DISKMAG2.BAT ·
BAT ·
45.8 KB ·
1985-12-08 ·
from CompuLink-User-Group_Magazette_Vol-1-Issue-2_1985
ECHO OFF
bat goto -line0
bat -header
bat stack.purge
bat cls begtype
\0F╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗\07
end
bat type %s%s%s%s%s%s%s %H%s%s%s%s%%s%s%s%ss%s%s%s%s%s COMPULINK MAGAZETTE ISSUE 2%s%s%s%s%s%s%s%s%sPage %N
bat begtype
\0F╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Press: PGDN for next page, PGUP for prev page, HOME for main menu.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\07
end
bat return
bat -scroll
bat inkey %k
bat if %k = KEY003 goto -opt0 |* Break key
bat if %k = KEY01B %L = 0 | return |* ESC key
bat if %k = KEY147 %L = 0 | return |* Home key
bat if %k = KEY149 %L = %L - 1 | cls | return |* PgUp key
bat if %k = KEY151 %L = %L + 1 | cls | return |* PgDn key
bat goto -scroll
end
bat read Press the ─┘ key to continue to next section.....
bat return
bat -line0
bat cls begtype
\0F ╔════ COMPULINK MAGAZETTE ISSUE 2 ════╗
║ The Magazine On The Screen! ║
╙───────────────────────────────────────────╜
\0F ╔═════════════════╗
║ SECTION 2 INDEX ║
╚═════════════════╝
╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗\07
\0F ║ 1)\07 2.01 - 2.04 DISKCAT diskette library program. \0F║\07
\0F ║ 2)\07 2.05 - 2-10 What is Public Domain Software. \0F║\07
\0F ║ 3)\07 2.11 - 2.15 Disk format translation service. \0F║\07
\0F ║ 4)\07 2.16 - 2.43 Fido's operating manual. \0F║\07
\0F ║ ║
║ 0) EXIT ║
║ 5) Section 1, 6) Section 3, 7) Section 4. ║
╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝\07
END
bat -entry0
bat read Enter the number of your selection. > %A
bat if / = /%a %a = 1
bat if %a < 16 if %a > 1/ cls goto -opt%a
bat if %a < : if %a > / cls goto -opt%a
bat beep
end
bat goto -entry0
bat -opt0 cls begtype
╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Ready to leave Magazette Press a key: ║
║ <\0FS\07>ystem <\0FA\07>gain ║
╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
end
bat -exiting inkey %a
bat if %a = S exit
bat if %a = A goto -line0
bat beep goto -exiting
bat -line44
bat -opt1 %H = DiskCat | %L = 44 | %N = 2.01
bat call -header | begtype
"DISKCAT" the disk Cataloging Program.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As a newcomer to the CompuLink group, I was interested to note that
the Disk library list was compiled using the Program "DISKCAT"
(Library Disk No 22) because I already had a copy of that program from
the PC User's Group library and had been having some problems with it.
My copy had a distinct reluctance to the loading of more than 11 disks
worth of information, in fact it flatly refused!
I rang up Frank and asked him if he had experienced any trouble with
Diskcat and he said that his copy was working well and offered to give
me a copy to check against mine to see what the problem was. The copy
duly arrived, together with the request that I might like to write
something about the program! hence this write-up!
