ProfitPress Mega CDROM2 …eeware (MSDOS)(1992)(Eng)/ProfitPress-MegaCDROM2.B6I/WINDOWS/COMM/UC3C_1.ZIP/UC3READ.ME

Text File | 1991-12-15 | 16.7 KB | 520 lines

& UNICOM 3.0C Corrections and Enhancements
CHANGED: Font selection/use was limited to only the 1st 38.
       This restriction is now removed, all fonts are available.
FIXED: Prefix/Suffix dialing unreliable or didn't work.
FIXED: CompuServe B/Quickb would not start for some and
       now works at 9600 baud.
FIXED: Display trapped on 25th line problem (was supposed
       to be fixed in 3.0a snuck back into 3.0b and is now
       finally corrected).
CHANGED: Host Greeting, Bulletin and Menu files can now display
       files containing ANSI escape codes or other binary codes.
NEW:   Script Commands Added (See Online Help):
       StrLeft   -   returns left n chars of string
       StrRight  -   returns right n chars of string
       StrMid    -   returns n chars of string at starting position
       StrPos    -   returns position index of matching substring
NEW:   NOBOLD win.ini option added for disabling bold text.
NEW:   Tool Bar option added to Control Menu for enabling
       or disabling tool bar.
NEW:   16 Color support!.  Prior 3.0 versions were limited to 8 colors.
NEW:   Color Mapper setup window (see the release notes)
FIXED: Copy then paste into Notepad lost 1st column.
FIXED: Default comm port selection did not select a connection type.
FIXED: Zmodem file mgmt options remember their position.  Append to
       existing file and protect existing file options were repaired.
FIXED: Script SendFile command would not parse correctly.
FIXED: Program could lock when trying to exit when the modem
       did not respond to a reset command. (MS driver lockup)
FIXED: Entering host mode from script would not check the
       menu checkmark in the control menu.
FIXED: During port errors, a received character would not be
       displayed unless you typed a character (terminal mode only).
FIXED: Beep would sound when loading directory even if notification
       beeps were turned off in the general setup window.
FIXED: UAE when you exited Unicom with the Read-Me Help window open.
FIXED: No Port Connection report during CompuServe B/QB transfers.
CHANGED: Unicom now automatically converts your 2.0 directory
         to 3.0 format upon activating the dial directory.
CHANGED: Host mode will instruct your modem to answer on the
         ring specified in the modem setup window in the selected
         init string section. If this setting is zero, Unicom
         will instruct the modem to answer on ring 1.
CHANGED: The escape key now works as an abort during modem
         initialization.

UNICOM 3.0b corrects 3.0a as follows:

FIXED: Excessive errors during
       X/Y/Zmodem uploading with
       MBBS and similar type bulletin boards.

UNICOM 3.0a corrects 3.0 as follows:

       KEYBOARD
FIXED: Hot Keys ^^colrow now work
       in description fields of
       the keyboard macro editor.
FIXED: UAE when exiting UNICOM with
       the dial directory displayed.
FIXED: Loss of access to terminal
       setup after executing example
       scripts: GDI.scr and/or Ellipse.scr
FIXED: Numeric keypad now works
       when numlock is on.
FIXED: Occasional Product damaged
       error incorrectly reported.

           SCRIPT:
FIXED: InputString Command did not
       update the variable on consecutive
       uses of same variable.
FIXED: CompuServe example script file
       requires double quotes around
       "^C".  This is now required for
       all strings.

       DIALING:
FIXED: UNICOM window would pop
       to the top upon unsuccessful
       repeat dialing.

           DISPLAY
FIXED: Screen repaint problems with a
       version of windows above 3.0 but
       below 3.2.

FIXED: Display trapped on 25th line
       when host positions cursor
       to this line multiple times
       without moving off.

If you encounter what you suspect is a
bug in UNICOM, please call or fax the
author at [phone]. Maintenance
releases containing bug fixes are
always offered free of charge to
registered users.

