Shareware Grab Bag

home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search

/ Shareware Grab Bag / Shareware Grab Bag.iso / 005 / tapdoc.arc / TAPCIS.DOC next >

Wrap

Text File | 1988-01-01 | 221.8 KB | 6,534 lines

███████████████ ███████████████ ███████████████ ███████████████ ███████████████ ███████████████ █████ █████ █████ █████ █████ █████ █████ █████ █████ █████ █████ ███████████████ ███████████████ █████ ███████████████ ███████████████ █████ █████ █████ █████ █████ █████ █████ █████ █████ █████ █████ █████ ██████████████ ███████████████ ███████████████ ██████████████ ███████████████ ███████████████ █████ █████ █████ █████ █████ █████▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄ █████ █████ ███████████████ █████ █████ ▐███ █████ █████ ▐███ ██████████████ ███████████████ ███████████████ ██████████████ ███████████████ ███████████████ CompuServe Information Service A Complete Program For Accessing CompuServe by Howard Benner Omni Information Resources, Inc. COPYRIGHT 1986, 1987, 1988 OMNI INFORMATION RESOURCES, INC. DOCUMENTATION BY Richard P. Wilkes Support Group, Inc. =================================== Electronic Documentation NOTES =================================== This is the COMPLETE and UNABRIDGED documentation for the TAPCIS CompuServe Access Program. We've tried our best to make this electronic edition of the documentation as usable as the print edition. Unfortunately, the limitations of the printable standard ASCII set makes typographical techniques such as italics, font changes, underlining, boldface, headlines, and pictures impractical. In the printed version of the manual which you receive once you have registered the program, all these techniques are used to make the information more understandable. We've done the best we can within the limits of the technology. If you have any ideas on how we might improve the documentation, please let us know. You may find it easier to put this electronic version on a disk for easy reference while travelling rather than carrying along the print edition. Format ------ A formfeed follows every page. Page numbering begins with the title page as page one (which is different from the print version). This makes the physical page number match the page numbers found in the Table of Contents and Index. Each page has a footer showing the page number. The lines are unjustified with margins of [0,71]. At most sixty (60) text lines are found per page with no top margin. Printing -------- You can print the documentation directly from DOS using the PRINT command. You can also use any number of utilities to view the document on the screen. The title block on Page 1 may not be printable on your printer as it is the only part of the document that uses the IBM graphics set. Pictures -------- Throughout the document you will find references to PICTURE <picture.PIC>. These pictures can be found in the companion file TAPCIS.PIC in the order in which they are found in the document. You can view these pictures on the screen or print them IF your printer can print the IBM graphics set. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 2 TAPCIS =================================== Contents =================================== Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 How to Use This Documentation (Read Me!) . . . . . . . . . . 9 Your Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Disclaimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 What is CompuServe? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 What is a Forum? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 MESSAGES (13) SECTIONS (14) THREADS (14) DATA LIBRARIES (14) CONFERENCING (14) EasyPlex Electronic Mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 The TAPCIS Difference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 TAPCIS Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 MAJOR MESSAGE FEATURES (16) FORUM SUPPORT (16) DATA LIBRARIES (16) COMMUNICATIONS FEATURES (17) OTHER IMPORTANT FEATURES (17) Software Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Distribution Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Files Created By TAPCIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Creating the Directories for TAPCIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 ======================================================================= TAPCIS 3 TAPCIS Running TAPCIS the First Time! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 The TAPCIS Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 REGISTRATION/VERSION INFORMATION (21) ONLINE COMMANDS (22) OFFLINE COMMANDS (22) FORUMS (22) HELP! (22) EXIT (22) CANCEL (22) Setting Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 THE PARAMETERS SCREEN (23) THE COMn: PORT (23) INITIALIZE MODEM (23) ONLINE REPORT (24) FAIL REPORT (24) RESET MODEM (24) TELEPHONE NUMBERS (24) NON-COMPUSERVE ACCESS NUMBERS (25) USER ID (26) IntroPak Sign-on ID (26) PASSWORD (26) STORAGE DISK PATH (27) DOWNLOAD FILE PATH (27) LOG TIMES (27) MONITOR COLORS (27) APPEND/OVERWRITE MESSAGE FILES (28) KEEP OUTBOX FILE (28) NAME (28) EXIT (28) IntroPak Sign-on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 IntroPak Sign-on Initial Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Final Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Example Sign-on Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 The Sign-on Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 IF THIS DOESN'T WORK (34) IF THE CONNECTION IS MADE (35) RECORD YOUR SIGN-ON (35) FOLLOW THE PROMPTS (35) CompuServe Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 CompuServe DEFAULTS for TAPCIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 ======================================================================= TAPCIS 4 TAPCIS EasyPlex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Activating EasyPlex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 EasyPlex Forum Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Write An EasyPlex Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 EasyPlex Address Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Composing the Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 EDITING COMMANDS (39) CURSOR MOVEMENT (39) BLOCK COMMANDS (40) FINISH THE MESSAGE (40) EXAMPLE MESSAGE SCREEN (40) SEND OPTIONS (40) Transmit the Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 MAIN MENU w/ MAIL TO SEND (41) <O>nline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Getting New Mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 MAIN MENU w/ NEW MAIL TO READ (42) Reading EasyPlex Mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 READ MESSAGE SCREEN (43) Saving the Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 SAVED MESSAGE SCREEN (43) Reply to a Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 REPLY SCREEN (44) Address Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Writing Using Address Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 EasyPlex Multiple Addresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 ADDRESSES ENTERED MANUALLY (45) ADDRESS BOOK ENTRY (45) HEADER SHOWING MULTIPLE ADDRESSES (46) EasyPlex File Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 SENDING BINARY FILES (46) RECEIVING BINARY FILES (47) USING THE BINARY FILE (47) BINARY FILE WARNING (48) RECEIVING ASCII FILES (48) EasyPlex Delivery Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Online Address Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 ======================================================================= TAPCIS 5 TAPCIS Forums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Joining a Forum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Add a Forum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 SECTION SELECTION SCREEN (51) SELECTING READING MODE (51) CLEARING ALL SELECTED FORUMS (52) ACTIVATE THE NEW FORUM (52) NEW FORUMS SELECTED SCREEN (52) MAIN MENU WITH NEW FORUM SELECTED (52) JOIN THE FORUM ONLINE (52) Explanation of OPtions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Select All Forums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Q-Forum Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 GET NEW HEADERS (56) MAIN MENU WITH HEADERS TO MARK (56) MARK HEADERS (56) HEADER MARKING TIPS (57) MARKED HEADERS SAMPLE SCREEN (58) GET MARKED MESSAGES (58) UNDERSTANDING FORUM DYNAMICS (58) R Forums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 R-FORUM SET-UP (60) R-FORUM TIPS (60) WPSG MESSAGE SUBTOPICS (61) M-Forums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Changing Forum Options/Sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 EDITING SELECTED SECTIONS SCREEN (62) SELECTING THE SECTIONS (62) Reading Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 MESSAGE #0 SCREEN (63) Message Reading Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Message Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Message Replying & Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Shell to DOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Exit Back to Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Build an Address Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 ======================================================================= TAPCIS 6 TAPCIS Writing Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Writing a Forum Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 ENTERING THE TO: ADDRESS (68) ENTERING THE MESSAGE SUBJECT (69) THE MESSAGE SECTION (69) EDITING THE MESSAGE (69) SAMPLE EDITOR SCREEN (69) SEND THE MESSAGE (70) SEND OPTIONS (70) TRANSMIT THE MESSAGE (71) Editing the .SND File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 .SND EDIT SCREEN (71) Maximum Message Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 /SPLIT (72) Retrieving Text into a Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Search Another File / Import . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Data Libraries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Downloading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 DATA LIBRARY SEARCH -- CREATING A CATALOG (74) TAPCIS MAIN MENU WITH DL ACTION PENDING (75) MARKING FILES TO DOWNLOAD (75) SAMPLE CATALOG ENTRY (76) CATALOG COMMANDS (77) DOWNLOAD THE FILES ONLINE (77) DOWNLOAD IN PROGRESS SCREEN (77) DOWNLOADING TIPS (78) Uploading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 UPLOAD DIALOGUE (79) UPLOAD TIPS (81) Interactive Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Sample Interactive Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 The Interactive Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Conference Mode Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 ======================================================================= TAPCIS 7 TAPCIS Advanced Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Advanced Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Advanced Commands Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Time/Charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Charges Graph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Appendix A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 CompuServe Access Phone Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Appendix B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 List of CompuServe Forums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Appendix C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 CompuServe Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Appendix D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Modem Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Appendix E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Floppy Installation Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Appendix F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 TAPCIS Script Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Appendix G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 ARC Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Appendix H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Order Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 ======================================================================= TAPCIS 8 TAPCIS =================================== Preface =================================== How to Use This Documentation (Read Me!) ---------------------------------------- Whether you are an old hand or someone who has never been "online," I know that you are anxious to get started. I'll try to make the set-up process as painless and quick as possible. If you're like me, you start with the program, get as far as you can until you get stuck, and then turn to the documentation. To those of you who have already tried and failed, welcome back to the start! Here's a little bit of advice: The set-up of TAPCIS is extremely particular. Follow with the documentation carefully until you are set-up and reading and writing messages in EasyPlex and at least one forum. Once you have set-up the program and learned the rudiments, you may never need this documentation again! The documentation is geared to the person who has not yet signed onto CompuServe. TAPCIS as purchased from Support Group, Inc., includes a free IntroPak with a CompuServe account number and password. If you are already a CompuServe subscriber, it will be easy for you to follow along and skip the sign-up sections that don't apply to you. Your Hardware ------------- TAPCIS runs only on 100% IBM Compatible machines at this time. It uses about 256K of RAM when running. You will need a modem, preferably Hayes AT Command set compatible, and that modem should be properly installed before trying to set up TAPCIS. The documentation assumes a hard drive installed as drive C:. TAPCIS runs fine on a portable like the Toshiba T1100+ with two 3 1/2" floppy drives with 720K of storage each. You can install it on two 5 1/4" floppies, but it is cumbersome. Floppy installation guidelines are in Appendix E. TAPCIS runs fine off a network drive as well, but be sure to have a registered copy of the program for each user (quantity discounts are available). License ------- If you purchased this software from Support Group, Inc., you have a fully registered version for single user. You should have received a license number from the Support Group with your printed copy of the documentation. Instructions are provided separately for recording your registration number. As a registered user you also have a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, return it to the Support Group for a full refund. You must include ======================================================================= TAPCIS 9 TAPCIS your registration number, address, and phone number, purchase price, and payment method with your return. You may have procured this software from another source such as the data libraries on CompuServe, a BBS, or from a friend. That's fine! Try it out for a few weeks, and if you decide to continue using it, send your license fee of $79. You'll receive printed documentation and the current version on disk in return. You can register TAPCIS by electronic mail using a MasterCard or Visa number. The printed documentation and your permanent registration number will be sent by mail. Registering the "shareware" version still gives you 90 days from when you register to return the package for a full refund. We're confident that you will find TAPCIS a terrific tool that makes CompuServe access cost-effective and fun! Support Group, Inc. P.O. Box 1577, Baltimore, Maryland 21203 CompuServe 74020,10 (Go WPSG) 1-800-USA-GROUP / 1-301-889-7893 ======================================================================= TAPCIS 10 TAPCIS =================================== Disclaimer =================================== **** YOUR FIRST USE OF TAPCIS CONSTITUTES AGREEMENT TO THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONS. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THEM, PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS PROGRAM. TAPCIS is a copyrighted, proprietary program offered as is to members of the various forums on CompuServe for personal use, testing and evaluation. TAPCIS has no official affiliation with CompuServe and the program's continued utility is subject to changes CompuServe may make to its product. OMNI, the author, and Support Group Inc., make no claims as to the program's suitability for any specific use and expressly disavow any responsibility for real or consequential damages of any sort. A limited license is granted to all members of the CompuServe forums to use and to duplicate this version of TAPCIS for their personal use. After an evaluation period of no more than 21 days, those who did not purchase the program directly from OMNI or Support Group Inc., continuing to use the program are obligated to pay for it, as outlined on the opening screen of the program and in this documentation. In commercial use, as defined below, this limited license applies only to one individual. Use by two or more people in a single concern is subject to the following provisions: Additional provisions for commercial use: ---------------------------------------- Commercial users are granted a limited license of 21 days duration during which individuals in organizations may evaluate the software. After that evaluation period, a site license or purchase of individual copies is required if more than one individual in the organization uses the software, or if it is maintained on more than one computer. Commercial users may contact the Support Group at the address below, on CompuServe [74020,10], or at 301-889-7893 during business hours (ET) for further information. Support Group, Inc., P.O. Box 1577, Baltimore, MD 21203 OMNI Information Resources, Inc. P. O. Box 1996 Wilmington, DE 19899 December 1, 1987 ======================================================================= TAPCIS 11 TAPCIS =================================== Acknowledgements =================================== TAPCIS traces back to a Saturday afternoon when I went to a Radio Shack store to buy batteries for a radio and lightning struck. Since the batteries were to be used for a poolside radio and rain started to come down, I did the perfectly obvious: bought an 8K Model 100 for $1000, took it home and tried to make it do something. "Something" on this, my third computer, evolved to the intellectual challenge of making the computer handle the simple task of logging on to CompuServe, duplicating what I usually did on line, and logging off as quickly as possible. That first effort led to SUPER.SIG, the first self-contained, completely automated program for accessing CompuServe. SUPER.SIG begot SMART.SIG, also for the Model 100. A group of CompuServe users took the concepts behind SMART and began a project to develop similar capabilities for the IBM PC. I participated in that effort to create Autosig (ATO) for a time and then decided that the concept had outgrown the language it was written in. zapcis was built from the ground up in Turbo Pascal. In two years, it moved from version 1 to version 5, getting fatter, faster and more powerful at each step along the way. Its name was changed to "Tapcis" with version 5 to better reflect the purpose of the program and the nature of its users, who find it to be a productivity tool. The promise of saving money on CompuServe, while true if all things remain equal, didn't pan out for most. They found that the program so simplified their use of this remarkable service that they were spending twice as much time on line, but getting 10 times as much for their effort and money. Ultimately, TAPCIS is the product of a unique group of people who, depending on your point of reference, are either at the cutting edge of communications technology or, less charitably, "modem junkies." They are the dozens of people who voluntarily tried to break the program and offered literally thousands of suggestions to improve it. What's good about TAPCIS is their responsibility. What's bad is my fault. This program is dedicated to the beta testers, many of whom began as distant electronic correspondents and have become close personal friends. Special thanks to Arley Dealey for his programming assistance. Howard Benner December 1, 1987 ======================================================================= TAPCIS 12 TAPCIS =================================== Introduction =================================== What is CompuServe? ------------------- The CompuServe Information Service is a communications system with a broad range of offerings including travel, financial, and news services, research databases, and more. You communicate with CompuServe through the phone line using your computer's modem and special software. We are going to ignore all the varied aspects of CompuServe and concentrate on the two that TAPCIS was designed to automate: the forums and EasyPlex. What is a Forum? ---------------- A "forum" is a community that shares a common set of interests. Forums used to be called "SIGs" for Special Interest Groups. For example, the WordPerfect Support Group Forum is a forum for people with an interest in WordPerfect brand products. The CONSULT Forum is for people with an interest in computer consulting. The Aquarium Forum is for people who own fish. A CompuServe forum and a local club have a lot in common. You can ask questions and get a variety of answers and opinions in return. You can debate, decide, depict, describe, design, detail, determine, develop, devise, debrief, debunk, denounce, defend, deliberate, delight, decry, delve, demand, deny, and demonstrate just to name a few. The value of the forum comes from those who participate--from the sysops who manage the forum to callers from around the world who join in the dialogue. MESSAGES Participants in the forum can exchange messages publicly. If you ask a question in the forum, hundreds or even thousands of people can read that question. Hopefully at least one of them will have an answer! And when you have something to share, you can be assured that at least one of the forum members will benefit from your contribution to the exchange. Messages are in a "memo" format with date, time, and subject along with the sender's name and account number. A message can be addressed to an individual, a sysop, or to All. Messages have a maximum length of around 300 words or 2000 characters each. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 13 TAPCIS SECTIONS Each forum has a number of message sections (also called subtopics). For example, the WPSG Forum has 16 public sections where members can leave messages. A technique for using WordPerfect should go in Section 1 (abbreviated S1). IBMCOM has 9 public sections. TAPCIS discussions take place in section 3, a general section for IBM communications programs. THREADS A message and its replies form a message thread. Threading makes it possible for you to follow a conversation that is taking place in the midst of many other conversations. The alternative is to read in numerical order, but you can imagine how confusing it would be to read a message and have to search through several hundred other messages to find its replies (if any). TAPCIS takes full advantage of CompuServe's threading capability. TAP can read all new messages in thread order or just the subjects and sections you select. DATA LIBRARIES Utilities and files can also be shared through the forum data libraries or DL's. When you contribute a file, it is called uploading. Taking a copy of a file from a DL is called downloading. DL's are also broken into categories--just like the message sections. For example, you can download WordPerfect Corporation press releases from DL10 of the WPSG forum or get the latest printer definitions from DL2. You can get current TAPCIS files from IBMCOM DL3, CONSULT DL4, and WPSG DL12. Downloading or uploading requires the use of a protocol to insure that the transmission between your computer and the CompuServe computer is without error. The protocol that works best is the CompuServe "Quick B" protocol which is the one supported by TAPCIS. "Quick B" is a new protocol completely supported by TAPCIS version 5.1 for both uploading and downloading. TAPCIS can achieve file transfer speeds at close to 100% efficiency compared to much less for XMODEM. CONFERENCING An online conference or CO allows members of the forum to interact directly. In a CO someone "speaks," and their words are "heard" by all the others in the conference. A conference may be held to allow members to ask questions of a guest speaker, or it can be a spontaneous chat between a group of online friends. You may choose to conference often or never. EasyPlex Electronic Mail ------------------------ EasyPlex is CompuServe's electronic mail service. In EasyPlex you may send messages to any other CompuServe subscriber, and you can even upload and download binary (8-bit) files such as formatted WordPerfect ======================================================================= TAPCIS 14 TAPCIS documents. EasyPlex permits longer messages than the forums (10,000 vs. 2000 characters) and all EasyPlex mail is confidential. You may also request a return receipt or send the same message to multiple recipients (maximum 10). Some forums (such as WPSG) do not allow private messages, so EasyPlex is the only way to reply to a message privately. If TAPCIS detects that a forum does not allow private messages, it will automatically send your confidential message via EasyPlex. TAPCIS makes EasyPlex appear as a forum even though EasyPlex's native commands are entirely different from forum commands. TAPCIS reformats messages so that you may read and reply to them just as you would a public forum message. As in the forums, you may also write your messages offline using the TAPCIS editor and automatically upload them to EasyPlex. The TAPCIS Difference --------------------- CompuServe is designed to be an interactive communications service. Using a terminal, a caller manually enters the account number and password. From that moment on, the CompuServe clock is running at $6.00 to $12.50 an hour or more. If you read and reply while that meter is running, you are paying CompuServe based on your reading and typing speed (which is far slower I'm sure than the maximum speed of your modem!). TAPCIS automates the use of CompuServe and, in the process, reduces connect time to a minimum. The time consuming tasks of reading or replying are done using the facilities of your own computer where the computer time is free. This efficiency can save you a great deal of money. Let's say it takes you 10 minutes to compose a message online; it might cost you $2 or more. Prepared offline and sent with TAPCIS, the cost might be as low as 22 cents for the same message. Multiply this by 100 messages over the course of a year (or even a month!) and you start to get a feel for the savings the automated TAPCIS system offers you. TAP makes it possible for you to actively participate in the forum without busting your budget! TAPCIS Features --------------- TAPCIS is a program rich in features. It has grown considerably since its early days. This version 5.1 offers WordPerfect-like interface and commands, better support for new CompuServe users, enhanced color selection, support for the Quick B transfer protocol, smaller memory requirement, and a number of internal changes to improve reliability and performance. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 15 TAPCIS MAJOR MESSAGE FEATURES * Split-screen text editor for preparing messages offline with WordPerfect-like cursor and editing and true word wrap and many WordStar editing commands for those used to that interface * Address book, which you can compile as you read messages, that allows you to send to other users based on their names without having to remember user IDs * Print messages, save messages to a master file or an individual DOS file, retrieve a file into the message you're writing, and search for strings in other files * Reply to a message, start a new thread with a message to the sender or recipient of the current message, or change the reply to a different forum or EasyPlex * Skip forward/backward by message or thread, jump to a message, or read messages that contain a search string * View messages previously saved * Messages that are private, to your user ID, or from your user ID have highlighted headers to bring them to your attention during reading FORUM SUPPORT * Available forum section numbers and names are presented in a pop-up window when required for message writing or section selection * Forums can be defined for one of three different types of online action: Read all new threads (R) Quick scan subjects for thread selection offline (Q) Read Marked messages to me only (M) * Up to 20 forums can be defined with up to 15 "active" at any one time * Sections to read or scan can be selected during forum definition DATA LIBRARIES * Includes a Data Library management system that lets you do keyword searches, browse them offline, and subsequently do batch Quick B-protocol downloads online ======================================================================= TAPCIS 16 TAPCIS * CompuServe's Quick B-protocol is fully supported for error- free downloading and uploading of binary or text files COMMUNICATIONS FEATURES * Supports the new enhanced Quick B-protocol for both uploading and downloading. Quick B achieves error free transfers at speeds far faster than previous CIS protocols giving the TAPCIS user the best efficiency and lowest cost. * Offers both automated and manual access to CompuServe with automatic logon through CompuServe, Telenet, Tymnet, and LATA networks (user logon scripts are also supported) * Serial ports COM1: through COM4: * Baud rates of 300, 1200, and 2400; 4800 and 9600 are provisionally supported, although they are not generally available to subscribers * Auto or manual dialing from a selection of six phone numbers * Online set-up of CompuServe defaults * Joining of forums handled automatically after a single offline command * Integral time and charges log and recap to help you keep track of expenses. Month-to-date charges are listed by forum. Cumulative charges, a projection for the month, and a daily usage graph are included OTHER IMPORTANT FEATURES * Universal, context sensitive help by pressing <F3-Help> * Universal shelling to DOS using <Ctrl+F1-Shell>. When operating under WP Library SHELL, Alt+Shift+<Letter> jumps to another Shell application. TAPCIS is not fully "shell aware" at this time * Full path support for MSDOS/PCDOS 3.n and Desqview/Topview compatibility * Support is available through CompuServe on the WPSG Forum (section 12), Consult Forum (section 4), the IBMCOM forum (section 3), and a number of other forums around CompuServe. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 17 TAPCIS =================================== Software Installation =================================== TAPCIS is very easy to install. These instructions assume a hard drive installed as drive C:. We will locate all files in the directory C:\TAP. If you have a dual floppy system, refer to Appendix E. You can also change the drive and/or the directory by making the appropriate substitutions in these instructions. Distribution Files ------------------ The distribution disk (or .ARC file) includes the following files: Program file TAPCIS.EXE The TAPCIS main program. It now includes the CISSTATS.COM program that was external in TAPCIS version 5.0. Parameter and Help Files PARAMS.CIS TAPCIS parameters include your User ID and name, encrypted password, phone numbers, selected forums, modem commands, colors, and disk paths. TAPCIS.HLP Context sensitive help file. It is in DOS TEXT format and can be printed as a quick reference if desired. USERID.CIS TAPCIS address book. A few examples are included in this file. If you edit this file outside of TAPCIS, be sure to save it in DOS TEXT (ASCII) format. RATES.CIS File containing current CompuServe rates for use with the time accounting function. Script files DEFAULT.SCR Sets the CompuServe parameters to those required by TAPCIS. It is used once for each baud rate (since CompuServe keeps parameters independently by rate) by going online with the ^D command. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 18 TAPCIS TELEnn00.SCR Logon scripts (where nn=12 for 1200bps and 24 for 2400bps) for the GTE Telenet communications network. Telenet can be used for access to CompuServe at a higher surcharge (see Appendix C for rates) with generally less throughput. You indicate that a phone number is a Telenet number by putting a period <.> after the phone number. Auto login at 2400bps may require some user intervention. TYMNET.SCR Tymnet is also an alternative network (see Appendix C for rates). An exclamation point <!> after the phone number tells TAPCIS to use this script to sign-on. LATANET.SCR LATA numbers are another way to connect to CompuServe. They do have a higher surcharge (see Appendix C). Use a colon <:> after the phone number to indicate a LATA number. TAPCIS.SCR User defined logon script (optional). Use an underscore <_> after phone number. Other Files READ.ME! Includes any last minute information. From DOS you can TYPE READ.ME! to read this information (optional). ??????.BUL (Optional) A sysop may have added a DOS TEXT (ASCII) file with this extension to the distribution disk to provide you with important information about the sysop's CompuServe Forum. This file may be read from DOS or printed using a word processor. Files Created By TAPCIS ----------------------- TAPCIS creates several different files in the TAPCIS directory and in various directory paths you specify when setting up the parameters. Some of these files are temporary and will disappear and reappear depending on the program's status. You will probably never have to look at these files outside of the TAPCIS program. <forum>.SEC Forum section and DL names (e.g., WPSG.SEC). These are created by the Alt-X online command that joins a forum. They can be updated at anytime with the Ctrl-X command. <forum>.MSG File of captured messages (e.g., CONSULT.MSG). ======================================================================= TAPCIS 19 TAPCIS <forum>.SAV Saved message file, including messages sent if specified in the parameters section. <forum>.SND Messages awaiting upload. Will also include any "advanced commands" for the forum as entered by the user offline. <forum>.QSN Downloaded headers for forums designated as "Q" forums. You can select which message threads you want to read offline using a TAPCIS command. <forum>.MRK This is a script command file that is created during the marking of the QSN headers above. The next time online, TAPCIS will use this script to download only the selected messages. <forum>.CAT Catalog of forum Data Library files. Using the TAPCIS <C> command you can scan these offline and mark the ones you want to download. <forum>.DOW After marking the files from the DL catalog above, TAPCIS creates this script which includes the CompuServe commands for downloading the files you marked, and will be used next time you are online with CompuServe. <forum>.SO Sysop commands (Sysop Version Only) <forum>.ADV Advanced commands (as entered by the user) LOGMM-YY.CIS Detailed accounting record for MM (month) and YY (year). Used by the <$> command to generate usage reports. Creating the Directories for TAPCIS ----------------------------------- For these instructions we use a DOS prompt that shows the current subdirectory. You can make your prompt look like this by typing the following at your current DOS prompt: PROMPT [$P] ; change DOS prompt to show drive/directory ======================================================================= TAPCIS 20 TAPCIS The following steps create a subdirectory called TAP off the root directory of drive C: and change into that directory. Put your TAPCIS disk in drive A:. The last command copies all the files from A: to C:\TAP. You type the underlined commands and press return (i.e., <Enter> or <HRt>) after each line. [C:\] MD C:\TAP ; make the directory [C:\] C: ; make sure you are on drive C: [C:\] CD \TAP ; change into the TAPCIS directory [C:\TAP] COPY A:\ C:\TAP ; copy all files from A: to C:\TAP If you get any error messages during this procedure, try again. If you get read errors your computer may be unable to read your diskette. Try the diskette in another computer if possible, then get a replacement. If you get a write error during the copy step, your disk may be bad, and you should take steps to get it checked out. If you get a Disk Full error, you'll need to make more space on your drive before you can install TAPCIS. Running TAPCIS the First Time! ------------------------------ From the DOS prompt, type: [C:\TAP] TAPCIS ; start the TAPCIS program If your computer responds with Insufficient Memory or a similar sounding error, you do not have enough free RAM memory available to run TAPCIS. You either need to remove some memory resident (TSR) programs or purchase more RAM. You should have 256K free before running TAPCIS. If you have any problems you can find out how much available RAM you have by using the DOS CHKDSK utility. The TAPCIS Main Menu -------------------- If all goes well, the TAPCIS main menu screen will appear. A display of that screen is shown below. Do not worry if you don't understand every command listed. You'll learn the important ones during this set- up process. The rest you will learn as you need them. ......................... PICTURE <MAINMENU.PIC> ......................... REGISTRATION/VERSION INFORMATION The registration number in the shaded box indicates that a fully registered version is being used. Unregistered versions indicate that fact, and you are given the opportunity to register the program using a ======================================================================= TAPCIS 21 TAPCIS credit card each time you start TAPCIS. Or, you can contact the distributor, Support Group Inc., at 1-800-USA-GROUP (or 1-301-889- 7893). Orders by mail can be sent to Support Group Inc., P.O. Box 1577, Baltimore, MD 21203 (check, company P.O., money order, MasterCard, and Visa). Next to this is TAPCIS 5.1. TAPCIS is the name of the program. The 5.1 is the current version number and is sometimes followed by a lowercase letter to indicate a minor revision. ONLINE COMMANDS The top box shows the commands you give TAPCIS to have it connect to CompuServe (i.e., go "online") and perform actions such as reading new messages, sending messages written offline, or scanning the data libraries. OFFLINE COMMANDS The second box shows those commands which are done offline such as writing messages, marking headers, scanning the data library catalogs, etc. The distinction between these online and offline commands will become clearer as we work through some examples later. FORUMS The long horizontal box at the bottom has the <F>orums command above it. Pay close attention to this box. It will show you which forums you've selected, as well as which ones have messages to read, headers to mark, messages to send, and files to download. HELP! The <Help> key is found on the same function key as WordPerfect-brand programs: <F3>. Press it at the main menu to get a brief description of the commands listed. It is also available in all other parts of TAPCIS as well. After you learn the TAPCIS basics, the <F3-Help> key is probably all you'll need to refresh your memory. EXIT The <F7-Exit> key is used extensively by TAPCIS. From the main menu, <F7-Exit> terminates TAPCIS. It is also used in most of the submenus to return to the main menu. CANCEL The <F1-Cancel> key provides the general purpose "abort" function. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 22 TAPCIS Setting Parameters ------------------ Before you can connect with CompuServe, you must give TAPCIS information about your computer and CompuServe access phone number(s), user ID, and password. This is done through the parameters menu. Look at the Main Menu. In the OFFLINE box is the arameters command. Press the letter on your keyboard to go to the parameters screen. Like all TAPCIS commands shown in angle brackets <>, you press that letter to select the option. Upper or lowercase letters are fine. THE PARAMETERS SCREEN ......................... PICTURE <PARAMS1.PIC> ......................... THE COMn: PORT To change the selected COM: port, press <C> until it cycles through to the desired number and setting. A setting of 7E1 (7 data bits, even parity, 1 stop bit) is recommended. Modems are serial devices so TAPCIS talks to the modem through a serial port on the computer. The serial ports are referred to as COM: ports and are numbered 1-4. External modems (that are not installed inside the computer and are connected to the computer through a 25-pin cable) require a COM: port inside the computer. This port is usually configured as COM1: or COM2:. Internal modems which install as circuit boards inside the computer's chassis sometimes offer the flexibility of setting them to COM3: or COM4:. Note: you don't necessarily need a COM1: to have a COM2:. It is beyond the scope of this documentation to tell you how to determine which COM: port your modem is using. You should be able to find that out from the person who installed your computer or from the manuals that came with your computer. If all else fails, start with COM1: and work your way up! If you choose the 8N1 setting here, you must have set-up CIS for ZERO PARITY using another communications program. INITIALIZE MODEM To change the initialize modem command, press and enter the new command. If you are using a Hayes or AT command set compatible modem, you should not need to change the initialize modem command. ATV1DT tells the modem to send verbal result codes and to dial using touch tones. Pulse or rotary dial lines can be used by changing it to ======================================================================= TAPCIS 23 TAPCIS ATV1D. If your modem requires a more complex set-up command, refer to Appendix D. ONLINE REPORT To change the online report, press <O> followed by a response of one OR four characters. If you are using a Hayes compatible modem, you should not need to change the online report. The online report is the response from the modem when a connection is made with the remote modem. A Hayes compatible mode sends CONNECT, so TAPCIS uses the last 4 characters NECT. FAIL REPORT To change the fail report, press <F> followed by a response of one OR four characters. If you are using a Hayes compatible modem, you should not need to change the fail report. The default report of RIER is for the last 4 characters of NO CARRIER. When TAPCIS sees the fail report, it pauses for 30 seconds and then redials. TAPCIS uses this report to indicate that the attempt to call and connect with the remote modem failed (it did not receive a carrier signal). This could mean several things. The phone number could be busy. You may not be getting a clear connection (lots of static or low volume which keeps the modems from talking). The remote modem may not be answering. You may have the wrong number! I strongly recommend that you monitor your calls using the built-in speaker on your modem. If your modem does not have a speaker, dial the phone number first using your phone to confirm that the number is answered by a modem (with a high pitched tone). We have had both our voice numbers listed as modem numbers at various times over the years. If you are unfortunate enough ever to have this happen to you, you'll be grateful for those people that monitor their calls instead of blindly letting the computer redial every minute for three hours straight. RESET MODEM The command to reset the modem is given by pressing <R> followed by the command. The default of ?3 produces a 3 second delay--usually long enough for the remote modem to hang up. Some modems may require a more elaborate sequence to hang up and reset the modem for the next call. If you have such a modem, please turn to Appendix D. TELEPHONE NUMBERS TAPCIS supports up to six telephone numbers. The phone numbers are entered using the <T> command. You choose one of the six as the ======================================================================= TAPCIS 24 TAPCIS "selected" number for the next call by pressing a number on the keyboard from <1> through <6>. Press <T> to add/change a phone number. TAPCIS will ask on the last line: 1 2 3 4 5 6 Q -> Select the number you wish to change or press Q to cancel. If you press <1> you'll be asked for the phone number. A list of access phone numbers is printed in Appendix A. A 2400bps CompuServe node is the best choice provided you have a 2400bps modem. Our experience shows that you should look for numbers in the following order: 1) 2400bps CompuServe 4) 1200bps LATA 2) 1200bps CompuServe 5) 1200bps Tymnet/Telenet 3) 2400bps Tymnet/Telenet At times we have chosen to call a 2400bps CompuServe number long distance rather than use a local Tymnet or Telenet number. The long distance charge to a neighboring city might not be as high as the surcharge for use of the local Telenet/Tymnet number during the day. And, you'll get the fastest response and throughput from direct CompuServe numbers. If you only have a 300bps modem follow the same order, but if you are going to be using CompuServe regularly, it will pay to get a faster modem. According to the phone list, there is a 2400bps CompuServe number in our home city of Baltimore at 301/254-1652. Since it is a local call, the area code is dropped and we enter: Phone #1 -> 254-1652 TAPCIS then asks for the rate. This is a 2400bps number (and we have a 2400bps modem) so we press 2 when the program asks: 1>200 2>400 3>00 -> 2 NON-COMPUSERVE ACCESS NUMBERS If you must use a non-CompuServe access phone number, you must follow the phone number with the proper character to tell TAPCIS what network you are using. The network characters are as follows: ! Tymnet . Telenet : LATA _ Optional user defined script in TAPCIS.SCR (see Appendix F) ======================================================================= TAPCIS 25 TAPCIS The phone number list for Baltimore, Maryland (area code 301) might look like this (although you need only define one number). Phone number 1 is selected by pressing <1>. <T>elephone numbers <1> 254-1652 *2400 (* = selected) <2> 254-7113 1200 <3> 727-0040: 1200 <4> 528-9296! 2400 <5> 752-5555. 2400 <6> 254-7113 300 USER ID You must enter your user identification number (also called your PPN) by pressing followed by the number. All CompuServe User ID's are in two parts separated by a comma with no spaces. Existing accounts start with a 7 followed by four digits, a comma, then 2 to 4 digits. IntroPak Sign-on ID ------------------- If you are going to be using an IntroPak to sign onto CompuServe and get an official account set-up, now is the time to open it. Turn to the sealed envelope in the center of the IntroPak. Read the Service Agreement Terms. If you agree to the terms, open the sealed portion. The first line shows your Sign-up User ID Number. Press and then enter that number: CIS User ID: 177000,304 ; example IntroPak sign-up user ID PASSWORD You must enter the correct password for TAPCIS to work properly. Your CompuServe password is entered from the parameters menu by pressing and typing the password. The password is the "key" to your user ID and no one can access your account unless they have your password. Keep it secret and change it often. When you do want to change it, you'll first call CompuServe and use the GO PASSWORD command to change it on the CompuServe computers and then change it inside TAPCIS. Notice that the password is not displayed on the screen except when you enter it. At other times it shows as [ blanked ]. Your password is stored on disk in encrypted form, too, so a casual look at PARAMS.CIS will not show the password. However! Someone else with TAPCIS could take your PARAMS.CIS file and use your account--even though they could not figure out what your password is. Protect your PARAMS.CIS file. Never give a copy of it to anyone else (TAPCIS will create a blank one ======================================================================= TAPCIS 26 TAPCIS if it can't find an existing parameter file). And, change your password regularly. STORAGE DISK PATH Where would you like to store the files that TAPCIS creates? Press <S> and enter the drive and directory. C:\TAP\). If none is entered, which is probably the best way to go while learning the program, the directory where TAPCIS.EXE resides will be used. This advice applies to the download file path as well. DOWNLOAD FILE PATH When you have TAPCIS automatically download files from forum DL's, the individual files are stored in the directory specified here. You can use a special directory or the standard TAPCIS directory used for other files. Press <D> and enter the drive and path for those files (e.g., C:\TAP\). Again, it is important that you enter this path correctly and that the directory specified already exist. LOG TIMES TAPCIS keeps track of the time you spend online in each forum. This information is stored in LOGMM-YY.CIS where MM is the month and YY is the year (e.g., LOG6-88.CIS is the log file for June 1988). The <$> function uses these logged times to generate reports. If you do not want these reports, you can save some disk space by pressing <L> to toggle between logging times (Y) or not (N). MONITOR COLORS The standard TAPCIS colors are normal intensity "white" on a black background with highlighted and reversed text both in reverse video (black on white). Press <M> and select from the displayed color chart to modify these defaults. On an EGA Color monitor I prefer high intensity colors. My choices are: <M>onitor colors Norm: 31 Hi: 111 Rev: 78 The choice is, of course, up to you. Color choices like 68 (red on red), 119 (white on white), and 17 (blue on blue) are patriotic but might cause you a bit of confusion. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 27 TAPCIS APPEND/OVERWRITE MESSAGE FILES When you go online with TAPCIS to get new messages using <N>, old messages will be overwritten with the new messages unless you choose the Append option here. Pressing <A> toggles between the two possibilities. Overwrite is the default. If you choose the Append option, you'll have to manually clear your <forum>.MSG files using the <K>ill command in TAPCIS or the DEL command from DOS. KEEP OUTBOX FILE Do you want to keep a copy of the messages that you send? If you do not, leave this parameter as the default Never. If you press <K> the option will cycle through the three possible choices. The outbox file is actually the <forum>.SAV file. If you change this option to Always, every message you write--whether an original or a reply to another message--will have a copy stored in the save file. If there is a question about something you wrote, you can review your message using the <V>iew command. If you write many messages, this can consume quite a bit of disk space. Another possibility is to save only private EasyPlex messages you write. NAME Please press <N> to change the default name before you connect with CompuServe! If you do, you'll get to snicker at all the people who did not read this far and are sending all their messages under the name "!!! Please Change !!!" Use mixed case (not all upper or lowercase). This name is used when you join any forum and will be attached to every message you send. Once you set your CompuServe and forum defaults, any change to your name will have to be made manually by you online. Forum protocol dictates that you use your full name. Most forums also discourage inclusion of various titles such as Ph.D, M.D., J.D., etc., on the name. A member information profile is available for such interests and affiliations (Forum command MD, Membership Directory). EXIT Press <F7-Exit> to return to the main menu after completing the parameter settings. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 28 TAPCIS =================================== IntroPak Sign-on =================================== If you are using an IntroPak to establish a new CompuServe account, you will need to choose a billing option from the choices on pages 20-21 on the IntroPak. In the example below we will use an American Express card to pay for our CompuServe charges. MasterCard, Visa, and Checkfree are very similar. Just have the information ready before proceeding. If you already have an established CompuServe account, skip to the next section on CompuServe Defaults. IntroPak Sign-on Initial Parameters ----------------------------------- The parameters for signing on with an IntroPak are exactly the same as you will use with a regular account with two exceptions: your initial account number and your initial password are temporary. You will be assigned a permanent user ID and a new password during this initial Sign-on. If you skipped the previous section on Parameters, go back and complete the items. You must at least set your COM: port, the local access telephone number, your user ID, your password, and your name for this sign-on procedure to work. For this example we are using the following parameters: ......................... PICTURE <PARAMS2.PIC> ......................... Final Checklist --------------- * Recheck the parameters to make sure that you have entered the modem parameters, IntroPak account number, IntroPak password, and your name properly according to the instructions above. * Have your credit card or CheckFree information ready for billing. * The sealed envelope which you opened to get your sign-on account number and password also has your serial number and agreement number. You will need to enter these during the sign-on process. * Review the Service Agreement Terms. You will be asked to agree to these terms as part of your application. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 29 TAPCIS * Look over the example session shown on the next few pages. It will give you a general feel for how the process works. The example responses are underlined. Example Sign-on Session ----------------------- CompuServe Information Service Please Enter: Agreement #: fx7551 Serial #: 4693207 Welcome to the CompuServe Information Services. Your package includes a usage credit of $15.00. You must register your name and billing information at this time. However, you will not be billed for usage until you have used up this credit. If you subsequently wish to cancel your subscription, simply Press <CR> for more ! <press the <enter> or <return> key at each of these prompts after reading the information. We have removed some of them to conserve space> notify CompuServe through online Feedback or by letter. Throughout this subscription process, you will be asked to supply certain information. Each time you see a colon (:), you are expected to make an entry. Always follow your entry by pressing the carriage return key. Be sure you have read and understand our Service Terms and billing options. You will be asked to agree to our Service Terms in just a moment. If these forms are missing from your package you may view them now. Do you wish to 1 Proceed with Subscription 2 Read Service Terms Online 3 Read Operating Rules Online 4 Exit Signup Enter choice: 1 By moving beyond this page you are indicating your acceptance of our Service Terms covering your use of the CompuServe Information Services (The Service). Indicate your acceptance by typing the word AGREE at this prompt and pressing the carriage return key. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 30 TAPCIS : AGREE You may now enter your subscription information. You may stop the process at any time by typing in the word EXIT at any prompt. This will erase ALL of your entries. Please enter and review your entries carefully. Errors will delay or prevent us from sending you important information. WARNING! Providing false or unauthorized billing information constitutes a serious crime. CompuServe offers an Executive Option which provides access to special products and services and a variety of other valuable benefits. The only requirements are an application fee (normally $10.00) and a $10.00 per month minimum usage level. If you select this option now, however, the application fee is reduced to $5.00. Do You Wish to 1 Select the Executive Option 2 See a Description of the Executive Option 3 Proceed with the Standard CompuServe Subscription 4 Exit Signup Enter choice: 3 Will Your Billing/Mailing Address be from 1 United States 2 Canada 3 Japan 4 Other 5 Exit Signup Enter choice: 1 Last name : Last First name and middle initial (example: John W.) : First M. Do you wish to include your company name? (Yes or No) : Yes Company Name : Support Group Inc. Street address (example: 123 Main St., Apt. 3) : P.O. Box 1577 Zip Code (example: 43220) : 21203 Is your city and state? BALTIMORE, MD (Yes or No) : Yes Home telephone number (example: 614-457-8650) : 800-872-4768 ======================================================================= TAPCIS 31 TAPCIS Work/other telephone number (Enter NONE if Not Applicable) : 301-889-7893 Please Review your Input: 1 Last Name: LAST 2 First Name: FIRST M. 3 Company: SUPPORT GROUP INC. 4 Street: P.O. BOX 1577 5 City: BALTIMORE 6 State: MD 7 Zip: 21203 8 Home Phone: 800-872-4768 9 Other Phone: 301-889-7893 Enter number of item to change (or OK if no change): OK Please Select the Desired Billing Method 1 Visa 2 Mastercard 3 American Express 4 Explanation of Charge Card 5 CHECKFREE (USA only) 6 Explanation of CHECKFREE 7 Exit Signup Enter choice: 3 American Express account number (example: 3737 373737 37373) : 0000 000000 00000 Card expiration date (example: 04/88) : 07/88 Please Review your Input: 1 Card Type: American Express 2 Account: 0000 000000 00000 3 Expiration: 07/88 Enter number of item to change (or OK if no change): OK CompuServe prompts you to enter new charge card information each time you logon beginning 15 days before your charge card's expiration date. You must provide new billing information in order to access the service after the expiration date. By completing the subscription process, you are also requesting a free subscription to ONLINE TODAY magazine, the definitive monthly guide to using CompuServe's many products and services. The subscription to ONLINE TODAY is of no additional cost to you, and can be cancelled at any time. CompuServe reserves the right to limit or modify this offer at any time. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 32 TAPCIS Do you wish to receive ONLINE TODAY magazine at no additional cost? (Yes or No) : Yes After receiving one or several issues of the magazine, you can request to be deleted from the free subscription list by sending a Feedback message to our customer service department. Your name, city, and state will normally be included in the online Subscriber Directory. If you do not wish to be included you may so indicate now: 1 List in Directory 2 Do NOT List in Directory 3 Information about Directory 4 Exit Signup Enter choice: 1 You will be included in the User Directory Please Enter the Type of Equipment You Will be Using to Access CompuServe 1 IBM PC (All Models) 2 Other MS-DOS Systems 3 Apple II (All Models) 4 Apple Macintosh 5 Radio Shack (I,II,III,IV) 6 Radio Shack Color Computer 7 Commodore (All Models) 8 Atari (All Models) 9 Other Enter choice: 1 Thank you. CompuServe will verify your subscription entry immediately. We will now provide you with your PERMANENT CompuServe User ID number and a TEMPORARY password which you can use to access the Service. After your initial usage credit is used up, you may continue to access the Service subject to our current billing rates and account limitations. You will be billed for this usage. Your CompuServe User ID Number is: 74020,10 Please write your User ID Number down. Your Confidential CompuServe Password is: TAP+CIS Please write your Password down. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 33 TAPCIS Please verify that you have copied the user ID number and password down correctly by entering them at the following prompts. User ID Number: 74020,10 Password: <enter password--it will not echo> That is correct. Please store your User ID number and password in separate and secure locations. You are responsible for all usage made under this newly created User ID number. (See section on "Securing Your Password" in your booklet.) NEVER give your password to ANYONE, verbally or through the Service. As part of processing your subscription, CompuServe is creating a new password to be effective on a future date. (Your User ID number will remain the same and will not be mailed to you). The new password and its effective date will be mailed to you at the address you entered. Until you receive this second password and it is in effect, you will be subject to CompuServe's account limitations for new subscribers. You may now log on the CompuServe Information Service and begin using your introductory usage credit. At the next User ID number and password prompts, enter the new permanent User ID number and temporary password which you have just obtained. Note that your password does not print out as you enter it - this is a security precaution for your protection. The Sign-on Procedure --------------------- The nteractive command causes TAPCIS to dial the phone, connect to CompuServe, enter your user id and password, and then switch to "terminal mode" where you respond directly to CompuServe prompts. When you press to sign-on using your IntroPak, you should see a screen similar to this one: ........................ PICTURE <INTROI.PIC> ........................ IF THIS DOESN'T WORK For the above to work, all your parameter settings have to be correct. If you do not connect, hold the control key (Ctrl) and press <C>. This will return you to the main menu. Try the command again. If that doesn't work, the number you are dialing could be wrong or busy. The parameters for the modem may be specified incorrectly. You may have chosen the wrong COM: port. Go back through the parameters selection ======================================================================= TAPCIS 34 TAPCIS to verify those entries. You may have to modify the modem commands as described in Appendix D. If you do connect but the system responds: ?? LOGINE - Invalid entry - try again you entered the wrong password or user ID on the parameter screen. You may also have hit line noise which caused CompuServe to receive your account and password incorrectly. If you suspect a noisy line, try the call again. IF THE CONNECTION IS MADE Once CompuServe has verified the sign-on user ID and password you entered on the TAPCIS parameter screen, the first screen will clear and CompuServe will ask for the Agreement and Serial number as shown in the sample sign-on. RECORD YOUR SIGN-ON TAPCIS can capture (meaning record to disk) everything that appears on your screen during the sign-on session. To tell TAP to do this, press the <PgDn> key on your keyboard. TAPCIS will request the filename, and you should enter SIGNON.TXT followed by <Enter>. Then enter the agreement number and serial number from the IntroPak at the prompts. The screen will look similar to: ......................... PICTURE <INTROI2.PIC> ......................... FOLLOW THE PROMPTS The sign-on is straightforward. Just follow CompuServe's lead. If you hit any snags during the process, try again. If it still doesn't work, contact CompuServe Customer Service at 800/848-8990 (in Ohio call 614/457-8650). Assuming that everything went according to plan, write down your permanent account number and temporary password. Next we'll have TAPCIS set our CompuServe default settings. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 35 TAPCIS =================================== CompuServe Defaults =================================== If you have not already done so, return to the arameters screen and enter your permanent user ID and your current password. Now, let's have TAPCIS start doing some work for us! CompuServe has a profile for each user ID. It contains information on your computer, the width of your screen, your logon actions, etc. TAPCIS needs all these options set a certain way, and with one simple command--Control- D--the program will call CompuServe, login, set the options, and logoff with no input required on your part. It also enters your name in your EasyPlex address book. The entire process takes about 2 minutes at 2400bps, 4 minutes at 1200bps, and 16 minutes at 300bps. From the main TAPCIS menu hold the Control key <Ctrl> and press <D>. TAPCIS will logon and change your CompuServe defaults for the rate you have selected. If you are going to be using different speeds at other times, you may want to go to the arameters screen, change the active phone number using the <1>-<6> keys, and use ^D again. If you do this for all speeds (300, 1200, and 2400bps), TAPCIS will be set-up regardless of the speed you call CompuServe. (Some people use 300bps because of its cheaper hourly rate for CO's, CB, and the Convention Center where you are typing interactively). None of the changes made by TAPCIS would keep you from using CompuServe with another communications package. Below are the settings that are made by the ^D script. You could do the same manually if you desire using the GO DEFAULT command and following the menus and add your name in EasyPlex: CompuServe DEFAULTS for TAPCIS ------------------------------ CompuServe TERMINAL/OPTIONS 1 Instructions 2 Setting Your Terminal Type 3 Setting Your Logon Actions 4 Setting Delays for Printers 5 View or Change Current Terminal Parameters 6 Setting your Service options ======================================================================= TAPCIS 36 TAPCIS ----- Option 3: Logon Actions ----- LOGON ACTIONS 1 If Mail waiting Notify only 2 First Service is VIDEOTEX 3 Automatically run No program 4 Create/Edit your Personal menu ----- Option 4: Delays for Printers ----- DELAYS FOR PRINTERS 1 Delay after carriage return 1 2 Delay after line feed 1 ----- Option 5: Terminal Parameters ----- TERMINAL TYPE OTHER Baud Rate: 2400 TERMINAL PARAMETERS 1 Terminal width 79 CHARACTERS 2 Screen size is now 0 LINES 3 Form Feeds are SIMULATED 4 Horizontal Tabs are SIMULATED 5 Terminal supports UPPER/LOWER 6 Caps Lock is OFF 7 Line Feeds are SENT 8 Parity is ZERO 9 Blank Lines are SENT 10 Inquire for VIDTEX is OFF ----- Option 6: Service Options ----- SERVICE OPTIONS 1 You now receive Short prompts 2 Paged Display is Disabled ======================================================================= TAPCIS 37 TAPCIS =================================== EasyPlex =================================== EasyPlex is CompuServe's electronic mail service. It is not really a "forum" since it is used exclusively for private communication between individual users. For convenience TAPCIS makes EasyPlex look like a forum so that you'll only need to learn one set of commands. Reading and writing messages in both EasyPlex and the forums is very similar. EasyPlex does have a few features that the forums do not such as Return Receipts (that tell you when the recipient read your message), multiple addresses (in a forum you can address a message to All or to one user ID; EasyPlex allows up to 10 addresses) and the ability to send and receive binary files. Activating EasyPlex ------------------- The <F>orums menu allows us to activate EasyPlex. Press <F> from the main TAPCIS menu and the forums menu will appear. In the left hand box the name EASYPLEX appears next to the letter A. Press <A> and an asterisk <*> will appear next to the A (EasyPlex should always be A. Do not move it to a different letter or delete it). If you press <A> again, the asterisk will toggle off. Make sure the asterisk is next to the A and press <F7-Exit> to leave the forum screen. The forum screen looks like this when EasyPlex is active and no other forums have been defined: EasyPlex Forum Screen --------------------- ....................... PICTURE <EASYF.PIC> ....................... Write An EasyPlex Message ------------------------- When you returned to the main menu, you may have noticed that EasyPlex is listed in the <F>orums box as #1. The command to write a message is <W>rite, so press the letter <W> (If other forums are active, you'll have to enter the number <1> for EasyPlex at the Forum: prompt). The next TAPCIS prompt is To:. Enter your name followed by your CompuServe user ID. CompuServe cannot deliver your message unless the user ID is included. You can omit the name; the user ID is required. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 38 TAPCIS Press return after entering your user ID and then enter the subject "1st TAPCIS EasyPlex". Your screen should look similar to this: EasyPlex Address Screen ----------------------- ........................ PICTURE <EASYW1.PIC> ........................ Composing the Message --------------------- The TAPCIS editor is very simple. You type and letters appear. Backspace deletes the character last typed. When a word cannot fit on the line, it is wrapped to the next line. Press return only at the end of paragraphs. Leave blank lines between paragraphs with an extra return (this is highly recommended to make your messages more readable). The arrow keys, backspace, and delete <Del> work as the do in most editors. Below are some of the editing commands: EDITING COMMANDS Ins -- Toggle insert/overwrite Del -- Delete character at cursor Bksp -- Destructive backspace Ctrl-End -- Delete from cursor to end of line Ctrl-Y -- Delete line Ctrl-Bksp -- Delete word Ctrl-T -- Delete from cursor to end of word and following space Ctrl-F1 -- Shell to DOS Ctrl-F3 -- Reformat from cursor to end of paragraph (also Ctrl-B). When you edit paragraphs text is not automatically reformatted. You must reformat automatically using this function. Alt-F10 -- Transpose characters CURSOR MOVEMENT The up and down arrow keys move a line at a time in the up or down direction. You cannot move down beyond the end of the text you've entered. The right and left arrow keys move by character. Holding the ctrl key while pressing either right or left arrow will move by word. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 39 TAPCIS Home -- Beginning of line End -- End of line PgUp -- Up one screen PgDn -- Down one screen Ctrl-PgUp -- Top of message Ctrl-PgDn -- End of message Most of the original WordStar cursor movement commands are still active in TAPCIS. BLOCK COMMANDS Ctrl-KB -- Mark start of BlocK (blocks always start at the first character on a line and you can mark the start of the block from anywhere on the line. Ctrl-KK -- Mark the end of the BlocK (which will end at the last character on the line where you mark the block end) Ctrl-KY -- Yank (delete) the block Ctrl-KC -- Copy the block to the line below the current cursor position Ctrl-KV -- To move a block mark it, go to the line above its destination, then use this command. (Also Ctrl-KM) Ctrl-KH -- To hide a block (unmark) FINISH THE MESSAGE For this test message, type in a paragraph or two of text. Press <F7- Send> when you're finished composing. The Send menu will appear on the bottom line. The next screen is an example message after the <F7-Send> key is pressed. EXAMPLE MESSAGE SCREEN ........................ PICTURE <EASYW2.PIC> ........................ SEND OPTIONS The menu at the bottom of the screen offers four choices. Notice that the cursor is at the end of the line under 1--the default choice. If ======================================================================= TAPCIS 40 TAPCIS you press return or the space bar or 1, the message will be sent via EasyPlex normal delivery. Option 2 requests a return receipt. A surcharge of $0.25 is charged for a return receipt. In return you get a message providing the date and time the message was received. If you press <F7-Send> and want to resume editing the message, press zero <0>. To cancel and discard the message altogether, press the letter <X>. For this example, press <1> to send the message normally through EasyPlex. The main menu will reappear. Transmit the Message -------------------- You wrote a message using the offline editor. You stored the completed message on disk. The next step is to transmit the message to CompuServe. The message cannot be delivered until TAPCIS calls CompuServe and sends the message. You must command TAPCIS to do this; the program will not connect with CompuServe on its own. Looking at the main menu, did you notice the indicator above the EASYPLEX forum. In the screen below look for the double headed arrow next to the 1. It indicates an action waiting to be performed online. MAIN MENU w/ MAIL TO SEND ........................ PICTURE <EASYO1.PIC> ........................ <O>nline -------- The command to send the message is <O>nline. Press <O> from the main menu. TAPCIS will call CompuServe, log in, GO EASYPLEX, and send the message. When it is done, TAPCIS sends the command OFF to end the call. The last commands on your screen should look like: EasyPlex! off Thank you for using CompuServe! Off at 18:49 EDT 28-Jul-87 ======================================================================= TAPCIS 41 TAPCIS Connect time = 0:01 Actual time = 00:19 1059 characters transmitted -- 55 cps Pausing 30 seconds -- hit any key to continue The connect time shown is the amount that you will be billed for by CompuServe. The actual time is the time tracked by TAPCIS. In this example at 2400bps, it took TAPCIS 19 seconds to logon, go to EasyPlex, send the message, and logoff. The total characters transmitted is listed at 1059 which divided by 19 seconds gives 55 characters per second (cps). This cps value will range between just a few cps up to the maximum of 240 cps at 2400bps. Its value depends on many different factors, and it's difficult to say what is a "good" or "bad" figure. Getting New Mail ---------------- Checking CompuServe for new mail is as easy as going online to send mail. The command is <N>ew, and it logs in and gets new messages if any are in your EasyPlex box. You should have a message waiting if you have gone through the steps above; you sent one to your own user ID. (CompuServe will also send you a welcome message via EasyPlex a few days after you sign-on the first time) Press <N> to go online to receive new messages. After TAPCIS logs off, press the space bar to return to the main menu. The exclamation mark indicator shows you that EasyPlex has new messages for you to read. MAIN MENU w/ NEW MAIL TO READ ........................ PICTURE <EASYN1.PIC> ........................ Reading EasyPlex Mail --------------------- To read the EasyPlex message that TAPCIS retrieved for you, press <1>. The first message (and only message this time) will appear on your screen in a format similar to the example shown below. The header shows the TAPCIS generated message number, the date and time of the message, the subject of the message, and the sender of the message. In our example the message is from this account. When reading messages, TAPCIS highlights the Fm: or To: field whenever it matches the user ID set in the parameters screen. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 42 TAPCIS The header is followed by a blank line and then the message itself. If the message is more than one screen full, a prompt appears on the status line telling you to press another key to see the next screen. An EasyPlex message can be 10,000 characters long. The highlighted status line tells you which message you are reading and the total number of messages. In this example we are reading message one of one (1/1) in the EASYPLEX forum. A brief summary of the message reading commands follows the message number on the status line. <F3-Help> explains the commands in more detail. We'll cover these in more detail in the section on reading forum messages. READ MESSAGE SCREEN ........................ PICTURE <EASYR1.PIC> ........................ Saving the Message ------------------ Your first message using TAPCIS is worth saving. Press <F10-Save> and this prompt appears: <Enter> for C:\TAP\EASYPLEX.SAV or File name for this message: _ You can save this message to the general .SAV file where it can be <V>iewed from within TAPCIS, or a different filename can be used. A message saved in a file is in DOS TEXT format with returns at the end of each line. TAPCIS tells you the message was saved by putting a block in the upper right. If the file where the message was saved already exists, the message will say "Appended." SAVED MESSAGE SCREEN ........................ PICTURE <SAVED1.PIC> ........................ Reply to a Message ------------------ Replying to the message on the screen is as easy as pressing <R>. Do that now. The next screen that appears should be familiar to you; it is the same editor screen you used to write your first message. The message you are replying to appears in the upper window and can be ======================================================================= TAPCIS 43 TAPCIS scrolled using the <F5> and <F6> keys. The last number on the upper bar shows the line position in the upper message. Scrolling is 5 lines at a time with no overlap. Below is an example reply with the message in the top window scrolled once using <F6>. Type in the reply, send it using <F7> <1> and transmit it to CompuServe using the <O>nline command like we did before. REPLY SCREEN ........................ PICTURE <REPLY1.PIC> ........................ Address Book (Optional for New TAPCIS Users) ------------ Remembering a long list of names and user ID's is a tedious task without the help of the computer. TAPCIS allows you to build an address book as you read messages. The person's name, user ID, and a brief memo can be stored in the file USERID.CIS. From the TAPCIS main menu press <1> to read the EasyPlex message you wrote to yourself in the previous example. (If you have not been following the examples, start reading messages in any forum). If you want to add a person to the address book press <A> with a message to/from that person on the screen. TAPCIS will show the T>o and F>rom user names and ID's (if you are looking at an EasyPlex message, the To: field will always be blank). Press <F> to add the user ID of the sender (in this example, your name and user ID should be added). You can add a brief memo to remind you about the person. This memo is "searchable" when you are addressing a message. Exact duplicates of name and user ID are ignored. Example: F> First M. Last 74020,10 T> B>oth F Seeking First M. Last 74020,10 Optional comments or <Enter> : Me! Writing Using Address Book (Optional for New TAPCIS Users) -------------------------- Start your message using the <W>rite command from the main menu. At the To: prompt enter a backslash <\> as the first character followed by the characters to search the address book for. \text to search User ID file ; after User ID for multiple EasyPlex To: \last ======================================================================= TAPCIS 44 TAPCIS TAPCIS will search the address book for the characters you enter after the backslash. "Last" has been entered in this example (which happens to be the last name of this user's name). TAPCIS responds with a list matching the characters. Below you see that it found a match. The Me! following the user ID is a memo. If you want to scan the whole list, enter a comma <,> for the search character. A> First M. Last 74020,10 Me! Select A-A or X for none: A TAPCIS next prompts you to press <enter> (return) or a semicolon. Press return unless you want the message to go to multiple addresses. Fill in the subject, then compose and send your message as usual. EasyPlex Multiple Addresses (Optional for New TAPCIS Users) --------------------------- The same CompuServe EasyPlex message can be sent to 10 recipients. There is a $0.10 surcharge for each additional user ID. Multiple addresses are part of EasyPlex only and not available in other forums. ADDRESSES ENTERED MANUALLY For addresses entered manually at the To: prompt, put a semicolon <;> immediately following the user ID. \text to search User ID file ; after User ID for multiple EasyPlex To: Richard P. Wilkes 76701,23; The name and user ID you enter will clear, and you'll be prompted for another user ID. Do not put a semicolon after the last address. TAPCIS then asks for the subject of the message. In the editor screen the multiple addresses show next to the To: separated by semicolons. ADDRESS BOOK ENTRY You do not enter the semicolon <;> as part of the search text when looking up a name in the address book. The following sequence demonstrates looking up a name in the address book and then sending a copy to a name entered manually. \text to search User ID file ; after User ID for multiple EasyPlex To: \last A> First M. Last 74020,10 Me! Select A-A or X for none: A \text to search User ID file ======================================================================= TAPCIS 45 TAPCIS ; after User ID for multiple EasyPlex To: First M. Last 74020,10 <enter> or ; ; \text to search User ID file ; after User ID for multiple EasyPlex To: Richard P. Wilkes 76701,23 Subject: Multiple Addresses HEADER SHOWING MULTIPLE ADDRESSES ......................... PICTURE <EASYMLT.PIC> ......................... EasyPlex File Transfer (Optional for new TAPCIS users) ---------------------- EasyPlex can be used to transfer ASCII and binary files. The 10,000 character limit applies to these transfers. An ASCII file contains only those characters supported on the CompuServe Information Service such as the alphanumeric characters, punctuation, carriage returns, and linefeeds. All other files should be treated as binary files. Sending a binary file like a WordPerfect document using ASCII will make the received unusable! SENDING BINARY FILES WordPerfect documents, spreadsheets, database files, programs, and macros are all examples of binary files. When you indicate to TAPCIS that a file is "binary," TAP will transmit the file byte-by-byte without any translation or interpretation. When in doubt, choose the binary format. You send a binary file through EasyPlex in much the same way that you send a message. First you press <W> to write a message. If prompted for the Forum: number, press the <1> (which should be the number for EasyPlex). This technique does not work in other forums. Address the message manually or by using the address book as described previously. Multiple addresses are also okay. The subject of the message should be the filename (e.g., ALTE.MAC). TAPCIS checks the subject, sees the period, and asks if you want to upload a file. Therefore, if you want to send the file OUTLINE, you must follow it with a period (i.e., Subject: OUTLINE.). A subject that includes a period causes TAPCIS to give you this prompt: hit <Enter> to enter editor or PgUp for protocol upload -> ======================================================================= TAPCIS 46 TAPCIS To send a file press <PgUp>. When wouldn't you press <PgUp> at this prompt? TAPCIS looks only for a period in the subject. If your subject is "Letter to Mr. Benner" you'll get this prompt. Press <enter> if you want to send a normal message using the editor. If you press <PgUp> the next prompt asks for the full pathname of the file you want to upload. hit <Enter> to cancel or enter d:\path\filename.ext: -> C:\WP\MACS\ALTE.MAC Enter the drive (e.g., C:) followed by the directory path (e.g., \WP\MACS\) and the filename (e.g., ALTE.MAC). This is the file that is sent, and it need not be the same name that you listed in your subject. You could put the subject as "GOODDEAL.YOU" and actually send "C:\F\RIPOFF.HIM". The recipient will only see the filename in the subject--not the name as it was stored on your disk. If you enter a disk filename that does not exist, TAPCIS will go directly to the message editor and not send a file. TAPCIS then asks whether the file is ASCII or binary with this prompt: hit A if ASCII, B if binary: B Press for a binary file. That's all there is to it. You may consider addressing a message to the recipient of the file explaining the contents. You cannot add a description to the same "message" that sends the file itself. RECEIVING BINARY FILES TAPCIS will automatically download any files received in EasyPlex using the CompuServe B-protocol. A name is created for the file by TAPCIS to keep the received file from accidentally overwriting one of your files of the same name. An example message is shown below: ......................... PICTURE <EPXBIN1.PIC> ......................... USING THE BINARY FILE As you can see from the example, TAPCIS has stored the binary file received through EasyPlex in the file C:\TAP\EPLEX1.BIN. The file is stored in the Storage Disk Path as set in the arameters screen. TAPCIS will name the files EPLEX1.BIN, EPLEX2.BIN, etc., until you erase the previous files from your storage disk path. You can use the DOS COPY command to move the file to the proper directory or diskette and change its name at the same time. Then delete the file to keep the storage directory clean of unneeded files. Here's an example: ======================================================================= TAPCIS 47 TAPCIS [C:\] COPY C:\TAP\EPLEX1.BIN C:\WP\MACS\ALTE.MAC 1 file(s) copied [C:\] DEL C:\TAP\EPLEX1.BIN BINARY FILE WARNING Never run a program received via EasyPlex from someone you do not know and trust. While the vast majority of CompuServe subscribers are responsible individuals, this is one way that someone could potentially vandalize your system. Just receiving the file cannot hurt. Running an unknown program might. RECEIVING ASCII FILES ASCII files sent using this protocol upload method are delivered to the recipient just like any other message. When you send an ASCII file using this method, you can be sure that the message will not be corrupted by line noise. Unfortunately, when the message is read by the recipient, a protocol is not used and the message might be corrupted (although this does not happen often). You can use the binary transfer even if the file is ASCII. Be sure to tell your recipient the actual format of the file. EasyPlex Delivery Delay ----------------------- EasyPlex delivery is not instantaneous. It usually takes at least a few minutes to delivery your message to one of CompuServe's 365,000+ subscribers. If you send a message to yourself, wait a few minutes before calling back to get it. Messages to other subscribers may take a little longer depending on system load, but should arrive within a few hours at most and usually within 15 minutes. Online Address Book ------------------- CompuServe has a personal address book that you can keep online in your Personal Area. If you go to EasyPlex one of the menu options is Address Book. You can insert and modify entries. Up to 50 are allowed. The entire list will disappear if you do not use EasyPlex at least once every 30 days! TAPCIS assumes that you will not be using the online address book. As we showed above, TAPCIS has its own address book that you can build as you read messages. It is not limited to just 50 names, is searchable, and does not disappear after 30 days. If you have already set-up an online address book, you can address an EasyPlex message to one of the names in that list. TAPCIS will give you an error message, but will ======================================================================= TAPCIS 48 TAPCIS attempt to send the message. If it fails, abort and add the User ID manually. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 49 TAPCIS =================================== Forums =================================== Forums are where the action is! Forums are where you get to communicate with a wide audience. Your participation can range from actively participating in the message exchange to passively absorbing the information. The choice is yours, but if you aren't writing and receiving messages, you are missing out on at least half the fun. It's exciting to check your mail and find several messages from other members. I've been participating in CompuServe forums since 1984. Being involved does require a time commitment. Conversations move quickly as participants from around the world add their comments 24-hours a day. At times I've checked my messages 10 times in a single day. At other times I've monitored the forums no more than once a week. TAPCIS allows you to adjust your activities depending on your time, interests, and budget. My participation has been rewarding in countless ways. Professionally I've benefited from the collective wisdom of thousands of others who face the same problems I face. Through the forums I've been able to make wise hardware and software choices by reading the trials of those on the "bleeding edge." Personally, I have made friends in all parts of the country. Some of these online friends know more about me, my business, and daily experiences than friends and family that live only a few miles away! If you are using CompuServe just to get the business information you need, you'll find what you want. It is the camaraderie and interplay, however, that keeps a forum dynamic and alive. TAPCIS is designed to let you join the exchange at the lowest possible cost and with the greatest ease. Joining a Forum --------------- Most CompuServe forums are "auto-membership" meaning that you need only tell CompuServe you want to join the forum and enter your name to become a "member" of the forum. TAPCIS makes it easy to join such a forum. You need to: * Add the forum on the <F>orums screen * Make the new forum the only active forum * Go online with the Alt-X command to join the forum and set the TAPCIS parameters ======================================================================= TAPCIS 50 TAPCIS Add a Forum ----------- In this example we continue as a new TAPCIS user who has only EasyPlex defined. We will add the WordPerfect Support Group Forum. The same technique is used to add additional forums; you simply replace WPSG in the following examples with the name of the forum you want to join (e.g., CONSULT, MSOFT, NOVFORUM, DIVING, etc.). A list of forums can be found in Appendix B. You can get a current list online using the FIND FORUMS command. From the main TAPCIS menu, press <F> to bring up the <F>orums menu. Notice the list of function key commands on the right side of the screen. The first one, <F2> is Add. Press the <F2-Add> key now. TAPCIS then asks for the name of the forum to add. You want to enter the GO page name. For the WordPerfect Support Group that is WPSG as shown below: Forum name: [WPSG ] SECTION SELECTION SCREEN ......................... PICTURE <ADDSEC1.PIC> ......................... In the section box on the right notice the error message that the section list cannot be found. That makes sense since you haven't yet joined the forum! Press <Enter> for now to accept the CompuServe default sections. The active section list can be edited later as we'll see. SELECTING READING MODE Forums can be defined for one of three different types of online action: Q Quick scan subjects for thread selection offline (QSN) R Read all new threads (RTN) M Read Marked messages to me only (RM) To get your selection TAPCIS prompts you with: Q/R/M: Q ======================================================================= TAPCIS 51 TAPCIS We'll use the Quick Scan method for this example. When you are first learning about the forums I recommend using the Q method. It is a little more complicated than just mass reading all the messages, but you may not be able to afford to read 1000+ messages per week (both financially and time wise). It is also the best example of how TAPCIS allows you to actively select the subjects you wish to follow. After pressing <Q> the forum will be added at the next available letter. It is not "activated" automatically (no <*> next to the letter). CLEARING ALL SELECTED FORUMS To clear all the selected forums press <F10-Clear all>. All the asterisks are cleared from the forums. ACTIVATE THE NEW FORUM Press the letter corresponding to the forum(s) you have just added and now want to join online. In our example, the WPSG forum is new and corresponds to forum B. After pressing the Forum screen shows our two forums with only the new WPSG forum selected. NEW FORUMS SELECTED SCREEN ....................... PICTURE <ADDF1.PIC> ....................... MAIN MENU WITH NEW FORUM SELECTED Press <F7-Exit> to leave the forum select screen. The lower part of the main menu should then show only your newly added forum(s). Notice that while EasyPlex used to be #1, since it is not selected for the joining of the new forums, the first new forum selected is #1. .......................... PICTURE <ADDMAIN1.PIC> .......................... JOIN THE FORUM ONLINE This is the easy part! TAPCIS gets to do all the work, and you need only hold the <Alt> key and press <X>. TAP will connect to CompuServe and do the following: * Login with your user ID and password ======================================================================= TAPCIS 52 TAPCIS * GO to the new forum(s) * Join the forum if you are not already a member using your name from the arameters screen * Get a list for message section and DL names * Set your OPtions as follows: USER OPTIONS [ ] represents current setting 1 (SM) Stop After Msgs [Never] 2 (CN) Name [First M. Last] 3 (PC) Prompt Character [^H] 4 (ED) Editor [EDIT] 5 (SU) Subtopics [...] 6 (HI) High Msg Read [0] 7 (RE) Replies Info [List] 8 (UM) Use Menus [No] 9 (TY) Type Waiting Msgs [No] 10 (SK) Skip Msgs You Left [No] * Logoff from CompuServe The whole process takes around a minute at 2400bps for one new forum. Explanation of OPtions (Optional for new TAPCIS Users) ---------------------- These parameter settings are the ones required for optimal TAPCIS operation. You can change these options by typing OP at the forum function prompt. Let's look briefly at these options, their function, and the consequences of changing them. * 1 (SM) Stop After Msgs [Never] Option SM lets you specify the "Stop Mode", i.e., when you want to pause after reading a message. At such a pause, you can reply to the message, reread it, etc. You can specify that you want to always stop after messages, stop only after messages addressed to you, or never stop after messages. TAPCIS works in "autopilot" mode. When it is connected to CompuServe it does not require any interaction from the keyboard. TAPCIS sets this to Never every time it enters a forum. You can change this parameter to stop after messages if you want to do work online. TAPCIS will override your setting here when in autopilot. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 53 TAPCIS * 2 (CN) Name [First M. Last] Some forums do not allow you to change your own name (you have to ask the Sysop to make the change). Most forums you visit do allow you to change your name. TAPCIS enters your name for you when you join the forum. In cases where your name was entered incorrectly, all in CAPS or even in all lowercase, you should go online using the command, enter the CompuServe command OP;CN at the forum function prompt, and change your name. * 3 (PC) Prompt Character [^H] TAPCIS uses a backspace character (control-H) as the forum prompt character. The program will change this on the fly while in autopilot; however, line noise may keep the program from recognizing the missing prompt character. In that instance the program will hang at that point and you will have to manually abort using OFF or ^D. TAPCIS uses the ^H to detect when CompuServe is prompting for input. With the prompt character set permanently as ^H, you can usually get TAPCIS back on track when you hit line noise by pressing <enter> once or twice. The only consequence of this prompt character is that any interactive commands you enter will overwrite the last character of the CompuServe prompt. (e.g., if the CompuServe prompt is "Enter choice !" your choice will overwrite the <!