect Log w/user an time stamp. SLICK MSG ASCII Host Message Board file ==================================================================== QUICK START - PC REQUIREMENTS - SETTING UP SLICK There are several Mini Terminal Programs around but only one Slick! Why use Slick?. FIRST, Slick is entirely self contained and self starting for all Hayes compatible modems (those using AT commands). This means there are NO external configuration files or other data files to manage. SECOND, Slick is under 100K. This means you can run it from a system with only ONE FLOPPY and limited RAM. (and I know because I have talked to a lot of our users still running older PC's.) Slick is functional with any IBM or Clone CPU running PC/MS-DOS 3.3 or better. Using a standard 360k floppy with the operating system installed you are still left with over 200k for download space! THIRD, SLICK is the only affordable terminal on the market that really delivers the power features that new operators want. Quote PCM Magazine, Nov 91, "This is one of the best bargains to come along in some time!" Slick works right out the box with no configure files to hassle with (other than setting new defaults). PLUS, if wish to operate off a Hard Drive, SLICK can be called via a DOS Path statement from ANY location in your directories. The hot key combination of Alt-V enables complete on-line access to this documentation. SLICK is a Interrupt driven (on receive only) terminal that supports the four standard DOS BIOS addresses of 3F8, 2F8, 3E8 and 2E8 respectively for COM1 thru 4. If you are using OS/2 or any other system that addresses COM3 thru 8 at 3220h thru 5228, a special version of SLICK/OS2 is available for those circumstances. Please call our office. (SLICK pairs IRQ4 with COM1 & 3 and IRQ3 with COM2 & 4 in the standard version). ==================================================================== SLICK by DEFAULT: Slick comes preset for COM2, IRQ3, N81, 1200 baud. If this port setting is CORRECT for your PC, SLICK will initialize your modem by sending an ATZ (clear modem back to defaults) and, a generic modem string. If you see ATZ followed by OK appearing on your screen, probability is your port address is valid for the default of COM2 (2F8) IRQ3. If the modem string appears next followed by OK, you MAY STILL need to add some special switches that are necessary for your particular modem. On the other hand, if ERROR appears after SLICK attempts to send the string, you must determine what switch in the string is not compatible with your modem. This can be done by reading your modem manual or sending each switch separately at the terminal prompt looking for an OK reply indicating the string is valid. Example: Let's assume the string is "ATDTM1V4&D2S7=45" First, type ATDT, then look for an OK. Next, type ATM1, ATV4 etc. etc. until you hit the one or ones that reply with ERROR. ANY one bad switch will invalidate the entire string. A common question is "everything seems to be working ok but the modem wont hang up the line after a good connect, Why?" Some modems depend 100% on software control of important functions like carrier and data state. Usually, "&D1" (less quotes) added to the string will allow the modem to hang up if DTR cannot be be set by dip or pin switches on the modem itself. After the opening screen you should see the following responses from the modem indicating all is OK and ready to operate. ATZ OK ATM1S0=3&D2V1S7=45 (or similar, [may vary]) OK Explanation: AT (Modem attention command, must precede any new string) M1 (Speaker ON until CONNECT - some like to hear modem dial) S0=3 (Auto Answer phone line on 3rd ring - S0=0 disables auto ans.) &D2 (enable Data state ready - allows SOME modems to hang up properly) V1 (echo back VOICE replies to your AT commands like "OK") S7=45 (wait 45 seconds for a carrier after answer then hangup) Please note that you can change the initial command string that comes pre-installed: (ATM1&D2S0=3V1S7=45), to meet your model modems particular requirements. This String MUST reside only in the Alt-0 macro as SLICK looks for it there on boot up. You can also place a Hayse dial command in the Alt-0 macro and SLICK will AUTOMATICALLY dial that number first on BOOTUP. This might be nice for a BBS you call OFTEN. Example: ATM1S12=0S11=70V1X4DT283-9785 ^--------^ ==================================================================== SOLVING PROBLEMS: NO RESPONSE FROM MODEM: If nothing at all appears on your screen, (after the LoGo disappears and you hear the initialization beep) the fault is likely that SLICK's default port setting (COM2) is incorrect for your computer/modem setup. You will need to set another COM port. The COM menu is selected by hitting Alt N (while still in regular terminal mode) then selecting port 1, 3 or 4 depending on your available ports. To test the new port selection, simply type ATZ at the terminal prompt looking for both the letters to be echoed on the screen along with an OK (or "0") reply from the modem. Once you have the correct port selected you will want to save it into the EXE module so it will remain the default next time you run SLICK. This is done via the default menu brought up with the Alt Z key combination. One inside the defaults menu, use Alt P to write the new port into EXE module. On a 4.77 mhz floppy only system, this may take 10-20 seconds. On hard drives with fast processors, less than a second. You may also wish to change the baud rate, parity, data & stopbit and or modem string by this same general method. You may also set the UpLoad and DnLoad disk/directory locations and the default editor for SLICK's dialing directory. SLICK comes with SLICKED which is pre defined as the default editor. Any other favorite text editor will work also. The Alt-Z (Defaults) Menu is also used to change the hot key macros. (Hit F5 to see whats there now.) WON'T DIAL USING DIAL DIRECTORY: Some older modems require you set the character used to identify a carriage return. SLICK uses ascii 13 (IBM default). Set S3=13 if a selection from the dial directory