& What's New in UNICOM Release 3.0

* DEC VT-102 ( ANSI ) Compatibility:

Double size characters are supported with all standard
attributes.  VT-100 and VT-52 are supported.

* New WinScript Windows Script Language:
Over 200 statements and commands give you
powerful control over communication,windows,
graphics and more!

* High Baud Rate Ready - up to 128kb:
When driver and hardware support arrives,
UNICOM will be ready to operate at 38.4kb,
57.6kb and 128 kb.

* Improved Screen Handling
Our new screen handler gives you the best
performance possible in the Windows
environment.

* AUTO File Downloading:
UNICOM automatically senses download
operations for Zmodem and CompuServe then
starts on its own.

* Download File Marker Feature:
Highlight a file in the expanded 1500 line
scroll buffer. UNICOM will remember your
choices.

* Script Learn Capability:
Generates a WinScript command file as you
interact with the remote host.  Useful for
recording login scripts.

* Expanded Dialing Directory:
Remembers last on date, number of times on.
Supports individual dialing string, password,
default protocol.

* Expanded Host Mode:
Shell to DOS, assign user id-passwords, access
levels, time limits, monitor interaction,
operate in dialback mode.

* Easy Screen Editing:
Highlight screen text with your mouse, then
copy to clipboard, send to host, erase, scroll
or mark as a file.

* Convenient Screen Toolbar:
Provides easy access to common menu picks and
terminal operating modes.

* Font Manager Compatibility:
All types of fonts and sizes can be used.
Improved mapping for proportional fonts.

* Online Help:
Context sensitive "Windows" help is now
provided for all program procedures and script
commands.

* Xmodem senses download filename:
UNICOM will obtain the download filename from
the scroll buffer automatically when downloading
files using this protocol.

* Iconic transfer reports:
File transfer progress is reported to the icon
label when transferring files while minimized.

* Programmable Notification Music
UNICOM lets you create your own custom music
that is played at the end of file transfers or
upon successful dialing.

* Translation Tables
Incoming and Outgoing characters are easily
translated with this new feature.

& Packing List

  -------- Sharware Distribution -----------

  UNICOM 3.0c is distributed in 2 zip files

  UC3C-1.zip  Complete distribution w/o help
  UC3C-2.zip  UNICOM Help (UNICOM.HLP)

  when you unzip these files, it should
  contain the same files as below:

  UC3C-1.zip now replaces the previous
  release named UC3A-1.zip. UC3B-1.zip was
  never officially posted.  UC3C-2.zip replaces previous
  help distribution named UC30-2.zip.

  -------- On disk from Data Graphics ------

  UNICOM   EXE - UNICOM executable program
  UNICOM   FON - fonts for vt100
  UNICOM   SND - user changable music file
  UNICOM   KEY - example keyboard macro file
  UNICOM   CFG - example program configuration
  UNICOM   DIR - example dialing directory
  UNICOM   XLT - example translation table
  UNICOM   HLP - UNICOM Windows Help
  UNICOM   MNU - example Utility menu
  UC3ORDER WRI - order form in write format
  UC3ORDER TXT - order from in text format
  UC3READ  ME  - UNICOM 3 release notes
  PLAYNOTE SCR - Example Script Files
  BITBLT   SCR       ""
  GDI      SCR       ""
  LINES    SCR       ""
  SETPIXEL SCR       ""
  MODEMREG SCR       ""
  COMPUSRV SCR       ""
  MCI      SCR       ""
  UNICOM   MNU       ""
  ELLIPSE  SCR       ""


& Information for Resellers

For information on becoming a retail UNICOM
distributor, please contact David Gan at
[phone] (voice) or [phone] (fax)
or write to:

Data Graphics
P.O. Box 58517
Renton, WA  98058
U.S.A.