>.) No big deal. * 4 (ED) Editor [EDIT] TAPCIS uses CompuServe's non-line-numbered editor called EDIT instead of the line numbered editor SED (Sig Editor). EDIT is faster than SED. Messages in EDIT are written with each line ending in a carriage return (neither of the online editors offers word wrap. The TAPCIS editor does and adds the return after each line automatically when it sends your messages). The message ends with a /EX on a line by itself. (TAPCIS adds the /EX to your message automatically. Do not put it in your messages when using the TAPCIS editor). * 5 (SU) Subtopics [...] Forums can have up to 18 active sections. The SU option allows you to limit the sections that you look at. Messages in sections you don't select will be invisible to you. You can select your sections online, or better yet note the section in the <F>orum definition. TAPCIS sets you for all public sections and overrides this setting based on the sections you select when adding the forum. * 6 (HI) High Msg Read [0] The high message is the last message you have read on the forum. TAPCIS issues the HI command in the appropriate places to keep your high message counter at the right spot. You can reset this counter if you want to reread messages or start again from a particular message if you lose some due to a system crash or interrupted download. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 54 TAPCIS * 7 (RE) Replies Info [List] The reply list shows you all the replies to a particular message in the thread. I find this information useful for tracking message threads. The list appears at the end of the message. When you are reading and you see that a message has replies you can read those replies, see what others have said, and then go back to the message to add your own comments. You don't need the reply list to do this but it makes it easier. * 8 (UM) Use Menus [No] This is a key option! You should not change it! If you need to use the menus for an interactive session use the command: OP;UM Y;S to use them just for that session. While TAPCIS tries to overcome the menus when operating on autopilot, it may not always work. * 9 (TY) Type Waiting Msgs [No] You should leave this set to No. Waiting messages are those sent directly to you. If you are reading all new message threads, you'll see them anyway. If you are using the Quick Scan method, TAPCIS automatically issues an RM to get marked messages during the Quick Scan pass. If the forum is an "M" forum, TAPCIS will only get the waiting messages. Whatever the setting, TAPCIS will read the waiting messages even with this setting as No. * 10 (SK) Skip Msgs You Left [No] You can save a little time and money by not reading those messages you leave. However, this can make it difficult for you to remember exactly what you said when reading the thread later. I recommend leaving this option as No so your messages will not be skipped. Select All Forums ----------------- To select all forums press <F>orums then <F9-Select all>. Asterisks appear next to all defined forums. To leave the <F>orums menu press <F7-Exit>. If you are following the examples, this will activate both EasyPlex and the WPSG forum. They will appear as forums #1 and #2 on the main TAPCIS menu. Q-Forum Diagram --------------- .......................... PICTURE <QFORUMDI.PIC> .......................... ======================================================================= TAPCIS 55 TAPCIS GET NEW HEADERS To get new message headers you tell TAPCIS to connect to CompuServe with the <N>ew command. (see above diagram). With EasyPlex and WPSG selected, TAPCIS will call CompuServe and wait for the message indicating that: You have Electronic Mail waiting. If TAP sees this message it will go to EasyPlex to read the mail. If the message is not present, TAPCIS is smart enough to skip EasyPlex and go to the first forum. In this example session no EasyPlex mail is present so the first forum visited is WPSG. TAPCIS downloads the headers by issuing the QS;N command. The captured headers are stored in the file WPSG.QSN. When all the headers have been downloaded, TAPCIS logs off. You'll see the <^> indicator next to the WPSG forum telling you that there are headers to mark: MAIN MENU WITH HEADERS TO MARK ....................... PICTURE <QGET1.PIC> ....................... MARK HEADERS If a forum shows the <^> indicator it has headers ready to be marked. Press <M>ark followed by the forum number and TAPCIS will process the <forum>.QSN file and present you with a sorted list of headers. An unprocessed list of headers looks like this: 4098: Expanded memory S 5 / Library/Shell 33 replies 4099: TapCIS S 13 / Ask the WPSG 1 reply 4100: #1 Legal WP S 1 / WordPerfect TAPCIS sorts all the headers by section and compresses the format so it's easier to scan quickly. The first screen of the header list might look like this: ....................... PICTURE <MARK1.PIC> ....................... ======================================================================= TAPCIS 56 TAPCIS These are just a few of the 175 headers scanned by TAPCIS. The WPSG in the upper right shows that these are headers from the WPSG Forum. All these headers are in message section 1 which is the general WordPerfect section. The cursor is just to the left of the first header. Notice that there are two separate headers entitled "#1 Legal WP" with different message numbers. We can mark both of them by pressing <R>ead twice. An R is placed next to the headers. The next header is called "WP Defaults". It has 4 replies in that thread. You can skip that one by pressing <space>, <enter>, or the down arrow. To unmark a selection use the up arrow to get to the header and press <space>. When you get your first set of headers they will not have the same subjects as these examples. Use the up and down arrow keys to locate headers you might find interesting. Press <R> to mark the headers for reading as shown in the next screen. When you're done press <F7-Exit> to return to the main menu. HEADER MARKING TIPS Header marking is a bit of an art. It is often impossible to tell the exact content of a message thread based on its subject--especially if the subject is as generic as "Need help!". Such a message in the WordPerfect section probably indicates that the writer needs help with WordPerfect. If it were stored in section 5 of the WPSG forum, it is likely a plea for Library help. Use the section numbers to guide you. Sometimes threads (messages with the same subject) will appear under more than one header. Threads do get "broken" for a variety of reasons, and some people do not know how to leave a message as a reply to another (they aren't using TAPCIS!). Be sure to catch all the headings for the subject you'd like to read. You can mark all the headers in a section by pressing <S>. That command is shown in the small box in the upper right when you are marking headers. The <K>ill command will delete this header file and not download any messages. The right and left arrows can be used to advance or backtrack to other forums with headers to mark. Remember! Marking headers is inexact at best since your only hints to the content of a thread are the subject and section. You will undoubtedly download a long message thread or two that has absolutely nothing to do with the subject or its section. The sysops try hard to keep the subject and sections on track, but that is an almost impossible task on an active, dynamic forum. You'll have to accept this as part of the trade-off of using the Quick Scan method of reading messages. You can do your part by leaving messages in the right section and starting new threads when a conversation starts a new track. Naturally, TAPCIS makes that effortless. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 57 TAPCIS MARKED HEADERS SAMPLE SCREEN ....................... PICTURE <MARK2.PIC> ....................... GET MARKED MESSAGES Once you have marked the headers the indicator on the TAPCIS main menu will change from <^> to the double headed up/down arrow. Recall that this means that there is online action pending (like when we wrote an EasyPlex message). To download the messages press <O>nline from the TAPCIS main menu. TAP should call CompuServe, go to the forum, and issue a: RT nnnnnn ONLY command for each header you marked where nnnnnn is the message number that starts the thread (e.g., RT 4373 ONLY would read message #4373 and the 4 replies in that thread. When all the threads have been read on autopilot by TAPCIS and stored in the <forum>.MSG file, the program issues the OFF command to logoff CompuServe. The forum status indicator should now show an exclamation mark <!> indicating messages to read. Press the number <1-8> to read the pending messages in each forum. There is more information on the message reading commands later in this section. UNDERSTANDING FORUM DYNAMICS (Important) ---------------------------- It helps to understand a little about the dynamics of a forum-- especially if you choose to use the "Q" method of reading messages. An active forum is visited by many hundreds of people each day. While you are in the forum, any number of people from around the world can be reading, writing, replying, conferencing, downloading, and uploading. (The CompuServe command UST given at the Function: prompt will tell you which user ID's are in the forum at the same time you are). The downloading of message headers is a "snapshot" of the forum messages at the exact moment TAPCIS gives the QS;N command. TAPCIS then logs off and you mark the headers for downloading. What is happening in the meantime? Other forum callers are probably leaving new messages and replies. Let's look at several scenarios that happen between the time you download the headers and get back online to download them: ======================================================================= TAPCIS 58 TAPCIS A reply is left in a thread you mark for reading: If you mark a thread for reading that has 3 replies and someone leaves a 4th reply, TAPCIS will get all 4 replies when it goes online. The next time you go online to get headers, this 4th reply will show up as the continuation of the thread with any additional replies listed after it. TAPCIS could eliminate these duplicates by leaving the high message number after reading the messages. But then any new messages might be missed. It is a tradeoff, and the decision was made that it is more important not to miss any headers than to pay to read a few duplicate messages every once and a while. A new thread is started with a new message: You won't get that message on this pass, but its header will be listed next time you go online to get new headers. The message you marked has scrolled: A forum has a set limit on the number of active messages. As new messages are written old messages disappear. The headers you mark are based on the first message in the thread. If that message scrolls between the time you mark it and the time you get back online to read it, you will miss all the messages in that thread. Unfortunately, TAPCIS can do nothing about this; it is a CompuServe design limitation. When reading the messages, look for the message "Can't find message nnnnnn". It tells you that the header you marked has scrolled (or possibly been deleted by the sender or recipient). My advice is to mark the headers and go back online immediately. If you wait a day or even a few hours, you are almost guaranteed to miss a few messages and get a few duplicates. Once you get the messages, you can read them hours or weeks later at your leisure. If you have a mix of Q-forums and R-forums, mark the headers and go back online to get those threads before reading the R-forums. R Forums -------- Forums where you want to read all new messages in selected or all sections should be set-up as "R" forums. The TAPCIS <N>ew command downloads new messages in thread order in these forums. The following diagram shows that the three Q-forum steps of downloading headers, marking headers, and going back online to read selected headers are replaced by a single online read operation: ======================================================================= TAPCIS 59 TAPCIS .......................... PICTURE <RFORUMDI.PIC> .......................... R-FORUM SET-UP The set-up of an R-forum is exactly like the set-up of a Q-forum. Follow the steps at the start of this section for: * Add the forum * Select the sections (all sections if you do not yet know the ones you want) * Select the R reading mode * Clear all selected forums * Activate the new forum * Join the forum online with Alt-X * Reactivate all forums you want for the next <N>ew online session R-FORUM TIPS If you find yourself marking the vast majority of all messages in a forum, change it to an R-forum. It will end up being less costly to download all messages and skip the uninteresting ones while reading than to go through the header downloading, marking, and message downloading sequence. Consider turning off sections of the forum that are clearly not of interest to you. In the WPSG forum we have 16 public sections as shown below. If you are interested only in IBM PC WordPerfect, you might be able to get away with reading only section 1, 2, 3, 10, and 11 (if you are a subscriber; 11 is a closed section). You can add other sections as dictated by your interests. If you only have an interest in Library, I'd recommend sections 5 and 10. All forums differ in their naming of message sections. If you have a question about which sections you should monitor for your interests, feel free to leave a message to *SYSOP in the individual forum. Give the sysop as much background as possible on your interests. The other option is to read all messages for a time period and then "turn off" sections that prove not to interest you. Keep your eye open as well for the "chit chat" section. Most forums have one, and it is called everything from Village Inn to Community Square to In My Opinion. As in any conversation there are side tracks ======================================================================= TAPCIS 60 TAPCIS that go well off the initial topic. Many of these can be quite entertaining. You can choose whether to read them or not. WPSG MESSAGE SUBTOPICS 1 WordPerfect 2 Printer Questions 3 Lasers/Desktop Pub 4 Plan/Graphing 5 Library/Office 6 Data/Convert 7 Amiga/Atari/Non-IBM 8 Network/VAX/DG 9 Hardware/DOS/ARC 10 WPCorp News/Updates 11 WPSG Databank [*] 12 Telecomm/TAPCIS 13 Ask the WPSG 14 Village Inn 15 Apple II/Mac 16 WP Exec/Other M-Forums -------- The M read option is for when you want to check a forum for messages to you but don't want to read other messages in that forum. Usually this happens when you leave a message on the forum and want to check and see if anyone follows up. M-forums are visited and the CompuServe RM command is issued to read marked messages when you go online with the <N>ew command. Set-up the M-forum like you do an R-forum. Just change the read option from R to M. In addition to using the forum options editing as described in the next section, you can choose to set-up the same forum as a Q/R-forum and an M forum under different letters on the <F>orums screen. When you activate the forums you want to visit, be sure to activate only one letter per forum name. Changing Forum Options/Sections ------------------------------- TAPCIS allows you to change your forum read mode and selected sections. This is done through the <F>orums screen. Press <F8-Edit options> and the program prompts: Forum: B You should enter the letter of the forum from the box on the left--not the forum number from the main screen. The section selection screen ======================================================================= TAPCIS 61 TAPCIS appears next. If you are editing a forum that has already been set-up online using Alt-X, the list of sections is displayed as a reminder. EDITING SELECTED SECTIONS SCREEN ........................ PICTURE <EDSEC1.PIC> ........................ SELECTING THE SECTIONS Key thing to remember here is to put spaces between the section numbers as shown above. Press <enter> to use the section list stored by CompuServe (see the Explanation of Options for the SU list). Type the word ALL to override any CompuServe setting for active sections (e.g., if your forum options--OP;SU--are set for sections 1 2 3, entering ALL would activate all public sections when using TAPCIS). (Optional) The <X> is used for the special case where you want to read messages or get headers without updating your high message number (i.e., HMN). Why would you want this? I've used this when I was following an active series of discussions in a single section of a forum and I did not have time to look at all the other messages in the forum. So, I set-up to forum definitions: B WPSG R 1 X C WPSG R When forum B is used to go online, I get only section 1 and the high message is reset by TAPCIS to the value when I entered the forum. When forum C is active, I get all the sections. I'll get duplicates of some S1 messages although none will be missed. You could set up forum C with all sections except S1. Beware though that any messages left in S1 between the time you use B and the time you change to C will be missed. It's complicated, and seldom used except by a limited number of very active CompuServe users. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 62 TAPCIS =================================== Reading Messages =================================== TAPCIS indicates pending messages to read with the exclamation mark <!> indicator next to a forum number. If you press the number, TAPCIS starts to process the <forum>.MSG file. During the processing two running counters are shown at the top of the screen: Messages: 12 Sessions: 1 WPSG The messages increment as TAPCIS finds a new message which starts with #: in column 1. The session counter tells you how many different online sessions are recorded in this .MSG file. If you specified Append in the arameters screen, new messages are added to the old .MSG file until you explicitly kill the MSG file using the <K>ill command. If you are using the overwrite parameter, you can still get multiple sessions if marked messages are found during a Quick Scan of headers. The download of the marked messages will be appended to those marked messages as session 2. The WPSG indicates the forum name. Be patient if you have many messages or are using floppies. TAPCIS must read to the end of the message file to know the number of messages and make moving from message to message while reading as fast as possible. MESSAGE #0 SCREEN ...................... PICTURE <MSG0.PIC> ...................... Message #0 is a special message created by TAPCIS. It contains the welcome information for the forum and any short bulletin posted by the forum administrators (sysops). In the example shown above, the date and time of this online session is given (all times are in the local time for the node being called. A message written at 3pm by someone in California will show as 6pm (18:00) when read by someone in the Eastern time zone). TAPCIS creates a message number and puts in the fake header to make this look like a standard message to external handling programs like MSGVU. You should not reply to this message, though. Following the header is the forum name and software version number. The name following the Hello is the name as recorded in the forum ======================================================================= TAPCIS 63 TAPCIS membership roles. You can change it with OP;CN in Interactive mode. Your last visit to the forum is also shown. Next is the forum message range and the last message you've read. If the last message read is less than the first message in the forum, you have missed messages that have scrolled. Mr. Last here has missed 4097 messages and has yet to read his first message. You should note these numbers if you have not been on the forum for a while to see whether messages have scrolled since your last visit. If there has been a scroll, and in the future you do not want to miss any more messages, you will have to logon more regularly. While most sysops work to keep the scroll under one week, some very active forums have scrolled in less than a day! The subtopics (sections) accessible are the CompuServe sections selected in the forum using the OP;SU. All public sections are accessible in this example. (Most forums have at least one private section that the sysops use to communicate privately about administrative matters. Other forums may have other private sections for other special purposes). No members were in conference (CO) when TAPCIS downloaded these messages. The highlighted status line at the bottom of the screen shows the forum name, the current message number (1) and the total number of messages (57). Pressing <F3-Help> while reading messages gives you a complete list of commands: Message Reading Commands ------------------------ ........................ PICTURE <RHELP1.PIC> ........................ Message Navigation ------------------ By Message: Next <down arrow>, <space>, <PgDn> Previous <up arrow>, ack, <PgUp> Jump to # <J>ump First <1>, <Home> Last <9>, <End> By Thread: Next <X> Top of thread <Backspace> ======================================================================= TAPCIS 64 TAPCIS By Session: First <1> Next <2> Final <3> By Search Words: Start search <F2-Search> Next occurrence <N> Message Replying & Handling --------------------------- Reply to this message <R>eply TAPCIS automatically enters the message editor. The response will sent to the sender of the message you ar reading. It is automatically stored as part of the thread by CompuServe in the same message section as the original. If the message has scrolled or been deleted before your reply is sent, TAPCIS stores the reply as a new message to the same user and section. Reply with a new subject/section se Address If you wish to respond to a message, but your response is leading off in a direction that could be better described by a different subject, please use the command to change the subject and possibly the section where the new thread is stored. This helps to keep the message headers descriptive and the threads on track and in the right sections. Sysops can change thread subjects and sections, but it is a time consuming process. This is a good command to remember. Reply to TO: address <T>o Address This starts a new thread with a message addressed to the To: field of the message you are reading. You are given the option of pressing <enter> to keep the same subject or entering a new subject. Change reply to a different forum <C>hange forum for reply Some forums such as MAUG and BORLAND are actually a collection of forums. This command is used to redirect a reply from one forum such as IBMSW to a more appropriate forum for the continuation of the discussion (e.g., IBMCOM is a better place for TAPCIS discussions than IBMSW or IBMHW). ======================================================================= TAPCIS 65 TAPCIS Delete this message from the forum <del> This online command should be used sparingly and almost never on a public message. The general guidelines are: you should not delete message from the forum that provide information or debate. You should delete messages that are just thank you's once they have been read (shown by a (X) after the recipient's name). Private messages (indicated by a (P) in the first line of the header) should be deleted by the recipient once read. The message "Deleted" appears in a small box in the upper right of the message after you press <Del>. If you go on to read other messages and return to read the message you marked for online deletion, the "deleted" message will be gone. This does not affect your .MSG file! If you mark a message for deletion in error, you can correct your mistake provided you do so before you go online. Use the <E>dit command from the main menu, choose the forum where you deleted the message by number <1-8>. Press <S> to select the .SND file. The TAPCIS editor will appear with the delete command and any other messages still to send online. Search for the line that says "D nnnnn" where "nnnnn" is the message you accidentally deleted. Delete that line then exit using <F7-Exit> <1>. Save this message <F10-Save>, <S> The quickest way to save a message to disk is to press <S>ave. The message will be appended to the <forum>.SAV file. Later if you need to refer back to one of these saved messages, you can use the <V>iew command from the main TAPCIS menu. To save the message in a specific file use the <F10-Save> key. TAPCIS prompts you for the filename: <Enter> for C:\TAP\WPSG.SAV or File name for this message: C:\FILES\MYMSG.TXT Notice that if you press <F10-Save> that you can still press <enter> to save the message in the .SAV file. In the above prompt the filename C:\FILES\MYMSG.TXT was entered. This file now contains a copy of the current message--complete with header--in DOS TEXT format. It can be retrieved into another message using the <Shift- F10-Retrieve> function from within the TAPCIS editor. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 66 TAPCIS Print this message <Shift-F7-Print>, <*> You can print a message you are reading to the default printer by pressing <Shift-F7-Print>. Alternatively, press the asterisk <*> to print without a formfeed after the message. Make sure your printer is powered, online, and filled with paper before trying to print a message. Shell to DOS ------------ You can shell to DOS temporarily (if you have enough free memory) using the <Ctrl-F1-Shell> key at any time you are running in TAPCIS including while reading and replying. Exit Back to Main Menu ---------------------- Once you are finished reading messages, press the <F7-Exit> key to go back to the main menu. <F1-Cancel> will also return you to the main menu or abort message replies. These keys are used consistently throughout TAPCIS to return back to the "previous" menu. Build an Address Book --------------------- Adding user names and IDs to your address book was introduced in the EasyPlex section on Address Book Entry. You should review that section for the exact procedure for adding new entries. The <A>ddress command should be used while reading messages to add people to your list. Once a name has been added, you can search the book for that name when writing new messages. Sending using the address book was also discussed in the EasyPlex section. Unless you create an address list during your reading of messages, you won't have any names to look-up. You should add the names and user IDs of the sysops in the forums you visit and other people you expect to hold conversations with. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 67 TAPCIS =================================== Writing Messages =================================== The basics of writing and editing a message were given in the EasyPlex section under Writing An EasyPlex Message. You should review that section now if you have not done so already. In this section we examine the writing of a forum message and some of the more advanced commands available in the editor. Writing a Forum Message ----------------------- The <W>rite command is a main menu option. If more than one forum is active, TAPCIS prompts Forum: at the bottom of the screen. Enter the number of the forum to start the message. <F1-Cancel> will abort the command. To write a message in a forum not shown on the status line, activate the forum by pressing <F> then the letter of the forum (to put an asterisk <*> next to the name). If you have not defined the forum yet, follow the procedure for adding a forum as described previously. ENTERING THE TO: ADDRESS At the To: prompt you have several choices: * Type ALL to send a forum message to All members * Type the name and user ID of your intended recipient from memory * Have TAPCIS look up a name in your address book by preceding a search string with backslash [\] * Type *SYSOP to send a private message to the forum operator Unlike EasyPlex, forum messages cannot be sent to multiple user IDs. Also, forum messages are usually public--even if you send the message to a particular user ID. Some forums offer private messages within the forum. I strongly recommend that you use EasyPlex for such messages; there is less of a chance that you will accidentally save a message publicly intended for private consumption if you write directly in EasyPlex. No return receipt is offered in forum messages. Once a message is read by the recipient an (X) is added after the user ID in the To: field. Neither TAPCIS nor the CompuServe forum software checks the user ID you enter to see if it matches the name you enter. Be careful of typos. You can send a message to a name alone without a user ID. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 68 TAPCIS Doing so means that the message will not be marked for that person when they enter the forum, the person may miss the message entirely, and you'll not be able to tell that the message has been read. CompuServe only cares about the user ID. The name itself is ignored. ENTERING THE MESSAGE SUBJECT Forum messages subjects are important. Choose your subject with care. Make it as descriptive as possible within the limit of 24 characters. When you enter the subject TAPCIS accepts more than the 24 character limit. Once the editor screen appears you'll see how your subject was truncated at the top of the screen. You can abort and restart the write at this point using <F1-Discard>. The subject is used to name the thread. Those people using the Q-forum method of reading appreciate subjects like "Double sided printing" rather than a generic "Printing help needed." THE MESSAGE SECTION After entering the To: and Subject:, TAPCIS offers you a list of forum sections. Look closely at the list and choose the one most appropriate for your message. ......................... PICTURE <FORUMW1.PIC> ......................... EDITING THE MESSAGE The TAPCIS editor is very natural. It uses standard cursor positioning and has word wrap. Since CompuServe does not offer attributes like underline and bold, TAP doesn't either. You should use mixed case and save capitalized words for EMPHASIS. A quick reminder of editing keys is available by pressing <Alt-F3> in the editor. They are also described in the EasyPlex section. WordPerfect users are accustomed to auto reformatting during text insert and delete. TAPCIS does not offer this, and you must manually press <Ctrl-F3-Screen> in each paragraph you want to reformat. CompuServe also reformats lines when you send the message. SAMPLE EDITOR SCREEN ......................... PICTURE <FORUMW2.PIC> ......................... ======================================================================= TAPCIS 69 TAPCIS SEND THE MESSAGE You can finish entering and editing the message with the following keys: <F1-Discard> If you've decided not to send the message, press this function key then enter <X> to confirm the discard. Once you do this the message cannot be recovered. <F7-Send> This is the normal way to send a message. The menu shown in the sample screen above appears at the bottom of the screen. You can also get this menu with two other keys: <F10-Send & Save> Press <F10> to send and also save a copy of the message to the <forum>.SAV file. If you have your arameters set for Keep Outbox File Always using <F10> is unnecessary. <Shift-F7-Send & Print> Use the <Shift-F7> key to send the message and also print a copy of the message to the current printer port (PRN). SEND OPTIONS The send options are slightly different for forum messages than for EasyPlex. Send: 1 Public; 2 Private; 3 Unformatted; 4 Email; 0 Resume; X Discard 1 The default option is <1>, so if you want to send the message publicly, just press <enter> or <space> or the <1> itself. To send the message privately, press <2>. TAPCIS sends this message with the SP forum command. If the forum software responds that private messages are not enabled on the forum (they are not on the WPSG forum), the message will be MAiled privately via EasyPlex. Option 3 is for "unformatted" messages. This is used rarely and only when you don't want CompuServe to reformat the message when it is read by others. This option is used when you send tabular data. You can avoid having to use this option by putting periods in front of lines that you do not want reformatted: ======================================================================= TAPCIS 70 TAPCIS .Things I'd like to see in WordPerfect: . .1) Better laser support .2) Soft keyboard .3) Macro library . Then if you have other paragraphs you can still use option 1 which is preferred over saving the message unformatted. Option 4 is Email (electronic mail) delivery through EasyPlex. You can send EasyPlex messages right from the forum using this option. Press the zero <0> if you want to resume editing the message before sending. Any saving or printing of the message you had ordered will be cancelled. Send the message with <F10-Send & Save> or <Shift-F7-Print & Send> after the resume if you want those options. The <X> option is like <F1-Discard>. Press <X> and the message will be thrown away. TRANSMIT THE MESSAGE Messages written in the TAPCIS editor are stored on disk in the <forum>.SND file until you send them to the forum with the <O>nline command. The main menu will tell you if you have messages to send by putting a double-headed up and down arrow next to the forums with online activity pending. Editing the .SND File --------------------- Up until you send the message online, you can make changes to the message by editing the <forum>.SND file. The main menu <E>dit option is used to do this. Enter the forum number where prompted and <S> for the .SND file. This file is a different format from the message editor. Use caution so that CompuServe commands are kept intact and at the beginning of lines. In the screen below I've taken the message and added another question to it. To finish the <F7-Send> key is pressed followed by a <1>. ANY CHANGES MADE ARE NOT RECORDED IN THE .SAV FILE, and there is no practical way to do this. .SND EDIT SCREEN ....................... PICTURE <ESND1.PIC> ....................... ======================================================================= TAPCIS 71 TAPCIS The L;All;Double sided printing is the CompuServe Leave command followed by the To: field for this message (All) and the subject (Double sided printing). You can edit these as long as you keep the right format. The message text follows. Edit the message as you please but do not exceed the CompuServe maximum message size. The /ex is added by TAPCIS. It ends the message upload into the editor. The S2 saves the message in forum section 2. Change the section number if you want, but make sure the section number you enter is available to you. Both the /ex and Sn must be on lines by themselves. Be careful when you edit or reformat messages that they stay as shown. If other messages were pending, they would all be in this file. If you make a mistake, the best bet is to press <F1-Cancel> to discard these changes. You can then go back and edit the .SND file again. Maximum Message Length ---------------------- CompuServe forums have a maximum message length of approximately 2000 characters. This works out to around 30 lines. At line 24 of your message, TAPCIS will put this warning on the bottom status line: Approaching message size limit of 2000 characters, or an average 30 lines When you hit line 30 in your message, the warning changes to: EXCEEDING message size limit of 2000 characters, or an average 30 lines /SPLIT ------ Avoid sending messages that get truncated by keeping your messages within the 30 line limit. On the rare occasions where you need to write a message longer than 30 lines, use the /split command. This works in a slightly peculiar way. When you get down to the end of one message, put "(continued...)" at the end of the last line of text, press <enter>, then type the word /split on a line by itself. Then store the message. Immediately write another message (or reply to the same message again). The message you write immediately after a /split is sent as a reply to your first message (in effect the second message will be sent to you as a reply). Why should you do this? It keeps the threads together. If you write two separate new messages--even if they have the same subject--two new threads are created. A multi-part reply sent with /split's are read in ======================================================================= TAPCIS 72 TAPCIS their entirety before any replies. Otherwise, replies to part one would be read before your part two. That is confusing, and TAPCIS gets around this "limitation" in the forum software with split. Retrieving Text into a Message ------------------------------ A DOS Text format file can be retrieved into a TAPCIS message using the <Shift-F10-Retrieve> function. The program prompts you for the file to retrieve into the message currently being edited: File name [d:][\path\]filename.ext: C:\FILES\WELCOME.MSG The drive and directory path are shown in brackets since they are optional if the file to retrieve is in the current subdirectory. Otherwise, enter the whole name as is shown above. If you create messages using WordPerfect or any other external editor or program that creates a "formatted" file, you must convert that file to a plain ASCII format before retrieving it into TAPCIS. In WordPerfect this is done using the <Text In/Out> key and option <1-Save>. Search Another File / Import ---------------------------- You may want to refer to another file while composing a message and possibly import a select part of that file into the current message. The <F2-Search> function allows you to do this. Press <F2-Search> and TAPCIS prompts: F1 or string to search: If you want to look at an entire file, press <space> <enter> at this prompt. Otherwise enter a string of characters to search for in the file. This string is case insensitive. Next TAPCIS prompts you to press F1 to cancel the search, <=> to search the message file for this forum, U to search the USERID.CIS file, or to enter a specific filename. The prompt appears in the top window as: F1>cancel OR Enter: = for .MSG file, U for USERID, or file to search: If the string you entered is found in the file, the first "hit" will appear highlighted in context. On the right side will be letters in brackets labelling each line. The status line will show something like this: F1> End A>-T> Import lines <Enter> Continue If you want to import one of the lines shown into the current message, press the letter corresponding to the line. <Cancel-F1> returns you to the message. Pressing <enter> will continue the search. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 73 TAPCIS =================================== Data Libraries =================================== The CompuServe forum data libraries (DLs) are where files can be uploaded by you for use by others or downloaded from the libraries for use on your computer. The DLs are numbered just like the message sections. Many forums have DLs that closely match the corresponding message section. The WPSG Forum section 1 is titled "WordPerfect." So is DL 1. S2 is for "Printer questions" whereas DL 2 is the location for "Printer defs/utils" (definitions and utilities). TAPCIS gives you a list of DL names when needed. Online the names are found using the CompuServe LN command from the function prompt. Downloading ----------- You can download files using offline commands or by selecting the files when interactive with CompuServe. TAPCIS uses the CompuServe "Quick B" protocol to do all protocol transfers so that the resulting files are transmitted error-free and as efficiently as the communication link allows. DATA LIBRARY SEARCH -- CREATING A CATALOG The way most TAPCIS users download is to first have the program create a catalog of files from the DLs you select. This catalog includes all the information CompuServe has about the files in the data library. You can choose to include all files, files matching a wildcard specification, files less than a certain number of days old, files listed under certain keywords, or a combination of these. Press <D> to start the DL Search command. Enter the forum number if prompted. TAPCIS asks: Search by name ? y/n: N In this example we are not searching the DLs for a particular name so press <N>o. (If you know the exact name and DL, you can enter those and have TAPCIS automatically download just that one file). The next prompt requests: Keyword -- <Enter> for all : <enter> Keywords help to put the many files that can be in a single DL into categories. Even if you don't know a specific filename, you might guess that WordPerfect macros would have the keyword "MACRO" or "MACROS." Here we're trying to get a listing of all files so the ======================================================================= TAPCIS 74 TAPCIS <enter> key is pressed to select all keywords. Unfortunately, TAPCIS cannot give you a listing of keywords to choose from. <Enter> or Age in days : <enter> The above prompt allows you to limit the search to files added within a certain number of days. This is a very convenient way of updating your catalog every week (7 days) or month (31 days). We'll get the full listing by pressing <enter>. TAPCIS then offers a list of available data libraries in a box to the right and asks you to choose which ones you want to catalog. You can back out of the command at this point by pressing <enter> without entering any DL numbers. The DL numbers must be separated by spaces when you type them in as shown in the screen below where DL 1 (WordPerfect) and DL 10 (WPCorp News/Info) are to be cataloged. DL CATALOG SEARCH SCREEN ...................... PICTURE <DLD1.PIC> ...................... The final question asks: Additional searches? y/n: N If you do not have any additional catalog commands to perform in this forum, press <N>o and TAPCIS will return to the main menu. At the bottom of the screen next to the forum number you'll find the upside- down triangle indicating a DL action. Press <O>nline to go online and search the data libraries. TAPCIS MAIN MENU WITH DL ACTION PENDING ........................ PICTURE <DMAIN1.PIC> ........................ MARKING FILES TO DOWNLOAD Once the catalog is saved in the <forum>.CAT file, you can mark the files for downloading at your convenience. TAPCIS does not show an indicator on the status line for forums with catalogs. Press <C>atalog at the main menu prompt to process the catalog. Answer ======================================================================= TAPCIS 75 TAPCIS the forum number prompt if you have more than one forum defined. While the catalog files are being scanned, TAPCIS will show: Files: nnn on the top status line. When all the files have been scanned by TAPCIS, the first entry in the catalog will appear. Each file is shown separately on a screen similar to the following: SAMPLE CATALOG ENTRY ...................... PICTURE <CAT1.PIC> ...................... The first line indicates that this is the first file out of 48 files in the catalog. Line 2 tells you that the catalog is from the WPSG Forum and that this file is in DL 1. The user ID in brackets [ ]'s above the filename is the number for the person who uploaded this file to the data library. This person may or may not be the author of the file. The next line can be decoded as follows: WPMACS.ARC The filename which can be up to six characters followed by a period and a 3 character extension. /binary This is a binary file. The absence of this /binary indicates an ASCII file which can be read online. Other files can be stored in various graphics formats. 22-Aug-87 The date the file was submitted to the data library 2688 The approximate size of the file in bytes 13 The number of downloads of this file since it was submitted This file has the keywords MACROS, 4.2, and WORDPERFECT. The description below the keywords doesn't say a whole lot about what type of "useful" macros these are. It does remind us that the file is binary and must be downloading using a protocol (which TAPCIS will do). The ARC format is described briefly in Appendix G. If you want to download this file press <D>ownload. TAPCIS stores a script for downloading the file in the DOS file <forum>.DOW which will be processed the next time TAPCIS goes online. The other commands available are summarized at the bottom of the screen. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 76 TAPCIS CATALOG COMMANDS <D> Mark the file for B Protocol downloading the next time online with <O> or <N>. <space> Go on to the next file in the catalog <enter> <down arrow> Go back to the previous file in the catalog <up arrow> <1> Position to the first file <9> Go to the last file in the catalog <2> Skip to the top of the next catalog session <3> Skip to the last catalog session <F> Find a string in the keywords and descriptions (filenames and user IDs are not included in the search) <N> Position to the next occurrence of the search string (if any) <F7-Exit> Exit the catalog <Esc> DOWNLOAD THE FILES ONLINE If you mark any files for downloading, the triangle will appear next to the forum number on the main menu. Go online with the <O>nline command to download the files to your computer. TAPCIS goes to the forum with files to download and issues the command "DL nn" where nn is the data library containing the file. The program then BROwses the file so you see which file is about to be downloaded. It then issues the command "DOW/PROTO:B". CompuServe asks for the file for your computer. TAPCIS provides the full download path from your arameters screen followed by the CompuServe filename for this file. If another file of the same name is in the download path, TAPCIS overwrites the file without warning. A screen showing the download in progress shows those commands: DOWNLOAD IN PROGRESS SCREEN ...................... PICTURE <DOW1.PIC> ...................... ======================================================================= TAPCIS 77 TAPCIS At the top of the screen is the TAPCIS version number, the reminder that <F1> will abort the transfer and hang up the phone, the forum name, the current time on the 24 hour clock, and the elapsed time online. The box shows that the full Quick B Protocol is being used to transfer this file. CRC's are being used to detect any errors in the transmission. The data in the file is being broken into chunks (packets) of 1K (1024 bytes). Send ahead is a feature of Quick B which gives as close to optimal performance as possible through a network like CompuServe's, Tymnet, or Telenet. Two "byte" counters in the box increment during the file transfer. The "raw" number is the number of actual characters received by your computer. The "file" number shows how much of the data has been received. It is the one you track to see how close the transfer is to finishing. When downloading from .CAT entries, TAPCIS will also show the estimated time remaining. Why the discrepancy? The CompuServe "Quick B" protocol--like any file transfer protocol--has a certain amount of overhead. Each packet of data is sent with a header, data, and some check digits called a CRC. The CRC is what insures that the packet was received correctly. Without the overhead, erroneous data could be stored in your downloaded file without you knowing it. The cps indicators are a rough guide to how fast the transfer is going. Experience will give you a feel for the range you can expect from your location. The theoretical maximum is the baud rate divided by 10 (e.g., 240 cps at 2400 baud). The efficiency percentage measures how fast this transfer is progressing in relation to that theoretical maximum. In the example screen we see that the efficiency starts low and then will increase (hopefully) as more of the file is transferred. That's because it takes a few seconds to set-up the transfer and the download timer starts from the time the "filename for your computer" is sent to CompuServe. The filename at the bottom shows C:\TAP\WPMACS.ARC with the description above it. When TAPCIS has finished downloading, it will logoff CompuServe. You can then use the downloaded files from DOS. They are stored in your download path directory. DOWNLOADING TIPS * Download during off-hours when the system is not heavily loaded for the best time and money savings * Download a few files at a time. You need not go through the entire catalog on one pass. * If you start getting beeps during the download, the protocol is ======================================================================= TAPCIS 78 TAPCIS detecting errors. If it gets excessive, you should abort and retry the downloading. * Be sure to check the file size before marking the file for downloading. A file may sound very interesting but not worth an hour or two of download time. Some of the best software available online (like TAP) is quite large (well over 200K archived). You may want to ask for opinions before spending a lot of money downloading a large (over 100,000 byte) file. * If the download of a series of files is interrupted, you should either go back to the <C>atalog command to redo the list of files to download, omitting the ones that already came through okay, or use the <E>dit <D>OW command to remove the files. You don't want to pay to download the same files twice. Uploading --------- Uploading is the process of taking a file from your computer and submitting a copy to a forum data library. It is one of the few processes not automated by TAPCIS. Fortunately, the actual uploading is currently free of CompuServe connect charges (network surcharges do still apply during your upload). First we go online using the nteractive command. Enter the number of the forum where you'll be uploading the file when prompted. TAP dials the phone, logs in, and goes to the forum. On the screen you'll be left at a prompt that says: Function: DL 1 You need to enter the command DL followed by the number of the DL for your file. If you can't remember which DL is most appropriate, type LN at the prompt. The following dialogue between a user uploading the file C:\FILES\MYFILE.WP demonstrates the uploading process. UPLOAD DIALOGUE Function: DL 1 ; Select DL 1 DL 1 !UPL ; Give the UPLoad command Suspending connect charges... File name: MYFILE.WP ; Enter the CompuServe filename (FILENA.EXT) Data Library Protocol Menu Transfer protocols available - ======================================================================= TAPCIS 79 TAPCIS 1 XMODEM (MODEM7) protocol 2 CompuServe 'B' protocol 3 CompuServe 'A' protocol 4 DC4/DC2 CAPTURE protocol 5 Kermit 0 Abort transfer request Enter choice ! 