does not appear to dial the modem but a manual entry in terminal modes works ok. REPEAT DIALER ONLY DIALS ONCE: SLICK depends on full voice replies from the modem. Example: 'BUSY' is required to enable the repeat dialer (F9) to function correctly. This is usually controlled by setting the V and X registers in the modem setup string (stored in macro Alt-0). Check your modem manual for exact details. V4 and X4 usually command most modern modems to spit out everything. Modems generally use V0 to request numeric replies and V1 for voice. Perhaps, if I get the time, at some later date I will code SLICK to operate with either voice or numeric responses; but, for now it MUST be voice responses. USING ANSI COLOR/GRAPHICS: To keep the size of SLICK's run time file to a minimum, I elected not to encode a full ANSI driver into SLICK's executable code. Therefore, in order to display received ansi graphics, YOUR computer MUST have an ansi device driver loaded in memory. Most versions of DOS come with a file called ANSI.SYS. A new line must be added to the CONFIG.SYS file in the root of your default (boot up) drive. This should be DEVICE=ANSI.SYS (a path may also be designated.) Another suggested alternative is using ANSI.COM, a tsr ansi driver, in the public domain, authored by Michael Mefford. It is available on most BBSes as well as from ZiffNet. ==================================================================== SLICK HAS ZMODEM: Slick is simple, very powerful, and easy to use! Plus it has everything you basically need to enjoy Telecommunication, like Zmodem Protocol. Version 4.8 and up NO LONGER requires the exclusive^ use of Omen's DSZ engine to enable (Z)modem protocol. SLICK now features internal Zmodem protocol with Auto Sensing. (You need only instruct the host to begin the Zmodem transfer, SLICK does the rest!). ^Today, 99% of all BBS's are providing Zmodem file transfers because of the superior performance it has over X and Ymodem. Because many of our users are running laptops, we elected to continue providing X and Ymodem via the external DSZ protocol engine, thus keeping the size of SLICK's executable file to a minimum. Therefore, for those of you who like SLICK and still must have X and Ymodem, you must register with Omen to get an unlocked version of DSZ with the ability to pass parameters. Zmodem has become the de facto standard on almost all Bulletin Boards. But, if X and Ymodem are still needed, SLICK can still pass parameters to Omen's DSZ engine for those protocols. For PROPER operation of DSZ or any external utilities, it is necessary to have a DOS PATH to where you have located SLICK AND these utilities. Example: Suppose you have SLICK and SLICKED in a directory off the root of your "C" drive called MODEM [i.e. C:\MODEM]. You must then add MODEM to your PATH statement in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file as SET PATH=C:\MODEM etc etc. To confirm after re-booting, that your path is properly set, type SET at the DOS prompt. If you are operating off a floppy drive, make sure you have a system disk with COMMAND.COM on the floppy along with SLICK. ==================================================================== DOS COMMAND WINDOW: In addition to the existing drop to dos feature (Alt-D) and to facilitate running external protocols directly by command line as well as executing just about any DOS utility or command, a new DOS Command Window has been created. Access is via the Alt-F10 keys anytime you are in terminal or doorway mode, on or off line. Anything you can do at the DOS prompt, you can do here. The only limit is remaining memory as SLICK remains resident and will return after the dos operation is completed. The Escape key will exit the window with no operation performed. Once in the DOS environment, Ctrl C (if BREAK is ON) will stop most activity during input output. Like all new perks, this feature is activated and usable only after registration. ==================================================================== ASCII UPLOADS: Ascii uploads (previous to Ver 5.+) were leaving it up to the user to strip linefeeds (* if necessary) from his document before transmission. Most standard ascii text editors and word processors, with ascii functions, terminate lines with both a carriage return and a linefeed byte (0Dh/0Ah), leaving no other options available. *Some E-Mail systems require only a carriage return to signal line endings; the addition of a linefeed can sometimes cause the message to arrive double spaced. Allowing SLICK to strip it eliminates this problem. You will be prompted before transmission begins, weather or not to allow SLICK to prevent the embedded linefeed character (ascii #10 - 0Ah) from being transmitted. By default, hitting the Enter key at the menu prompt (as seen below) will allow normal transmission (both Cr and Lf) as if you selected option number 1. Selecting option number 2 will prevent the linefeeds from being transmitted. In either case you will see the file echoing properly to your local monitor, for audit purposes, while being transmitted. (1) Send file as is! (w/CRLF). (2) Block LF and send only CR. Select (Esc/Exits) -> '); ==================================================================== REDISPLAY BUFFER: SLICK has some very nice utilities for making life easy. The Alt-T (redisplay screen buffer) is an example. This feature keeps the last eight pages of text in memory for immediate redisplay. With the use of Pg Up/Dn up/dn arrow, home and end, navigating is a snap. This is particularly useful when you forgot the spelling of that interesting file you want to download - just hit Alt T to go back in time! You also can take a snapshot of the screen (Alt G) or save the present content of the buffer to the standard log capture file. (Alt L) ==================================================================== SPECIAL MACROS: The F10 macro can be programmed to run your favorite utility by just a key stroke. One possible use is a DOS shell utility or another external protocol driver for use with PUMA, KERMIT JMODEM