It did not take very long to find why my program had been fighting
back, although the issues and the dates of the two sets of programs
were the same, the size of one program (DC4-READ) was different and as
soon as I had changed my copy of this program.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line45
bat %H = DiskCat | %L = 45 | %N = 2.02
bat call -header | begtype
All my troubles vanished! Diskcat is a very fine program if you want
to produce a catalogue of your disks or programs. Diskcat gives the
user the chance to customise various parts of the program easily, so
you can choose the colour, the default drive, the various default
names, etc. The documentation, supplied on disk, I did not think was
as good as others have said it was, or perhaps it was me! Loading the
information from your disks is simplicity itself, you just have to
answer a few prompts and the loading is done, the biggest job is the
filling in of the "program category" and the "description", which can
be a lengthy process, depending how much details you have to add and
how many files and disks you have. If many of the inputs are only
repeats of the entry before, the program allows you to hit Alt-R and
the entry is repeated; it also gives you the chance to View a file so
that you can determine what description to give it. In fact the
program is very well arranged and once the main chore of filling in the
additional information against each file is out of the way, you can
easily keep the file updated.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line46
bat %H = DiskCat | %L = 46 | %N = 2.03
bat call -header | begtype
The method of adding new or revised disk programs to the file is very
easy, if the disk is an extra one that has not been entered before,
the loading method is the same as when first starting, with the
additional chore of filling in the descriptions for all the files, but
if the disk is one you have already on file and are upgrading the
original information, all you do is load in the normal way and when
the program finds the disk title already on list it will ask if the
original file is to be updated. If the answer to this question is
yes, it will then take the new details and where they differ from that
on file it will revise it, leaving you with the job of filling in only
any new entries.
When you have loaded the disk information and filled in the
descriptions you can produce listings of your disk contents, in a
variety of ways, either displayed on screen, on printer or saved on
a disk. The details can be sorted by file name, by disk name, by
category, by file extension or by file date.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line47
bat %H = DiskCat | %L = 47 | %N = 2.04
bat call -header | begtype
You can even compare two catalogues and produce a listing in
alphabetical order showing both catalogue contents, side by side, and
noting where any programs are identical. There is also a facility to
produce a disk catalogue so that it can be available on the disk as the
disk's own directory, complete with descriptions etc.
In fact there are so many various ways that you can use the program, I
find it difficult to decide where to stop! I think that if you want
to list your disks, or data files with descriptions, especially if you
want to produce a cross reference index to help you find that program
you want, without having to load each disk in the search.... then
spend the £3 to have a look at this program!
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line48
bat -opt2 %H = Public%sDomain | %L = 48 | %N = 2.05
bat call -header | begtype
What is Public Domain software?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the early days there was no standardised operating system
for computers and every piece of software was an expensive
one-off item. It was not possible to run software written
for one type of machine on any other. CP/M (control program
for microcomputers) was the first significant operating
system developed to overcome this problem. With the advent
of CP/M in the mid 1970s, computer hobbyists with different
types of computers could work together to help one another
develop software, as it was now possible for them to exchange
software between their various machines. Some people created
programs to sell, others were more interested in sharing the
programs they had written with any one who could use them or
improve them. One man, Tony Gold in New York State, began
gathering this latter type of software, and put out a call to
computer clubs and societies all over the United States for
people to contribute what they had written.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line49
bat %H = Public%sDomain | %L = 49 | %N = 2.06
bat call -header | begtype
His objective was to accummulate enough software to fill one
8" single density disk. Eight disks were filled immediately,
and many more followed. This was the begining of the public
domain library. A fairly recent development in the Pubic
Domain is the emergence of USER SUPPORTED software. This
material is written by proffesional or semi-professional
authors who encourage it's wide distribution. This software
usually comes with a sign-on message "If you find this
software useful send (money) to author (name) at (address)"
this system has considerable advantages for the computer user
as he does not have to waste his money on unsuitable
programs. One would wonder if the honesty of the users could
be relied upon to make this system workable, however the
increasing number of U.S. software companies providing USER
SUPPORTED material seems to indicate that it can work. Today
there are hundreds of megabytes of public domain type
software in hundreds of disk volumes covering almost every
conceivable area of interest, from Space invader games to
complete word processors and expert systems.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line50
bat %H = Public%sDomain | %L = 50 | %N = 2.07
bat call -header | begtype
Unlike most commercial software, public domain programs are
often supplied with their source code so that the user can
see the program instructions as written by the author and, if
required, modify or improve the program to his own
requirements. Like a book library this software comes in
volumes, usually one per disk. There are several libraries,
the ones we hold are:- PC-SIG,PC-BLUE, & COMUG.
