[NOTE: This document has been adjusted to conform to 7bit character]
+---------++-------+ +------------++----------+-----------+-------+
| +---+ || +---+ | +-+ +-+ || +---+ +----+ +---+ +---+
| | | || +---- | | | | | || | | | | | | +---+
| +---+ ++ +---+ | | | | | ++ | | ++ | ++ | +---+
| +----+ | +-----+ | | | | | +---+ | | | | +-----+
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
+--+ +--+---------+--+ +--+ +---+-----------+ +---+ +---------+
+----------+------+ +------+ +-------+ +-------+ +-------+
| +---+ | +--+ | +--+ | +---+ | +---+ | +---+
| | | | | | | | +---+ | +-----+ +-----+
| +---+ | | | | | +---+ +-----+ +-----+ |
| +----+ | +----+ +----+ +-----+-----+ +-----+ |
| | | | | | | | |
+--+ +--+--------+--------+---------+---------+---------+
RemoteAccess 2.52
Copyright (C) 1989-1998 Bruce F. Morse
All Rights Reserved
- 1 -
Dedicated to the memory of Fred "Levi's" Horner
- 2 -
============================================================
Table Of Contents
------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 1..................................................4
Introduction...............................................4
Top Down View............................................5
Preamble and Credits.....................................7
Licensing Information (Shareware version)................8
How to register..........................................9
The key system..........................................13
Product Support.........................................14
Installation............................................17
Configuration.............................................19
RACONFIG..................................................20
The User Interface......................................20
Running RACONFIG........................................21
THE FILE MENU.............................................22
Switches................................................22
Info....................................................22
Exit....................................................22
DOS Shell...............................................22
THE SYSTEM MENU...........................................22
Paths...................................................23
System................................................23
Menus.................................................23
Text Files............................................23
Msg Base..............................................23
File Base.............................................23
File attach...........................................24
Nodelist..............................................24
CD-ROM temp...........................................24
Semaphore.............................................24
Rearchive.............................................25
RIP Icons.............................................25
System log............................................25
Site Info...............................................25
Name..................................................25
Sysop.................................................26
Location..............................................26
Addresses.............................................26
Security................................................26
THE OPTIONS MENU..........................................26
Messages................................................27
Check For New Mail During Log-on......................27
Full Mail Check.......................................27
Quote String..........................................27
External Editor.......................................28
Default Origin........................................29
Reply Header..........................................29
Expands to the time that the original message (the one....30
Message Uploads.......................................30
------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------
Echo Net Replies......................................30
Net Kill Sent.........................................31
Confirm Delete........................................31
Net Crash Option......................................31
Net Crash Force.......................................31
Net Attach............................................31
Group Mail............................................32
CC Mail...............................................32
Return Receipts.......................................33
Net Receipts..........................................33
Files...................................................34
Upload Credit.........................................34
Payback Credit........................................34
Touch Dates...........................................34
Show Missing..........................................34
Upload Space..........................................35
Logon New Files.......................................35
New Files Tag.........................................35
Download Start and Download End.......................35
Download Speed........................................36
No Dupe Extension.....................................36
DL Description........................................36
List Format...........................................37
Missing Format........................................39
Upload Scan...........................................39
RAMGR Function Keys...................................40
External Archive Viewer...............................40
Archivers.............................................41
Logoff Warning........................................42
New CD Areas..........................................42
Restrictions............................................42
Log-on Speed..........................................42
ANSI Speed............................................43
No300 Start and No300 End.............................43
Errorlevels.............................................43
Fax...................................................45
Display.................................................45
Monochrome............................................45
Direct Screen Write Mode..............................45
Snow Checking.........................................46
Display Lines (Size)..................................46
Colors..................................................46
Paging..................................................47
Duration..............................................47
Maximum Number........................................47
Ask Why...............................................47
Sysop Messages........................................48
External Chat Utilities...............................48
Suspend Time During Chat..............................48
Automatic Logging of Chat Sessions....................48
------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------
Paging Availability Schedule..........................49
New Users...............................................49
Security..............................................49
Flags.................................................49
Credit................................................51
Group.................................................52
ANSI..................................................52
AVATAR................................................52
ClrScr................................................52
More..................................................52
Sub Days..............................................52
Upload Credit (number of files).......................53
EchoMail Check........................................53
Sex...................................................53
Data Phone............................................53
Voice Phone...........................................54
One Word Names........................................54
Handle................................................54
Birth Date............................................54
Hot-Keys..............................................54
Full-Screen Message Viewer............................55
Full-Screen Message Editor............................55
IEMSI.................................................55
Language..............................................56
Date Format...........................................56
Capitalize Location...................................57
Upload Credit Kilobytes...............................57
Mailing Address.......................................57
Telephone Scan........................................57
System..................................................58
Fast Log-Ons..........................................58
Check Multi-Node Access...............................58
Remote Sysop..........................................58
Exclude Sysop.........................................58
Text Shells...........................................59
Log Style.............................................59
Multi-Node............................................60
Environment...........................................60
Screen Blanking.......................................60
Pausing After System Messages.........................61
ALT-J Swap (Shelling to DOS)..........................61
Use XMS...............................................61
Use EMS...............................................61
IEMSI.................................................61
Password Echo Character...............................61
Automatic ANSI Detection..............................62
Password Tries........................................62
Password Change Forcing...............................62
Strict Password Checking..............................62
Minimum Password Length...............................63
------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------
Log-on Time...........................................63
User Inactivity Timeout...............................63
Watchdog Area.........................................63
Sysop Area............................................64
Check DOB.............................................64
Limit Local...........................................64
Save Password.........................................65
Blank Logins..........................................65
Prompts.................................................65
Log-on Prompt.........................................65
Left and Right Brackets...............................65
Language Prompt.......................................65
Language Header.......................................66
Printer.................................................66
Selecting the Printer Port............................66
THE MODEM MENU............................................66
Options.................................................66
Comport...............................................67
Speed.................................................67
Lock..................................................67
Answer................................................67
Delay.................................................68
Buffer................................................68
Break.................................................69
Tries.................................................69
Offhook...............................................69
Commands................................................69
Pause for 1/4 of a second before continuing...............70
Initialization Strings................................70
Busy..................................................70
Answer................................................71
Responses...............................................71
Init..................................................71
Busy..................................................71
Ring..................................................72
Secure................................................72
300 - 38400...........................................73
THE MANAGER MENU..........................................73
Message Areas...........................................73
Moving, Copying and Deleting..........................74
Name..................................................75
Origin................................................75
Read, Write and Sysop Security........................75
Type..................................................76
Status................................................76
Users.................................................77
Days Old, Days Rcvd and Max Msgs......................77