2 ; Always CIS 'B' w/ TAPCIS File name for your computer: C:\FILES\MYFILE.WP ; The full name of the file on your computer Transfer types available - 1 ASCII 2 Binary 3 Image 4 Graphic:RLE 5 Graphic:NAPLPS 6 Graphic:GIF Enter choice: 2 ; Binary should be used for everything but DOS TEXT files <The Upload occurs here. The file transfer box is displayed by TAPCIS at the top of the screen during the transfer> Description (500 chars max, blank line when finished): This is MY WordPerfect file demonstrating some of the formatting techniques I use for our letters. WP 4.2 format. Keywords: WP 4.2 LETTERS FORMATTING TRICKS ; Use meaningful keywords, not sentences <CompuServe then repeats what you have typed for verification> Keywords: WP 4.2 LETTERS FORMATTING TRICKS This is MY WordPerfect file demonstrating some of the formatting techniques I use for our letters. WP 4.2 format. Is this okay (Y or N)? Y ; Confirm if okay, otherwise N and retype Copying file to SIG/ACCESS... Your request will be processed by the Sysop as soon as possible. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 80 TAPCIS Resuming connect charges. DL 1 !OFF ; Logoff CompuServe Thank you for using CompuServe! Off at 16:02 EDT 24-Aug-87 Connect time = 0:03 UPLOAD TIPS * You can shorten the above dialogue by providing the necessary information on a single line as in: UPL FILENA.EXT/pro:B/typ:bin If the file is ASCII, replace "/typ:bin" with "/typ:asc". * Always archive files over 10K or if multiple files are in the "distribution" such as a series of macros or a utility with documentation. Separate files makes it difficult to download all the files and keep them together. Archiving also preserves file integrity better. If you are using PKARC to archive, you should use the -OC parameter to make your archive compatible with other unARC utilities. See Appendix G. * Keywords are important. Make yours meaningful. Think about how you would try to locate the file if you did not know its name. * Descriptions should give a clear picture of the contents and purpose of the file. If it is a demo, say so. If you are the author, say so and give your name. If you are uploading with permission of the author, indicate that and give the authors name (and user ID if any). The more info you provide, the less follow- up required by the sysops. * Files are "merged" (made visible) by the sysops on a regular basis. Sysops try to verify every upload before the files are made available to the forum membership. This can sometimes take a few days. If your file is not merged after a few days, drop a message to *SYSOP to see if there was a problem with the upload. * Don't upload files you don't have the right to make available for public downloading. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 81 TAPCIS =================================== Interactive Mode =================================== Up to this point I have described primarily the auto pilot capabilities of TAPCIS. This manual started off by telling you that TAP was designed primarily for forums and EasyPlex. That is true. However, TAPCIS can be used to access the other parts of the vast CompuServe Information Service, too. This is done in "interactive mode" where you give the CompuServe computers commands directly. This is also referred to as "terminal mode." The nteractive command is given from the main menu. If you want to go to a specific forum, enter that forum's number at the prompt. Otherwise, press <enter> to connect to the CompuServe TOP menu. You can see in this screen that the CompuServe command TOP was typed at the first ! prompt. The TOP menu is then shown. You can tour CompuServe just by following the menus to areas you find interesting. Watch the elapsed time in the upper corner though! Sample Interactive Screen ------------------------- .................... PICTURE <I1.PIC> .................... The Interactive Keyboard ------------------------ Most of the keys when interactive are passed directly through to CompuServe. Some are interpreted by TAPCIS as commands. A letter preceded by a caret <^> means to hold the control key and press the letter: ^D Aborts whatever you're trying to do and hangs up the phone. This is the "bail out" key. You should first try to logoff normally using the OFF command. <PgDn> If you want to capture what you are doing interactively, press <PgDn> and then enter the name of the file in which you want the captured session stored. If you want to stop the capture at any time press the <PgDn> key again. We used this function to capture the sign-on session for the IntroPak. <PgUp> Is used to upload an ASCII file without error checking or to start the execution of a script (see Appendix F ======================================================================= TAPCIS 82 TAPCIS for script technical information). TAPCIS scripts must end with the file extension .SCR. ^X Enter the CO mode. In this mode you type in a small three line window at the bottom of the screen. When you press <enter> twice in a row or you press <enter> at the end of the third line, your input is sent to CompuServe all at once. In a CO this is useful so that you can start typing your response while the other person is still "talking." When the other person is done you can send your text or erase it. Remember that in a conference that all CO commands start with a slash in the first column. All other lines are sent to all people in the conference. Conference Mode Screen ---------------------- ..................... PICTURE <CO1.PIC> ..................... Above you see several CO commands. The /HELP will give you a full list of commands. (You could capture that list with the <PgDn> key). The /UST command gives you a list of users in the forum (only Mr. Last this time). The /HANdle command lets you change your name for the CO (you should do this to make your name shorter). The /EXIT command gets you out of the CO. Notice that the command has not been transferred to CompuServe since the second <enter> has not been pressed. A second ^X switches back to terminal mode. ^Y erases the current line and ^U in the above example would erase the /EXIT command even though it is on the line above the cursor. (Once the command is sent to CompuServe these keys would not have an effect). ======================================================================= TAPCIS 83 TAPCIS =================================== Advanced Commands =================================== The advanced commands display in the top box when you press <A>dvanced from the main menu. They are used for specialized purposes that become more obvious as you use CompuServe forums actively. Advanced Main Menu ------------------ .......................... PICTURE <ADVMENU1.PIC> .......................... Advanced Commands Summary ------------------------- The commands create entries in the <forum>.SND file which will be acted upon the next time you go online with the <O> command. <R> Go online and read only new messages sent to you. If the advanced menu is displayed then you'll be asked for an individual forum. If the normal menu is shown, TAPCIS will go online immediately and read new messages marked for you in all selected forums. <L> Read new messages in a Forum addressed to ALL. <T> Read ALL messages in a Forum (old and new) addressed To you Read ALL messages on this Forum (old and new) sent By you <Z> Go online and delete all (P)rivate message from or to you if they have already been read. You should do this as you read your private messages in forums where private messages within the forum message base are allowed. If you forget to delete private messages you've read, this advanced command will get rid of them for you. Do not delete public messages of interest to others. This command will not affect public messages. Create an online script. The command becomes part of your <forum>.SND file and must be one that CompuServe recognizes as well as one that will cause the forum software to end its output with a Function: prompt. Valid commands include: ======================================================================= TAPCIS 84 TAPCIS HI;12345 reset high message number to 12345 HI;L reset high message number to the last RS;F;JOAN;0 read all messages from Joan RS;T;FRANK;0 read all messages to Frank RS;S;TAPCIS;N read only new messages about TAPCIS RT 12345 ONLY read the thread hanging off of 12345 These functions may be chained as may times as you like in as many Forums as you like. WARNING: Please do not use this function for navigation between Forums or if you are not certain of the appropriate command. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 85 TAPCIS =================================== Time/Charges =================================== The built-in accounting module can generate the usage statistics provided you have selected to Log Times on the arameters screen. Press <$> from the main menu to start the time/charges function. You're first asked whether you want to change the rates. The default rates are those for use with a CompuServe network phone number. If you are using an alternative connection or pay metered local service, change the rates here to reflect those charges. Prime time is the day time rate. Standard time is evening and weekend. CompuServe keeps its own time record which you can access with the command GO BILLING. It is not detailed by forum as are the TAPCIS statistics. The output can be directed to the printer or the screen. The graph below will only appear on the screen. Your charges may be higher <grin>. Charges Graph ------------- ...................... PICTURE <CI$1.PIC> ...................... The top line shows that the last login was done at standard rates (S) on 08/25/87 at 00:15:35 (quarter past midnight--I work late). The rate was 2400bps. The logoff was 4 minutes and 14 seconds later at 00:19:49. During this session in which I was testing CO, 2,649 characters were transmitted for a throughput of 10 cps. The graph shows the relative usage per day of the month. The numbers along the right show actual dollar charges. The next screen gives the breakdown by forum with the totals today, for the month to date, and for the projected month shown on the next screen: FORUM Rate Time Charge Totals ------------ ----------- ------------- ------------ ---------- Overhead P 2400 00:05:58 1.47 Overhead S 2400 00:06:43 1.43 2.70 EASYPLEX P 2400 00:01:28 0.31 EASYPLEX S 2400 00:02:38 0.56 0.87 Terminal P 2400 00:03:55 0.83 Terminal S 2400 00:06:13 1.32 2.15 WPSG P 2400 00:02:38 0.56 WPSG S 2400 00:07:03 1.50 2.06 Total today 1.04 Total month to date 7.78 Projected monthly bill 15.07 ======================================================================= TAPCIS 86 TAPCIS =================================== Appendix A =================================== CompuServe Access Phone Numbers As of December 1987 < DUE TO THE SIZE OF THIS LIST (70K) WE HAVE BROKEN IT AND APPENDIX B -- LIST OF FORUMS OUT INTO THE FILE TAPNUM.ARC > ======================================================================= TAPCIS 87 TAPCIS =================================== Appendix B =================================== List of CompuServe Forums As of December 1987 < DUE TO THE SIZE OF THIS LIST (70K) WE HAVE BROKEN IT OUT INTO THE FILE TAPNUM.ARC > ======================================================================= TAPCIS 88 TAPCIS =================================== Appendix C =================================== CompuServe Rates As of December 1987 ---------------- CONNECT RATES (per connect hour) Prime/ Standard/ Daytime Evening BAUD $/Hour $/Hour 300 $ 6.00 $ 6.00 1200 12.50 12.50 2400* 12.50 12.50 * Not available from all locations Connect time is billed in one minute increments, with a minimum of one minute per session. Connect time rates do not include communication surcharges and product surcharges. COMMUNICATIONS SURCHARGES (per connect hour) Communications surcharges apply when the respective communications network is used for connection. Each location has the option of dialing through the above communications networks. All rates EXCLUDE long distance and other telephone company charges (e.g. message units). CompuServe Network: Prime/Daytime: $ .25/hour Standard/Evening: $ .25/hour Telenet(R) Prime/ Standard/ Daytime Evening FROM $/Hour $/Hour contiguous U.S. $10.00 $ 2.00 Alaska 15.00 15.00 Hawaii 14.00 14.00 Puerto Rico 11.00 11.00 ======================================================================= TAPCIS 89 TAPCIS Tymnet(R) Prime/ Standard/ Daytime Evening FROM $/Hour $/Hour contiguous U.S. $ 10.00 $ 2.00 Alaska (via ALASKA/NET) 10.00 5.50 Hawaii 12.00 12.00 Hawaii (via Western Union) 14.00 14.00 Puerto Rico 11.00 11.00 Canada 9.00 9.00 DataPac(R) Prime/ Standard/ Daytime Evening FROM $/Hour $/Hour TYMNET gateway $ 9.00 $ 9.00 Telenet gateway 10.50 10.50 CompuServe gateway 8.75 8.75 LATA Networks (where available) Prime/Daytime: $ 6.00/hour Evening/Standard: $ 2.00/hour HOURS OF OPERATION (determined by local time at location of network connection) Prime/Daytime Service: 8 am - 6 pm weekdays Standard/Evening Service: 6 pm - 5 am weekdays, all day Saturdays, Sundays and announced CompuServe holidays. Service between 5 am and 8 am weekdays is on an as-available basis and billed at the Standard/Evening Service connect rates. EASYPLEX ELECTRONIC MAIL ** EasyPlex(TM): No additional charge Receipt requested feature: $ .25/request Multiple send feature: $ .10/2nd-10th To Send EasyPlex to InfoPlex: $ .45/message To Send up to 500 characters to MCI MAIL: $ .45 To Send 501-7500 characters to MCI MAIL: $1.00 To send each additional 7500 characters to MCI MAIL: $1.00 ======================================================================= TAPCIS 90 TAPCIS To send EasyPlex to TELEX and TWX machines US Domestic Destination (I): $ .60/300 characters sent TWX (II): $ .65/300 characters sent International Destination: $ varies according to country* * Charges vary according to country. Exact charges will be displayed before the message is sent for your verification. ** In addition to this surcharge, you are billed for connect time charges plus communications surcharges. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 91 TAPCIS =================================== Appendix D =================================== Modem Commands -------------- The default modem commands and responses on the arameters screen should work fine for Hayes compatible modems. If your modem requires different commands, you can often enter even complex dialing sequences using TAPCIS modem commands. The following special commands are available for the nitialize modem string, <R>eset modem string, and in the telephone numbers. ^<letter> A caret followed by a letter is used for control characters. ^M A carriage return (same as pressing <enter>) ^J A linefeed ^N A control-N ?# Wait for # seconds where # is between 1-9 (?3 would pause for 3 seconds) ?<letter> Wait for a letter back from the modem in response. (?K might wait for the K in OK) If your Hayes compatible modem needed to be reset before it could dial, the following sequence in the nitialize modem string sends an ATZ preceded and followed by a carriage return, waits for a K response from the modem, and then sends ATD instead of ATDT to get pulse dialing instead of the default tone dialing: ^MATZ^M?KATDT To hang up the phone TAPCIS drops DTR to the modem at the same time that the remote modem is dropping carrier. This usually results in a hangup after 3 seconds, so the default modem reset string is ?3 which gives the 3 seconds. Some Hayes modems may require a more elaborate <R>eset string: ?2+++?2ATH^M?3 We cannot know in advance the strange incantations that are needed to get some modems to work properly. In some cases we have not been able to get the modem to dial on its own. Sometimes it is the set-up of TAPCIS, sometimes it's the modem itself. One modem worked fine except through this hotel phone system where it would not dial. To manually dial, set the initialize modem string to the command needed to get the ======================================================================= TAPCIS 92 TAPCIS modem online and looking for carrier (ATDT or ATO work on most Hayes compatible modems). Then select a telephone number that is blank (no digits). Use the phone to call the network number. When greeted by the remote carrier, press the online command you want to run (N, O, R, etc) and hang up. TAPCIS will log in automatically. I sometimes change my dialing string for my US Robotics Courier 2400E to ATV1E1&M4X6DT to give me verbal response codes, echoed commands, MNP active, and extended result codes. The X6 tells the modem to response BUSY if the line I'm calling is busy. I change RIER to BUSY so I get faster redial on busy lines. TAPCIS gives you flexibility here to get your modem working. If you have trouble, try to get online manually and ask for help in WPSG Forum Section 12, CONSULT Forum S4, IBMCOM S3, or in one of the many other TAPCIS homes around CompuServe. Be sure to give as much detail as possible. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 93 TAPCIS =================================== Appendix E =================================== Floppy Installation Guidelines Written by Bob Willard [70425,1155] Although a hard disk is recommended for TAPCIS due to the size of the program and its associated files, users of computer systems with two 5 1/4" floppy disk drives can make satisfactory use of the program by following these guidelines. 1. Dual floppy users of TAPCIS will find that the program disk rapidly accumulates files that are necessary for program operation and for keeping track of your on-line activity. 2. Your TAPCIS disk includes several related files that must always be on the same disk as the TAPCIS.EXE program (which will usually reside in drive a:). Additional files will be created on this program disk that reflect the way you configure TAPCIS to interact with CompuServe and with the various forums you select. The monthly LOG file, which can become quite large for frequent CompuServe users, is also created and maintained on this program disk. 3. Dual floppy users should divert all data files (headers, messages, and all downloaded catalogs, programs and text files) to a formatted data disk in drive b:. This will reserve the program disk for the programs and files that TAPCIS needs to operate according to your own individual requirements. 4. Smooth, efficient use of TAPCIS on dual floppy systems requires a number of different data disks. Frequent disk file maintenance and normal vigilance can easily prevent disruptive "disk full" errors. With a bit of foresight and planning, some judicious disk-swapping and routine file maintenance, TAPCIS will perform admirably on a dual floppy computer system. NOTE: The "Shell to DOS" feature of TAPCIS is not available to dual floppy users. The TAPCIS program and its associated files will not fit on a disk that has been formatted to contain the PC or MS-DOS system files. This is the only feature of TAPCIS that dual floppy users must sacrifice due to the limited storage capacity of floppy disks. This also means that TAPCIS can only be "booted" from your program disk in drive a: when the disk operating system is already loaded into your computer (i.e., when your monitor displays the "A>" prompt). ======================================================================= TAPCIS 94 TAPCIS INITIALIZING TAPCIS ON A DUAL FLOPPY SYSTEM The following suggestions and examples are designed to help new users get the most out of TAPCIS using two floppy disk drives. New users are advised to follow these guidelines until they become familiar with TAPCIS. They will provide efficient disk files for long-term use or future modification. If, after learning the program, the following procedures do not conform to your needs, the flexibility of TAPCIS will permit numerous variations as you tailor TAPCIS and the allocation of disk space to your own personal needs and preferences. NOTE: You must have at least two 5 1/4" disk drives to use TAPCIS. Do not attempt to run the program on a single-drive computer system. Initializing TAPCIS on a dual floppy computer system is essentially the same as a hard disk with the following exceptions: 1. Begin by formatting 5 data disks. This will allow you to use TAPCIS for months to come without needing additional disks. Use the following "volume labels" for these disks if you wish: TAPCIS.PGM, TAPCIS DAT1, TAPCIS DAT2, TAPCIS LOG, and TAPCIS DOW. Consult your DOS manual under "format" for information on volume labels. They are a handy way to identify your data disks at a glance, and are highly recommended. 2. At the "A>" prompt, place your master TAPCIS disk (the disk you received from Support Group) in drive a: and the blank disk you just formatted as "TAPCIS PGM" in drive b:. Copy the entire contents of the master TAPCIS disk in drive a: onto your "TAPCIS PGM" disk in drive b: using [copy *.* b:/v]. 3. Remove your master TAPCIS disk from drive a: and store it in a safe place. The "TAPCIS PGM" disk in drive b: is now your working program disk. NOTE: TAPCIS is not copy protected, so you should never use your master disk in day-to-day operation. Always make your own working program disk as described above and save the master disk in pristine condition. When duplicating and using working copies of TAPCIS, please bear in mind the constraints of your licensing agreement and adhere to its terms. 4. Put your new "TAPCIS PGM" disk in drive a: and your blank, formatted "TAPCIS DAT1" disk in drive b:. This will be the normal arrangement of disks for your future sessions using TAPCIS. 5. Boot TAPCIS by typing [tapcis] at the "A>" prompt. Proceed to the arameters menu and set up your TAPCIS parameters as described in the "Software Installation" section of this manual. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 95 TAPCIS 6. In the parameters section of TAPCIS, specify "B:\" for your "<S>torage disk path" and "<D>ownload file path." This is critically important for dual floppy users because it diverts all of TAPCIS' data files to drive b:. 7. While in the parameters section, set the "<A>ppend/overwrite msg files" option to "Overwrite" to avoid "disk full" errors on a dual floppy system. 