Stars of Shareware: DFÜ und Kommunikation

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COM-AND Scripted BBS ------------------------------------------ COM-AND Scripted BBS Script based Bulletin Board for the IBM PC ------------------------------------------ COM-AND, and the BBS script-set (BBS, BBMAINT, et al) are copy- right 1992 by CABER Software. COM-AND is distributed freely and may be copied by anyone for any number of machines, for purposes of evaluation. The author offers COM-AND and its accessory programs as a package, as "shareware". If you USE the program after evaluating it, you MUST pay for it. The complete user license and registration information is to be found in the file REGISTER.DOC. Limitations on redistribution of COM-AND are set out in the file VENDOR.DOC. These two files are included with the COM-AND program release. CABER Software R. (Scott) McGinnis P.O. Box 3607 Mdse Mart Chicago, IL 60654-0607 GEnie, Delphi: TARTAN CIS .......... 73147,2665 Internet ..... 73147.2665@compuserve.com Version 1.2: 921012 COM-AND Scripted BBS Table of Contents ----------------- I. Introduction .............................................. page 1 A. What is COM-AND? ........................................ page 1 B. The BBS script .......................................... page 1 II. Installing the BBS ......................................... page 2 A. Create a subdirectory \BBS .............................. page 2 B. Load BBSETUP ............................................ page 2 C. Use BBSETUP ............................................. page 3 D. Exit BBSETUP and load BBMAINT ........................... page 4 E. Execute BBS ............................................. page 5 III. Logon ...................................................... page 6 IV. Bulletins .................................................. page 7 V. Mail ....................................................... page 8 VI. Files (Upload and Download) ................................ page 9 VII. Chat mode .................................................. page 11 VIII. Privileged commands ........................................ page 12 IX. Menu tree .................................................. page 13 A. Connect ................................................. page 13 B. Logon ................................................... page 13 C. Main Menu ............................................... page 13 D. Privileged .............................................. page 16 E. Registration ............................................ page 16 X. BBS-Log .................................................... page 17 XI. Program Requirements ....................................... page 18 XII. Program and Author Information ............................ page 19 XIII. Support EtCetera BBS........................................ page 20 Version 1.2: 921012 COM-AND Scripted BBS Appendices ---------- A. Required and optional files ................................ page 21 1. Required files in subdirectory \BBS ..................... page 21 2. Optional files in subdirectory \BBS ..................... page 21 3. Optional files in subdirectory \BBS\Bulletin ............ page 21 4. Optional files in subdirectory \BBS\Mail ................ page 21 5. Optional files in subdirectory \BBS\FILE ................ page 21 B. File structures ............................................ page 22 1. \BBS\BBS-USER ........................................... page 22 2. \BBS\Bulletin\BBS-BULL .................................. page 22 3. \BBS\Mail\BBS-MAIL ...................................... page 22 4. \BBS\FILE\BBS-FILE ...................................... page 22 C. Maintenance ................................................ page 23 1. Registrations ........................................... page 23 2. Mail .................................................... page 23 3. Bulletins ............................................... page 23 4. Files ................................................... page 23 D. Modem configuration ........................................ page 24 1. DTR ..................................................... page 24 2. CD ...................................................... page 24 3. Modem ESCAPE ............................................ page 25 4. Hangup .................................................. page 25 5. Modem Init .............................................. page 25 6. Other settings .......................................... page 25 E. Sample files ............................................... page 26 1. BBS-USER ................................................ page 26 2. BBS-BULL ................................................ page 26 3. BBS-MAIL ................................................ page 26 4. BBS-FILE ................................................ page 26 Version 1.2: 921012 COM-AND Scripted BBS Page 1 I. Introduction A. What is COM-AND? COM-AND for the IBM PC and compatibles is a communications program for use by itself, or for use with several integrated accessory programs (which themselves may be used independently of COM-AND). COM-AND provides standard comm program functions: a dialing directory, macros, disk logging, binary and ASCII file transfers, scripted execution and so on. B. The BBS script This document details the BBS script provided with each version of COM-AND. The BBS script supports o modem capable of autoanswer o Reliable use whether the modem reports true CD or no o Access by ID and password .. SYSOP assigns ID and passwords to grant access .. two privilege levels .. time limited access for non-privileged IDs .. the BBS supports a 'registration' function which could automatically post a new ID/password, but does not now o Comments to SYSOP from callers o SYSOP posted bulletins o Public and private mail o File upload and download .. WXMODEM, XMODEM, YMODEM, ZMODEM, and KERMIT .. Uploads are not included in time limit computation o SYSOP-to-caller chat mode (initiated by SYSOP) The BBS script is interpreted by COM-AND. Therefore, it is not as fast as a compiled program. However, the speed of the COM-AND in- terpretor is sufficient for this application on most modern PCs. The BBS script does not intend to provide a full fledged Bulletin Board host. It has been, and is now a work in progress. Comments and suggestions are welcomed. Version 1.2: 921012 COM-AND Scripted BBS Page 2 II. Installation Included with the BBS script are two utility scripts, one for BBS setup and one for BBS file maintenance. The BBSETUP script should be run BEFORE BBS is loaded, of course. However, we suggest you create a subdirectory for the BBS on disk first. The BBS script (as well as BBSETUP and BBMAINT) default to the sub- directory \BBS for the main BBS subdirectory. The default name for the main subdirectory may be overridden through BBSETUP. A. Create a subdirectory \BBS From the DOS prompt, from the drive you wish to use for BBS, type: "d>" MD \BBS As noted above, ANY name may be used for the main subdirectory. [In the following discussion \BBS represents the main subdirec- tory, whatever it may be named.] The "d>" above represents the DOS prompt. Copy the BBS script(s), BBSETUP, BBMAINT, BBMAINT1, BBMAINT2, BBMAINT3, and BBMAINT4 to this subdirectory: "d>" COPY BB*.* \BBS\*.* B. Load BBSETUP At this point, load COM-AND and invoke BBSETUP from the new sub- directory. For example, from the DOS prompt: "d>" COM-AND /f\BBS\BBSETUP loads COM-AND and invokes BBSETUP from the \BBS subdirectory. It is important you execute BBSETUP FROM the BBS main subdirec- tory the first time, as BBSETUP creates a parametrization file for BBS best residing on that subdirectory. The file BBSETUP creates is named BBSDAT. BBSDAT is placed by BBSETUP: 1) If BBSDAT does not exist on the default subdirectory, on the subdirectory indicated by the COM-AND= environment variable, OR on the subdirectory from which BBSETUP executes, it is created on the subdirectory from which BBSETUP was executed. 2) If BBSDAT exists in any of the above mentioned three places, preference in the order given, it is overwritten there. Version 1.2: 921012 COM-AND Scripted BBS Page 3 II. Installation (continued) C. Use BBSETUP to identify values for use by the BBS From BBSETUP's main menu, select the items in numeric order. 1) Identify subdirectories used by BBS; Do this 1st! a) Identify BBS main subdir; Regardless of the subdirectory from which BBSETUP executes, the first time BBSETUP is used, it shows: \BBS. Change this value as needed. b) Identify BBS Files subdir; This defaults to \BBS\FILES. It may be placed anywhere. [It need not be related to the main main subdirectory, or even on the same disk!] The subdirec- tory may not even exist... it may be created (below). c) Identify BBS Mail subdir; This defaults to \BBS\MAIL. See notes to 1)b above. d) Identify BBS Bulletins subdir; Default is to \BBS\BULLETIN. See notes to 1)b above. 2) Create BBS subdirectories and files; Do this 2nd! Once the above subdirectories have been identified, select this item from the BBSETUP main menu. If any of the subdirectories identified in the first step do not exist, they are listed, and you are asked if they are to be created. 