Echoinfo..............................................77
Combined..............................................78
Attaches..............................................78
------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------
SoftCRs...............................................78
Deletes...............................................79
AKA...................................................79
Age...................................................79
Group.................................................79
Area Type.............................................79
JAMbase...............................................80
AltGroup1, AltGroup2 and AltGroup3....................81
Message Groups..........................................81
Name..................................................82
File Areas..............................................82
Name..................................................83
Path..................................................83
Download, List and Upload Security....................83
New...................................................84
Dupes.................................................84
CD-ROM................................................84
Free..................................................84
LongDesc..............................................84
DirectDL..............................................85
PwdUL.................................................85
UL Scan...............................................85
ArcType...............................................85
DL Days...............................................85
FD Days...............................................86
MoveArea..............................................86
Min Age...............................................86
Password..............................................87
Group.................................................87
Def. Cost.............................................87
Uploads...............................................88
Alternate File Groups.................................88
Device................................................88
AllGroups.............................................89
File Groups.............................................89
Protocols...............................................89
Name..................................................92
Key...................................................92
Ext Ctl File..........................................92
Batch.................................................93
Status................................................93
Log File..............................................93
Control File..........................................93
DL and UL Command Line................................94
DL Ctl String.........................................94
UL Ctl String.........................................95
DL Log Keyword and UL Log Keyword.....................95
Log Name Keyword......................................95
Log Desc Word.........................................95
Languages...............................................96
------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------
Alt-Function Keys.......................................99
Events.................................................100
Start................................................101
Status...............................................101
Errorlevel...........................................101
Forced...............................................101
Days.................................................102
Menus..................................................102
Control Files..........................................102
Combined...............................................103
Limits.................................................103
Security.............................................104
Time.................................................104
Download Limits for Individual Baud Rates............104
Local................................................104
RatioNum.............................................105
RatioK...............................................105
PerMin...............................................105
FlexTime.............................................106
Session..............................................106
Reset................................................106
ResetOfs.............................................106
ResetAmt.............................................106
Chapter 3................................................108
Menu Administration......................................108
ABOUT MENUS............................................109
MENU LAYOUT............................................109
AUTOMATIC COMMANDS.....................................113
TEMPLATES..............................................114
MESSAGE AND FILE GROUPS................................116
THE TOP MENU...........................................117
SPECIAL SWITCHES.......................................118
GLOBAL MENU............................................119
CREATING MENUS.........................................119
MENU TYPES LISTING.....................................132
Chapter 4................................................189
External Support Files...................................189
OVERVIEW...............................................190
TEXT FILES EXPLAINED...................................190
CONTROL CODES..........................................192
CONTROL CODES LISTING..................................195
System Function Codes................................195
System Data Codes....................................197
User Data Codes......................................198
Padding Control Codes................................200
Color Control Codes..................................200
TEXT FILES LISTING.....................................201
CONTROL FILES..........................................214
Editing Control Files................................214
CONTROL FILES LISTING..................................216
------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 5................................................220
User Administration......................................220
NEW USER DEFAULTS......................................221
USING REMOTEACCESS MANAGER.............................221
Modifying a User.....................................222
Finding a User.......................................222
Adding a User........................................222
Deleting a User......................................222
Account Record Fields................................223
Guest Accounts.......................................225
RAUSER.................................................225
Chapter 6................................................227
Message Database Administration..........................227
SPECIFICATIONS.........................................228
JAM Database Files...................................228
Hudson Database Files................................229
Something in Common..................................230
LIMITATIONS............................................230
MAINTENANCE............................................230
Running RAMSG........................................231
Errorlevels..........................................234
Chapter 7................................................235
File Database Administration.............................235
ABOUT THE FILE DATABASE................................236
Administration Utilities...............................237
GENFBASE.EXE.........................................237
RAFILE.EXE...........................................243
RAFILE Command-line Parameter Descriptions.........244
RAMGR.EXE............................................249
Chapter 8................................................256
Questionnaires...........................................256
WHAT IS A QUESTIONNAIRE?...............................257
Automatic Questionnaires...............................258
Script Command Listing.................................260
Example Questionnaires.................................270
Chapter 9................................................275
Multi-node Operation.....................................275
CONFIGURATION..........................................276
RACONFIG.............................................276
Paths................................................276
CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT..........................277
Individual Node Configuration........................277
Exit and Log Files.....................................278
Batch Files............................................279
Chapter 10...............................................281
Mail Networking..........................................281
PRINCIPALS OF A MAIL NETWORK.............................282
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS................................282
CONFIGURING REMOTEACCESS...............................283
Node Number..........................................283
------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------
Message Areas........................................284
Origin Lines.........................................284
NetMail Areas........................................285
Installing the Nodelist Files..........................285
Cost Control...........................................286
A Sample NODECOST.CTL File...........................287
Chapter 11...............................................289
Reference Information....................................289
Sysop Keys and the Status Bar..........................290
Sysop Function Keys..................................290
Sysop ALT Keys.......................................291
Other Sysop Keys.....................................293
RemoteAccess Environment Variables.....................294
RA.EXE Command-line Parameters.........................295
Shell to Mailer Mode...................................298
Errorlevels Returned by RemoteAccess...................299
Batch Files Examples...................................300
A Single-node System.................................300
A Multi-node System..................................302
A Multi-node System in Shell to Mailer Mode..........304
============================================================.
- 3 -
Chapter 1
Introduction
*
*
*
*
This chapter explains how to use this manual as a procedural
guide as well as a reference guide. It also explains the
icons, sidebars and procedural steps which were included to
illustrate step-by-step procedures and highlight various
features and functions.
- 4 -
Top Down View
============================================================
This manual was written with a twofold target audience.
First, the novice; one who has never used RemoteAccess
before, and second; the experienced Sysop. For the novice,
this manual provides clear, in-depth descriptions of
concepts and features as well as check-list procedures to
assist in feature implementation. For the experienced
Sysop, the same features are available in addition to many
reference examples and a useful index.
In an effort to provide comprehensive documentation, we've
taken a top-down approach. Each feature and concept is
explained in the order in which it is implemented or
configured. The chapters themselves are laid out in order
of implementation and usage progression. If you start at
the beginning of this manual and work your way through its
chapters, you will have learned RemoteAccess from a top down
perspective and will be on your way to setting up a unique
system all your own.
Throughout this manual, you will notice various symbols and
text formatting which are used to attract your attention or
indicate an action or reference. The following legend gives an
explanation for each.
The "NOTE" Symbol
This symbol is used to attract your attention to important
notes. Wherever you see this symbol, read the notes that
follow.
The CHEVRON POINTER Symbol ">"
This symbol is used within a line of text to illustrate how
to get to a specific option or feature in the RemoteAccess
configuration program (RACONFIG) by selecting the sub- menus
pointed to. Wherever you see the > symbol, you will see a
map instructing you which pick-list menus should be selected
to access a specific area of RACONFIG.
