ProfitPress Mega CDROM2 …eeware (MSDOS)(1992)(Eng)/ProfitPress-MegaCDROM2.B6I/BBS/RA/TOPED100.ZIP/SYSOP.DOC

Text File | 1991-11-18 | 16.2 KB | 403 lines

───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

                          TopEd version 1.00 RELEASE

                             Made in the U.S.A.!

                          (* Sysop Documentation *)

                         By John and Steve Richardson

                     (C) Copyright 1991 TopSoft Software
                            All rights reserved.

                           TopSoft Support Systems
                               Fido [1:2320/4]
                               Fido [1:2320/5]

                             [phone] 12/24
                     [phone] 24/48/96 v.32/v.42bis

───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────


                            Table of contents . . .

          Chapter 1  Introduction
               1.1  What is TopEd?
               1.2  Features
               1.3  System Hardware and Software Requirements
               1.4  Disclaimer, Copyright, and other legal stuff

          Chapter 2  TOPCFG/Setup
               2.1  How to configure TopEd
               2.2  Executing TopEd from the BBS
               2.3  Multi-Node Setups

          Chapter 3  SysOp Option/User Guide Info
               3.1  SysOp Options
               3.2  User commands/manual

          Chapter 4  Registration and Support
               4.1  Registration
               4.2  TopSoft Supports TAP
               4.3  Support

          Chapter 5  Thanks/Credits/Etc



Chapter 1 - Introduction
------------------------

1.1 What is TopEd?
==================

TopEd is a full-screen ANSI/Avatar online editor for RemoteAccess, SBBS, QBBS,
and any other BBS systems that uses a MSGTMP operated editor.  TopEd will allow
you to post messages in a fancy full screen enviroment with ease (unlike other
editors available for BBS systems).  After having numerous problems with the
"other" full screen editor available for RemoteAccess, we decided it was time
to break the monopoly and create a new full screen editor for popular BBS
packages. As you will notice, TopEd is a simple, easy to use, but fancy program.
It doesn't contain all sorts of useless features to confuse users, but it
contains the necessary ones for full screen editing at its best.  When running
the "other" program, users got so confused with it that they just dropped
carrier and avoided use of full screen editors.  This will not be the case
with TopEd, as it's simple to use and can be understood by users of all ages
and levels of experience.

1.2 Features
============

Some of the features of the TopEd full screen editor include:

* Support for AVATAR!
* Full screen editing
* WordStar like commands
* Full support for popular communications programs such as Telix, Procomm, etc.
* Word wrapping and paragraph re-formatting
* No hassles for new users - VERY easy to use!
* Normal RA Sysop commands such as a shell to DOS
* Very memory efficient!
* Easy to install and operate with menu a menu driven config program
* When replying, an easy to use quoting feature is available
* Username is displayed on status line
* Works great in multi-node setups (LANs or Multi-tasking)
* Support in the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia
* Easy screen refreshing method for getting rid of line noise
* Configurable colors

Other technical features of TopEd:
==================================
 o Full Support For Remote Access
 o Full Fossil Communications Supported (BNU or X00).
 o Baud rates up to 38.4k locked are supported.
 o Com Ports 1 through 4 are supported.  Com Ports 1 through 16 are available
   if using BNU by David Nugent.
 o Supports CTS checking, even at 300 bps, for error free transmissions.
 o Does not require Watchdog, CTTY or Doorway
 o High Speed Input & Output Routines.
 o Detects loss of carrier.
 o Terminates cleanly through an error back to the board.
 o No "Screen Bleeds" under Multi-Tasking.
 o Has its own built in ansi driver for fast screen displays.
 o Written in Borland's Turbo Pascal v6.0 for fast speed and small size.


1.3 System HardWare/Software requirements
=========================================
TopEd can be run on any BBS system that supports a MSGTMP based full
screen editor.  Current BBS packages that TopEd is compatible with include
the one and only RemoteAccess by Continental Software, QuickBBS, and SBBS.

In the way of hardware requirements, TopEd can be run on any MS-DOS based
system with the proper software installed.  TopEd has been successfully tested
on XT's, 80286s, 80386s, and 80486s in all sorts of combinations.  TopEd is
also desqview aware and works great with multi-taskers or local area networks.

TopEd also requires a fossil driver, but if your running any of the above
three packages, your already using one.

1.4 Disclaimer, Copyright, and other legal things
=================================================

Warranty/Disclaimer
===================

This is product is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind.  The
entire risk as to the results and performance of the program is assumed by
you. Further more, I the author do not warrant, guarantee, or make any
representations regarding the use of, or the results of the use of the program,
and you rely on the program and results solely at your own risk.  I the author
cannot accept responsibility for system damage, loss of profit, or any other
special, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from the use or
inability to use this product.