3) Identify modem values Finally... a) Identify modem port; The default value is the default for COM-AND. You may wish to change this for the BBS. Whatever port you indicate here becomes the BBS's communication port. b) Identify modem speed; The default value is the default for COM-AND. You may wish to change this for the BBS. This is the speed set by the BBS when waiting for a call. c) Identify modem control string; The default value for this is appropriate for most Hayes compatible modems. It may need modification for some modems; if so, refer to the modem's documentation. Version 1.2: 921012 COM-AND Scripted BBS Page 4 II. Installation (continued) D. Exit BBSETUP and load BBMAINT ESC or successive carriage returns exits BBSETUP. Once back in COM-AND, invoke BBMAINT through the F2 key. In the script prompt window, for example, type: \BBS\BBMAINT [Execute BBMAINT from the main subdirectory for the BBS.] The BBMAINT script is used to maintain (and create) the control files used by BBS. The only file you MUST be alter before BBS is used the first time is the User file. There must be at least ONE user ID for logon! The BBMAINT script performs the following functions: 1) Update BBS User file a) Add an ID b) Delete an ID c) Modify an ID's values d) Print User list e) View list of IDs 2) Update BBS File directory a) Add a file to the up/download list [NOTE: The file being listed should reside on the Bulletin subdirectory before it is added. It does not HAVE to exist there, but it should.] b) Delete a file from the list c) Modify a file's listing d) Print a file list e) View the file list 3) Update BBS Mail listing a) Clean up mail directory b) Delete notes older than ... c) Read notes newer than... d) Post a new note Version 1.2: 921012 COM-AND Scripted BBS Page 5 II. Installation (continued) D. Exit BBSETUP and load BBMAINT (continued) 4) Update BBS Bulletin listing a) Add a bulletin to the list. [NOTE: The file containing the bulletin should reside on the Bulletin subdirectory before it is added. It does not HAVE to exist, but it should.] b) Delete a bulletin from the list c) Modify a bulletin's listing d) Print a bulletin list e) View the bulletin list E. Execute BBS Two BBS script files are included in each release. The script BBS.SRC is commented source for the BBS. The file BBS.CMD is a stripped script; it contains no comments and is not very readable. BBS.CMD is the script you execute. Stripped, it executes much faster than BBS.SRC. BBS.SRC is provided for the intrepid who wish to modify the BBS. For example, in COM-AND, from the F2 script prompt window, type: \BBS\BBS [COM-AND does not recognize BBS.SRC as a script unless the ".SRC" extension is explicit.] Again, execute the BBS from the BBS main subdirectory, to allow BBS to find the BBSDAT file created by BBSETUP. Having loaded BBS, we suggest you then call in from another PC and test the setup. Should the use of BBS become a habit (horrors!), a simple batch file may be used to invoke it from the DOS prompt: COM-AND /q/f\BBS\BBS [The /q inhibits COM-AND's automatic execution of COM-AND.CMD, if one exists. COM-AND.CMD's pausing for entry (some do, some don't) are difficult to use in batch mode.] Version 1.2: 921012 COM-AND Scripted BBS Page 6 III. Logon Callers to this BBS must be identified through and ID and password in the BBS-User file. You add and delete IDs and passwords through the BBMAINT script. New callers may 'register'... their name, address, telephone and requested ID/password are logged to the BBS-NOTE file (created by BBS in the main subdirectory when comments are posted) for review. Two privilege levels are supported at this time. Non-privileged callers are granted 60 minutes of connect time per call. Privileged users are granted unlimited connect. Note: non-privileged users may call back. The BBS does not record time used across a day. A non-privileged user has the ability to upload files (to the BBS files subdirectory) and download files (from the BBS files subdirec- tory). A non-privileged user may read bulletins not marked 'privi- leged', may read mail addressed to themselves or ALL, and may write mail to any ID. A privileged user has the ability to upload files to any legitimate subdirectory and download files from any legitimate subdirectory. A privileged user may read any posted bulletins, may read mail address any ID, and may write mail to any ID. In addition, the privileged user has access to a 'Privileged' menu of functions (from the main menu). The menu provides: o Listing of files on any subdirectory o Changing the default subdirectory (temporarily... this change only holds during the 'Privileged' menu) o Listing the subdirectory tree from any disk (using the TREED utility, public domain, not supplied with this script) o Shell to DOS on the host machine and execute single DOS command lines (BE VERY CAREFUL - this can be fatal to BBS!) Version 1.2: 921012 COM-AND Scripted BBS Page 7 IV. Bulletins Bulletins are files displayed to the caller on request from the B)ulletin menu of BBS. Bulletins are identified to the BBS through the BBS-BULL file on the BBS Bulletins subdirectory. This file is maintained through Add/Delete/Modify bulletin functions of BBMAINT. [Note: A bulletin file should exist on the Bulletins subdirectory BEFORE it is added by BBMAINT. If a bulletin file is listed but does not exist, it does