Beijing Paradise BBS Backup/PARADISE.ISO/software/BBSDOORW/ICS100.ZIP/ICS.DOC

Text File | 1995-08-06 | 16.1 KB | 369 lines

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     InterConnect System 1.0ß - Connecting users through smart software

              Copyrighted Multiboard Communications Centre, 1995
                        All rights reserved, worldwide.


╓───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╖
║ What is it?                                                               ║
╙───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╜

    A program that allows 2 users to connect directly to one another as
    if their modems were connected directly.   This allows them to play
    multiplayer modem games such as DOOM or DESCENT as well as transfer
    files directly between themselves.

    This is a great service for both free and subscription systems, and
    is sure to increase the excitement on your system!


╓───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╖
║ Requirements                                                              ║
╙───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╜

    InterConnect requires a network card for it's communication,  since
    it uses the common IPX protocol to "talk" to the other nodes.    If
    you are already running a network of some type,  then this probably
    does not concern you very much.

    For those that are running a few  lines under something like  OS/2,
    Windows or DESQview, here is what you will need:

       1 - Network card  (either Arcnet or Ethernet is fine, you can
           find used Arcnet cards at computer shows, auctions or from
           other sysops for $5-10, often free -- even a good new
           ethernet card won't run you more than $50 these days)

       3 - Drivers

           a) Network card driver (comes with the network card)
           b) LSL.COM (you can find it free from many sources)
           c) IPXODI.COM (again, another freebee at many sources)

           Most of these drivers can be found in a package that
           was originally designed for network DOOM called OLDIPX.ZIP
           available for FTP from ftp://ftp.uwp.edu/pub/games/doom

           You would load them in your autoexec like this...

           NE2000.COM      (my network card driver)
           LSL.COM         (link support layer)
           IPXODI.COM      (IPX driver)

           You will also need to make a NET.CFG file, here's a basic
           example of one:

           Link Driver NE2000   <- replace this with your card name
           INT 10               <- replace this with your card int
           PORT 340             <- replace this with your card portaddr
           FRAME Ethernet_802.3
           FRAME Ethernet_802.2

    To run under a multitasker,  you should let it know that it is on a
    network.  For DESQview,  it is quite simple, just go into the SETUP
    network configuration, and set it as running a 7A type network, and
    set a network buffer to about 4 to 16k depending on how much memory
    you can afford to use.

    For Windows and OS/2, it's a little trickier.. if you have problems
    see if there is a sysop in your area running a network on them, and
    see if they are willing to give you a few pointers.

    This might seem difficult at first but it goes quite easily usually
    once you get started.   Other requirements are about 300k of memory
    and a MS-DOS compatible 3.x or higher machine.


╓───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╖
║ CONFIG.EXE - Configuration program                                        ║
╙───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╜

    ICS is very easy to install.

      1) First, unpack the contents of the archive into a directory
      2) Run the CONFIG.EXE program...


    System Information
    ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

          ═══ BBS & Sysop name

                  Here you enter the details about your system
                  Remember that when registering that you must
                  register under the  names which appear here,
                  *exactly* as they appear, including capitial
                  letters and spacing.

          ═══ Serial & Registration numbers

                  Here you enter  the serial  and registration
                  numbers after registering the software. This
                  will unlock the demo restrictions.

          ═══ Nodes

                  This is the maximum number of nodes you have
                  on your system, or would like supported.  To
                  maximize efficency,  do not make this number
                  higher than the number of nodes on your BBS.

          ═══ IPX Base Address

                  By default InterConnect will use a  range of
                  IPX sockets, starting at 5678h to 5678h plus
                  the number nodes defined.  If this IPX range
                  conflicts with any of your existing programs
                  simply change the base number.

          ═══ IPX Broadcast

                  You can choose to use  broadcast  or  direct
                  sent data packets.   Normally set this value
                  to  "No"  as it will speed up some networks,
                  however if you need to set it otherwise, you
                  can do so here.