*THE UK * In the U.K. the PUBLIC DOMAIN is little known and
most computer users get quite a shock when they first find
all this 'free' software, especially when they may have been
used to paying hundreds of pounds for sometimes rather
inferior products. In the past the only access to the public
domain in the U.K. was by belonging to one of a few
specialised user groups who usually had only a small part of
the available material, or by by importing the material from
the U.S. Now for the first time the bulk of the public
domain is available at low cost to anyone.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line51
bat %H = Public%sDomain | %L = 51 | %N = 2.08
bat call -header | begtype
We have probably the largest range of IBM PUBLIC DOMAIN
software in the UK. This public domain and user supported
software is contained in some 700+ disk volumes totaling
something like 12000 items. It comes from user groups,
individuals, companies, universities etc in various
countries. The material in the PC-SIG and PC-BLUE libraries
is mainly intended for IBMPC and look-alikes but much of it
will run on any MSDOS machine. The range of material is very
wide and includes languages, utilities, word- processors,
business packages, compilers, assemblers, disassemblers,
cross assemblers, macro libraries, modem and bulletin board
programs, data base programs, engineering programs, HAM radio
programs, maths routines, CAD systems, printing utilities,
games, educational etc. This material is particularly useful
for those seeking to learn more about the serious uses of
computers and programming in various languages. If you want
to get away from the endless Basic games etc pushed at us by
the magazines and learn Assembler, C, Pascal, Forth, Dbase II
or whatever you will find this material a rich source.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line52
bat %H = Public%sDomain | %L = 52 | %N = 2.09
bat call -header | begtype
Much of the software in these libraries has been contributed
by professionals in the computer field so many "tricks of the
trade", and advanced techniques can be picked up. Even if
you are only interested in application programs you will find
many items which are fully as good as material that would
cost hundreds from the usual commercial suppliers. The
library is divided into volumes, one volume may contain many
different items or may have a number of files all relating to
one large program, only whole volumes can be supplied.
COPYRIGHT:- The copyright of this software is retained by the
original authors and donated to the public domain for non
profit distribution, in the case of user supported software
the authors request that if you should find their software of
use you should send them a small payment. We make no charge
for this software, and it may not be sold, but you may give
away copies, but check on the disk for any special conditions
required by the author.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line53
bat %H = Public%sDomain | %L = 53 | %N = 2.10
bat call -header | begtype
Catalogues which give a description of the software available
are supplied on disk as text files which can be printed out
or viewed on the screen. The catalogues are available as
special volume ,for PC-SIG volumes 270 & 271 and for PC- BLUE
volume 0. for the PC vols a 9 sector DS IBM disk will hold
any single volume. With some CP/M
LIBRARY CONTRIBUTIONS: May be uploaded to this board or sent
in on disk, we will of course return your disks.
Contributions must be Genuine Public domain and not contain
any copywrite material without the written consent of the
authors. Donations need not be major or even complete.
Documentation and notes of any hardware/ software dependence
should be included with any donations. Donations will also
be passed to other user groups.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line54
bat -opt3 %H = Translation | %L = 54 | %N = 2.11
bat call -header | begtype
DISK FORMAT TRANSLATION SERVICE & CP/M USERS LIBRARY
138 Holtye Rd, East Grinstead, Sussex RH19 3EA (0342) 313883
DISK FORMAT TRANSLATION: Computer manufacturers have
unfortunately chosen in most cases to make the disks written
one machines unreadable on any other type of machine. We can
transfer data AND programs between disks of differing formats
for most machines. If for example you had some programs on
Superbrain or Osborne format disk we could transfer them to a
Torch, Apple, or whichever format you require.
HOW IT WORKS: Send us the disk containing the files to be
translated plus another blank disk formatted on the
destination machine. This second disk should also contain
some files that we can use to test the format is correct,
(this is only needed on the first disk, and not needed at all
for non-CP/M disks), something like PIP and a text file (a
file produced by a word processor or editor etc.) of about
30k will be fine.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line55
bat %H = Translation | %L = 55 | %N = 2.12
bat call -header | begtype
These files will help us check that we have the right format
set up for your machine as there can be several format types
for the same make of machine. With the disks send in a print
out or a written note of the results obtained by typing the
command STAT DSK: on each of the machines. (Note* If your
system does not have the STAT command then supply whatever
details of the format you have, eg capacity of disk, smallest
file size, allowed directory entries etc). For example, if
you had a program on an Osborne disk which you wish to run on
Superbrain, send us a backup copy of your Osborne disk
together with a disk formatted on the Superbrain with a
couple of files as described above. We will transfer the
Osborne disk files to the Superbrain disk and return both
disks to you. If you cannot for some reason obtain a disk
from the second machine we can supply a disk in that format
but there could be a chance of format mismatch.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line56
bat %H = Translation | %L = 56 | %N = 2.13
bat call -header | begtype
NB: Although the transferred programs may now be read by
the second machine, sometimes they may not run properly as
some programs have to be set up for the particular machine
they are to run on.