Copyright
=========

The TopEd online editor is distributed as SHAREWARE.  Under this concept
you may use the SHAREWARE (unregistered) version for a reasonable period of
time, which I consider to be two weeks, after which you must either register
your copy or discontinue usage.  By using this product for over the two week
period, you are in violation of U.S. Copyright laws and subject to federal and
civil legal action!  Any violation in TopEd's copyright will result in
prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.

The archive that TopEd is distributed in may NOT be modified in any way
shape or form.  The archive format may be changed, BUT no files may be added
or deleted.  Adding files or changing files in this archive is also a copyright
violation, and any necessary action will be taken to stop this from happening.


Chapter 2 - Setup
-----------------

2.1 How to configure TopEd
==========================

To configure TopEd, run TOPCFG.EXE to create your config files.  Once your in
TOPCFG.EXE, goto "Setup TopEd" and it will ask you a series of simple
questions such as the location of your DORINFO1.DEF and your BBS name.  The
setup process is quick and simple!  You may also change ALL of the colors
and prompts in TopEd by going into the Global Options and Prompts/Strings
area.

TopEd will automatically create the config files for each node.  Make sure you
do give the correct path for each node when it asks for the location of the
DORINFO1.DEF drop file.  When the config files are made, they will be placed
in the directory of the corresponding node under the name of TOPED?.CFG .  The
? being the node number.  For a single node system, it'll just create a
TOPED1.CFG and that will be placed in your BBS directory.

The contents of TOPED?.CFG are also explained in the TOPED?.CFG files created
by TOPCFG.EXE.  If you wish, they can also be edited with a basic text
editor.

You must also set the TOPED enviroment from DOS in one of your batch files to
point towards the color files, string files, help files, and key.  It is
reccomended that you add it to your AUTOEXEC.BAT - example:

SET TOPED=D:\RA

2.2 Executing TopEd from the BBS
================================

To execute TopEd, you must include the full NAME and PATH of the .exe file
followed by the node number.  Inside RACONFIG (or whatever your BBS config
program might be) you may use a *N for the node number.

Example:

D:\RA\TOPED.EXE *N

If you wish to swap out from RemoteAccess, you would use a :

D:\RA\TOPED.EXE *N *M

To play around with the editor locally, you may use a TOPED /L from DOS.

TopEd must sit in one central directory, but the config files for each node
must be placed in the nodes directory.

TopEd reads the DORINFO1.DEF file created by RemoteAccess, and all important
information such as the username, baud rate, time left, etc is carried over
to the editor - unlike another editor that uses the system log for the
information.


2.3 Multi-Node Setups
=====================
With TopEd, a Multi-node setup is very easy.  All you have to do is create the
config files for each node in TOPCFG, copy them to the proper directories,
and make sure your BBS is passing the node number to TopEd on the command
line - THATS IT!  Several of our beta testers are running large multi-node
systems, and TopEd works great in DesqView enviroments along with over local
area networks such as LANtastic, Novell, and PowerLAN.



Chapter 3 - SysOp Options/User Guide
------------------------------------

3.1 SysOp Options
=================
As TopEd is a full screen editor for the BBS opposed to a sysop specific
program, this section will be very short.  Below are some sysop commands
that can be used while in the editor

ALT-F2 = Import a text file from DOS
ALT-C  = Chat mode
ALT-J  = Dos Shell
ALT-H  = Hang up user

In addition to that, SysOp's have the option of using a local editor to
post messages when logged in locally.  To use/disable the local editor,
just run TOPCFG.

3.2 User Commands/Manual
========================
TopEd uses a mixture of word-star commands and other easy to use commands
for its users.  If your users are interested in all of the available commands,
make MANUAL.USR available for them to download.


Chapter 4 - Registration and Support
------------------------------------

4.1 Registration
================
TopEd 1.0 is distributed as shareware.  Under the shareware concept, you are
allowed to try out this product for a reasonable time, and after that time you
must stop using this program or register it.  The registration fee is $20u.s.
and must be sent to the address in REGISTER.FRM.  Please read and return the
registration form in REGISTER.FRM.  Payment may be made by Check, Money Order,
or Credit Card - read REGISTER.FRM for details!  Registration sites are also
available in Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

If your registering from outside of the United States, please look at the
following files:

Canada          - CANADA.REG
United Kingdom  - ENGLAND.REG
Europe          - EUROPE.REG
Australia       - AUSTRALI.REG
Asia            - ASIA.REG

The normal time to process registrations within the United States should be two
weeks at the most, and if you have a Visa or Mastercard, you can even register
on line via our BBS at [phone].  When you register on-line, your KEY
file will be created instantly, and you can have your program registered in a
matter of seconds!