not appear in the listing given the caller.] The B)ulletin submenu supports the following user commands: o L)ist List available bulletins o # Read a specific bulletin The list of available bulletins is taken from the file BBS-BULL. Comments in the file are not printed for the caller to see. Bull- etin numbers may be arbitrarily assigned (and may even be alpha!). Individual bulletins may be restricted to privileged callers only. The caller selects a bulletin number to view from the list supplied. The bulletin is transferred using an ASCII send function: control- S and control-Q may be used to suspend the transfer. Version 1.2: 921012 COM-AND Scripted BBS Page 8 V. Mail Letters are files displayed to the caller on request from the M)ail menu of BBS. Mail files identified to the BBS through the BBS-MAIL file on the BBS Mail subdirectory. This file is maintained through Cleanup/Delete-old functions of BBMAINT. The M)ail submenu supports the following user commands: o S)can Scan postings for mail 'to' the caller o L)ist List mail (to,from,date,subject) o N)ew Read new mail (to caller, and public posts) o A)ll Read all mail (to caller, and public posts) o W)rite Write a message (public or private) The list of pending mail is taken from the file BBS-MAIL. Comments in the file are not printed for the caller to see. Mail is only readable sequentially (at this time). Mail is marked 'private' to receiver when it is created (unless it is posted to the ID ALL). The BBMAINT script provides two maintenance functions for mail. o Cleanup: The clean function reconciles the BBS-Mail listing against mail files actually existing. Regular use of this service speeds user access to mail. o Delete: The delete function deletes letters older than a given age (prompted). It performs a cleanup function at the same time. [NOTE: the age of retained letters is limited to the start of the year before the current year.] o Read: You may read posted notes (as sysop, you may read ALL posted notes), and reply them while you read them. When you select 'reply' while reading a note, COM-AND's internal editor is invoked to prepare the new text. o Post: The may post a new note at any time. COM-AND's internal editor is invoked to prepare the new text. Version 1.2: 921012 COM-AND Scripted BBS Page 9 VI. Files (Upload and Download) "Files" in this context are files displayed to the caller on request from the F)iles menu of BBS. Files are identified to the BBS through the BBS-FILE file on the BBS Files subdirectory. BBS-File is main- tained through Add/Delete/Modify bulletin functions of BBMAINT, and is also updated by the BBS script upon successful upload. [Note: A file should exist on the Files subdirectory BEFORE it is added by BBMAINT. If a file is listed but does not exist, it does not appear in the listing given the caller. See also note below.] The F)iles submenu supports the following user commands: o L)ist List available files o S)earch Search the file list for a substring o U)pload Upload a file (to the board) o D)ownload Download a file (from the board) Files may be uploaded and downloaded from this script using: o WXMODEM (Windowed XMODEM) o XMODEM (CRC or checksum) o YMODEM (XMODEM 1-K, CRC or checksum) o ZMODEM o KERMIT (Windowed or plain) Non-privileged callers are not allowed to upload files duplicating files on the \BBS\Files subdirectory. Non-privileged callers are limited to downloading files (1) listed in BBS-File and (2) from the Files subdirectory (not necessarily just those listed by the L)ist display, but the caller must know the file is there). Privileged callers may upload/download to/from any accessible disc device and subdirectory, by specifically qualifying the file name. Uploads are added at the end of the BBS-FILE file with a caller sup- plied description, UNLESS the caller is privileged, AND the upload is performed to a specific path. When a file is uploaded to a spec- ific subdirectory, no BBS-FILE entry is made. Version 1.2: 921012 COM-AND Scripted BBS Page 10 VI. Files (continued) Files listed through BBS-FILE may actually reside on any path or drive. By default, a file must exist on the \BBS\FILES subdirec- tory. However, if the description field of a BBS-File record begins with ^A (control-a, not caret/letter-a), and if a second ^A is found after it, the information in-between is used for pathing the file specified. In this manner, files listed in BBS-File may point to from ANY drive or subdirectory. For example, the description: xc:\prodxThis is a file description where 'x' on the screen is a 'happy face' (^A is represented as a happy face on IBM PC compatible monitors) directs BBS to search for the file on the "C:\PROD" drive and subdirectory. The pathing does NOT show to a caller of the BBS - the remainder of the description (following the second ^A) is what is displayed. When adding a file to BBS-FILE