For this reason it is recommended that when sending program
disks for translation make sure you get all of the files
including any install program that goes with it. (If
possible take a copy of your original program distribution
disk). If your program needs setting up for your new machine
we can usually help or advise on this.
Some of the formats we can copy between are:-
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line57
bat %H = Translation | %L = 57 | %N = 2.14
bat call -header | begtype
ACS, ACORN BBC/CPM, ACULAB, APPLE CP/M, AMSTRAD 5" & 3", APRICOT, ADLER, ALMARC,
ARACOM, AARDVARK, ALTOS, BBC(BASIC), BT MERLIN, CROMENCO, CCS, CIRTON, DATAVUE,
DEC, DIGICO, EAGLE, ELECTROTECH, EASI-PRINT, EPSON, ELMER, EQUINOX, EXIDY
SORCERER, ORION, GEMINI, GRUNDY, HP125, IBM(MSDOS & CPM), IOTECH IONA, IMS, IDS,
ICL, ITT, LOGICA, KAYPRO, KAYCOMP, MILLBANK, MICROWORLD/MICROBEE, MORROW,
MEMOTECH, MEMORY, MIMI, NASCOM, NCR, NEC, NEWBRAIN, OLIVETTI, ORION, OSBORNE,
PANTHER, PHILLIPS, PLESSEY, PRODIGY, PORTICO, PIPER, PERCOM, QUANTUM, RADE, RAIR
BLACK BOX, RML, SC-84, SHELTON, SUPERBRAIN, SORD, SANYO, * SHARP, SCREENTYPER,
SPECTRAVIDEO, TATUNG, TANDY, TELEVIDIO, TORCH, TIGER, TRS80, TI, TUSCAN,
TRANSTECH, VTS ,WANG, WESTREX, WREN, XEROX, ZORBA, ZENITH ,ZEN.
NOTE: Some of the above makers have a variety of different formats in various
disk sizes- 8",5.25",3.5" & 3" and in most cases we are able to handle any of
them. We are also able to transfer between IBM MSDOS/PCDOS and CP/M formats.
There are a few formats we cannot currently handle, the ones we know about are-
COMMODORE, CIPHER, SIRIUS and ANY HARD SECTORED FORMAT. If you don't see the
format you want please write or phone as we are adding new formats all the time.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line58
bat %H = Translation | %L = 58 | %N = 2.15
bat call -header | begtype
CHARGES: #6.50 PER DISK INCLUSIVE (discounts available for quantity orders).
Media if required 5.25 and 8" #2.00
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE ?: Normally disks will be posted back on the same day
received. In cases of particular urgency please phone as we can sometimes
provide a while you wait service for callers. When sending in disks please send
verified good backups if possible, not your originals in case of mishaps in the
post etc. Please label each disk clearly and make sure you have supplied
enought destination disks. (NOTE for APPLE users please do not send Hard Sector
or `flippy` type media.) Cheques and PO,s should be crossed and made payable to
SPECTRONICS.
IMPORTANT NOTES 1) Please check the copyright restrictions on your software as
the above service is offered only on the basis that we can accept no
responsibility for breaches of copyright occuring. 2) Disks for format
translation and user library volumes are usually returned by normal post at the
owners risk. If you wish your disks to be returned by registered post please
add #1.50 to the charges or 40p for recorded delivery.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line59
bat -opt4 %H = Fido%sManual | %L = 59 | %N = 2.16
bat call -header | begtype
Fido's Operating Manual T. Jennings 1 Nov 84
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Edited by Ben Baker
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FidoBBS is a Bulletin Board system that takes full advantage
of MSDOS version 2. Most of the features were modeled after
the usual CBBS and RBBS software, since the command system is
so popular and familiar.
