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__________________________________________________________
| |
| AppleNET Premium Bulletin Board Software |
| |
| Version 1.1 |
| |
| By Kevin D'Haeze |
|__________________________________________________________|
AppleNET is copyrighted material of Kevin D'Haeze. You may
neither distribute for profit nor use segments of the system
in your own programs without the express written consent of
the author, Kevin D'Haeze.
AppleNET v1.1 is freeware. This means that there is no
charge for its use. However, I have spent COUNTLESS hours
(really!) developing this program for the Apple II
community. If you find it useful, please support the
freeware concept and send me some compensation for my work.
Doing so will encourage me to create newer and better
programs for you.
Send any donations to:
AppleNET
c/o Kevin D'Haeze
1403 Country Club
Niles, MI 49120
Another note of interest: the modem drivers included with
this program are DEMONSTRATION programs. They are
copyrighted material of Morgan Davis and Living Legends
software. If you would like to receive the complete working
version of these programs, you may contact Living Legends
Software. If you order ModemWorks, simply copy the new
drivers over the old ones and your AppleNET system will work
fine.
Living Legends Software
P.O. Box 4313
La Mesa, CA 92044
AppleNET Features
-------- --------
Here are SOME of the features of AppleNET version 1.1:
THE SELECTION MENUS: Completely menu-driven, pop-up menus
THE CONFIGURATION EDITOR: Completely menu-driven, pop-up
menus, intelligent ProDOS path parsing, easy entry of data,
even easier multiple choice selection, printer-supportive,
four screens of configurable information.
THE USER EDITOR: Completely menu-driven, pop-up menus,
intelligent creation of the user database, search options,
easy manueverability throughout userlog, printer-supportive,
quick-validation option, complete (not partial) user
information editor.
MODULE EDITOR: Completely menu-driven, pop-up menus,
intelligent ProDOS filename parsing, edits ALL FOUR modules
in one program (no switching from program to program),
printer supportive, "goof-proof" error checking, copying,
insertions, deletions, sorting, and adding are all
implemented.
MESSAGE BOARDS: Up to 45 may be defined, complete security
over reading and writing, several types of messages in each
board (such as public, private, anonymous), maximum number
of messages definable (up to 999 in each board), up to two
moderators for each board may be defined, intelligent
message threading, replying, deletion, and scanning.
FILE BASES: Up to 45 may be defined, complete security over
uploading and downloading, up to two moderators for each
board my be defined, individual assigning of storage
directories, file searches by keyword, download time
estimations.
ONLINE PROGRAMS: Up to 45 may be defined, complete security
on program operation. Nearly ANY Applesoft BASIC program can
be used online.
BULLETINS AND ARTICLES: Up to 45 may be defined, complete
security on read access, intelligent page-pausing routine.
BBS FEATURES: System log, menu-driven wait-for-call options,
page bell toggling, caller alarms, easy chat interrupting,
background tasks (change configurations, definitions, user
status', and even take the user into BASIC and return as if
nothing had happened, all while online!), hot-key
menu-driven, -NO- possible way for the user to break into
BASIC without being escorted by the SysOp, subscription
system available.