    Messaging Information
    ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

          ═══ Semaphore Type

                  This slot is for the external messaging type
                  that your BBS uses.   If  your system is not
                  supported it does not mean that ICS will not
                  work for you,  just simply that users inside
                  the ICS door cannot send/receive messages to
                  other users outside the ICS door  -  but all
                  messaging between users  inside  of the door
                  will still work correctly.

          ═══ Semaphore Path

                  This is the path that node  messages will be
                  saved.  This semaphore path must be the same
                  as the one in the BBS software.

          ═══ Semaphore Format

                  This option lets you configure  the style of
                  the header for messages  sent from the "ICS"
                  door.  You do not have to modify this, as it
                  is only a visual preference option.

                  Available codes for the message:

                     <USER>    -  The users full name
                     <ENTER>   -  This will enter a carriage return
                     <MESSAGE> -  This is the entered message
                     <NODE>    -  Users node number
                     <PAUSE>   -  Will place a pause in the message when
                                  sending to users outside of the door.


    Online Help
    ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

    To provide online help  for your users,  place the ICSHELP.* files
    in the main ICS directory.  Depending on the users graphic setting
    either the ICSHELP.ASC or ICSHELP.ANS will be displayed.  (If only
    the ASCII version exists,  it will  be displayed regardless of the
    user graphic setting)


╓───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╖
║ ICS.EXE - The program                                                     ║
╙───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╜

    InterConnect can be run from anywhere on your harddrive.   It will
    locate it's own files automatically, so there is no need to change
    paths before running it.

    You should run it with the full path and file name of the DOOR.SYS
    drop file on the command line to run it...

    For example:

    ICS c:\bbs\door.sys

    This by defaults runs with a Fossil driver, however if you wish to
    use the internal communications routines simply add a /I parameter
    on the end of the command line or /I:PORT,IRQ,LOCKED for your non-
    standard ports or if you are getting 'garbage' on the remote end.

    Three examples would be:

    ICS c:\bbs\door.sys /I             - For a standard com port
    ICS c:\bbs\door.sys /I:3E8,5       - For a port at 3E8, Irq 5
    ICS c:\bbs\door.sys /I:3E8,5,19200 - Same as above, but open at 19200

    InterConnect will also support the DORINFOx.DEF drop file, however it
    is *CRUCIAL* that you specify the node number on the command line, or
    ICS will not function correctly.  Here is an example:

    ICS c:\bbs\dorinfo1.def /I:3E8,5,19200 /N=7

    This would use the internal com routines for port 3e8, int 5 at 19200
    on node 7.   For the fossil driver routines, the same node would look
    like this..

    ICS c:\bbs\dorinfo1.def /N=7

    You can also specify the amount of time the user has,  or if you want
    to check the user time at all.   This is good if you are running this
    program as a subscription function.

    ICS c:\bbs\door.sys /TL=30

    This would give the user a  maximum of 30  minutes,  or whatever time
    they had left.  (The lesser of the two)  To give a user an indefinate
    amount of time, you can use the /TL=NONE value. (registered use only)


╓───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╖
║ Common questions and answers                                              ║
╙───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╜

   Q: What is the difference between the registered version and the
      unregistered version?
   A: The unregistered version is illegal to run after 45 days of use, is
      limited to 15 minutes per session and you cannot use the /TL=NONE
      parameter.

   Q: Can people chat when transferring files?
   A: That depends on what protocol they use to transfer the files with.
      ICS works with all protocols, so if they are using something like
      Bimodem which supports bi-directional transfers and chatting, then
      they will have quite a productive session.

   Q: It says "IPX is not installed"?
   A: Make sure you follow the instructions in the "Requirements" section
      of this documentation.

   Q: Do my users have to run and special software?
   A: No, they can run their standard terminal programs to transfer files
      and chat, however if they are playing DOOM, etc, they will of course
      need a copy of that program.

   Q: Can I install DOOM on my system, and let my users play using their
      regular terminal package?
   A: No, modems don't work that way.  To see graphics on the remote end
      special software is required - in this case DOOM.

   Q: People are getting low transfer rates using the internal com
      routines? (the /I switch on the command line)
   A: ICS is optimized for fossil communications.  With the internal com
      routines, we experienced a 1450 cps rate on a 14,400 modem, as
      opposed to the 1620 cps rates when using the fossil driver.  If you
      are experiencing and strange problems, then the fossil routines
      might be best.