There are three help levels; the default for new callers is
NOVICE. This provides a small menu of commands, and usually
gives further description as commands are executed.
REGULAR is the command letter prompts, minus the full words,
and does not tell you what command you have just executed.
Useful for after you understand the structure, but have not
memorized all the command mnemonics.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat call -header | begtype
bat -line60
bat %H = Fido%sManual | %L = 60 | %N = 2.17
bat call -header | begtype
EXPERT is just a very short command prompt; there are no
menus or other things; prompts are very small and fast.
Once you are very familiar with Fido, this will make using it
very fast.
Regardless of help level, you can enter ? at almost any
point for a list of the options at that point.
From the Main Section, all of Fido's available commands can
be accessed. The actual commands are described in detail
below. Fido is arranged into three sections:
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line61
bat %H = Fido%sManual | %L = 61 | %N = 2.18
bat call -header | begtype
+-----------------------+ Change User name, etc
| | Bulletins, Questionaire,
| Main Section | Yell at Sysop, access to
| | other Sections.
+-----------------------+
| |
| |
| |
+------------------+ +-------------------+
| | | |
| Message Section | | File Section |
| | | |
+------------------+ +-------------------+
Read, enter, delete List, download,
messages, message upload files, change
areas, etc. file areas, etc.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line62
bat %H = Fido%sManual | %L = 62 | %N = 2.19
bat call -header | begtype
Commands
All commands in all areas are one letter, though some require
further arguments or options. Most command allow entering
the further arguments right after the command key; if not,
or if not supplied, each necessary component is prompted for,
usually with help available at each point.
For instance, to download a file you must enter the D
command, the download method (one of seven) then the
filename. If you entered D, then Fido would ask for the
download method. After that, it asks for the filename. Once
you become familiar with it, you can enter it all as:
D X FILENAME.EXE
All on one line, skipping the prompts. This works for most
commands.
All commands can be aborted with a Q or a blank line.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line63
bat %H = Fido%sManual | %L = 63 | %N = 2.20
bat call -header | begtype
All Sections
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The following are commands that are available in all
Sections.
G -- GoodBye
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Logoff the system, optionally leave a private message to the
sysop. If a message is left, it goes into the special
message area (in system area 0) that is accessable only by
the sysop. The usual message editor is available for
comments.
S -- Statistics
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This command lists the time on the system, time remaining,
etc. Also, depending on the area, it will list further
information.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line64
bat %H = Fido%sManual | %L = 64 | %N = 2.21
bat call -header | begtype
Files Area Statistics also lists the free space left on the
default drive.
Message Area Optionally lists messages to or from you.
FidoNet Area As in Message areas, and also lists FidoNet
statistics.
Main Menu
~~~~~~~~~
This is the section you are in after signon, right after the
Bulletins and quotations. From here, the "system" type
commands are accessed, such as Change user settings, etc.
The commands accessible from here are described below.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line65
bat %H = Fido%sManual | %L = 65 | %N = 2.22
bat call -header | begtype
M Message Section
F File Section
Y Yell at the Sysop
A Answer a Questionaire
B Get Bulletin again
E Get the Editorial
C Change User settings
S Statistics
U Display User List
G Goodbye, logoff
M -- Message-Area
Enter the message section. From there, the message areas can
be accessed.
F -- Files-Area
Similar to Message-Area, but where the upload and download
commands are.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line66
bat %H = Fido%sManual | %L = 66 | %N = 2.23
bat call -header | begtype
A -- Answer-Questionaire
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If there is a questionaire in the system, you get to fill one
out with this command. A questionaire is an text
pseudo-language file, described in the Questionaire section.
C -- Change User
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A small sub-menu of commands to change various user settings,
such as signon name, password, screen dimensions, etc.