& How to Order UNICOM
To order 1 or more single cpu packages:

By Phone using a VISA or MasterCard: Call
[phone] Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm Pacific

By Fax: send your completed order form to
Data Graphics fax at [phone] (24hrs)

By Electronic Mail: send your ordering
information to Data Graphics on
CompuServe at 71631,464

By Mail:

   Data Graphics
   P.O. Box 58517
   Renton,WA 98058
   U.S.A.

For site licensing, quantity discounts or bundling
information, contact David Gan at [phone].

& Getting Through to Tech Support !
Since releasing version 3, our evening tech support
phone line has been continually busy.  But there is a
way to get through:

If you are unable to get through or cannot call
[phone] during tech support hours (7pm-9pm Mon-Thurs),
please call our fax and voice message line anytime
at [phone] and leave a voice message if
the author is not in.  Please your leave your number and
the time you can be reached.

& International UNICOM versions

We need help in translating UNICOM to
your language. Efforts are being made
to translate UNICOM to the following
languages:

German, Swedish, French and other
European languages.

Please contact David Gan by fax if you can
assist in this effort.  Our fax number is
[phone] (24hrs)


& Version 2 Fixes
UNICOM 3 corrects the following problems
found in UNICOM 2.0c:


FIXED: UAE error related to color operation
FIXED: Occasional lock-up on program close
FIXED: Host mode modem no answer (2.0c fixed that)
FIXED: YMODEM-G unreliable or didn't work
FIXED: Printer Logging - just didn't work
FIXED: Occasional screen line missing or drawn
       in the wrong row.
FIXED: Utility Menu passing parameters (it didn't)
FIXED: Script run command now accepts dos apps
FIXED: Slow ASCII Transfer throughput
FIXED: Slow KERMIT Transfer throughput
FIXED: Font size selection window too small
FIXED: Chat mode losing or not recognizing characters
FIXED: All ANSI escape codes were not recognized
FIXED: Script Variables didn't reset on following script.
FIXED: File deleted after uploading.  The Zmodem user
       option "unlink after transmission" was set in the
       shareware distribution by mistake.


If you find what you suspect is a 'bug' in
UNICOM 3.0, please fax a detailed report to
the author at [phone].  Every attempt
will be made to correct any problem found.


& Upgrade Information for 2.0x Users

UNICOM 3.0 Upgrade announcents were mailed to all
registered 2.0x users on 8/19/91.  If you did not
receive your notice, use the order form provided
with this distribution.  The same special upgrade
pricing is listed in this form.

& UNICOM 3.0-3.0c Release Notes


0) Uploading Problem at High Speeds

   Uploading may become unrealible when using speeds
   above 9600 baud.  It appears that the Windows port
   driver is at fault here.

   To solve the problem, configure your modem and
   Unicom for hardware handshaking.  On a HST or
   similar modem, use the &H1 command.  Then set
   Unicom to hardware handshake in the Comm Port
   setup window.

1) The VT102 special fonts may not be available when
   using herc monochrome video mode -OR- if UNICOM
   cannot reference a configuration file at
   startup.

2) The Microsoft 3.0 serial driver becomes unreliable
   above 9600 baud.  If you switch to another
   application that references a drive during
   a file transfer, UNICOM may report CRC errors.
   If your version of Windows does not correct this
   problem, investigate TurboComm from BioEngineering.
   It is an alternative port driver that supports
   the 16550 and higher baud rates.


3) Screen Savers do not work well with UNICOM when they
   kick in.  The truth is, screen savers assume that
   they are the only application using your computer if
   no keyboard or mouse input are detected for a given
   time.  To perform the spectacular effects, the
   screen saver will eat up much of your computing power.
   If a Unicom file transfer is in progress when the
   screen saver kicks in, performance can degrade or
   worse, data could be lost.  IT IS STRONGLY SUGGESTED
   that you set the screen saver idle detection time to
   a time greater than the expected file transfer time.