Pick-list menus are pull-down or pop-up menus that contain a
list of selections from which to choose. Pick-list menus
are often available from other pick-list menus. The
following example shows how the pointer symbol is used to
indicate a position in RACONFIG:
System > Paths
This indicates that from the main pick-list menu in
- 5 -
RACONFIG, you should select the System pick-list menu. From
the System pick-list menu, you should select Paths. Many
references to specific areas of RACONFIG are made in this
manner throughout this manual, in order to give you an
instant indication where to find a given area in RACONFIG.
CHECK LIST Procedures
This manual guides you through several step-by- step
check-lists that allow easy implementation of certain
features of RemoteAccess. Wherever you see numbered lists
(i.e. 1), 2), 3)), you will find a check-list procedure.
- 6 -
Preamble and Credits
============================================================
It seems hard to believe, but the very first version of
RemoteAccess was released just over six years ago. Living in
Europe and the United States for most of that time has been
about the best move I ever made, in terms of my own personal
development. When I returned to Australia, I started an
Internet division of Wantree. I discovered that juggling
RemoteAccess, the Internet, and a usually understanding
girlfriend was demanding to say the least.
As a result, I have probably not given RemoteAccess as much
attention as I have in the past, resulting in more and more
protracted release dates for this version. Notwithstanding
these obstacles, it's finally finished, and I hope you find
the result as useful as past versions.
I'd like to thank the RemoteAccess support and beta groups,
alone with everyone who has supported the product by buying
or registering it. The size of the list of individuals who
have contributed in other ways has become ridiculous, so
rather than name everyone separately, I will take the easy
way out and say "thanks". You know who you are.
Andrew Milner,
Perth, Western Australia
------------------------
From the new owner of RemoteAccess.
Through the negotiations between Andrew Milner and myself,
I now hold all rights to RemoteAccess.
I shall endevor to continue to bring RemoteAccess to a level
more in tune with the current state of the art. There will
obviously be a learning curve for me as to how Andrew's code
has been constructed, but in all fairness to you, the SysOps,
I will attempt to keep that as short as humanly possible.
In short, I look forward to maintaining or exceeding your
expectations!
Bruce F. Morse
Haverhill, Massachusetts
United States of America
------------------------
- 7 -
Licensing Information (Shareware version)
============================================================
"RA" refers to the executable programs and documentation
contained in RemoteAccess Bulletin Board Software distribution
archives released by Wantree Development (shareware version).
1. RA is the copyrighted material of Wantree Development. It
may only be used in accordance with the conditions set out in
this license agreement.
2. You may use RA for a period of three weeks on a trial basis
in order to determine it's suitability for your particular
application. After this period you MUST register each copy of
RA that you run simultaneously. Multi-line installations that
share a common file base AND have the same name need only
register one copy.
3. Registration entitles you to use RA and any future versions
of RA for as long as you wish, subject to any special licensing
conditions attached to future versions. For details on the
registration procedure, refer to the section in this document
"HOW TO REGISTER".
4. Bruce F. Morse is in no way obligated to provide future
versions of, or support for, RA.
5. Site and Group registrations are available, and are dealt
with on a case by case basis.
6. You may not modify or otherwise reverse-engineer RA.
7. You are encouraged to distribute RA provided that no fee
is charged for its distribution, and that the distribution
archive is not modified in any way. Pay Bulletin Board Systems
may however charge their normal fee provided that no additional
charge for RA is levied.
8. RA may not be included as part of any software library
which is distributed on a commercial basis (commercial = "for
money") without prior written permission from Wantree
Development.
9. RA may not be used in any unlawful or illegal manner.
10. Bruce F. Morse's liability resulting from your use
or inability to use RemoteAccess is limited to the amount
that the affected party has paid for it, or in the event that
RA was registered with a third party for payment to Bruce F.
Morse, liability is limited to the amount that was received
by Bruce F. Morse from that third party.
- 8 -
How to register
============================================================
SHAREWARE version:
Systems that qualify for this category must be
physically run from a noncommercial site. A site is
considered to be noncommercial only if it is a private
residence at which no commercial activities are
conducted.
NOTE: As of this release, the shareware version only
supports a maximum of TWO (2) nodes. The Professional
version supports up to 250.
Print or reproduce the registration form at the end of this
section and send it with your registration payment to one of
the following sites:
"Registration/RA" |
C/- Bruce Morse | use this site if your
360 Kingsbury Avenue | area is not listed below.
Haverhill, MA 01835 |
USA |
USA: $50
"Registration/RA"
C/- Ed Meloan
1110 Terrace Circle Drive
North Augusta SC 29841
USA
* You MUST fill out the registration form correctly in order
for your details to be processed. Not doing so will result
- 9 -
in delays in your key arriving.
* Cheques and money orders should be made payable to the
person at your registration site.
* Please include either a FidoNet address or a stamped,
self-addressed envelope so that receipt of your payment
can be acknowledged.
PROFESSIONAL version:
If the system is physically run from a commercial site
(ie. the site is not a private residence, or commercial
activities are conducted at the site).
This is professionally packaged with an expanded ring-bound
manual and includes three modules not available in the
shareware version:
1. Real-Time Conferencing - supporting up to 250 users
concurrently, featuring public/private/password-protected
conferences, conference moderators and sub-conferences.
2. RANETMGR - The RemoteAccess Network Manager, a utility
designed to give you complete control over a busy multi-node
system. Dynamically view the status of each node as users log
on and off, what each user is doing, broadcast messages to any
combination of nodes and automatically take any combination of
nodes down for maintenance.
3. RAEdit - A fully functional, specially customised and
registered version of GEdit, a premium full-screen message
editor.
The professional version supports up to 250 nodes and 100
languages, while the shareware version supports a maximum of
eight languages and 2 nodes.
The professional version of RemoteAccess is sold on a
commercial basis only. It is NOT shareware.
- 10 -
Enquiries for the professional version should be directed to:
RemoteAccess Professional
Attn: Bruce F. Morse
360 Kingsbury Avenue
Haverhill, MA 01835-8373
1:324/122@FidoNet
bfmorse@compuserve.com
pro_sales@rapro.com
USA: Europe:
At this time, there are no authorized other sites
for registration of RemoteAccess (ShareWare) or
RemoteAccess Professional.
- 11 -
*** RemoteAccess REGISTRATION FORM ***
Sysop Name _________________________________________________
System Name ________________________________________________
[The above two items are used to generate your registration
key and must appear EXACTLY as they do in RACONFIG.]
Network Address (number and network name) __________________
Internet e-mail address ____________________________________
Primary BBS telephone number and baud ______________________
Voice telephone number _____________________________________
Hours of BBS operation _____________________________________
Postal Address :
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Version of RemoteAccess registering ______.
Registration amount enclosed _______, for ____ copies.
What do you like about RemoteAccess?
____________________________________________________________
What enhancements/changes would you like to see in our next
release?
____________________________________________________________
- 12 -
The key system
============================================================
Upon registering you will receive your uniquely generated key.