etc. The F8 macro loads and runs SLICKED, the default dial directory editor. Remember, you and change this to use your own favorite editor rather than our own SLICKED. The DOS Command window (Alt-F10) allows any DOS operation on the fly. ==================================================================== PRIVACY MODE: Anyone with a need for totally secure real time TTY communications will benefit from SliCrypt Privacy Mode. If you have a need to pass real time information with privacy, SliCrypt is for you. SliCrypt was originally developed as a custom feature for a corporate user. They liked it so much, we decided to make it a standard perk, available to all registered users. SliCrypt requires BOTH parties to use SLICK Terminal with a previously agreed upon six character KEY code. This key can be changed via the default menu (Alt-Z) and then the Alt-Y keys. CAUTION: SLICK is shipped with the key "ABCDEF", You should change it! It is also suggested that you delete old previously used keys, if total, uncompromising privacy is required. Note, the Alt-Y (SliCrypt) Toggle functions ONLY when a carrier is detected since there is no need for it otherwise. How it works: Assuming you have called another PC that is running SLICK and have received a CONNECT, you have the ability to use SLICK as a conventional two way teletype terminal (TTY). This is similar to something called CHAT mode on various BBS'es. To use TTY between two SLICK terminals, each must first toggle "Echo On" via Alt-E. In this mode, what you type (and see) is actually what goes over the public telephone lines. Someone could easily have a tap, and using any raw terminal, eavesdrop on your transmission. To STOP this cold, both users must toggle SliCrypt via the Alt-Y keys. Both users MUST do this BEFORE a SliCrypt exchange begins in order to maintain starting synchronization. Once SliCrypt is activated, what you type is first displayed locally, then translated by SliCrypt before transmission (using an algorithm involving the KEY) and, in real time, converted back to readable data (using the same exact KEY) on the received end. (Note: Toggling SliCrypt via the Alt-Y keys automatically puts SLICK in local Echo mode as well.) SliCrypt is also available as an option in Host Mode. See the section on Host Mode further on for more detail information. Just how secure is SliCrypt? Well, given enough time and sample data, just about any encryption system can be compromised. Time is the critical element. But, presumably, no one knows the KEY you are going to use in advance. Considering the billions of permutations possible, coupled with your ability to develop a "KEY protocol" that may rotate the KEY, your privacy is a reasonable certainty! A KEY protocol involves changing some or all of the KEY based on time, days, months, weeks, or any random event previously agreed to by anyone participating in the protocol. SLICK with SliCrypt has the ability, with the line printer toggled, to act like a true security protected teletype. If the printer is not on, then once the monitor screen is cleared, there is no longer any record of a transmission. A paper shredder can always dispose of discarded printer paper; although, we do not recommend allowing a line printer to capture sensitive private data. For additional internal security, only encoded data is captured to the internal ring buffer. Therefore, buffered SliCrypt data will make no sense. Since high ascii is filtered from the buffer before dumping to screen memory during re-display (when using Alt-T) no one can easily review a private session when SliCrypt was used, should the terminal have been left on. However, if you wish to save data in SliCrypt form, after a session, you may do a dump of the buffer contents to the LOG file (Alt-T then Alt-L). We have a separate utility called SLICRYPT.EXE (available only to registered users) that can be used on the log file (or any text containing SliCrypt) to decode back to human readable format. That is, assuming you know the KEY! SliCrypt is our creation, and even knowing how it works gives no advantage in trying to decode when the users are in control of the KEY cyphering string. We designed it without a so called master key on purpose; to provide the maximum privacy possible. This method effectively protects against someone who could disassemble the executable code to learn the algorithm. Because, knowing the algorithm, without knowing the KEY string, makes it, practically speaking, an impossible task to decode in real time. For the truly paranoid, I suppose you could use your own code on top of SliCrypt! ==================================================================== DOORWAY & MONITOR MODE: Monitor Mode has been added (V5+) via Ctrl Home to allow display of all raw characters without filtering. This is a very useful diagnostic and advanced function for investigating raw data appearing at the port. When using the DoorWay (Alt=) or Monitor mode (CtrlHome), no other hot keys are active save the one used to toggle in and out of the mode. You exit either mode by hitting the same hot key again to regain use of SLICK's normal hot keys. While in DoorWay mode, any extended keys that are struck will result in SLICK sending a NUL preceding the keys actual scancode to facilitate correct interpretation of Function and Extended keys on the host end. This is a great way (when used with a product like GateWay or DoorWay) to use two copies of SLICK to run your office computer remotely from your home computer with modems. I highly recommend both Gateway and DoorWay as remote application control utilities. ==================================================================== HOST MODE: SLICK V5.