U Users name
C City and State
P Password
W Screen Width
L Screen Length
H Help level
M "More?" on and off
T Tabs On and Off
end N Nulls, 0 - 20
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line67
bat %H = Fido%sManual | %L = 67 | %N = 2.24
bat call -header | begtype
You can change your name, password, city and state, and
anything else at any time. (Unless the options were removed
by the sysop.)
NOTE: For security reasons, when your name is changed, the
entire users list is searched to make sure the name is
unique. This is to prevent having two or more people with
the same name.
The screen dimensions are used by the page pauser ("More?")
and the message system. Messages are listed to fit within
the set screen boundaries, and message entry is done via a
word wrap editor. If "More?" is ON, then Fido will pause
after each screenful. All of the command prompts are made to
fit within this.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line68
bat %H = Fido%sManual | %L = 68 | %N = 2.25
bat call -header | begtype
Help level is either NOVICE, REGULAR or EXPERT. NOVICE is
the default; it causes all prompts to be displayed fully,
and each command to be described with a one liner.
REGULAR is similar, but does not list the entire wordy
prompt. EXPERT is almost no prompt at all.
"More?" on and off controls whenther Fido asks "More?" every
screenful.
Tab expansion converts all tabs sent into spaces, for those
systems that cannot handle tabs.
Fido can be set to send nulls after each linefeed. It
defaults to 0 nulls.
B -- Bulletin
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line69
bat %H = Fido%sManual | %L = 69 | %N = 2.26
bat call -header | begtype
This just displays the signon bulletin, BULLETIN.BBS again.
E -- Editorial
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Similar to the Bulletin, (but displaying file EDTORIAL.BBS)
but not displayed automatically.
Y -- Yell at the Sysop
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
By yelling, the caller can attempt to contact the sysop. It
beeps for 30 seconds, and if the sysop does not respond by
then, displays "Sysop not available".
The sysop can chat with the user at any time.
U -- Users List
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lists the names of all current callers to the system. Not
very useful.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line70
bat %H = Fido%sManual | %L = 70 | %N = 2.27
bat call -header | begtype
G -- Goodbye
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Terminates the call. It is not really necessary; however,
callers seem to get upset when they cant figure out how to
log off, so there it is. (Its OK to just hang up.) It also
allows entering a private message to the sysop. After
(optionally) entering a message, it causes a disconnect,
exactly what would have happened if the caller just hung up.
The Message Section is accessed by the M command from the
Main Menu. All message commands are available here. Return
to the Main Menu is via the M command.
M Return to Main Section G Goodbye
A Area-Change R Read messages
E Enter a Message K Kill a message
L List Messages S Statistics
I Search for an item
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line71
bat %H = Fido%sManual | %L = 71 | %N = 2.28
bat call -header | begtype
A -- Area-Change
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Change the current message area. If an area number is
entered after the A, that area is selected if available. If
not, a list of areas is displayed, from which you may choose
one.
If a new area is selected, then the messages there are
counted (why it says "Wait ...") and if it's the first time
you've selected that area, asks if you want to list mail
addressed to you. Nothing happens if you select the same
area, or blank line or Q.
The mail search searches all messages, newest to oldest, and
lists: New message to you (ones you haven't read yet) Old
messages to you (ones you have read) and messages you have
entered. Typing Control-C or Control-K aborts the search.
If there are lots of messages in any of the above catagories,
it reminds you to Kill some.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line72
bat %H = Fido%sManual | %L = 72 | %N = 2.29
bat call -header | begtype
The message area numbers displayed may not be sequential.
Each area has an associated privelege level and if the your
privelege is not high enough, that area will not be displayed
nor available.
L -- List Messages
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Only the message headers are listed. A starting number is
requested; this can be:
An ordinary number
A number followed by + or -
- itself.
If just a number is entered, messages are listed starting at
that one, towards the highest message.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line73
bat %H = Fido%sManual | %L = 73 | %N = 2.30
bat call -header | begtype
A number followed by + or - controls the direction messages
are listed in. + is redundant. - means list backwards,
100- then means start listing at 100, list towards 1.
- means list from the highest message towards the lowest.
This is the most useful, and for some reason the least used.