Package Content List
------- ------- ----
The AppleNET v1.1 package contains the following
programs:
MODEMWORKS The ModemWorks program [demo]
AMPERWORKS The AmperWorks program [demo]
HAYES.GS.DVR Hayes GS driver [demo]
HAYES.SS.DVR Hayes Super-serial driver [demo]
OTHER.GS.DVR Other GS driver [demo]
OTHER.SS.DVR Other Super-serial driver [demo]
APPLECAT.DVR Apple-Cat II driver [demo]
CEDIT The configuration editor
MEDIT The system module option editor
UEDIT The userlog editor
DIR.CREATOR Creates directories from editor data
ANET AppleNET startup module
ANET.LOGON Wait-for-call module
ANET.MAIN Main event-handling routine
ANET.MESSAGES AppleNET messaging module
ANET.FILES AppleNET file transfer module
ANET.BULLETINS AppleNET bulletin/article module
ANET.PROGRAMS AppleNET online program module
BACKGROUND Online background task program
EXIT Exit from event file program
INSTALL The installation program
MENU.XXXXXXXXX Text files used as menus
HELP.XXXXXXXXX Help files for each module function
WELCOME A sample welcome file
NEWS A sample news file
NEWINFO.1 A sample new user introduction
and NEWINFO.2 A sample new user closer
Required Equipment List
-------- --------- ----
o Apple IIgs or Apple IIe (enhanced)
o At least one or two 5.25-inch disk drives
o ProDOS-compatible clock card (or Apple IIgs)
o Fully Hayes AT-command compatible external modem
with:
- Apple Super Serial Card, or
- Apple IIgs built-in modem port
o Or, Applied Engineering DataLink 1200 or 2400
o Or, Apple-Cat II internal modem (212 card optional)
Optional Supported Equipment
-------- --------- ---------
o RAM disks
o Hard drives
o Two or more disk drives
o Printer
AppleNET will also support modem speeds ranging from
300 baud to 9600 baud.
Possible Uses for AppleNET v1.1
-------- ---- --- -------- ----
AppleNET may be used for countless purposes. Some
possibilities include:
o Base for hobbyists to share information on a topic.
o Educators may set up a BBS for their students use
and exchange messages, files, and other information.
o Computer enthusiasts can use it to distribute public
domain and shareware software, share ideas on
areas of interest, and offer support for their
machine.
o Businesses can set up a system for the community to
call and recieve product information and support,
and order products over the phone line.
o Clubs and organizations can post upcoming events,
and offer socialization via electronic mail
Assumptions In Using AppleNET And Its Editors
----------- -- ----- -------- --- --- -------
It is assumed that, in using this program, you know how
ProDOS directories and subdirectories work, and that you can
correctly copy files from one directory to another using a
disk utility program. Minimal knowledge of Applesoft BASIC
is required, but those who know BASIC can take advantage of
the features provided.
It is also assumed that you have a basic knowledge of
BBS etiquette and a basic familiarity with modems and
telecommunication.
What IS a Bulletin Board System?
---- -- - -------- ----- -------
Specifically, a bulletin board system (BBS) is
comprised of a program which answers the telephone using a
computer modem (MOulator, DEModulator). It then requests
that the caller type information about themselves so that
the program can recognize who it is that is calling. You may
be familiar with other major online services, such as
CompuServe, GEnie, and AppleLink. The purpose of a BBS is to
miniturize the concept of these major services and provide
the power that these system offer on a home computer.
AppleNET does just that. You can exchange mail
electronically, transfer complete programs back and forth
over the phone lines, offer bulletins for all users to read,
and even provide games and utilities, only a phone call
away.
The potential of a BBS is nothing short of miraculous.
AppleNET brings the power of many major networks to the
personal computer owner.
Manual Notation Conventions
------ -------- -----------
All special keys will be delimited by { and } (i.e.
"{ESC}" means press the ESCAPE key).
Installing AppleNET
---------- --------
INSTALLATION TERMINOLOGY
Initial Directories ... The ProDOS directories in which
the AppleNET programs and
support files are located.
Destination Directory ... The ProDOS subdirectories in
which you plan on storing
AppleNET and associated files
NOTE: If the AppleNET program you downloaded was packed with
a program which supports subdirectories, you will NOT need
to run the installation program. You may skip the following
two paragraphs.
Upon receiving your AppleNET package, you will need to
move the system files to different subdirectories before
beginning the configuration process. To do so, you should
boot up your AppleNET disk (or, run the program called
"STARTUP". After doing so, use the {down-arrow} key until
the words INSTALLATION PROGRAM are highlighted, then press
{RETURN}. This will run the installation program. This
program will copy the needed files to proper directories.