Each key is a small file approximately 2k in size which
contains information about your registration. To install the
key, simply rename it (if necessary) to RA.KEY and copy it to
your RemoteAccess system directory.
When RemoteAccess detects a valid key it switches into
registered mode, identifying itself by placing a "+" at the
end of the version number as well as displaying the name of
the system and sysop it is registered to in the "version
information" menu function.
For example, logging on to a registered system you would see:
RemoteAccess 2.52+
Please enter your full name:
Features marked in this manual with a {+} are only available
when RemoteAccess is running in registered mode. These bonus
features show our appreciation of your taking the time to
register with us.
It should be made absolutely clear that RemoteAccess is still
fully functional before it is registered; the bonus features
are "nice" but their absence makes the system no less usable.
RemoteAccess is not and never will be "DemoWare" or
"ExpireWare".
WARNING! Your key is unique, and under NO circumstances should
it be made available to anyone else. Doing so is a direct
violation of the agreement you entered into with us by
registering.
- 13 -
Product Support
============================================================
You can always get the latest shareware version of
RemoteAccess and technical support from the following systems:
RemoteAccess Central The FidoNet Echos
My Private World BBS -and- RA_SUPPORT
Haverhill MA RA_MULTI
978 521 1223 RA_UTIL
FidoNet@1:324/122 (available on the backbone)
USA and Canada: (North American RemoteAccess Support group)
Bruce Bodger
The TruckStop BBS
Tulsa OK
918 254 6618
FidoNet@1:170/400
Mike Ehlert
Pacific Coast Micro
Thousand Oaks CA
805 494 8327
FidoNet@1:102/1001
- 14 -
Europe and others: (European RemoteAccess Support Group)
(subject to change without notice)
Intentionally Blank at this time
- 15 -
SWRAS (Swedish RemoteAccess Support Group):
(Subject to change without notice)
Intentionally Blank at this time
U.K. (United Kingdom RemoteAccess Support Group):
(Subject to change without notice)
Intentionally Blank at this time
- 16 -
Installation
============================================================
RemoteAccess should run on any IBM 80x86 compatible computer.
The only two programs you will need in addition to the release
package are DOS 3.x and a FOSSIL driver. The FOSSIL is a
memory-resident program that many communications packages use
to communicate with the modem. Two FOSSILs that have been
successfully tested with RemoteAccess are Ray Gwinn's X00, and
David Nugent's BNU. Either of these should be readily available
from any local bulletin board.
You will also need a modem that is capable of accepting Hayes-
type commands. The minimum memory requirement is approximately
400K, but 512K is recommended.
1. Ensure that your CONFIG.SYS file contains these statements:
FILES=20
BUFFERS=25
If you intend to run a multi-node system you may
need to increase the number of file handles that DOS
can open at one time, by raising the "FILES" value.
NOTE: Each additional file handle will reduce available
memory by 50 to 60 bytes.
The more "BUFFERS" you allocate, the faster RemoteAccess
will run. However, each additional buffer allocated will
reduce memory available by 500 to 600 bytes.
2. Create a directory to put the main program files in.
The configuration examples that follow later assume that
this directory (the SYSTEM directory) is C:\RA.
3. Ensure that your AUTOEXEC.BAT file contains a command to
set the environment variable RA to your SYSTEM directory,
so that RemoteAccess can find its configuration files:
SET RA=C:\RA
It is possible to increase the overall performance of
RemoteAccess by placing the file "RA.OVR" onto a ramdrive.
If you elect to do this you must also set the following
environment variable (if "F:" is your RAMDRIVE):
SET RAOVR=F:\
4. Copy all of the executable and overlay files from the
RemoteAccess distribution package into the SYSTEM directory.
5. Create five more sub-directories:
- 17 -
C:\RA\MSGBASE This will hold the message
files the system creates.
C:\RA\MENUS To put your menus in,
C:\RA\TXTFILES To put files such as welcome
and disconnect screens in.
C:\RA\ATTACH To hold message file attaches.
C:\RA\FILEBASE To hold the file database.
This completes the installation, and you are now ready to move
on to the CONFIGURATION section.
- 18 -
Chapter 2
Configuration
*
*
*
*
This chapter explains the configuration of RemoteAccess
which is accomplished with the use of the configuration
program, RACONFIG. RemoteAccess can be configured almost
completely from within this program. Features and options
are explained in the order in which they appear in RACONFIG.
You'll learn how each feature functions as you step through
this chapter.
- 19 -
RACONFIG
In the RemoteAccess system directory (usually \RA after an
initial installation), you'll find several programs which
are discussed throughout this manual. One of these is the
very powerful, all-around configuration program called
RACONFIG. If you're just getting started, you'll want to
read this entire chapter which covers every aspect of the
RACONFIG program. Or, if you've already configured
RemoteAccess, use this chapter as a reference guide.
The User Interface
============================================================
RACONFIG uses a full-screen user interface that is
completely menu-driven. More specifically, it uses menus
that contain pick-lists. A pick-list menu is one in which a
list of options is available for selection. This pick-list
is usually contained within a small menu window or box.
This type of menu selection system is very common and easy
to use. Each menu contains a highlighted cursor-bar which is
used to select an item to be edited. Throughout this
manual, the highlighted cursor-bar is referenced simply as
the cursor-bar. The cursor-bar is positioned on any item to
be edited or selected by using one of the two following
methods:
* Pressing the first character of the menu item you wish
to select. For example, if one of the pick-list menu
choices was File Areas, you could press F to position the
cursor- bar or...
* Using the cursor positioning keys to move the
cursor up or down the pick-list until the cursor-bar is
positioned on the File Areas selection.
In most instances, pressing <ENTER> with the cursor-bar
positioned on the field you wish to edit will place you in
edit mode. However, some fields do not require any actual
data entry and pressing <ENTER> will simply toggle these
fields between the selections available. The escape key
serves two purposes within RACONFIG. It is used to exit
areas of data entry in most instances. For example, after
making changes to a message area, pressing <ESCAPE> exits
the message area screen and returns to the message area
pick-list menu. Another function of the <ESCAPE> key is to
abort field data entry. For example, pressing <ESCAPE>
while you are actually entering data will abandon any
changes you may have made to that field, restoring it to its
original value.
- 20 -
Running RACONFIG
============================================================
RACONFIG is executed from the DOS command-line. Four
command-line parameters are accepted by RACONFIG which alter
the mode or manner in which RACONFIG is loaded. The
command-line parameters accepted are described below:
-B Forces black and white (monochrome) mode.
-L Use the language manager directly.
-M Use the menu editor directly.
To run RACONFIG from the DOS prompt, type:
RACONFIG <ENTER>
Or if you are using a monochrome display:
RACONFIG -B <ENTER>
The screen that will appear on your display shows the top-
level RACONFIG menu which contains five main menu options.