8. New users may wish to set the "<K>eep outbox file" option to "Always" to avoid inadvertently losing messages until they become acquainted with the program. NOTE: Your dual floppy system provides ample room on the data disk in drive b: for memory-resident programs (e.g., Sidekick). If you wish, copy these programs onto your data disks (TAPCIS DAT1 and TAPCIS DAT2) and add an AUTOEXEC.BAT file to your program disk that will load them automatically before booting TAPCIS. USING TAPCIS WITH FLOPPIES Accessing several CompuServe forums regularly and participating in message board or Easyplex correspondence can produce an overwhelming amount of data rather quickly. Because TAPCIS is designed to preserve data, dual floppy users need to perform periodic disk file maintenance. The following guidelines and cautions will help avoid "disk full" errors and help dual floppy users organize their CompuServe data to best advantage: 1. Before using TAPCIS to log in for a new CompuServe session, check your data disk in drive b: (TAPCIS DAT1) and eliminate any extraneous or outdated files. This can either be done from within TAPCIS using the "<K>ill a file" option or from DOS using DELete or ERAse, whichever you prefer. Don't worry about files with a .MSG extension -- they will be overwritten if you specified "Overwrite" on the parameters menu -- but delete any other old files before proceeding with your online TAPCIS session. 2. Ideally, your data disk will contain nothing but the current month's .SAV files from Easyplex and the various forums you access. NOTE: Dual floppy users are advised to copy these .SAVed files to separate archive disks periodically and begin anew on the TAPCIS data disk. They are stored in ASCII format and can be accessed and edited with TAPCIS, WordPerfect Text In/Out, and by other programs that deal with ASCII. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 96 TAPCIS 3. The "<Q>" option to quickly scan forum headers (specified on the "<F>orum" selection screen) is strongly recommended as opposed to the "<R>ead messages" option for dual floppy users. In fact, the "<Q>" option is one of TAPCIS' most valuable ways of reducing on-line time (and costs) for all users. If you are an active member of a forum and miss an important point because you didn't download and read everything, you can rest assured that another forum member will bring any oversights to your attention. 4. After "cleaning up" your TAPCIS DAT1 in drive b:, copy all the files onto TAPCIS DAT2 so that your files will be preserved in the event of a power outage or other problem. This is the purpose of TAPCIS DAT2 -- to serve as a backup data disk. 5. If you participate in a large number of forums and have not logged into CompuServe for four or five days, do not access all the forums at one time. Specify three or four of them at a time and divide your log-in sessions accordingly to avoid "disk full" errors on your data disk. 6. After a prolonged absence, you may also wish to log in to CompuServe using TAPCIS' "nteractive" mode and update your "high message number" (the last message you accessed). In any event, pay careful attention to the files on your data disks and delete or transfer outdated files that do not pertain to your immediate needs for TAPCIS. NOTE: All of the data files created by TAPCIS are in ASCII format. They can be accessed and edited using WordPerfect's Text In/Out function or with any other word processor or program that accepts this format. DOWNLOADING PROGRAMS AND TEXT FILES Downloading information from forum data libraries using TAPCIS involves three steps: (1) going online to search a data library for files of interest; (2) creating a catalog offline of files you wish to download; and (3) logging in again to automatically retrieve the selected files onto your computer's disk. These three steps are interrelated, and files that TAPCIS creates in the first two steps are needed to accomplish the final procedure. To avoid "disk full" errors, dual floppy users are advised to use the blank formatted TAPCIS DOW disk when downloading programs or text files. 1. Replace the TAPCIS DAT1 disk in drive b: with the TAPCIS DOW disk before initiating your "<D>ata Library search." ======================================================================= TAPCIS 97 TAPCIS 2. Leave that disk in drive b: during the "create <C>atalog" process of selecting files offline and during the actual download. All the necessary files, including the downloaded programs or text files themselves, will be written to this data disk. 3. The purpose of the TAPCIS DOW disk is to provide as much available storage space as possible. Carefully monitor the disk's contents and keep it as empty as possible by transferring downloaded information to other disks and deleting the files that TAPCIS creates to facilitate automated downloading. 4. When selecting files for a downloading session, be sure that the total of all programs and files does not exceed the available space on your TAPCIS DOW disk. 5. Replace the TAPCIS DOW disk with your TAPCIS DAT1 disk to resume normal interaction with CompuServe forums. NOTE: When downloading programs and text files in compressed (archived) format -- usually indicated by an .ARC extension to the filename -- you may find it helpful to have ARC-E.COM or a similar file decompression program on your TAPCIS DOW disk. KEEPING TRACK OF TIME & CHARGES If you selected "<L>og times" at the parameters menu, the <$> function will interact with TAPCIS to provide detailed information on your online activities and approximate costs. Every time you access CompuServe this information is appended to a monthly LOGmo-yr.CIS file that TAPCIS creates on your TAPCIS PGM disk in drive a:, and a new file is automatically created on the first day of every month. While this is an extremely useful feature, dual floppy users need to be aware that this LOG file can grow very rapidly and can even threaten the limits of program disk space. Because of the detailed breakdown of information stored in this file, its size and rate of growth is as much dependent upon the diversity of your CompuServe usage (i.e., how many forums and other services you access) as your actual online time. This is why you formatted the TAPCIS LOG data disk. Use this disk to store previous months' LOG files so that you will have a permanent record of your CompuServe usage. 1. On the first day of every month, copy the previous month's LOG file from your TAPCIS program disk onto the TAPCIS LOG data disk. Then delete it from the program disk. 2. Information from a previous month can subsequently be accessed using TAPCIS by putting the TAPCIS LOG disk in drive b:, pressing [$], and answering "<N>o" to the "ready to calculate" question (you will be prompted for a new month). ======================================================================= TAPCIS 98 TAPCIS 3. Since they are stored in ASCII format, your LOG files can also be accessed using WordPerfect's Text In/Out feature or with any other program using that format. If some or all of your CompuServe usage is business related, this will give you a detailed summary of your activities for tax reporting purposes. NOTE: If your computer does not have an automatic clock that maintains the correct date and time for DOS, make sure that these items are entered correctly at the appropriate DOS prompts when you boot your system. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 99 TAPCIS =================================== Appendix F =================================== TAPCIS Script Language ---------------------- The script language in TAPCIS is very primitive. It is sufficient for creating specialized login scripts for alternative networks like Telenet, Tymnet, LATA networks, and even foreign networks. You can have a user defined login script by putting an underscore <_> after the phone number, or use one of the supplied scripts for Telenet, Tymnet, and LATA networks. The script commands are as follows. Each is a single capital letter. Most commands are followed by a space which delimits the commands from the parameter. P n Pause for n seconds, where n = 1 through 9 S text Send "text" of any length. Most commands on most services must be followed by an <enter>. In these cases end the "S " command with caret-M <^> <M>. The caret key can be combined with any alphabetic key to duplicate a control code. For example, ^C is ctrl-C. W x Wait for a single character "x" before continuing. W xxxx Wait for a four character sequence "xxxx" before continuing. Use a full four characters. Using 2-3 may cause the script to fail. X Do a B-protocol transfer. This goes in the script at the point where CompuServe is to begin the transfer. This is after the CompuServe prompt "Filename for your computer:". If you are going to write your own scripts, you should look at supplied scripts as an example of how to put one together. Scripts must be in DOS TEXT format. Here is a simple script for login through a CompuServe node. Do not include comments in your script. P 7 Wait for seven seconds S ^M Send a carriage return W : Wait for "Host name: " S CIS^M Send "CIS" and a carriage return W ERVE Wait for "WELCOME TO COMPUSERVE" The next prompt is "User ID:" so end the script here and TAPCIS will pick up and login ======================================================================= TAPCIS 100 TAPCIS Here is a simple script which uploads a file to a DL. You should use caution when writing and testing such scripts! S DL 1^M W ! S UPL MYFILE.WP/TYP:BIN/PROTO:B^M W : S C:\UPL\MYFILE.WP^M X W : S This is MY WordPerfect file demonstrating some of the formatting^M S techniques I use for our letters. WP 4.2 format.^M S ^M W : S WP 4.2 LETTERS FORMATTING TRICKS^M W ? S Y^M W ! S T^M As you can see the upload script is really just a sequence of send a command and wait for the next prompt. You can invoke such a script from within a forum by pressing <PgUp> followed by the name of the file. Your script file must have a file extension .SCR. The WPSG used scripts combined with a Library Notebook and WP macros to upload all its files to the CompuServe DLs. DATAPAC Sample Script --------------------- The following is a sample script that some people have found effective through the DataPac network in Canada. You may need to make some minor modifications before you put this script in TAPCIS.SCR. Remember to put the underscore <_> after the DataPac phone number on the parameters screen. P 12 S .^M P 1 S P29400138^M W ame: S CPS^M ======================================================================= TAPCIS 101 TAPCIS =================================== Appendix G =================================== ARC Format Files in the CompuServe data libraries are often in "ARC" format. Such files are typically indicated by the file extension .ARC as in MYMACS.ARC. A file in ARC (archive) format is compressed to save you transmission time and money. A single ARC file may contain hundreds of files or a single file. Before you can use the files inside an archive, you must "unARC" the files. This simply means that you run a program which takes the .ARC file, extracts the individual files stored inside, and decompresses them. The resulting files are stored on your disk, ready to use. The "unARC" process also checks each file to make sure it is unARCed accurately. If the file cannot be extracted, you'll be told so. You may need to redownload such files. Two unARC utilities are supported on the most forums: PKXARC and ARC- E. Both take a standard ARC file and extract the individual files. PKXARC is a little faster and can handle more formats at this time. It does ask for payment to the author of $20. ARC-E is free for non- commercial use. The PKXARC.EXE file and the ARC-E.COM file can be downloaded from the WPSG Forum DL 9 as well as from many other forums around CompuServe. Both programs have a simple syntax. For example to extract all the files from the archive MYMACS.ARC into the current directory one would type: PKXARC MYMACS or ARC-E MYMACS The companion programs to create archives are PKARC and ARC-A. These are also found in most forum DL's. You should always archive files before contributing them to the DLs. You'll also find that word processing files sent without ARCing can get "garbage" added to the end which has to be manually deleted. ARCing eliminates such problems. If you have any questions about archives or archiving, feel free to ask a question. ======================================================================= TAPCIS 102 TAPCIS =================================== Appendix H =================================== Order Form ---------- Name ____________________________________________________________ Company ____________________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________________ City _________________________________ State ___________________ Zip _________________________ Country _________________________ Phone ____________________________ CompuServe ID ________________ Forums ____________________________________________________________ PAYMENT METHOD: ___ Check enclosed (US Funds): $ ___ Bill company (enclose purchase order) ___ Charge VISA / MasterCard (no AmEx) Card # ____________________________________ Expires ___________ Signature ______________________________________________________ Call 1-800-USA-GROUP (or 301/889-7893) to order by MasterCard or Visa or send your payment or purchase order to the address above (MD residents add 5% tax). Diskettes are in IBM PC compatible 5.25" format unless otherwise specified. Prices are in U.S. dollars and include U.S. Surface shipping. 90-day return option. Foreign orders: payment must be by credit card, international money order in U.S. dollars, or by check in U.S. dollars drawn on a U.S. BANK! We cannot accept purchase orders from outside the U.S. Payment must also include $15 shipping for airmail delivery. __ TAPCIS CompuServe program for IBM PC, Free IntroPak with User ID, password, $15 usage credit. Price $79 __ Outside the U.S. and Canada, add $15 for Airmail shipping Mail to: TAPCIS Order, Support Group Inc., P.O. Box 1577 Baltimore, MD 21203, Orders: 1-800-USA-GROUP ======================================================================= TAPCIS 103 TAPCIS =================================== Index =================================== .SND File 71 (X) after the recipient's name 66, 68 /ex 72 /split 72 ^H 54 <$> function 27, 86 <A>ddress 67 <A>ppend/overwrite msg files 96 <D>OW 79 <E>dit 79 <E>dit option 71 <F3-Help> 64 nitialize modem 92 nteractive 34, 54, 79, 82 <K>eep outbox file 96 <K>ill 28, 57 <L>og times 98 <N>ew 61 <N>ext key 73 <O>nline 41 arameters Screen 77 <S>ave 57 <S>torage disk path 96 <T>o Address 65 se Address 65 <W>rite 44, 68 <X> option 71 90-day satisfaction guarantee 9 Abort 22 ^D 82 Discard 69 Accounting record 20 Active messages 59 Active section list 51 Address book 16, 44, 67 Address Screen 39 Addresses 45 Advanced commands 20, 68, 84 Alt-X 50 ======================================================================= TAPCIS 104 TAPCIS Append 28 Appended 66 ARC format 76, 81, 102 Archive 102 compatible 81 Archiving File integrity 81 ASCII files 46, 48 ASCII format 99 Asterisks 52, 55, 67 ATDT 23, 92 Attributes 69 Auto reformatting 69 Auto-membership 50 Autopilot 53, 54, 58 Billing 31 Binary file 38, 46, 47, 76 /binary 76 format 46 Binary format 46 Block commands 40 BROwse 77 Bulletin Short 63 By Search Words Message Navigation 65 Cancel 67 <esc> 73 Discard 72 F1 22 Search 73 Capture 35 <PgDn> 82 Captured messages 19 Carrier 93 Remote 93 Catalog 20, 75, 76, 97 Commands 77 Create 74 Data Library files 20 Updating 75 Catalogs 94 Change reply to a different forum 65 Charges graph 86 CheckFree 29 CISSTATS.COM (see <$>) 27 Clear all F10 52 CO mode 83 /HANdle 83 ======================================================================= TAPCIS 105 TAPCIS /HELP 83 Codes Extended result 93 Verbal response 93 Colors 27 COM: port 23 Change 23 Select 23 Command <E>dit 66 <O>nline 71 Del 66 Commands CO 83 Offline 22 Online 22 Script 100 Commercial users 11 Composing 73 CompuServe CS 87 Rates 89 CompuServe Forums 88 CompuServe Information Service 13 CompuServe parameters 18 Conference 64, 83 CO 14 Configure 94 Connect charges 79 Connect time 42 Billed 89 Control characters 92 Convert 73 Counter file transfer 78 High message 54 CPS indicator 78 CRC 78 Creating directories 20 Cursor movement 39 Daily usage graph 17 Data files 97 Data Libraries 74, 75, 97, 102 Files 14 Utilities 14 Datapac 101 DPC 87 Date 76 Default option 70 Default printer 67 Default rates 86 Defaults 36 ======================================================================= TAPCIS 106 TAPCIS Definition Forum 54 Delete message 66 Delivery delay 48 Description 76, 80 Dial Manually 92 Dialing string 93 Directories Creating 20 Directory subdirectory 21 Discard 70 Disclaimer 11 Disk file Maintenance 94 Disk full 94 Errors 21, 96 Distribution Files 18 DL action Down Triangle 75 DL Search command 74 DOS TEXT format 100 File 73 Double-headed up and down arrow 71 Down triangle 75 Download 58 efficiency 78 File path 27 Interrupted 79 speed 78 Tips 78 Download path directory 78 Downloaded headers 20 Downloading 14, 74, 97 Marking the file 79 Script 76 Downloads 56 Dual floppy 94 Dynamics Forum 58 EasyPlex 38, 56, 68, 71 Electronic mail service 14 File Transfer 46 EDIT 54, 72 Editing 68 Editing commands 39 Editing keys Alt-F3 69 Editor 39, 65, 69 EDIT 54 SED 54 ======================================================================= TAPCIS 107 TAPCIS Editor screen 43, 69 Elapsed time online 78 Electronic mail 38 Email 71 Erases the current line ^Y 83 Error checking 82 Error messages Disk full error 21 Insufficient memory 21 write error 21 Error-free Downloading 74 Errors Disk Full 96 Exclamation mark 58, 63 Executive Option 31 Exit 67 <F7-Exit> 28 F7 22 Extension .SCR Scripts 83 F10-Save 66 F3-Help 64 Fail report 24 Features 15 File <K>eep outbox 96 Date 76 Decompression program 98 Formatted 73 LOG 98 Maintenance 94 Mark 77 Monthly log 94 Send 71 Size 76, 79 Transfer 78 Transfer box 80 File Transfer EasyPlex 46 File transfer box 80 Filename 76 Files 19, 74 <A>ppend/overwrite 96 Archive 81 Data 97 Listing 74 Mark 75 Multiple 81 FIND FORUMS 51 Floppy Installation 94 ======================================================================= TAPCIS 108 TAPCIS Format 95 DOS TEXT 100 Formatted File 73 Formfeed 67 Forum 13 Definitions 62 list 88 Forum number 71 Forum select screen 52 Forums 22, 50 R 59 Function key 70 GO BILLING 86 Hardware 9 Hayes compatible 92 Header 43 Fake 63 Header marking 57 Headers 56 Mark 58 Marked 56 Quick Scan 63 Help 22 F3 17 Help Files 18 High message number 62, 97 High Msg Read 54 Import 73 Indicator 58 Forum status 58 Initial Parameters 29 Installation 95 Floppy 94 Integral time and charges log 17 Interactive 74 Keyboard 82 Interactive mode 64, 82 IntroPak 9, 26, 29 Join 53 Joining a Forum Alt-X 50 Keyword searches 16 Keywords 74, 76, 80 ======================================================================= TAPCIS 109 TAPCIS LATA 19, 100 LAT 87 License 11 Limit 24 characters 69 Line noise 54 LOG file 98 Log Times 86 Login 52, 86 Logoff 58, 78 Logon 37 M-Forums 61 Main menu 71, 82 screen 21 Manual access 17 Manually Dial 92 Mark Headers 58 Marking 60 Marking headers 57 Marking the file 79 Maximum message length 2000 characters 72 30 lines 72 Membership Directory 28 Menu 70 Parameters 23 Message /split 72 Edit 72 Reset 85 Thread 14 Upload 72 Message editor 65 Message headers 56 Message Navigation 64 By Message 64 By Session 64 By Thread 64 Message Reading Commands 64 Message scrolls 59 Message size limit 72 Message threads 20 Messages 13, 58 Append 28 New 84 Overwrite 28 Pending 63, 72 Read 85 ======================================================================= TAPCIS 110 TAPCIS Subjects 69 Truncated 72 Unformatted 70 Writing 68 Messages subjects 69 MNP active 93 Modem Commands 92 Dial 92 Initialize 23 Reset 92 Modems 23 Monitor Colors 27 Monthly LOG file 94 MSGVU 63 Multi-part reply 72 Multiple addresses 38, 45 Multiple sessions 63 Navigation 85 Network 25 Network connection 87 Network numbers 87 Network surcharges 79 Offline 97 Offline commands 22, 74 OMNI Information Resources, Inc. 11 Online 84 Activity 71 Script 84 Online Address Book 48 Online commands 22 Online report 24 ONLINE TODAY Magazine 32 Option <1-Save> 73 OPtions 53 Overwrite 28 Overwrite parameter 63 Packets 78 Parameter Overwrite 63 Parameter settings 34, 53 Parameters Menu 23 Recheck 29 Screen 23 ======================================================================= TAPCIS 111 TAPCIS Section 96 Setting 23 Parameters menu 26 Password 26, 29, 34 Path Directory 73 Drive 73 Pause 100 Pending messages 63 Phone number List 87 Phone Numbers 87 PICTURE ADDF1.PIC 52 ADDMAIN1.PIC 52 ADDSEC1.PIC 51 ADVMENU1.PIC 84 CAT1.PIC 76 CI$1.PIC 86 CO1.PIC 83 DLD1.PIC 75 DMAIN1.PIC 75 DOW1.PIC 77 EASYF.PIC 38 EASYMLT.PIC 46 EASYN1.PIC 42 EASYO1.PIC 41 EASYR1.PIC 43 EASYW1.PIC 39 EASYW2.PIC 40 EDSEC1.PIC 62 EPXBIN1.PIC 47 ESND1.PIC 71 FORUMW1.PIC 69 FORUMW2.PIC 69 I1.PIC 82 INTROI.PIC 34 INTROI2.PIC 35 MAINMENU.PIC 21 MARK1.PIC 56 MARK2.PIC 58 MSG0.PIC 63 PARAMS1.PIC 23 PARAMS2.PIC 29 QFORUMDI.PIC 55 QGET1.PIC 56 REPLY1.PIC 44 RFORUMDI.PIC 60 RHELP1.PIC 64 SAVED1.PIC 43 Print Message 67 Print this message 67 Private messages 15, 66 ======================================================================= TAPCIS 112 TAPCIS Program files 18 Prompt character 54 ^H 54 Protocol transfers 74 Public sections 62 Pulse dialing 92 Q-Forum 55, 69 QS;N 58 Quick B Protocol 78 Quick B-protocol 17 Quick Scan 52, 55, 63 Rates 86, 89 Read by the recipient (X) 68 Reading Messages 63 Reading mode Marked messages 51 Quick scan 51 Read all threads 51 Reformat 69 Remote carrier 93 Replies 55, 57, 58 List 55 Reply 65 Different forum 65 Multi-part 72 New section 65 New subject 65 This message 65 TO: address 65 Reply to TO: address 65 Reply with a new subject/section 65 Reset modem 24 Retrieving 73 Retrieving Text 73 Return receipt 15 Return Receipts 38 Save this message 66 Saved message file 19 Scanned Catalog files 75 Screen arameters 86 Script Downloading 76 Extension .SCR 83 Upload 101 Script commands 100 ======================================================================= TAPCIS 113 TAPCIS Script files 18 Script language 100 Scripts 83, 100 Scrolls 59 Search 73 Address book 45 Cancel 73 Search Another File 73 Searches 75 Section 62 Section box 51 Section list 62 Sections 14, 54, 60, 64 Public 62 Turning off 60 SED 54 Send 70 Privately 70 Send "text" 100 Send menu 40 Send options 70 Serial ports 23 Service Agreement 29 Sessions Multiple 63 Set-up 9 M-forum 61 R-forum 60 Setting Parameters 23 Shell to DOS 67, 94 Shelling to DOS 17 Short bulletin 63 Sign-on 29, 35 Session 30 Sign-on Procedure 34 Single-drive 95 Size File 76 Skip 57 Skip forward/backward Message 16 Thread 16 Software Installation hard drive 18 Split-screen text editor 16 Standard time 86 Status line 43, 64 Stop Mode 53 Storage 98 Storage capacity 94 Storage directory 48 Storage disk path 27, 47 SU option 54 Subdirectory 73 ======================================================================= TAPCIS 114 TAPCIS Subscriber Directory 33 Subtopics 54, 64 Support Group, Inc. 9 Surcharge 41 Surcharges Product 89 TAPCIS directory 19 Telenet 19, 25, 100 TEL 87 Telephone numbers 24 Terminal mode 82, 83 Text In/Out 99 Thread 57 Threads 72 Toll charge 87 TOP 82 Top box 84 Top window 73 Tracking message threads 55 Transmit 41 Triangle 77 Truncated 72 Tymnet 19, 25, 100 TYM 87 UnARC utilities ARC-E 102 PKXARC 102 Unformatted Messages 70 Unmark Selection 57 Upload <PgUp> 82 ASCII file 82 Message 72 Upload script 101 Uploading 14, 79 Tips 81 US Robotics Courier 93 Usage reports 20 Usage statistics 86 Use Menus 55 User ID 44 User ID's 58 User identification number PPN 26 UST 58 Vadic CompuServe numbers ======================================================================= TAPCIS 115 TAPCIS CSV 87 Volume labels 95 Wait for a four character sequence 100 Wait for a single character "x" 100 Wildcard 74 Window 83 WordStar 16, 40 Writing Messages 68 ======================================================================= TAPCIS 116 TAPCIS