If you have called before, this is the easiest way to see any
new messages.
R -- Read
~~~~~~~~~
Actually a small menu by itself. From here messages can be
read, entered, killed, replied to, etc. See the descriptions
of the Kill and Enter commands for details on those
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line74
bat %H = Fido%sManual | %L = 74 | %N = 2.31
bat call -header | begtype
Entering a message number reads that message. N (Next) reads
the next highest message, and P (Previous) reads the next
lowest message. Hitting CR repeats the previous N or P; if
neither was used, then it defaults to P.
* is a special message number. It means the highest message
number.
+ and - are little used keys, but one of the most powerful
message features. Messages can have, and be, replies. (See
R command below.) Messages created with R are linked to other
messages. For example, a message about an item for sale may
have a reply. If you come across the original for sale
message, it will say "See also #nnn, use + key" if it has a
reply. Entering a + at this point will take you directly to
that message. This message will say "Reply to #xxx, use -
key". Entering - will take you back to the original message.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line75
bat %H = Fido%sManual | %L = 75 | %N = 2.32
bat call -header | begtype
There is no limit to the number of messages that can be
linked this way. Further replies are added to the end, and
if one in the middle (or either end) is Killed, the string of
messages is "patched" to maintain continuity.
This is my favorite feature (dreamed up by John Madill) and I
am slightly annoyed that no one uses it.
R Replies to the current message. It acts basically like
Entering a message, but automatically fills in the "To:"
field, and links it into the original message.
You can enter "RK" to reply to a message, and kill it
afterwards. This is extremely useful while reading your
mail.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line76
bat %H = Fido%sManual | %L = 76 | %N = 2.33
bat call -header | begtype
If you are replying to a message in the Mail area, it also
fills in the destination system. The message will be mailed
out that night.
Please read about Entering messages, further below.
E enters a message in the normal fashion.
E -- Enter a Message
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You fill in the To:, From:, Subject: fields, etc, then the
main body of the message. After terminating the message,
commands can be used to save, abort, edit, etc.
If the area is a FidoNet Mail area, then in order to enter a
message, you must select the system to send it to at the
prompt. If you do not have enough credit, then Fido will not
let you send a message to that system. If you do, then Fido
will deduct the cost of the message from your credit.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line77
bat %H = Fido%sManual | %L = 77 | %N = 2.34
bat call -header | begtype
Message text entry is done with a word wrap editor. If the
screen width is set properly (C command in Main Menu) then
this is about as close to a full screen editor as you can get
through a modem (on current DOSs anyways.)
Like WordStar, text is entered continuously without carriage
returns. Words that would go past the left edge are wrapped
to the next line. Carriage returns can be used to form
paragraphs as in WordStar. When entered this way, later
reading of a message will conform to the callers screen
width.
At the Enter Message command prompt, the options are:
C for continue. Add more to the message, adding to the end.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line78
bat %H = Fido%sManual | %L = 78 | %N = 2.35
bat call -header | begtype
L lists the message so far.
T lets you change the To: field.
J lets you change the subject.
D Deletes a line
I Inserts a line
E edit a line. You enter the line number, then you are
prompted for the Old string (what to change) then the New
string (what to change it to). Both old string and new
string can be anything that you can enter, except a carriage
return. NOTE: it is possible to edit a line such that it
goes beyond the edge of the screen. It will list correctly
after it is saved.
A aborts the message. You will be asked yes or no.
S saves the message. The message is written out to disk, and
the highest message number, etc is updated.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line79
bat %H = Fido%sManual | %L = 79 | %N = 2.36
bat call -header | begtype
K -- Kill
Deletes the message. Will not let you delete messages that
are not To: you or From: you, unless you are the sysop. If
the message you killed was mail to a remote system and it was
not sent yet, you get your credit back; you are not charged
for that message.
I -- Index
~~~~~~~~~~
Terrible name, but too bad. Prompts you for a string. It
then searches all messages, newest to oldest for the thing
you enter. It looks in the "To:", "From:", or "Subject:"
fields. If the string you enter is in any one of those parts
of the message, the header of the message will be listed.