through BBMAINT, BBMAINT informs you the file does not exist, and queries if it is to be added. When a file that BBMAINT cannot 'see' is added to BBS-FILE, its date and size are set to "******". When BBS sees the "*****"s, it replaces the fields with the file's actual date and size. In this manner a file may be listed in BBS-FILE through BBMAINT and THEN copied to the \BBS\FILES subdirectory. [However, it is recommended the file be copied there first, as a policy.] Version 1.2: 921012 COM-AND Scripted BBS Page 11 VII. Chat with SYSOP The A)larm command at the main prompt sounds a tune on the local console's speaker. If the SYSOP wishes to respond the SYSOP may interrupt the caller (whether the ALARM has been used or no) with the ESCape key. Pressing the ESCape key during the script's operation interrupts the script; however, the caller is not disconnected immediately. The SYSOP may choose to terminate the script (in which case a HANGUP is performed). The SYSOP may alternately choose to CHAT with the caller. When the SYSOP selects CHAT, the caller is informed of operator in- tervention. The SYSOP is prompted for a line of text (blank lines entered by the SYSOP result in a query: "Continue" and are the means for termination of the CHAT). When the SYSOP presses CR, any text is sent to the caller and the caller is prompted for text. The chat continues back and forth, one line at a time, until the caller disconnects or the SYSOP terminates the chat. At this time, time spent in CHAT is not added back to the caller's total time alotment. Version 1.2: 921012 COM-AND Scripted BBS Page 12 VIII. Privileged access Users flagged in the BBS-User file with privileged access are provided an additional main menu subcommand ("P"). The "Privilege" command gives access to a submenu with the commands: o L)ist performs a DIR on the current subdirectory o S)ubdir changes the current drive:subdirectory; This holds only for the duration of the "Privilege" menu. o P)ath provides a graphics display of the tree structure of the current default disk (This requires the public domain utility TREED.COM) o D)os performs a DOS command; BE WARY OF THIS FUNCTION! A DOS command not returning immediately, such as, say, 123, may halt the BBS. Redirection is used to display the results of the DOS command. Version 1.2: 921012 COM-AND Scripted BBS Page 13 IX. Menu Tree A. Connect The Flying Scotsman greets you! The connect text, above, is issued if the file 'BBS-Welc' is not found on the \BBS subdirectory. If BBS-Welc is available, it is transmitted instead (as an ASCII file). B. Logon Enter your ID (or enter GUEST): Enter your password: The logon prompt, above, is issued after the connect welcome. If the response to the logon prompt is "GUEST", the caller is shunted to "REGISTRATION" below (after which the caller is disconnected). Any non-null response BUT "GUEST" to the logon prompt results in a password prompt. The password response, too, must be non-null. A failed ID/Password pair is retried 3 times. C. Main menu C)omment, B)ulletins, M)ail, F)iles, A)larm or E)xit: The main menu text, above, is issued to a non-privileged caller if the file 'BBS-NpMn' is not found on the \BBS subdirectory. If BBS-NpMn is available, it is transmitted instead. P)rivileged, C)omment, B)ulletins, M)ail, F)iles, A)larm or E)xit: The main menu text, above, is issued to a privileged caller if the file 'BBS-PrMn' is not found on the \BBS subdirectory. If BBS-PrMn is available, it is transmitted instead. Version 1.2: 921012 COM-AND Scripted BBS Page 14 IX. Menu Tree C. Main menu (continued) 1. Comment Do you wish to leave a comment? (Y/N, cr=n): The comment prompt, above, is issued if the file 'BBS-NoMe' is not found on the \BBS subdirectory. If BBS-NoMe is available, it is transmitted instead. If the response is "y", the fol- lowing queries are issued: Each line, as you enter it is recorded. No edits, yet... Enter a line/line(s) of text. A blank line ends the note. 1: 2: ... 2. Bulletin L)ist, M)ain, E)xit, or a bulletin number: The bulletin submenu, above, is issued if the file 'BBS-BuMe' is not found on the \BBS subdirectory. If BBS-BuMe is avail- able, it is transmitted instead. a) List: <no subcommands> b) bulletin number: <no subcommands> 3. Mail S)can, L)ist, N)ew, A)ll, W)rite, M)ain or E)xit: The mail submenu, above, is issued if the file 'BBS-MeMe' is not found on the \BBS subdirectory. If BBS-MeMe is available, it is transmitted instead. a) SCAN: <no subcommands> b) LIST: <no subcommands> c) NEW: <no subcommands> D)elete, R)eply, Q)uit (cr=continue): - or - R)eply, Q)uit (cr=continue): After each note is read, the above text prompts for action. Version 1.2: 921012 COM-AND Scripted BBS Page 15 IX. Menu Tree C. Main menu (continued) 3. Mail (continued) d) ALL: <no subcommands> After each note is read, the same prompts as for 'NEW' (above) are