If you are within Europe, you may also register online via The EasyBoard
BBS in Venray, NL.  The BBS number to EasyBoard Venray is [phone].
The BBS has online demonstrations running for all TopSoft programs.

If you happen to be in Europe, but more specifically on the island known
as the United Kingdom, you may register and obtain support thru the
Compass BBS! in Ormskirk Lancs, UK.  The numbers are [phone] and
[phone].  Node 1 is V32BIS/HST and node 2 is V32/HST.

And for those of you down in Australia, you may register online via
the Eagles BBS at [phone].

All credit card registrations are processed in the United States in U.S.
dollars.  Prices in forigen countries will be translated to US Dollars
and charged in the United States. But best yet, its an instant no-hassle
registration and you can even download your KEY file online!

If you operate a FidoNet netmail node and your registration is sent in the
mail, a key file will be crashed out to you from the nearest support site
within 24-48 hours.

After you register the program, you will be entilted to free registered
upgrades as they are made available - all you must do is keep your KEY file,
and TopEd will ALWAYS remain registered to you.

4.2 TopSoft Software supports the TAP
=====================================
Earlier this year, two free TopEd keys were donated to a raffle at WorldCon in
London to raise money for the TAP.  The TAP (Transatlantic Project) is one of
Europes main echomail links, and without the TAP, many echoes would not be
made available to Europe.  Not only have we dontated 2 free keys to the raffle,
but with EVERY TopEd registration in Europe, we will be donating 25 pence (UK)
to help fund the TAP.

4.3 Support sites
=================

Please enjoy the program and feel free to contact TopSoft Support Systems
with any comments or questions concering this product.

Please direct any inquires to the authors directly to TopSoft Support in
the United States, but general questions and registrations can be handled
via the support sites outside of the United States.


USA SUPPORT                           CANADA SUPPORT

Mailing Address:                      Mailing Address:

Steve Richardson                      Robert Marcoux
TopSoft Software                      7601 d'Iberville
3503 Trail Ridge Road                 Montreal, Quebec
Louisville, KY 40241                  Canada

Support BBS:                          Support BBS:

TopSoft Support BBS                   L'Albatros
[phone] - V22b                [phone] (HST/V32)
[phone] - V32/V42b

Netmail Support:                      Netmail Support:
FidoNet ------ 1:2320/4               FidoNet 1:167/245
RIME ID ------ TOPGUNII

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

EUROPEAN SUPPORT                      UNITED KINGDOM SUPPORT:

Mailing Address:                      Mailing Address:

Peter Janssens                        Barry Phillips
Patersstraat 48                       P.O. Box 21
5801 AV  Venray                       Ormskirk Lancs
Netherlands                           L39 3QW
                                      United Kingdom
Support BBS:
                                      Support BBS:
EasyBoard Venray
[phone] - (HST/V32B)           Compass! BBS
                                      [phone] - (HST/V32B)
Netmail Support:                      [phone] - (HST/V32)
FidoNet ------ 2:512/1
                                      Netmail Support:
                                      FidoNet 2:440/66
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

AUSTRALIAN SUPPORT:                   ASIAN SUPPORT

Mailing Address:                      Mailing Address:

Terry Harvey                          Teo Chee Kian
30 Conder Street                      Apt Blk 426
Burwood, NSW 2134                     Bedok North Rd
Australia                             #08-521
                                      Singapore 1646
Support BBS:                          Republic of Singapore

Eagles BBS                            Support BBS:
[phone] (PEP/V32)
                                      Interact BBS
Netmail Support:                      [phone] (H96/V32)
FidoNet 3:712/704
                                      Netmail Support:
                                      FidoNet 6:600/613

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Chapter 5 - Thanks/Credits
--------------------------

Finally I would like to thank everyone that has made TopEd possible, and
I would like to extend a big thanks to the beta test team for putting
up with all those betas <grin!>.. I would also like to thank Andrew Milner
of Continental Software for writing RemoteAccess, as without it, this
message editor wouldn't be needed!

I would also like to specifically thank Peter Janssens and Barry Phillips
for their great job in beta bashing TopEd, and for providing some of the
essential mail links needed to test TopEd!

Best Regards!

Steve and John Richardson - TopSoft Software



       * Copyright 1991 by TopSoft Software of Louisville, KY *