Typing Control-C aborts the search. An insensitive sliding
match is done; ON matches TONY or PITON, etc. Each message
header matching is listed, then a list of all matching
message numbers.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line80
bat %H = Fido%sManual | %L = 80 | %N = 2.37
bat call -header | begtype
? will match any character. For example, if there are the
following messages in the system:
#100 From: Joe Bungpop To: All Subject: Musical
Instruments
#102 From: No Body To: W.S. Burroughs Subject: Guns
#200 From: All To: Board Subject: Music
If you enter MUS, it will list messages 100 and 200, as MUS
is contained in the Subject: fields of both. If you had
entered BU, then it would list messages 100 and 102, as it
would match "Bungpop" and Burroughs". Entering B??R would
cause #102 and #200 to be listed, as B??R matches BURRoughs
and BOARd.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line81
bat %H = Fido%sManual | %L = 81 | %N = 2.38
bat call -header | begtype
The file Section contain all the file oriented commands for
downloading, uploading, etc. The M command returns to the
Main Menu.
M Main Section
G Goodbye
A Area-Change
F List Files
L Locate specific Files
D Download
U Upload
R Raw-List
K Kill a file
T Type a file
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line82
bat %H = Fido%sManual | %L = 82 | %N = 2.39
bat call -header | begtype
A -- Area-Change
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Similar to the Message Area-Change. If a valid area number
is entered, it is selected directly, otherwise a list is
displayed.
Like the message areas, there may be numbers missing from the
sequence. These are either blank paths or high privelege
areas.
L -- Locate
~~~~~~~~~~~
Given a file specifier (wildcards reccommended) it searches
through all file directories for the filename, and lists all
occurences of it. L;*.ASM lists all .ASM files in all areas,
etc. L;*.* lists all files everywhere.
This is not the general purpose list-files command.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line83
bat %H = Fido%sManual | %L = 83 | %N = 2.40
bat call -header | begtype
F --- Files
Lists the files in the current directory. If no specifier is
given, it lists all files, otherwise only matching ones. The
size of the file and the description is displayed after the
filename.
If "MISSING" is displayed instead of the file size, then the
file is not there, even though it is listed.
T -- Type
Very simple. Displays an ASCII file on the screen. It
statistically checks the file to make sure it is a text file.
U -- Upload
~~~~~~~~~~~
Upload a file or files to Fido. I will not even attempt to
document all the upload methods. Suffice to say you select
the upload method and do it.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line84
bat %H = Fido%sManual | %L = 84 | %N = 2.41
bat call -header | begtype
The total uploads made is kept in the user record. These
count towards further downloads, by effectively raising the
download limit on a 1 for 1 basis. It will not give you
credit however. There is no limit on uploads.
After all files are uploaded, you are asked to describe each
one; this is added to the list of files. (You may not be
able to see the newly added files though.)
D -- Download
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Again, pick the method and do it. Before the download
starts, Fido checks time limits and K byte limits, and
prevents too long downloads. Uploading will remove some of
the download limit.
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line85
bat %H = Fido%sManual | %L = 85 | %N = 2.42
bat call -header | begtype
Control characters are used by Fido for editing command
lines, pausing and aborting commands. Control- C and
Control- K always are identical and have the same effect:
Control-C Aborts anything
Control-K Aborts anything
Control-S pauses the display. Any key except a second
Control-S will let it continue.
When not using the word wrap message editor, Fido allows
simple editing of command lines. It assumes the your or
computer terminal can support at least backspace. It
supports:
^C, ^X, ^U, ^Y
end
bat call -scroll | goto -line%l
bat -line86
bat %H = Fido%sManual | %L = 86 | %N = 2.43
bat call -header | begtype
Delete the entire line.
^R
Restore the previous line, from last use or deletion. (Most
useful.)
^S, ^G, ^H, DEL
Delete one character to the left.
^D
Restore one character.
ESC, CR, LF
Enter the line.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
end
bat call -scroll | stack diskmag3.bat | exit
bat -opt5 stack diskmag1.bat | exit
bat -opt6 stack diskmag3.bat | exit
bat -opt7 stack diskmag4.bat | exit