Each option has an associated pick-list menu. The five main
options and the selections available under each is listed
below:
File
------------------------------------------------------------
Switches, Info, Exit and DOS shell.
System
------------------------------------------------------------
Your BBS details; Paths, Site Info, Addresses and Security.
Options
------------------------------------------------------------
Messages, files, restrictions, errorlevels, display,
colors, paging, new users, system, prompts and printer
options.
Modem
------------------------------------------------------------
Modem options, commands and responses.
Manager
------------------------------------------------------------
- 21 -
Message and file areas and groups, protocols, languages,
AltFN keys, events, menus, control files, combined area
defaults and Limits.
The remainder of this chapter covers each and every option
and sub-option. Many of these will require no modification
in most new installations, although it is recommended that
you select each option as you read through this chapter to
get a firsthand look at how data is input and modified with
this program.
THE FILE MENU
The first of the five main menu options is the File menu.
It contains miscellaneous options and is the default menu
displayed when RACONFIG is loaded. Step through each of
these options and see what they do...
Switches
============================================================
This option displays the command-line parameters (also known
as switches) that RACONFIG accepts. These are the same
parameters outlined on the previous page.
Info
============================================================
This option displays the RemoteAccess version number for
which RACONFIG was created along with the program copyright
notice.
Exit
============================================================
Selecting this option will end program execution and return
you to DOS. Pressing <ESCAPE> from a main option menu does
the same thing. If any changes have been made to the
configuration, you will be prompted "Save changes (Y/n)?"
before the program exits. Pressing <ENTER> or "Y" will cause
all changes to be saved. Pressing "N" causes all changes to
be discarded. The program then exits to DOS.
DOS Shell
============================================================
When this option is selected, a DOS shell is loaded so you
can do other things. To return to RACONFIG, type "EXIT"
followed by <ENTER>, at the DOS prompt.
- 22 -
THE SYSTEM MENU
The System menu is where high-level options for your overall
BBS are configured. File locations, site information,
network addresses and system security are all configured
here. The default settings provided are often times
sufficient for proper operation. The installation program
inserts the necessary basic system information required.
Look at the individual options in the System pick-list.
Position the cursor- bar on System and then on Paths and
press <ENTER>.
Paths
=============================================================
The paths shown on your display are those which you
specified during program installation. These paths specify
where all RemoteAccess files are stored. If a directory
path is entered that does not exist, you will be prompted
whether to create the directory. The following directory
paths may be defined:
System
------------------------------------------------------------
This field is used to specify where system and configuration
files are stored. This directory is referred to as the
RemoteAccess system directory throughout this manual.
Menus
------------------------------------------------------------
This field specifies the directory where default menus
(*.MNU files) are stored.
Text Files
------------------------------------------------------------
This field specifies the directory where default text files
(*.A?? files) are stored.
Msg Base
------------------------------------------------------------
Message and user database files are stored in this
directory. The only exception to this is when JAM format
message areas are in use and separate directories are
assigned to JAM message areas.
- 23 -
File Base
------------------------------------------------------------
File database files are stored in this directory.
RemoteAccess creates subdirectories under the directory
specified here, to hold file database files for each file
area. The subdirectories created and maintained by
RemoteAccess are:
HDR This directory contains all file database header
files.
IDX This directory contains all file database index
files.
TXT This directory contains all file database
description text files.
File attach
------------------------------------------------------------
This field specifies the directory where files attached to
local messages are stored. RemoteAccess creates and
maintains subdirectories under this directory automatically
whenever files are attached to local messages. These
temporary subdirectories are deleted by RemoteAccess when
the attached files have been downloaded or the message has
been deleted.
Nodelist
------------------------------------------------------------
This field specifies the directory where mail network
nodelist files are stored. If you are running RemoteAccess
in conjunction with a mail network and a Front End Mailer,
this directory is generally set to the directory containing
the nodelist files used by your Front End Mailer.
CD-ROM temp
------------------------------------------------------------
When CD-ROM files are downloaded, they are temporarily
copied into this directory until the download is completed.
This ensures that the CD-ROM drive is not busy for the
duration of a download since the files are actually copied
to and downloaded from the directory specified here.
Semaphore
------------------------------------------------------------
This field specifies the directory where temporary and
static files used for multi-node operations are stored. A
RAM disk is highly recommended. The Real-Time Conference
- 24 -
feature relies heavily on the use of semaphore files for
passing information between nodes when NETBIOS functionality
is not available. If you are running in a multi-node
environment and do not have NETBIOS functionality available,
the directory specified here should be the drive and path to
a directory on a RAM disk.
Rearchive
------------------------------------------------------------
This field specifies the directory used to temporarily store
files during an archive conversion process. See the RAFILE
REARC function described in the Message Database
Administration chapter for information on this feature.
RIP Icons
------------------------------------------------------------
This is the path where your RIP icons are stored (if you
use RA's built-in RIP icon support - menu command 76).
Check the documentation supplied with your RIP painting
software for information on creating and storing RIP icons.
System log
------------------------------------------------------------
This field specifies the full path and name of the system
log file. Optionally, you may specify the *N macro which
expands into the current node number. For example, if this
is specified as C:\RA\RA*N.LOG, node one will write to the
C:\RA\RA1.LOG file while node two will write to the
C:\RA\RA2.LOG file. By not specifying a path, the log file
will be written in the current node directory.
Site Info
============================================================
Selecting this option presents a pick-list menu which allows
you to configure your System and Sysop names as well as the
location of your BBS. This information is displayed using
various text file control codes or menu items within your
BBS and is also used to generate your customer number, which
was generated during program installation. Position the
cursor-bar on Site Info and press <ENTER>. Enter the
appropriate data in each of the three fields.
Name
------------------------------------------------------------
This field specifies the name of your BBS. The contents of
this field is written to all exit files created when
shelling or exiting to run external programs.
- 25 -
Sysop
------------------------------------------------------------
This is the name of the System Operator (Sysop). Any
messages addressed to Sysop are automatically addressed to
the name entered here. The contents of this field is also
written to all exit files created when shelling or exiting
to run external programs.
Location
------------------------------------------------------------
This field specifies the location of your BBS. For example,
this can be your city, state and country.
Addresses
------------------------------------------------------------
This option is used to enter your mail network address, if
applicable. Notice that in addition to a Main address, you
may specify up to 9 AKA addresses. With RemoteAccess, you
can participate in up to a total of 10 mail networks by
entering alternate network addresses here. If you will be
participating in one or more mail networks, select your Main
and AKA network addresses using the format:
Zone:Net/Node_number
If you won't be participating in a mail network, leave these
fields blank. For more information on mail networking, see
the Mail Networking chapter later in this manual.
Security
============================================================
This option allows you to select a password that would be
required in order to load RACONFIG, RAMGR and RANETMGR as
well as in order to select any Sysop Function Keys from
the local console. {+} Registered only.