issued. e) WRITE: To: Subject: Each line, as you enter it is recorded. No edits, yet... Enter a line/line(s) of text. A blank line ends the text. 1: 2: ... Save? (Y/N, cr=y): Private? (Y/N, cr=n): 4. Files L)ist, S)earch, U)pload, D)ownload, M)ain or E)xit: The files submenu, above, is issued if the file 'BBS-FiMe' is not found on the \BBS subdirectory. If BBS-FiMe is available, it is transmitted instead. a) LIST: <no subcommands> b) SEARCH: Enter the search string: c) UPLOAD: Enter the file name: W)xmodem, X)modem, Y)modem (X1k), Z)modem, or K)ermit: Description: d) DOWNLOAD: Enter the file name: W)xmodem, X)modem, Y)modem, Z)modem, K)ermit, or A)scii: Version 1.2: 921012 COM-AND Scripted BBS Page 16 IX. Menu Tree D. Privileged L)ist, P)ath, S)ubdir, D)OS, M)ain or E)xit: The privileged submenu, above, is issued if the file 'BBS-PpMn' is not found on the \BBS subdirectory. If BBS-PpMn is available, it is transmitted instead. a) SUBDIR: Enter the drive:subdirectory: b) PATH: Pathlist command: c) DOS: Warning: this command may be used to invoke ANY COMMAND DOS can execute. If you load a program requiring keyboard entry, you lock yourself out and leave the board unusable. Enter your command: d) DIR: Directory command: E. Registration Do you wish to register? (Y/N, cr=Y): The query, above, is issued if the file 'BBS-Reme' is not found on the \BBS subdirectory. If BBS-Reme is found, its contents are transmitted instead. On 'Y' entry: Enter your full name: Enter your street address: Enter your city/state and zip: Enter a area code and phone number where you may be reached: Enter the ID (1-8 chars) you wish to use: Enter the password (1-8 chars) you wish to use: Repeating your entry... Is this correct? (Y/N, cr=n): Version 1.2: 921012 COM-AND Scripted BBS Page 17 X. BBS-Log BBS activity is logged to a file BBS-Log on the \BBS subdirectory. BBS-Log is an ASCII file. It may be printed with the DOS PRINT command. The following events are logged: o * BBS script loaded (also to calllog) o * BBS cycled (also to calllog) o * BBS script terminated (also to calllog) o <connect string from modem on connect, carries speed usually) o Logon <ID> (also to calllog) o Failed logon (max number of attempts exceeded) o Logoff <ID> (also to calllog) o Upload: (x): <name>, Success (x -> method) o Uload of <name> succeeded, but BBS-FIle open failed o Upload: (x): <name>, Failure (x -> method) o Download: (x): <name>, Success (x -> method) o Download: (x): <name>, Failure (x -> method) o Comment recorded o Bulletin <number> read o Registration aborted - disconn o Registration declined by caller o Registration requested If BBS-Log does not exist when the BBS script tries to write to the log, the file is created. It is suggested you print the log regu- larly, and you delete the file afterwards. Version 1.2: 921012 COM-AND Scripted BBS Page 18 XI. Program requirements COM-AND is coded for an IBM PC or DOS compatible machine. COM-AND does direct to screen buffer fetches and stores (unless BIOS screen updates are directed using the /C switch or the Alt-O options menu). COM-AND is TopView aware even without the /C switch or Alt-O option. COM-AND supports MDA, CGA, EGA and Hercules. COM-AND uses a Micro- soft Mouse if one is available... COM-AND disk I/O is done through the 'Handle' oriented I/O routines added to DOS 2.0. Therefore DOS 2.0 is a minimum requirement. COM-AND (Version 2.9) requires 277K for itself. You need 384K to take advantage of the DOS Gateway and to load accessories. This script requires a modem. This script is most reliable if the modem is set to report true CD. And of course, for a Bulletin Board, you need alot of disk space! Version 1.2: 921012 COM-AND Scripted BBS Page 19 XII. Author information COM-AND was written using Microsoft Macro-Assembler. The author likes assembler. Assembly language is an entirely appropriate vehicle for some of the program, and a not-inappropriate vehicle for the rest of it. Everything, in moderation... The author of COM-AND and this script is R. Scott McGinnis of Chicago, IL. My GEnie and Delphi ID: TARTAN. Comment and suggestions (and criticism in moderation) are welcomed: CABER Software R. (Scott) McGinnis P.O. Box 3607 Mdse Mart Chicago, IL 60654-0607 I want to thank Mike Todd (SYSOP of the IBM PC SIG on the late SOURCE, and then on UNISON) and John Poindexter for their valuable comments on the 2.1 version of COM-AND script language. This BBS script was, in fact, created to test the script changes made for version 2.2 of COM-AND. [The current version of the BBS requires COM-AND 2.9 or later!] I also thank my wife, Elizabeth, who laughs often (and smiles almost always, regardless). This script (Version 1.2) may be distributed freely (but it isn't a whole lot of use without COM-AND). Any improvements returned to the author get attention... errors reported to the author are corrected (if