Bugs Fixed: The most obstructive ones were the destructive Backspace (now an option), the 5 data bit mode after a ZModem upload, and the problems with XModem uploads (most noticeable when uploading to RRH with 1k blocks). I’m sorry for the extreme inconvenience to RRH sysops and uploaders. There appears to be a bug in RRH dealing with duplicate blocks, an unusual occurrence that can be caused by the bug in ZTerm. I think RRH will be fixed also.
Binary Type Detection
A major new feature is the automatic detection of certain types of binary files, and setting the appropriate file creator and type for the received file. For example, if you download a GIF file, the file type will be set to GIFf, which the GIF viewers look for. This should be extremely useful for anyone moving files from other types of computers. When I get information on more file types, I will be adding them to future releases. You can add them yourself using ResEdit. On the other side of the coin, there is also a list of file types that should be sent as binary files. This includes GIF, ARC and ZIP files. Also, TEXT files that include binary data will be sent as binary.
Color
I have attempted to fix various problems with color handling. I haven’t done any online testing of color, because I don’t have access to a color Mac. If I were a real developer, I might be able to afford a color Mac at the developer prices. For now, I’m stuck with my 1024KE.
ANSI-BBS
The option that selected the PC font in previous versions, now selects PC ANSI-BBS emulation. This varies slightly from vt100 emulation. I have also filled in the PC font with the control characters.
Upload As...
For YModem and ZModem uploads, there is now an option to let you enter the file name that will be sent to the host (other) computer. It now also defaults to an 8.3 format (MS-DOS file name limits). Just check the Prompt for Host Name option in the batch file selector and when you click Start, it will let you enter the name for each file.
GEnie and CIS users
First, if you are having trouble with transfers, make sure your settings are at 8-N-1 and the Strip Hi Bits option is set in Terminal settings. Also, the Sysops of the Mac forums have given me free access while I am in their areas. If you have a problem, please leave me a message there instead of via E-mail. I don’t really like paying to help someone! On GEnie, leave a message in the Mac RT Bulletin Board, Category 5, Topic 8. On CIS, leave a message in the Mac Productivity Forum, Section 8 (Telecomm) to 72155,1560.
Distribution
Any re-distribution of ZTerm MUST include the doc file and the registration form. If you know of a service that is not following this simple requirement, please let me know. On BBSs, I would prefer the original Stuffit file be distributed. Several people who have registered asked me how they could get (or if there was) any documentation.
New Releases
You should expect 2 to 4 months between releases. This one took longer than I would’ve liked. (Isn’t that always the case?) I will upload new releases to GEnie and CIS and a couple local boards. They should be available on many BBSs shortly thereafter.
I am interested in any performance comparisons with other comm packages, especially the new zmodem offerings. Please send me details.
Thanks to those who have registered. To those who haven’t, please honor the Shareware agreement and either register or stop using ZTerm.