NOTE: The only way to remove this password is to delete the
file CONFIG.RA from the system directory. Therefore, if you
decide to implement security at the local console, it may be
wise to backup CONFIG.RA prior to implementation.
THE OPTIONS MENU
The third main option is the Options menu. This menu is
used to configure various features related to your overall
system. Options available from this menu are grouped by
their perspective areas. Each group has its own pick-list
menu. Position the cursor-bar on the Options selection. The
- 26 -
Options pick-list menu will be displayed automatically. The
cursor-bar automatically repositions itself over the
Messages group selection. Press <ENTER> for the Messages
group pick-list menu.
Messages
============================================================
The Messages group pick-list menu presents a list of
features that may be configured which pertain to the overall
message system.
Check For New Mail During Log-on
------------------------------------------------------------
When enabled, this option forces RemoteAccess to scan the
message base for new mail addressed to the user. This
option has three possible settings; Yes, No or Ask. If set
to Yes, RemoteAccess will automatically check for new mail
during the log-on process. If set to No, the user's mail-box
will not be scanned. If set to Ask, the user will be
prompted whether to check for new mail during the log-on
process.
Full Mail Check
------------------------------------------------------------
This option has two possible settings; Yes or No. If set to
Yes, RemoteAccess will scan the entire message base from
beginning to end for mail addressed to the user that is
marked as unread. If set to No, the message base is only
scanned from the last message that the user has read. While
this is much faster there is the possibility that some mail
may be skipped if the user elected not to read mail during
the previous log-on session.
Quote String
------------------------------------------------------------
This option is used to select the string of characters which
RemoteAccess will place before any message text that is
quoted in a reply. This is useful for separating quoted
message text from reply message text within a message. For
example, a message quote string specified as the ">"
character might look like this:
+-----------------------------------------------+
| > I have been using RemoteAccess for two |
| > months now and love it! |
| |
| I have to agree with you there, John. |
+-----------------------------------------------+
- 27 -
In this example, you can see that the message text that is
being quoted begins with the defined Quote String. This
makes the message easier to understand.
Two macro characters are also supported within the quote
string. They are:
@ This macro character is expanded within message text into
the upper-case initials of the person who is being quoted or
replied to.
# This macro is expanded into the lower-case initials of
the person who is being quoted or replied to.
For example, if the quote string was specified as "@>",
quoted message text might look something like this:
+-----------------------------------------------+
| JP> I have been using RemoteAccess for two |
| JP> months now and love it! |
| |
| I have to agree with you there, John. |
+-----------------------------------------------+
This gives an even better idea of which message text is
being quoted.
External Editor
------------------------------------------------------------
With this option, you can enable the use of an external,
full-screen message editor. The full-screen editor allows
messages to be entered in a word processing type of environment
rather than a line-by-line text entry environment like the
one used with the internal message editor. Full-screen
editors usually allow you to move the cursor around the full
screen, entering and editing text. One such editor is GEdit.
To configure RemoteAccess to use GEdit as the external
editor, follow the check-list procedure below:
1) Assuming that your RemoteAccess system directory is
defined as \RA, enter the following text in the External
Editor field:
\RA\GEDIT.EXE
As previously mentioned, any of the optional data macros
supported in menu function type 7 - "Run an external program
in a shell" can be used here. For example, to swap
RemoteAccess out of memory before loading GEdit, enter the
following text in the External Editor field:
- 28 -
\RA\GEDIT.EXE *M
That's all there is to it. With this field defined, users
who have the full-screen editor enabled within their profile
will now use GEdit as their message editor.
NOTE: Most full-screen editors require at least ANSI
emulation on the user's end. RemoteAccess will warn a user
of this minimum requirement if the user does not have ANSI
emulation enabled.
Default Origin
------------------------------------------------------------
An origin line, which is appended to the end of EchoMail
messages, is used in mail networks to show users of other
systems where a message originated. This option sets the
default origin line which is appended to the end of all
outgoing EchoMail messages. This will take effect in all
EchoMail areas except in areas where you have defined a
specific origin line to be used.
For example, if the following origin line was specified:
RemoteAccess Central
When appended to an outgoing EchoMail message, would look
something like this:
* Origin: RemoteAccess Central (2:270/18)
Reply Header
------------------------------------------------------------
The reply header is displayed at the top of a message whose
sender was not the originator or the receiver of the
original message. In other words, if a user replied to a
message that was not originally addressed to him or her and
the user was not the sender of the message being replied to,
the reply header would be inserted at the beginning of the
reply to indicate to other readers that the message was
being replied to by a third party.
The following macro characters may be used within this
field:
@ Expands into the person's name to which the original
message was addressed.
# Expands into the person's name who posted the original
message (the one being replied to).
- 29 -
` Expands into the date that the original message (the one
being replied to) was posted.
Expands to the time that the original message (the one
being replied to) was posted.
For example, if the following reply header was specified:
In a message originally to @, # said:
Would expand in a message to:
In a message originally to All, Joe User said:
Message Uploads
------------------------------------------------------------
The Msg uploads option is used to allow users to upload
message text. If set to Yes, when a user enters a message,
the user will be prompted whether to upload a prepared
message. This allows the user to prepare a message off-line
using any ASCII text editor, and upload it using any of the
available internal file transfer protocols.
NOTE: Only internal protocols may be used to upload a
message since RemoteAccess does not have enough control over
external protocols. The maximum size of a message that may
be uploaded is 20 kilobytes.
Echo Net Replies
------------------------------------------------------------
The "Echo netreplies" option is used to allow or disallow
users to reply to EchoMail messages via private NetMail.
When replying to an EchoMail message, users will be prompted
whether to send the reply via NetMail, when this option is
enabled. For example, with this option enabled, and a user
selects to reply to an EchoMail message, the following
prompt will be given:
Reply via personal NetMail (y/N)? _
If the user presses "Y", RemoteAccess will send the saved
reply via NetMail. If the user presses "N" or <ENTER>, the
saved reply will be posted in the same EchoMail area as the
message being replied to. {+} Registered only.
NOTE: This option is only available when RemoteAccess can
successfully determine where the original message came from.
- 30 -
Net Kill Sent
------------------------------------------------------------
The "Net.killsent" option applies to NetMail sent through a
mail network. When a message is entered, and this option is
set to Ask, RemoteAccess will ask the user if the message
should be deleted after it has been sent from the message
database. If this option is set to Yes, NetMail messages
will be deleted automatically after being sent from the
message database.
Confirm Delete
------------------------------------------------------------
The "Confirm delete" option has two possible settings; Yes
and No. If set to Yes, users who delete a message will be
prompted for confirmation prior to deletion. If this field
is set to No, RemoteAccess does not prompt for confirmation
and the message is deleted as soon as the delete command is
executed. Setting this option to Yes prevents users from
accidentally deleting messages from the database.