After the installation program loads, you should type
in the name of the directory or subdirectory in which you
want to store the AppleNET files. Be careful to type in
periods in the proper places (no spaces). Make sure that the
disk which you are storing AppleNET in has at LEAST 350 free
ProDOS blocks. Once you enter the directory name properly,
the program takes over, creating all needed subdirectories
and copying every AppleNET file to those subdirectories.
After completing its task, it will return to the startup
program.
Once you've completed the task of copying the batch of
files to the destination directory, your destination
directory map will look similar to this:
/DEST ___________________ /SYS
| | |
STARTUP | AMPERWORKS
CEDIT | MODEMWORKS
MEDIT | HAYES.GS.DVR
UEDIT | HAYES.SS.DVR
ANET | OTHER.GS.DVR
ANET.LOGON | OTHER.SS.DVR
ANET.MAIN | APPLECAT.DVR
ANET.MESSAGES |
ANET.FILES |____ /SYS.TEXT
ANET.BULLETINS |
ANET.PROGRAMS MENU.xxxxxxxxxx
DIR.CREATOR HELP.xxxxxxxxxx
BACKGROUND WELCOME
EXIT NEWS
INSTALL NEWINFO.1
NEWINFO.2
You should now set your modem to work properly with
AppleNET. To do so, you will need to set the modem's DIP
(Dual Inline Package) switches.
If you will be using an Apple-Cat II, set the switches
as diagrammed:
_________
| |
On | X |
|---------|
Off | X X X |
|_________|
If you are using an Apple-Cat II with a 212A Upgrade
card, use the following diagram:
______________
| |
On | X X X X |
|---------------|
Off | X |
|_______________|
If you are using a Super Serial Card, use the following
diagrams to set your switches:
BLOCK ONE BLOCK TWO
_______________ _______________
| | | |
On | X X X X X X | | X X X X X |
|---------------| |---------------|
Off | X | | X X |
|_______________| |_______________|
If you are using an Apple IIgs and a modem connected
through the IIgs' modem port, enter the Control Panel
(CONTROL-APPLE-ESC) and select MODEM PORT. You should now
change DCD HANDSHAKE and DSR/DTR HANDSHAKE to "No".
When using an external modem (on any computer) you will
need a proper cable in order to detect certain events while
the program is running. This cable must cause DCD to be held
high all the time since it is tied to the CTS line. The
actual DCD signal from the modem is mapped directly to the
DSR lead at the serial port. If these conditions are not
met, AppleNET will be unable to determine the modem's
carrier status. Here is a diagram for the cable wiring:
Super Serial External Modem
GND (1) <-----------------------> GND (1)
TXD (2) <-----------------------> TXD (2)
RXD (3) <-----------------------> RXD (3)
RTS (4) <-----------------------> RTS (4)
CTS (5) <------+----------------> CTS (5)
DSR (6) <------|-------\ DSR (6)
GND (7) <------|-------|--------> GND (7)
DCD (8) <------/ \--------> DCD (8)
DTR (20) <-----------------------> DTR (20)
Also, you will need to set your modem's DIP switches to
conform with the following table:
Switch Position
------ ---------------------------------------------
1 Up ....... (supports RS-232C DTR lead)
2 Up or down (supports word result codes)
3 Down ..... (sends result codes)
4 Up or down (echos characters in cmd state)
5 Up or down (will not auto-answer)
6 Up ....... (reports actual carrier status)
7 Up or down (singe line phone installation)
8 Down ..... (enables command recognition)
If you are not using a special cable with the Super
Serial Card, your modem MUST assert a constant carrier
signal. To do so, set your modem's DIP switch 6 in the down
(on) position.
Now that you've gotten that all taken care of, you're
ready to begin telling AppleNET how you want your BBS to
operate and what you want it to contain. In other words, the
information you wish to provide for callers to your BBS.