   Q: When I use the fossil driver, the users get garbage on the other side?
   A: Some systems react bizarre with locked com ports.  If you experience
      this problem, then set this enivroment variable:

      SET FOSSIL=NOSET

      ...in your autoexec, or if you are short on enviroment space, run
      the door in a batch file like this...

      @echo off
      SET FOSSIL=NOSET
      \path\ICS.EXE \path\DOOR.SYS
      SET FOSSIL=

   Q: Will this run with my BBS software?
   A: ICS runs with virtually any BBS software that can execute an
      external program or 'door'.  It does have some 'extra' features
      for certain BBS packages, but ICS works quite well with any
      other packages too.



╓───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╖
║ Support                                                                   ║
╙───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╜

   If you have any questions or comments, you  can netmail us at FidoNet
   address 1:2401/305 (CM,VFC,V32).    Please poll back for your replies
   as we get dozens of messages a day, and crashing them all out is just
   too expensive -  or optionally,  make a note that you would like your
   message routed back to you.  You can also contact us via the Internet
   for faster responses, and directly sent out replies.   The address is
   "[e-mail]"   Normally you will find us in the RA_UTIL FidoNet
   area as well, as well as the MCC_SUPPORT echo of course.   The latest
   version can always be FREQ'd from us with the magic name ICS.   Also,
   newest MCC software is also now available via the Internet at...

   ftp://  ra.fileshop.com/pub/ra/mcc
   ftp://  ra.uti.com/sys/bbs/bbs/mcc
   www://  www.uti.com/mcc

   You can also FREQ the files from us via Fidonet,  the  magic names to
   file request are: OLMS,  UPCHECK, SPORTS,  ISERVER, GIFSEE,  VOTEBOX,
   QF, CVS, and ICS - check out our CATALOG.DOC!


╓───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╖
║ Registration                                                              ║
╙───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╜

    ■ REGISTER.CAN - registration form for Canada
    ■ REGISTER.USA - registration form for USA
    ■ REGISTER.ASA - registration form for ASIA
    ■ REGISTER.AUS - registration form for Australia
    ■ REGISTER.EUR - registration form for Europe


╓───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╖
║ License and Disclaimer                                                    ║
╙───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╜

    "ICS" is NOT free,  it is being  marketed under  the "try before you
    buy" or shareware concept.  You are entitled to use  ICS  and CONFIG
    for  a period  up to  forty-five (45) days,  after  which  you  MUST
    register or stop using the programs.

    Registration entitles  you to  use  ICS 1.0  as well  as  any future
    versions of the program that may or may not be released,  subject to
    any additional licensing conditions which may be attached.

    Registration  will also you to use all of the available functions of
    ICS, take  away  the "Unregistered" message at start up, and help to
    continue  to  develop  this program.  (not to  mention maintain  the
    legality of this agreement)

    By running any of the  executable programs included,  you agree that
    Pete Rocca, Darryl Olthoff, Multiboard Communications Centre nor any
    affiliates of  the above mentioned  are responsible  for any  damage
    ever  experienced, however  so created. If you cannot agree to this,
    then your privilege to use any of these programs  is revoked  and it
    becomes illegal for you to execute  any programs included with  this
    documentation.

    You may freely copy and  distribute the  shareware version of ICS as
    long as its original archived contents  are not modified in any way.
    You may NOT  distribute any  registration keys  without the  express
    written  consent of Pete Rocca  of Multiboard Communications Centre.
    You may  not use a registration key that  is not  licensed to you by
    Pete Rocca, or any of the registration sites appointed by Pete Rocca

    It is illegal to edit, alter, hack, reverse engineer and / or modify
    any components of the ICS archive in any manner.

    If dispute of any issues on legal grounds said above, then governing
    law of Ontario, Canada will rule.

    If you agree to all of the above,  then you  may use these programs.

    * REMEMBER THAT REGISTRATION IS QUITE INEXPENSIVE FOR ALL YOU GET! *