possible). COM-AND is shareware. If you USE COM-AND after a 30 day evaluation, you MUST pay for it. [See REGISTER.DOC included with COM-AND for the user license.] Most of the hardware names and software names in this document are trademarks or trade names of specific manufacturers. Version 1.2: 921012 COM-AND Scripted BBS Page 20 XIII. Support EtCetera BBS A version of this BBS script (constantly evolving) is maintained for COM-AND support and distribution by Support EtCetera in Long Beach, CA. Support EtCetera supports, markets and distributes COM-AND (among other products). The version of this script used by Support EtCetera provides instant access, after BBS registration. Mike Todd, the sysop of the BBS and President of Support EtCetera always has the most current release (or beta) of COM-AND available there. Mike also makes the version of the BBS script he uses (con- siderably extended beyond the functions documented here) available as a Support EtCetera product. Mike was the founder of the Capitol PC User's Group, and the founder of the IBM SIG(s) on CIS, the SOURCE, and UNISON. His experience with telecommunications is considerable! COM-AND's script language itself owes much to Mike Todd's ever pushing the limits of COM-AND. Support EtCetera may be contacted: Voice: (310) 439-6104 BBS: (310) 439-7714 (1200/2400 8n1) Mail: Support EtCetera 1 World Trade Center PO Box 32187 Long Beach CA, 90832-2187 UNISON: MIKETODD (PARTI: Mike Todd) Mike is always in contact with the author of COM-AND and up-to-date on COM-AND developments. Many innovations in the use of COM-AND and COM-AND scripts are available first through the Support EtCetera BBS (and are Mike's suggestions, embodied, t'boot). Having read this far, the author recommends you call Support EtCetera! Version 1.2: 921012 COM-AND Scripted BBS Page 21 A. Required and optional files 1. Required files in subdirectory \BBS BBS-USER ID/Password file (created by BBSETUP/BBMAINT) 2. Optional files in subdirectory \BBS BBS-NOTE Comments/registrations - created if D.N.E BBS-LOG Log of usage - created if D.N.E BBS-Welc Welcome message BBS-NpMn Non-privileged user main menu BBS-PrMn Privileged user main menu BBS-PpMn Privileged user privileged submenu BBS-NoMe Message displayed when NOTE requested BBS-ReMe Message displayed when REGISTER requested BBS-FiMe All users: files submenu BBS-MeMe All users: mail submenu BBS-BuMe All users: bulletins submenu 3. Optional files in subdirectory \BBS\Bulletin BBS-BULL Points to available bulletins (created by BBSETUP; updated by BBMAINT) BBS-BuMe (may exist here as well) optional submenu 4. Optional files in subdirectory \BBS\Mail BBS-MAIL Points to existing and deleted messages (created by BBS if it does not exist) BBS-MeMe (may exist here as well) optional submenu 5. Optional files in subdirectory \BBS\Files BBS-FILE Points to files uploaded and downloadable (created by BBSETUP; updated by BBMAINT) BBS-FiMe (may exist here as well) optional submenu Version 1.2: 921012 Appendices COM-AND Scripted BBS Page 22 B. File Structures 1. \BBS\BBS-User (User IDs/passwords) The BBS-User file is structured: 0 8 16 17 +---/ /---+---/ /---+--+---/ /---+---/ /---+---/ /---+ ! ID ! Passwd ! ! Comments ! +---/ /---+---/ /---+--+---/ /---+---/ /---+---/ /---+ ^Privilege flag = P "<" in column 0 indicates a comment line; comments are ignored 2. \BBS\Bulletin\BBS-BULL (Bulletin items) The BBS-BULL file is structured: 0 5 13 14 26 +---/ /---+---/ /---+--+---/ /---+-------/ /--------+ ! Number ! Date ! ! Fname ! Subject (40 char)! +---/ /---+---/ /---+--+---/ /---+-------/ /--------+ ^Privileged access if nonblank "*" in column 0 indicates a comment line; comments not displayed 3. \BBS\Mail\BBS-MAIL (Mail items) The BBS-MAIL file is structured: 0 8 16 17 25 38 +---/ /---+---/ /---+--+---/ /---+---/ /---+-------/ /--------+ ! To ID ! From ID ! ! Date ! Fname ! Subject (40 char)! +---/ /---+---/ /---+--+---/ /---+---/ /---+-------/ /--------+ ^Privacy flag = P "*" in column 0 indicates a comment line; comments not displayed 4. \BBS\File\BBS-FILE (File items) The BBS-FILE file is structured: 0 12 20 21 28 +---/ /---+---/ /---+--+---/ /---+-------/ /--------+ ! Fname ! Date ! ! Size ! Description ! +---/ /---+---/ /---+--+---/ /---+-------/ /--------+ ^ Privilege req'd if non-blank "*" in column 0 indicates a comment line; comments are displayed Version 1.2: 921012 Appendices COM-AND Scripted BBS Page 23 C. Maintenance 1. Registrations Registrations are not automatically entered into the BBS-User file. The registrations exist as comments in the BBS-NOTE file. BBS-NOTE may be printed with the DOS PRINT or COPY commands. A registering user is asked for a password and an ID. IDs may not contain "."s, by the way. The SYSOP must add a record to the BBS-User file to activate the ID (using the BBMAINT script). 