To begin, you should get into ProDOS Applesoft BASIC
(with the ] prompt). Next, move to the BBS directory. For
instance, if you were using a hard drive, and your BBS was
in a subdirectory called /BBS, you would type this:
]PREFIX BBS
Typing PREFIX alone will display the current path. You
can use this to make sure you're in the right place. As an
example:
]PREFIX
/HARD.DRIVE/BBS/
You will need to be in the BBS directory any time you
want to use the editors or start up the BBS so that it will
answer calls. Now that you're in the correct directory, you
should type the following:
]-STARTUP
This will execute the startup program and present you
with several options dealing with AppleNET. The screen will
clear, and a menu-driven program will appear giving you
several choices. They are:
AppleNET BBS
Configuration Editor
Module Editor
User Editor
Installation Program
Applesoft BASIC
ProDOS
This manual will cover each segment of AppleNET in the
order that you would need to use them while setting up a
BBS. But first, an explanation of the menu-driven structure
of AppleNET.
Throughout the course of your venture as system
operator (SysOp), you will be using the provided editors
extensively. To make things easier on you, every editor
follows similiar, easy-to-use guidelines. Whenever you are
using an editor, you will almost always see a row or column
of words or phrases, with one of them being highlighted
(shown as dark letters on a light background). These are the
commands, or options, you will be able to select. While in
the Startup program, try using the arrow keys to move the
highlighted bar up and down. Most of your selecting will be
done using the arrow keys, the key labeled RETURN, and the
ESCape key. This makes things pretty simple to remember.
Now that you've experimented with moving around in the
menus, highlight the selection called "Configuration Editor"
and then press {RETURN}. The disk drive should become active
and the program CEDIT will load, after which you will be
ready to begin using the editor.
Using the Configuration Editor (CEDIT)
----- --- ------------- ------ -------
What is CEDIT (pronounced See-Edit)? CEDIT is the
editor which allows you to modify the way your BBS will
handle certain events, the equipment you will be using,
where you will be storing certain information, and will
allow you to toggle options on or off, depending on what you
prefer.
When you first load CEDIT, you will be presented with a
boxed list of commands on the top of the screen. It looks
like this:
EDITOR LOAD SAVE PRINT QUIT
You may wish to use the left- and right-arrow keys to
experiment with command selection.
Once you have become familiar, select EDITOR from the
menu (highlight it, then press {RETURN}). The first command
line will disappear and be replaced by another which looks
like this:
DEFINITIONS RESTRICTIONS DIRECTORIES ACCOUNTS
Try pressing {ESC} once and watch what happens. You are
instantly returned to the last menu you were at. Remember
this, as it will apply to nearly all of the editors.
Pressing {ESC} will, if available, return you the the last
menu you were presented with.
If you haven't sone so already, return to the EDITOR
menu and select DEFINITIONS. A list of options will appear
below the box. These are the different DEFINITIONS you can
configure to suit your taste. If you look in the box, there
is no longer a command line. Instead, it will show you the
different keypresses you will use to change the options
presented below it. You use the up- and down-arrow keys to
move up and down the list, and you use the left- and
right-arrow keys to change the highlighted option. Try it
now. Move up and down the list and try changing a few
options (you'll change them again later).
Setting Up Your CEDIT Definitions
------- -- ---- ----- -----------
Move up the the top item in the DEFINITIONS list. It is
labeled "Board Status". Now, using the left and right arrow
keys, select the choice you would like.
Since all of the DEFINITIONS are operated in the same
manner as the above example, a list will follow which
explains the choices pertaining to each option. You should
use the arrow keys to choose which choice best suits your
needs. When you are finished with the DEFINITIONS, press
{ESC} and move to the RESTRICTIONS section. The RESTRICTIONS
work in the same manner that the DEFINITIONS do.
BOARD STATUS
Open: Public board. Open to new users.
Restricted: No new users accepted. Only current users.
Subscription: Duration of account is defined in UEDIT
Off-line: Close down the board for repair.