Net Crash Option
------------------------------------------------------------
The "Net.crash" option is used to specify the minimum
security level required for users to be able to send a
message as CrashMail. For example, if this field is set to a
value of 100, then any user with a security level of 100 or
greater will be prompted whether to send a NetMail message
with the Crash flag set.
NOTE: CrashMail is network mail that is not held for
delivery as regular NetMail is. Therefore, making this
option available to users in general could potentially lead
to excessive long distance charges since CrashMail messages
are generally sent at any time of the day.
Net Crash Force
------------------------------------------------------------
The "Net.crash force" option is used to specify the minimum
security level for which NetMail messages will be forced to
be sent as CrashMail. With the "Net.crash opt" field, you
could specify the minimum security level required for asking
the user if a message should be sent as CrashMail. With
this field, the setting specifies the security level where
CrashMail will be forced. This field might be set to a level
higher than that of even the Sysop in order to avoid sending
CrashMail during inappropriate times of the day.
- 31 -
Net Attach
------------------------------------------------------------
The "Net.attach" option is used to specify the minimum
security level required to attach files to NetMail messages.
In most mail networks, this is perfectly acceptable except
where NetMail messages are routed through other systems
within the network. In such cases, the systems performing
the routing of NetMail messages would also be burdened with
the time and cost of sending any attached files with the
messages. Messages generally take a few seconds to send
whereas files can take several minutes to send. Therefore,
this option should be used with care and consideration for
other mail network Sysops.
When specifying a filename to attach to a NetMail message, a
full drive:path\filename may be given.
Group Mail
------------------------------------------------------------
This option is used to determine the minimum security level
a user must have in order to post mail to users of a
specific group. Since group mail messages are actually
individual messages addressed to each user of a given group
or security level, it has the potential of using up a bit of
disk space. This is something that should be considered
when setting this option. Group mail is usually a feature
that is used by the Sysop or Assistant Sysop only.
See menu function type 27 - "Post message" in the Menu
Administration chapter for more information on sending group
mail.
CC Mail
------------------------------------------------------------
Use this option to specify the minimum security level
required to send carbon copies of messages to other users.
If enabled, and a user saves a message, RemoteAccess gives
the following prompt:
Send carbon copies to other users (y/N)? _
If Yes is entered in response to this prompt, RemoteAccess
prompts the user to enter another "To:" name. For each
valid name entered, a carbon copy of the original message is
sent. Carbon copies contain the original message text, with
a line inserted at the top of the message informing the
recipient that the message is a copy:
* Carbon copy, originally to: Joe User
- 32 -
Return Receipts
------------------------------------------------------------
Use this option to specify the minimum security level
required to enable users to request return receipts. Users
having access to this feature who send messages to other
users on your system may request return receipts which
inform them when their messages have been read by the
recipient.
When this feature is enabled and a message is saved,
RemoteAccess displays the following prompt:
Would you like a return receipt (y/N)? _
If the user answers Yes, RemoteAccess generates a receipt
when the message is read by the recipient. Messages for
which a return receipt is requested contain the ReqRec flag
in the message header. This is displayed to the recipient
of the message informing of the receipt request.
Here's an example of a return receipt generated by
RemoteAccess:
Message #2323 - Message Area Name (Private) (RetRec)
Date: 02-15-93 16:55
From: RemoteAccess
To: Joe User
Subject: Return receipt confirmation
Confirmation receipt:
To : Jim User
Date : 15-Feb-93 16:50
Rcvd : 15-Feb-93 16:55
Subj : Hi Joe
Net Receipts
------------------------------------------------------------
Like the return receipts which are used locally, you can
also specify whether or not your system will allow the use
of the NetMail Receipt feature. This option allows you to
specify the minimum security level required for access to
this feature.
When this feature is enabled, the sender of a NetMail
message is given the opportunity to request a return
receipt. While this might be ideal in certain situations,
the majority of Sysops who participate in mail networks
frown on return receipt requests since they can cause undue
long distance charges in order to return receipts. For this
same reason, many Sysops do not honor return receipt
- 33 -
requests via NetMail.
Files
============================================================
The next option group in the Options pick-list is the Files
option group. This group contains a pick-list of features
that pertain to the RemoteAccess file transfer system. Step
through each option as you read the descriptions that
follow.
Upload Credit
------------------------------------------------------------
This feature provides a way of rewarding your users for
uploading files to you. When this is set to a non-zero
value, users are granted the number of seconds entered here
for each one minute of time spent uploading. For example,
if this field is set to a value of 30 (seconds), and a user
spends 10 minutes uploading, the user would be granted an
extra 5 minutes for the current log-on session.
NOTE: The system timer is always disabled while an upload
is in progress.
Payback Credit
------------------------------------------------------------
This feature allows users to be credited with the number of
credits specified here, each time a file which a user has
previously uploaded is downloaded by another user. For
example, if this field is set to a value of 1 and Joe User
uploads the file MYFILE.ARJ, Joe will be given 1 credit each
time MYFILE.ARJ is downloaded by another user.
NOTE: If this field is set to a value of 255, then the
uploader is credited with the cost (in credits) of the file
to the downloader.
Touch Dates
------------------------------------------------------------
When a file is uploaded using a batch protocol such as
Zmodem or Ymodem, the original date of the file is normally
preserved when the file is saved in the upload area.
However, if this option is set to Yes, RemoteAccess will
reset the date stamp of the file to the date on which it was
uploaded.
- 34 -
Show Missing
------------------------------------------------------------
If this option is set to Yes, RemoteAccess will display file
database entries even if the actual file is not present
within the file area being listed. For example, an entry
may exist in the file database even though the actual file
may have been deleted or moved. If this is the case, and
this option is set to Yes, RemoteAccess will display the
entry for which the file is missing using the "Missing
format" described later in this section.
Upload Space
------------------------------------------------------------
It is possible to disable uploads when the amount of free
space on your upload drive falls below a preset level. For
example, to disable uploads if there is less than 1 megabyte
of free space available, enter 1024 (k) in this field.
Logon New Files
------------------------------------------------------------
This option has three possible settings; Yes, No or Ask and
is used to allow or disallow users to check for new files
since their last call during the log-on process. The
effects of each setting is described in the following table:
Setting Description
------------------------------------------------------------
Yes During the log-on process, RemoteAccess will
automatically scan the file database for files
that are new since the user's last log-on,
presenting the list to the user.
Ask During the log-on process, the user will be
prompted whether to scan the file database for new
files.
No No new files scan will be performed.
New Files Tag
------------------------------------------------------------
This option is used to enable or disable file tagging during
the new files listing process. For example, when this
option is enabled, users may tag files for later download
while viewing a list of files that are new since the user's
last log-on. Each file that is tagged is stored in the
user's tag-list which may be viewed, edited, cleared or
downloaded during the log- on session.