+ now provides as a perk to its registered users, an entirely new HOST Mode. This feature (like a mini BBS) is very useful and much easier than most Host systems to learn to operate. For testing purposes, you can activate SLICK's Host Mode (without an actual connect) via the LOCAL mode toggle, Alt-F1. Local logon of Host Mode is functional in the shareware version in order for you to get the look and feel of it. Host Mode will not function ON LINE (with a carrier) until you register your copy. Before you can access the Host Mode via a remote terminal, the following things must be accomplished. First, the modem auto answer command, S0 must be installed in Macro Alt-0 with the desired ring number, i.e. the number of rings to wait before connecting. EXAMP: ATS0=3----------------ETC. This will cause the modem to answer (in this example) after the third ring. Next, you must set your Host access key in macro Alt-9. It MUST begin with at least one or more asterisks (*) followed by no more than five characters. EXAMP: *!$@&# This Host Key does several important jobs. It provides a method to activate the Host mode remotely, and, since the user must know it in advance, a certain amount of security. Ideally, you would transmit the Host key (after the CONNECT message) on your remote SLICK terminal by using the same Alt-9 Macro. This will trigger the Host Mode into action (at the HOST site) and you will soon be asked for your name. The name is only required for logging purposes and is not critical. (User names are logged to a file created and called SLICK.USR). You could spell your name differently each time, as no checks are made against it. Next the Host will ask for a password. This is VERY critical. Case MUST be observed and can be mixed. The very first time you use Host Mode, SLICK will create a file called SLICK.PWD and install the first generic password HOSTSYSOP which you must then type (in CAPITOLS) to gain access. Asterisks will prevent any observer from seeing your password on either the local or remote screen. Its up to you to create additional passwords and install them via any ascii editor such as SLICKED provided with this package. If the password was invalid compared to those contained in SLICK.PWD, the Host informs the login and disconnects. Otherwise, you are welcomed to the main menu. It's just that EASY. CAUTION: I suggest you eventually remove the first SLICK created generic password (HOSTSYSOP) and replace it with your own. Here is the list of available functions as seen on the Host Menu. ****** SLICK Host Menu ****** (1) Download a File. (2) Drop to Operating System. (3) Page the SYSOP! (4) Read Host Messages. (5) Send Host Messages. (6) Privacy TTY. (7) Shut down Host Mode. (8) Exit/Hang up! (1) This function allows you to download a file. It prompts you for a filename and, if found, promptly transmits it to you via Zmodem. Practically all automatic! (2) This function gives you the DOS prompt as if you were sitting in front of your host system. DOORWAY its NOT, but at least you can copy, move and delete files. You can also use DOS's TYPE command to read any ascii text files on your system. You may even run some applications that do not require user input. This feature is helpful if you occasionally need to copy files to SLICK's default upload directory before transmission (if what you want is not there already - while you are logged into the Host system). To return to the Host Menu, you only need type EXIT at the DOS prompt. This feature requires a special batch file, called DROPDOS.BAT (supplied) that takes advantage of DOS's ability to redirect the CON output to the serial port during the drop. DROPDOS.BAT is covered in more detail further down below. This release now limits DROP DOS access to the SysOp. SysOp access is granted to whatever password occupies the FIRST line of SLICK.PWD (HOSTSYSOP by default ... better change it!) See important additional CTTY comments at end of section. (3) Should it be necessary to get the attention of the System Operator, selection 3 will cause the host to beep once every second for twenty seconds. The SYSOP (host end) need only hit any key to trigger the chat operation otherwise it will time out and return the user (remote) back to the main menu. As with the Enter Mail function, a forward slash </> will exit chat (can be initiated by either end) when used as the FIRST entry on a new line. Limited wordwrap is on by default. (4) This is a convenient way to get messages or general bulletin info to anyone with access to the host system. It will display 23 lines of text and then wait for a user key stroke to display the next 23. The first time this selection is called, if the message file, SLICK.MSG is not found, it will be created with a short header indicating there are no messages as of yet. SLICK.MSG, like all text files generated by SLICK terminal, may be edited with any standard ascii editor, including SLICKED.EXE (provided). (5) This option allows a user to post a message on the system. The message will be appended to the end of the existing message file (SLICK.MSG). It is a bare bones posting system with no means of discriminating who has access to what mail. Line length is limited to 73 characters. A new line is started by hitting the <Cr> or Enter key. Limited wordwrap is on by default. A message is saved or ended by hitting the forward slant key </> (usually below the question <?> mark key. (6) Private TTY allows a remote user to access the host system as a teletype machine, but, with one important difference. SliCrypt is encoding the data being transmitted in either direction to provide privacy and security. Here's how it works. Suppose you have several salesmen out in the field making bids on various jobs. Each must report in his current bids on a regular basics. Each has a laptop with a modem. He calls in, logs on the Host, selects option #6 followed by toggling Alt-Y, (Alt-Y activates SliCrypt on his laptop) and begins typing his report. It then appears on the host monitor and (if turned on) the line printer as well. If someone in the office desires to reply, they only need type on the host keyboard for the remote to see the message appearing on his laptop monitor. A two way could continue. Either party may stop the session by dropping carrier via Alt-H, in which case, the host system resets to await another call unless it is disabled by the sysop (system operator.) Another option, if the remote user wishes to return to the host menu (for whatever reason) rather than disconnect, he may hit the Alt-9 host code macro. He will then be returned to the original logon menu. (7) This is equivalent to using Alt-X at the terminal. It terminates SLICK, taking it off line, and returning control back to the operating system. All new releases now limits DISABLE ability to the SysOp. SysOp access is granted to whatever password occupies the FIRST line of the SLICK.PWD file (it's HOSTSYSOP by default ... better change it!) (8) This forces Host Mode to drop the line (hang up), idle, and await the next caller. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Explanation of redirection batch file used to drop to dos: DROPDOS.BAT Batch file must reside in same directory as SLICK @ECHO OFF Line 1 (not required, just eliminates scrn echo at host) CTTY COM1: Line 2 (change to reflect the port [COM?] you are using) C:\COMMAND.COM Line 3 (path to DOS file **VERY IMPORTANT** CTTY CON Line 4 (undoes line 2 returning screen/kybd to CONsole) IMPORTANT=READ=THIS=NOW=IMPORTANT=READ=THIS=NOW=IMPORTANT=READ=THIS=NOW Most versions of DOS that I have encountered fail to install the port default addresses of 3E8 and 2E8 in BIOS at Seg 0040 Off 0004 and 0006. Ordinarily this would prevent DROPDOS.BAT from working on COM3 or COM4 (i.e. CTTY COM3: or CTTY COM4:) even if SLICK or any other terminal using direct hardware addressing works ok. I overcome this limitation by allowing SLICK to poke the required addresses into BIOS memory if they are not present. This is necessary because the CTTY redirection command looks there for where to go with re- directed output. SLICK eh? Well, not exactly. There are many oddball clones out there that simply wont swallow the CTTY redirection command at all. If you own one of these, there are two alternatives known to me. One is a redirection utility called DOORWAY, the other is a device driver called GATEWAY. Both are probably available from the same BBS where you obtained SLICK terminal. I suggest GATEWAY for plain jane DOS operations (it uses less than 2k of ram) in DIRECT mode. The author, Hans Kellner, has also donated it to the Public Domain. On the other hand, if you desire to run ANY application software (Dbase, games, etc.) remotely, DOORWAY is the way to go. Marshall Duddley, the author, has produced a very solid product. If you use DOORWAY, please register it. If the BBS you frequent does not have either of these fine products, contact us for information on where they can be currently obtained. ==================================================================== TIME SET: This is an exciting new feature starting with version 5.9. This new feature is not restricted to only registered customers. We feel it is so useful, we hope it will help introduce SLICK to a wider base of new potential customers. TimeSet allows you to set your dos time automatically by simply calling the National Bureau of Standards while in terminal mode. The NBS number is Area Code 202, 653-0351. Of course, you may also set this number in the dial directory or in one of the macro keys. For convenience, we have already set the number into macro number 8 (accessed via Alt-8 while in terminal mode). After dialing the NBS, SLICK will automatically sense the NBS signal, set the DOS time, and then disconnects the line! You can expect an average thirty cents charge for the call. NOTE: To use the Time Set feature, it is assumed you have already configured SLICK terminal to operate on your PC's available modem port and baud setting. If not, you must first set these parameters. Incidentally, NBS modems use 8 data bits, 1 stop bit and No parity which is now almost universally standard with all BBS'es, etc. Since NBS gives the time in GMT, you must determine the offset from your local time and set this hour offset via the defaults menu (Alt Z.) The key to change the offset once in the default menu is Alt-G. Greenwich England was agreed upon by early mariners to be the point where the zero degree meridian (longitude) crossed on its path from geographic north to the south pole. Using a 360 degree arc and 24 hour day, each 15 degree displacement represents one hour of time differential. Since New Orleans (my home) is roughly 90 degrees west, then 90 divided by 15 = 6 hours time difference. The offsets for the various continental time zones is listed below. EXAMPLES: EST = GMT - 5 CST = GMT - 6 MST = GMT - 7 PST = GMT - 8 Here in New Orleans, Central Standard Time is effective. Therefore there is a six hour differential between greenwich mean time and my local time. Hence, Local CST = GMT - 6. Some additional caveat: NBS operates at 300 or 1200 baud. Your modem must be capable of automatically stepping down to either of these bauds rates if locked at a higher rate. Depending on the exact method your PC uses to store time after being turned off, you may be required to run a separate timeset utility to burn the new DOS time into your battery clock chip. This is particularly true for those PC's with card clock or no slot clocks on PC or XT's. Some AT's will require resetting time via the BIOS setup, others will automatically reset when using SLICK's settime feature. Of course, if you do not have an on board clock, there is nothing here to be concerned about except that calling NBS will still update your DOS time. (Of cource, you will lose it after you turn your PC off) ==================================================================== LOG FILE TIME STAMP: A feature has been added that will record all your total CONNECT time including place and number called. This feature is toggled by the Alt K key combination while in terminal mode. It writes to a standard ASCII text file called SLICK.TYM. EXAMP ENTRY BELOW: > N. O. Telenet 1200b > *70,524-4094 on 8/12/92 at 3:03p > 00:00:27 > who you called > number you called on day at time > total This feature REQUIRES that you to use the built in dialing directory to pick and initiate a call, it will NOT work when manually dialing numbers