MODEM TYPE
Hayes External: Use a Hayes or 100% compatible modem
Other External: Use a semi-compatible modem
Apple-Cat II: Use the Apple-Cat II internal modem
SERIAL INTERFACE
Slot 1-7: Use a Super Serial Card specified slot
IIgs Serial Port: Use the IIgs built-in modem port
MODEM SPEED
300 Baud: For 300 baud modems
1200 Baud: For 1200 baud modems
2400 Baud: For 2400 baud modems
9600 Baud: For 9600 baud modems
SYSTEM LOG DESTINATION
Disk: Save caller log to SYSTEM.LOG
Printer: Send caller log to the printer
Disk and Printer: Send to both disk and printer
None: Don't record a system log
GREETING (WELCOME)
Yes: Display a file (located in the SYS.TEXT directory)
which is called WELCOME. This is the welcominng file.
No: Don't display the welcome file
NEWS (NEWS)
Yes: Display a file (in the SYS.TEXT directory) called
NEWS. This is the news file.
No: Don't display the news file
NEW INFO (NEWINFO.1)
Yes: Display a file (in the SYS.TEXT directory) called
NEWINFO.1. This is the new user information file.
No: Don't display the new information file
NEW CLOSER (NEWINFO.2)
Yes: Display a file (in the SYS.TEXT directory) called
NEWINFO.2. This is the new user closer file
No: Don't display the new closer file
EVENT FILE ACTIVE
Yes: Implement an event file. An event file is a program
made by the SysOp which and is located in the
external files directory (we'll cover this in a
minute). If active, the program will jump out of
AppleNET and run the program called EVENT. For more
about event files, see the information section
dealing with CEDIT.
No: Do not implement an event file
EVENT EXECUTION TIME
The time at which an event file would be executed
SUNDAY
Yes: Run the event on this day (if active)
No: Don't run the event on this day
MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY
See Sunday options
PASSWORD ATTEMPTS
Number of wrong responses to allow when entering
information at the logon (calling) questions. If the user
incorrectly answers the question more than the specified
number of times, AppleNET will hang up and wait for
another call.
LOWEST CALL BAUD
300 Baud: Allow all baud rates to be used
1200 Baud: Restrict 300 baud callers
2400 Baud: Restrict 300 and 1200 baud callers
9600 Baud: Restrict 300, 1200, and 2400 baud callers
LOWEST TRANSFER BAUD (not implemented)
SYSOP PAGE START
The beginning of the time block in which the SysOp will
allow users to page (attempt to type back and forth with)
the SysOp.
SYSOP PAGE STOP
The end of the time block in which to allow page attempts.
SYSOP PAGES/CALL
The number of times the user can page the SysOp in any one
call.
INACTIVITY TIMEOUT
The length of inactive time to allow before AppleNET will
hang up and wait for another call. This is to prevent the
system from being "held-up" by a user.
This ends the DEFINITIONS and RESTRICTIONS options. You
may now return to the EDITOR menu, and select DIRECTORIES.
The DIRECTORIES and ACCOUNTS sections work a little bit
different than did the DEFINITIONS and RESTRICTIONS screens.
You still use the up- and down-arrow keys to manuever around
the list, but you no longer use the right- or left-arrow
keys. Instead, if you want to change the highlighted option,
you press {RETURN}. When doing so, the highlighted option
will change to all uppercase letters to let you know that
you chose to edit the option and a cursor will appear
directly to the right of the option. To edit the option
information, you merely type in the new information. If you
decide, after typing something in (and BEFORE you press the
{RETURN} key), that you'd rather keep the old information,
simply press {CONTROL-X} and then press {RETURN}. This will
return the option to the previous information stored there.
If, however, you want to store the new information, press
{RETURN} after typing it in.
Follow this same procedure for each option in the
DIRECTORIES and ACCOUNTS sections. Because the information
defined in each of these areas can be so varied, you will be
required to type in each individual answer. Look through the
following list of all DIRECTORIES and ACCOUNTS information,
and adjust each answer according to the setup you will be
using. Read the information section below this list for
detailed information on some options in CEDIT.
BOARD NAME
The name you would like to give your BBS system. Examples
include: Joe's BBS, Apple User Connection, or Apple
Computer Clubs.