2. Mail The Mail routines depend on the file BBS-MAIL in the Mail sub- directory for finding messages. When a letter is deleted the BBS script deletes the file. BBS does not update the BBS-MAIL file upon letter deletion; rather, BBS detects a deleted file and skips the record. BBMAINT may be used to cleanup BBS-MAIL. 3. Bulletins If the file BBS-BULL does not exist on the Bulletin subdirectory, the caller is informed there are no bulletins. BBS-BULL may be created and modified through the BBMAINT script. Again, records in BBS-BULL not pointing to existing files are not displayed. 4. Files (uploads and downloads) The file BBS-FILE in the subdirectory \BBS\FILES is automatically created upon the first upload. However, comments in this file are displayed and may be used for informational purposes. If you want these comments, they must be added manually. Please note the method described for listing files on subdirec- tories other than \BBS\FILES in the files directory. Add files to the listing with the BBMAINT script. Uploads are always added at the end of the file by the BBS script. Version 1.2: 921012 Appendices COM-AND Scripted BBS Page 24 D. Modem Configuration COM-AND default values do not require modem prefiguration (although you may choose to to it!). However, certain features cannot be used unless you configure your modem before you use COM-AND. 1. DTR (Data Terminal Ready) COM-AND, by default, hangs up using the command sequences defined through the Alt-S setup (hangup and modem escape). However, you may alternately select 'Drop DTR to hangup' through the Alt-O options. Dropping DTR is the only way to hangup certain modems, and is generally much faster than the command sequences. Most Hayes compatible modems allow configuration of the DTR sense through a switch-block. If you wish to use DTR to hangup, be sure your modem follows the DTR signal. Refer to the documentation provided with your modem to ensure modem switches are set appropriately. 2. CD (Carrier Detect) COM-AND (presently) uses the CD sense line for several purposes. The 'CONNECTED' test supported in the script language, test for carrier detect upon exit, and the file transfer protocols all require the modem report carrier detect. True carrier detect is the only way to determine if you are 'on-line' or 'off-line'. Many Hayes compatible modems are sold with a carrier detect override (in other words the modem reports carrier detect all the time). When carrier detect is overridden, COM-AND cannot detect when carrier is lost during a file transfer or during a session. Be sure the modem is reporting true CD (instead of it just saying 'yes'). Most Hayes compatible modems allow configuration of the CD sense through a switch-block. Refer to the documentation provided with your modem to ensure modem switches are set appropriately. Version 1.2: 921012 Appendices COM-AND Scripted BBS Page 25 D. Modem Configuration (continued) 3. Modem Escape COM-AND issues the "Modem escape" defined through the Alt-S setup, prior to modem initialization and hangup. Be sure this value is set correctly in Alt-S (or see below). 4. Hangup COM-AND hangs up using the command sequences defined through the Alt-S setup (hangup and modem escape) and the drop DTR setting as discussed above. Be sure these values are set correctly (or see below). 5. Modem Init COM-AND transmits the modem initialization sequence defined by Alt-S setup to configure the modem. BBS re-issues this initial- ization when BBS is exited. If BBS is used, we suggest auto- answer be turned OFF in the Alt-S modem init string. 6. Other settings The BBS sets its own values BEFORE executing the BBSDAT file (the BBSDAT is an executable script). Therefore, you may override any COM-AND default settings by editing the BBSDAT file. Have a care NOT to change variables already defined in BBSDAT! When BBS is exited, a RESET statement is performed. Version 1.2: 921012 Appendices COM-AND Scripted BBS Page 26 E. Sample files 1. BBS-USER -------- <------------------------------------------------------------------> < Comment entries begin '<'; Case is not significant in IDs < and passwords. ID field begins in column 0. < <- ID ->< Pass >P<---------- Comments -----------------------------> Scott xxxxxxxxP 2. BBS-BULL -------- ******************************************************************** * Comment entries begin '*'; Each entry points to a file (nnn). * Each entry is numbered explicitly (###). ******************************************************************** 1 4/05/88 BULL.1 ISENGARD BBS's ANSI display 3. BBS-MAIL (created automatically) -------- ALL SCOTT 4/06/88ALL.1 This board 4. BBS-FILE (created automatically, but nice to post initially) -------- ******************************************************************** * * Board related files * BBS.SRC 4/05/88 Source code w/comments for this BBS * * Uploads... * Version 1.2: 921012 Appendices