in terminal mode. This feature is toggled on and off by use of Alt-K while in normal terminal mode. The first time it is used, the file SLICK.TYM will be created in SLICK's home directory. You can set either mode [file OPEN or CLOSED] as a runtime default, via the Defaults [Alt-Z] Menu using the Alt-T keys. SLICK is shipped with TimeSet in the file CLOSED mode. SPECIAL NOTE: SLICK will calculate the time (within seconds) from the CONNECT message to the NO CARRIER message by detecting the presence of a carrier through the modem MSR register. This time calculation will not always agree with the billing time indicated by your long distance provider. Usually, the provider will bill you for whole minutes. Also, if you are using a network like TeleNet, SLICK will only track network time, not individual calls while operating within the network (like using PcPursuit.) Finally, SLICK writes ONE line of data to the SLICK.TYM file in TWO stages. The first stage, when carrier is detected, writes everything but the total time uses. The last stage, when carrier is lost, appends the total time uses to the end of the line with a terminating carriage return plus linefeed. If for some reason (lockups etc) your PC is rebooted before the second write occurs, the last or previous line will lack a CR/LF causing the next normal write to appear as a continuation of the last line. If you wish to maintain the line symmetry, this can be corrected with any ascii test editor. ==================================================================== ANSI BBS MUSIC: Slick Terminal will now interpret music strings similar to those used via the Basic PLAY function. The string must be preceded by an Esc[M directive and terminated by an ascii #14 character (double note). This seems to be the de facto ANSI BBS standard emerging out of the rubble. However, ANSI has actually very little to do with it. Other than the common use of "Esc[" (that ANSI uses mostly to drive the cursor etc.), ANSI BBS music has nothing else in common with the ANSI standard. Should anything change with regard to the present music protocol, I will attempt to keep up with it for those of you who enjoy a little tune now and again from your PC. EXAMPLE BARE BONES MISCEL MUSIC STRING: Esc[M T200L8O4D+GL4A+A+A+A+L8F.L16GL8G+AA+P8A+GL4D+D+D+ #14 I incorporated a 1k music buffer to allow some background music ability and avoid overflows. Because the music strings are similar to ANSI graphic strings, they can be embedded and dispersed through out any ansi graphics files. NOTE: To conserve executable file size I purposely did not code the actual entire ansi standard as a self contained interpreter. Therefor, although detection of ANSI BBS music is coded, you will still need to have the ANSI.SYS device driver loaded in your CONFIG.SYS file (SET DEVICE=C:?\WHERE?\ANSI.SYS) in order to interpret plain jane ANSI COLOR and GRAPHICS. This feature is activated only via registration. You must also be in either the standard terminal or Doorway mode to hear ANSI music when transmitted. It is disabled in Monitor and Host modes. FINALLY: The number of BBS's that are transmitting music is growing every day. If you call collect, I will be happy to supply you with some BBS numbers that are supporting ANSI BBS music. My special thanks to Linda Bloom, SysOp, BloomUnit BBS, 1-407-687-8712, for her suggestion of, and assistance in, making this addition to SLICK. After registration, if you wish to test SLICK's musical ability, I have enclosed a sample MUSIC file, that may be loaded (indirectly) into SLICK's music buffer. (The normal method involves receiving music esc codes via the comm port, in data state, after a connect.) To indirectly load the music file, place it in the upload directory you have established or in the directory where SLICK is located. Now load SLICK and wait for the OK prompt. Hit PgUp as if you were going to begin an upload. Select "A" for ascii. Now pick the MUSIC file from the FILE selection window and hit the enter key. You will then be asked about stripping linefeeds etc.; just hit the enter key. The MUSIC file will now be loading into SLICK's communication ring buffer. After loading, the music will then begin to play as the terminal loop is activated and begins dumping the buffer! For those of you who just can't wait until you receive your personal registration code, I have included a file called PLAY.EXE (the engine), and MUSIC, (the music code file), which can be used together to play and hear ansi bbs music, through your PC speaker, as a stand alone operation. (Type PLAY MUSIC at the dos prompt.) If you like the quality of ANSI Music, you will enjoy it even more when you register and begin discovering what some BBS's are transmitting. ==================================================================== ALT Z DEFAULTS MENU The Alt-Z key brings up this "Default" Menu screen, wherein you have many options, including the ability to reset the 10 definable macro keys. [Alt-1 thru Alt-0]. ╔════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ ║ ║ >>Slick Terminal<< ║ ║ From Simple Software Company, New Orleans, La. ║ ║ ║ ║ Slick Communication Terminal can be programmed to boot up with ║ ║ a number of default parameters. Changes to these default values ║ ║ can be made here. These changes are written into the executable ║ ║ file code rather than an external configuration file. ║ ║ AltP, AltB and AltS reset the default Port, Baud and Parity/ ║ ║ Data/StopBits terminal settings. NOTE: These values, as well as ║ ║ the Timestamp toggle must first be defined in Terminal Mode. The ║ ║ remaining defaults show current value, and allow optional change. ║ ║ ────┤You can reset the following Defaults├─── ║ ║ Alt-P Set Comm Port | Alt-B Baud Default | Alt-S Par/Dat/Stop ║ ║ Alt-J DOS Utility | Alt-C Color Palette | Alt-T Time Stamp ║ ║ Alt-1/8 Key Macros | Alt-E Your Editor | Alt-D DL Drv\Dir ║ ║ Alt-9 Host Password | Alt-Y Privacy Tog | Alt-U UL Drv\Dir ║ ║ Alt-0 Modem String | Reserved......... | Reserved........ ║ ║ Esc to Exit ║ ╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ ==================================================================== F1 HELP SCREEN: ╔════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ ║ ║ >> SlickTerminal V 5.9 << ║ ║ S.S.C. POB 8184,N.O.,La.,70182,OFC 504-288-6550 ║ ║ ───│ Registered Copy: John Hancock │─── ║ ║ Welcome to Slick! No doubt your first question is "WHY Slick?". ║ ║ Slick Terminal was originally intended for users with only one ║ ║ Floppy Drive, little RAM, AND no previous Communication Skills. ║ ║ Now, it has become a favorite of everyone; Laptop users, Power ║ ║ Operator and novices alike. SLICK is self modifying and requires ║ ║ no additional Config Support Files; PLUS it has 10 programmable ║ ║ Macro Keys, (9 more hardcoded), Screen Capture, Review Buffer, ║ ║ Dial Directory, PLUS lots more GREAT and EASY to use features. ║ ║ ║ ║ F1 = This Help Screen F2 = Hayes Modem Commands ║ ║ F3 = Zmodem Information F4 = Help with Macro Keys ║ ║ F5 = Show Program. Macros F6 = Show Hard Coded Macros ║ ║ F7 = Show Active Toggles F9 = Repeat Dial if BUSY ║ ║ Voice Support (504) 288-6550 [your toll] ║ ║ ║ ╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ ==================================================================== F2 HELP SCREEN: ╔════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ ║ ║ Slick Terminal ║ ║ From Simple Software Co., N.O.LA. 504-288-6550 ║ ║ ║ ║ SLICK Ports are strapped as follows: COM1(3F8/IRQ4), COM2 ║ ║ (2F8/IRQ3), COM3(3E8/IRQ4), COM4(2E8/IRQ3). You change them ║ ║ in several easy steps. First, hit Alt-N to enter Port Menu ║ ║ and select new Port; hit Alt-B to change Baud [1200] default ║ ║ status and Alt-F7 to select another DATA/PARITY/STOPBIT (8N1 ║ ║ is the present default value). Next, hit Alt-Z to enter the ║ ║ Default Menu and select Alt-P to set new port as default at ║ ║ next runtime, Alt-B to set new Baud, and Alt-S to set new ║ ║ DATA/PARITY/STOPBIT. In each case you will be signaled when ║ ║ each operation is completed. If the default modem string does ║ ║ not return an OK, one or more switches [&D2 etc] may be wrong ║ ║ for your brand modem. Use Alt-0 to change as necessary. ║ ║ HINT: In terminal mode type AT followed by suspect switch; ║ ║ ie AT&D2, if switch is incorrect, error message will indicate. ║ ║ ║ ╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ ==================================================================== F3 HELP SCREEN: ╔════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ ║ ║ >>Slick Terminal<< ║ ║ From Simple Software Company, New Orleans, La. ║ ║ ║ ║ SLICK has Zmodem protocol with auto sensing built in. It is ║ ║ only necessary to instruct the host to begin a Zmodem download ║ ║ and SLICK will sense and begin the transfer. Short text files ║ ║ or mail may be uploaded with the built in ASCII protocol. ║ ║ ║ ║ File transfers other than Zmodem downloads are begun by hitting ║ ║ the Pg Dn key for file Downloads and the Pg Up key for Uploads. ║ ║ ║ ║ A = ASCII UpLoad [must be standard text with CRLF line endings] ║ ║ X = Xmodem or plain Ymodem [CkhSum/CRC] (needs Omens DSZ Engine) ║ ║ Y = Ymodem/Batch/CRC, 1024 byte packet (needs Omens DSZ Engine) ║ ║ Z = Zmodem w/Crash Recovery, etc, etc, very HIGHLY SUGGESTED! ║ ║ ║ ║ Note: Transfer of File Name is automatic when using Zmodem or ║ ║ Ymodem/Batch. Xmodem requires entering filename at menu. ║ ╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ ==================================================================== F4 HELP SCREEN: The hot key combination of Alt-V enables complete on-line help. Alt-V actually does a shell to dos, calling a utility file named READ, which in turn automatically loades SLICK.DOC for viewing. Once you learn all the ropes in maximizing the use of SLICK, and no longer need the help facility, you can do some easy slight of hand by renaming some other favorite utility. Example: Suppose you prefer to use LIST as your text viewer. Rename LIST.EXE to READ.EXE. A quick easy way to do it without tampering with the original file is to use the dos COPY command. Type COPY LIST.EXE READ.EXE.......that will do it! Now Alt-V will load LIST via the new file handle of READ! ╔════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ ║ ║ >>Slick Terminal<< ║ ║ From Simple Software Company, New Orleans, La. ║ ║ ║ ║ The Macro Keys Alt/1 through Alt/0 are programmable via the ║ ║ same keys while in the DEFAULTS Menu, reached via Alt Z key. ║ ║ The Macro Keys "LeftShift" F1 thru F9 are Hard Coded; but ║ ║ represent the most common Network, Telenet and Hayse commands. ║ ║ DOORWAY & MONITOR Mode are accessed via Alt= and CtrlHome comb. ║ ║ F1 through F6 provide useful HELP and Macro review information. ║ ║ ║ ║ ──────────────────────┤SLICK Hot Keys├──────────────────────── ║ ║ Alt-F7 N81/N82/etc. | Alt-V ANSI ClrScreen | Alt-A CmdRepeat ║ ║ Alt-M Dial Directory | Alt-B Set Baud Rate. | Alt-N Comm Port ║ ║ Alt-R Reset Modem | Alt-O Hang up line | F-9 Repeat Dial ║ ║ Alt-D Drop to DOS | Alt-L Log File [Tog] | F-7 Show Toggles ║ ║ Alt-P Printer [Tog] | Alt-S Sound [Tog] | F8 Edit Dial-Dir ║ ║ Alt-E Echo [Tog] | Alt-K TimeStamp Log | F10 Run Utility ║ ║ Alt-G Screen SnapShot| Alt-T ReDisplay Log | Alt-Z Defaults ║ ║ Alt-W CGA Snow [Tog] | Alt-F10 DOS Command | Alt-V View Help ║ ╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ ==================================================================== F5 HELP SCREEN: A Literal insert mode is incorporated in the macro editor to facilitate use of control codes, graphic characters and ANSI escape sequences. The macro editor is used to make changes to the macro strings while in the Default Menu. To activate the Literal insert mode, hit the Insert key, followed by whatever control character you need. HINT: You can usually generate any of the 255 ascii characters by holding down the Alt key and entering the decimal equivalent into the numeric keypad. For instance, a carriage return is equal to decimal 13. Strings can also be entered with embedded carriage returns such as example Alt-1 below. This is the 1200 baud sign on macro for TeleNet. Wherever the left arrow (<) is placed in the string, a carriage return (ascii 13) will be transmitted in its place. ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ ║ ║ >>Slick Terminal<< ║ ║ From Simple Software Company, New Orleans, La. ║ ║ ║ ║ The Programmable Macro Keys Alt/1 through Alt/0 are: ║ ║ ║ ║ Key Macro ║ ║ Alt-1 <@<D ║ ║ Alt-2 password ║ ║ Alt-3 1234567890123456789012345678901234567890 ║ ║ Alt-4 First LastName ║ ║ Alt-5 City, State ║ ║ Alt-6 ATDT*70,288-6550 ║ ║ Alt-7 ATH1 ║ ║ Alt-8 John;Doe;HOTDOG ║ ║ Alt-9 **HOST ║ ║ Alt-0 ATE1M1S7=45S2=2F1V1X4&T5 ║ ║ DL/DIR (current directory unless set otherwise) ║ ║ UL/DIR (current directory unless set otherwise) ║ ║ NOTE: All Strings are limited to 40 characters in length! ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ ==================================================================== F6 HELP SCREEN: There are several common and useful hard wired macros built into SLICK and accessed by the combination of left shift and F keys. Example: For those of you who use Telenet at 2400 baud, the LfShF7 and LfShF9 allow you to gain access to the Telenet terminal prompt (@) after getting a CONNECT 2400. ATA allows your modem to manually answer the phone and attempt a handshake. Use ATH1 to manually hangup while in modem command state. etc. etc. ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ ║ ║ >>Slick Terminal<< ║ ║ From Simple Software Company, New Orleans, La. ║ ║ ║ ║ The Hard Coded Macro Keys toggled by the Ctrl+Key are: ║ ║ ║ ║ Key Macro Contents ║ ║ LfSfF1 ATA ║ ║ LfSfF2 ATO ║ ║ LfSfF3 ATH1 ║ ║ LfSfF4 ATH0 ║ ║ LfSfF5 <@<D ║ ║ LfSfF6 HANGUP ║ ║ LfSfF7 @D ║ ║ LfSfF8 <D ║ ║ LfSfF9 D1 ║ ║ ║ ║ (These may vary somewhat with later versions) ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ ==================================================================== ┌─────────┐ │ MEMBER │ Society of │ ┌──────┴──┐ Independent │ │ │ Shareware └──┤ ■ │ Authors │ ║ │ └────╨────┘ This program is produced by a member of the Society of Independent Shareware Authors (SISA). The Society wants to ensure that all valid shareware principle actually work for you and SISA members. The principle behind shareware distribution is simple; try before you buy. Society members agree to license all shareware for a minimum of 10 days, free of charge, to first time users as an evaluation period. After 10 days, buyers are then obligated to license their copy with the Society member. Society members are obligated to provide high quality, useful shareware, but, are free to choose whatever marketing methods suit their specific needs. SISA sanctioned marketing methods include: demonstration versions; providing printed documentation after purchase; registration keys that unlock additional features not necessary to determine basic usefulness; and, providing bug fixes free of charge. Any Shareware author may become a member of SISA without cost by simply agreeing to the above conditions and displaying, at their option, this logo in their documentation. ==================================================================== WARRANTY: Software: Simple Software warrants that the software contained herein will perform in substantial compliance with the documentation accompanying the software. If you report, in writing, a significant defect to us, and we are unable to correct it within 90 days of the date you report the defect, you may return the software and accompanying materials, and we will refund the purchase price. Diskette's and Documentation: Simple Software, warrants all diskette's and documentation to be free of defects in materials for a period of 30 days from the date of purchase. In the event of notification within the warranty period of defects in any materials, Simple Software will replace the defective diskette or documentation. Remedies: The remedy for breach of the warranty shall be limited to replacement and shall not encompass any other damages, including but not limited to loss of profit, special, incidental, consequential, or similar damages, losses, or claims. DISCLAIMER: Simple Software specifically disclaims all other warranties, expressed or implied, including but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose with respect to defects in the diskette and documentation, and the program license granted herein, in particular, and without limiting operation of the program license with respect to any particular application, use, or purpose. In no event shall Simple Software be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential or other damages. GOVERNING LAW: This statement shall be construed, interpreted, and governed by the laws of the State of Louisiana. ==================================================================== Registering your copy will help continue the competitive advantages of providing economical shareware. Upon receipt of your payment I will provide a registration code number which will allow you to self register and personalize your shareware copy. Upon receipt of your code type SLICK REGISTER and enter your first and last name followed by the code number. Code numbers may be issued by voice phone if you are willing to accept a collect call, otherwise it will be sent to you via first class US mail service. Yes Gary, I enjoy your program and would like to register and obtain the latest version. Name_____________________________________________________________ Mailing Address__________________________________________________ City & State ___________________________________________________ ZIP _____________________________ Phone _________________________ Send my registration code by first class US mail (yes) (no). Or (Call me collect) between______(a)(p) __ST and ______(a)(p) __ST. Send $19 + $1 (ship & hand) check or money order to: Gary M. Raymond P.O.Box 8184 New Orleans, La. 70182 Compuserve 70613,3165 504-288-6550 ==================================================================== DSZ is a trademark of Omen Tech. Inc. IBM is the registered Trademark of IBM Corporation. EOF