4) Dialing directory file sizes cannot exceed 64k.
   If UNICOM complains of low memory when loading
   a directory, break up the directory into
   smaller directory files.

5) Interrupt driven receive queue size is
   24k if using standard or enhanced mode and
   12k if running in real mode.  The queue size
   was reduced for real mode due to memory
   restrictions. The Send queue size is 4k.
   These override any system.ini setting.

6) Script Commands

   FileLength:  The example for this command is incorrectly
   listed in the manual:  lSize = FileSize("messages.dat")
   It should read: lSize = FileLength("messages.dat");
   This appears correct in the online help.


   StrIsHex: is described incorrectly in the manual.
   It incorrectly states that chars A-Z or a-z are
   valid hex characters.  It should read 'A'-'F' and
   'a'-'f' in addition to 0-9.

7) Fonts

   Type managers let you add many fonts to Windows.
   UNICOM 3.0c can now handle more than 38 fonts
   and any size of each. Unicom 3.0 versions prior to 3.0c
   were limited to the 1st 38.

8) Host Mode - Shell To DOS

   Your computer must be operating in 386 enhanced mode
   to support this feature.

              IMPORTANT

   Make sure the communication port device contention
   is set to "Never Warn" in the 386 enhanced
   section of the control panel.  If this is not
   done, a message box will be displayed to the
   host computer screen anytime the remote user
   shells to DOS.  This will lock the host unless
   someone is available to reply to the message
   box.

9) Bold Character Attribute Disable

   Some users found that bold fonts were not pleasing
   to the eye.  You can now instruct UNICOM to
   ignore the bold attribute by adding the following
   option to the UNICOM section of your WIN.INI file:

   NOBOLD=TRUE

10) Color Mapper

    This 3.0c release provides a color mapper setup window
    that allows you to change how Unicom maps color codes
    sent by your remote host.  So if you do not like
    a particular color, just activate the Color Mapper
    window from the setup window and change the color
    to your preference.

    The terminal foreground and background colors as
    selected in the Terminal Setup Window will be
    translated according to your Color Mapper settings.
    That is, if you map white to blue and select white
    in the terminal setup window (foreground or background),
    you will see blue on the screen.

& Character Translation Tables

UNICOM supports character translation for incoming
and outgoing characters.  When you save your setup
with the Save Setup menu pick, UNICOM writes the
contents of the current translation tables to the
file UNICOM.XLT.

Upon each program start, UNICOM looks for this file
(UNICOM.XLT). If found, its contents are loaded into
memory.

Foreign language users:  Please send the translation
file you construct for your language to Data Graphics
so it may be included in future releases.


& Host User database

The file hostuser.dat contains user information for
those authorized to access your machine via host mode.
This file may be changed or altered by remote users
with the appropriate access level.  You may wish to
make this file read only and/or hidden with the dos
attrib command. Hostuser.dat is updated when you
select save setup from the setup menu.


& Where to Find the latest UNICOM

UNICOM may be found on CompuServe in the
following forums: ZENITH, WINADV and MSOPSYS
Browse the forum shareware or new uploads library
using the keyword "UNICOM".


& Converting your 2.0 Dial Directory to 3.0

UNICOM 3.0 will convert your old 2.0 directory
to the new 3.0 format.  Just load it in by
activating the directory, then save it.
Editing and saving a 2.0 directory before
doing so could cause corrupt entries to appear.

The conversion process enlarges the file size.
Be careful not to exceed 64k.  If so, break up
the directory into multiple smaller directories.

& A note from the Author

Thank you for making UNICOM a shareware success.
The many great suggestions I have received from
those who took the time to call are now implemented
in this version.  Much credit goes to the many
of you who registered UNICOM 1 and 2. Because of
your registrations, this slick new version has become
a reality.

I am still adding new features and will provide more
frequent updates.  If UNICOM 3.0 didn't include the
feature you needed, let me know - but chances are
I'm already working on it (like DDE,...).

Thanks again.


David Gan