MESSAGES DIRECTORY
This is the directory in which you will be storing ALL of
your messages and appropriate data (message bases are
defined using MEDIT, which will be covered later. Use a
COMPLETE ProDOS pathname.
BULLETIN DIRECTORY
This is the directory in which you will be storing ALL of
your bulletins and articles (discussed in MEDIT section).
Use a COMPLETE ProDOS pathname.
QUESTIONNAIRE DIRECTORY (not implemented)
EXTERNAL DIRECTORY
This is the directory in which you will be storing ALL of
your online programs (discussed in MEDIT section) as well
as any event file (see information section). Use a
COMPLETE ProDOS pathname.
ENCLOSURE DIRECTORY
This is the directory in which you will be storing ALL of
the message file enclosures (discussed in AppleNET
section). Use a COMPLETE ProDOS pathname.
HELP FILES DIRECTORY (not implemented)
NEW USER SECURITY
Security level to give new callers (discussed in UEDIT).
NEW USER FLAGSET
FlagSet to assign to new callers (discussed in UEDIT)
NEW USER TIME LIMIT
The number of minutes a new caller is allowed to use
while exploring the BBS.
NEW USER CREDIT (not implemented)
EXPIRED SECURITY
Security level to give expired subscription accounts
(discussed in UEDIT). Used ONLY if you set the BOARD
STATUS to SUBSCRIPTION.
EXPIRED FLAGSET
FlagSet to assign expired subscription accounts
(discussed in UEDIT). Used only if you set the BOARD
STATUS to SUBSCRIPTION.
EXPIRED TIME LIMIT
The number of minutes to allow a user with an expired
subscription account. Used only if you set the BOARD
STATUS to SUBSCRIPTION.
This sums up a listing of all CEDIT options and what
changes you may make to them. What follows is a more
in-depth look at a few of AppleNET's CEDIT options and how
to control them.
CEDIT Information Section
----- ----------- -------
Information on: GREETING (WELCOME), NEWS (NEWS), NEW INFO
(NEWINFO.1), and NEW CLOSER (NEWINFO.2)
The four options listed above are actually text files
which are located in the subdirectory SYS.TEXT. You can load
these files with your favorite word-processor and change
them to suit your needs and cosmetic tastes. Recall that
there are also several other files located in the SYS.TEXT
subdirectory. These are the menus and help files which
comprise the look and feel of the BBS. You may also load
these up with a word processor and edit them to suit your
taste.
Information on: EVENT FILE ACTIVE
What is an event file? An event file is simply a BASIC
program which is stored in the external file directory (see
the DIRECTORIES section above). If you set the event
activity "flag" to Yes, AppleNET will jump out of the
"Waiting for a call" sequence at the time specified by EVENT
EXECUTION TIME. When it does, it will go to the external
file directory and run a file called EVENT. If the event
file is not there, it will "crash" and you will have to
restart the BBS, so be sure that, if setting this to Yes,
you have an EVENT file in the external files directory.
What do event files do? Anything you want them to. You
will need a decent understanding of BASIC in order to write
an EVENT file. Some possible applications would be to make a
printout of all the new users on the board, or to reboot the
system in order to freshen the computer's memory. You might
also make one which cleans out the message bases, deletes
some files, or creates a message that details system usage.
The possibilities are endless. You could even make one that
plays a song at a certain time to wake you up in the
morning!
Once you have finished entering all of the information
for CEDIT, you're ready to save it to disk so that it can be
used by AppleNET. To do so, press {ESC} until you return to
the main (first) menu. Highlight SAVE and then press
{RETURN}. Your configuration will then be saved. After
saving it, the highlighted option will now be QUIT. If you
don't have a printer, or don't wish to make a printout at
this time, you will want to press {RETURN} to quit CEDIT.
If you have a printer (the interface must be in slot
one or you must have it connected to the IIgs printer port),
you will probably want to make a printout of the information
you entered into CEDIT. To do so, highlight PRINT and press
{RETURN}. Make sure your printer is on, then press {RETURN}
again. After printing, select QUIT from the main menu.
This ends the section on CEDIT ...