- 35 -
Download Start and Download End
------------------------------------------------------------
RemoteAccess allows you to define a period of time in which
files may be downloaded by your users. For example, you may
not want your users to be able to download files between
5:00pm (17:00) and 8:00pm (20:00). In this case, Download
Start would be set to 20:00 and Download End would be set to
17:00, which would define the period (or window) of time in
which files may be downloaded.
Users who attempt to download files outside of the defined
download schedule are presented with the DNLDHRS.A?? text
file, if it exists. This file is fully described later in
the External Support Files chapter.
To allow your users to download files at any time, set both
of these fields to 00:00.
NOTE: Download hours are overridden by the xfer priority
flag within a user's account record. Users with this flag
set may download at any time regardless of the schedule
defined here.
Download Speed
------------------------------------------------------------
This option is used to specify the minimum BPS connect speed
that is required by your users in order to download files
from your system. For example, if this field is set to a
value of 2400, only users having a connect speed of 2400 BPS
or greater would be permitted to download files.
No Dupe Extension
------------------------------------------------------------
RemoteAccess has the capability of checking for duplicate
files before allowing an upload to proceed. This eliminates
the possibility of users uploading files which already exist
within the file database. However, when RemoteAccess checks
for a duplicate filename, it may be configured to include or
ignore the filename extensions when performing comparisons.
This enables comparisons of different file archive types.
For example, if the file MYFILE.LZH exists within the file
database and a user attempts to upload the file MYFILE.ARJ,
RemoteAccess will detect a duplicate filename when this
option is set to Yes.
- 36 -
DL Description
------------------------------------------------------------
This field has three possible settings; Yes, No or Ask and
is used to allow or disallow your users to include file
descriptions when downloading files.
Setting Description
------------------------------------------------------------
Yes RemoteAccess automatically includes a file
description list with downloaded files.
Ask Before a download is started, RemoteAccess asks
the user whether to include file descriptions with
the file being downloaded.
No RemoteAccess does not send file descriptions.
List Format
------------------------------------------------------------
Using this option, you may configure the format in which
file database entries are displayed to your users. This is
accomplished using a template for the display line. This
method allows you to completely customize the way in which
your file lists are presented. The following table lists
the macros that are supported within this field as well as
within the "Missing format" field described in this section.
{+} Registered only.
Macro String Data Represented by This Macro
------------------------------------------------------------
@NE Filename, uppercase, with extension.
@NN Filename, uppercase, no extension.
@SB File size in bytes.
@SK File size in kilobytes.
@UL Name of the file Uploader.
@UD Date on which file was uploaded.
@FD Actual file date.
@LD Date on which the file was last downloaded.
@TD Number of times file has been downloaded.
@Kn Keyword [n] for the file (where n = 1 to 5).
@CS Cost of the file in credits (deducted from user's
credit).
@DF Formatted description of the file.
@DU Unformatted description of the file (also referred
to as user mode).
@FR Displays (Free) if the file is free, spaces if it is
not.
@NA Displays (NotAvail) if the file is marked as not
available.
@NW Displays an * character if the file is new, space if
it is not.
- 37 -
@PW Displays (Password) if the file is password-
protected.
Substituting a "%" character for the "@" character forces
string type fields to lowercase. Substituting a "^"
character for the "@" character forces string type fields to
uppercase. There is one additional special macro - "#nn"
which is used to set the width for all following fields to
"nn" characters. When used, "nn" must be specified as two
digits. For example, specifying "#03" will truncate or pad
all following fields to 3 characters in length. Use "#00"
to reset to default field widths.
NOTE: When used, the @DF and @DU macros must appear at the
very end of the list format entry.
When file lists contain special formatting such as boxed
text, you should use the @DU macro to display unformatted
file descriptions. This user mode of display maintains any
special formatting you may have applied to file descriptions
and prevents RemoteAccess from automatically formatting or
wrapping lines.
In addition to these macros, the ^K[cc text file control
code (change color) may also be used within this field. See
the External Support Files chapter for more information on
this control code. To obtain the hexadecimal color number
to be used in conjunction with the ^K control code, press F1
while editing this field. This presents a color chart which
can be used as a reference when selecting color numbers.
The following example illustrates how a list format line
might be defined. This example includes codes which produce
a file listing containing:
* The filename and extension, in uppercase characters
displayed using a light yellow foreground on a black
background.
* The date on which the file was uploaded, displayed
using a light green foreground color on a black background.
* The size of the file in bytes displayed using a white
foreground color on a black background.
* The number of times the file has been downloaded,
displayed using a light magenta foreground color on a black
background.
* An "*" character which is displayed for all new files
since the caller's last log-on using a light red foreground
color on a black background.
- 38 -
* The formatted file description displayed using a gray
foreground color on a black background.
^K[0E@NE ^K[0A@UD ^K[0F@SB ^K[0D@TD ^K[0C@NW^K[07@DF
Missing Format
------------------------------------------------------------
Like "List Format", this field allows you to configure the
format in which file database entries with missing files are
displayed to your users.
See the "List Format" field above for information on macros
supported within this field.
NOTE: This entry is only useful when the Show Missing
option is set to Yes.
Upload Scan
------------------------------------------------------------
RemoteAccess allows uploaded files to be scanned, using
external third-party software, to determine if the files
have been infected by a computer virus. This enables you to
automatically detect files which contain a virus and take
the appropriate actions before accepting the file or
allowing its distribution.
Position the cursor-bar on the Upload scan option and press
<ENTER>. A new pick-list menu will be displayed. Press
<ENTER> on the Scan Online option to toggle between the
available settings. When set to Yes, uploads will be
scanned while the user is still on-line. When set to No,
uploads are scanned immediately after the user disconnects.
When set to Ask, the text file UPLDSCAN.A?? is displayed (if
it exists) just before the user is prompted, "Scan your
uploads now?" which gives the user the option of waiting
while the scan takes place or to scan the files after the
user disconnects.
NOTES:
1. Users are not credited for uploads until after the
uploaded files pass the scan process.
2. To effect upload scanning you must also enable the UL
Scan option for each file area in which this option should
be active.
Position the cursor-bar on the Failed Scan option and press
<ENTER>. A new pick-list menu will be displayed. Use this
menu to select which actions are to be taken when a file
- 39 -
fails the virus scan. You may either delete the file or
mark it as unlisted or unavailable. You may additionally
move the file to another area by specifying the area number
in the "Move To" field. Any of these options may be
combined with the exception of the Delete option.
Position the cursor-bar on the Scan Utility field and press
<ENTER>. Enter the command-line to activate the external
virus scan utility. RemoteAccess simply executes this
command-line for each uploaded file. The full path and
filename of each file may be passed by specifying the @
macro character.
For example, to execute SCAN.EXE from the C:\UTILITY
directory to scan a file just uploaded, this field might
look like this:
C:\UTILITY\SCAN.EXE @
If the scan utility returns a non-zero errorlevel to
RemoteAccess, the file is assumed to be corrupt in some way
and thus, fails the scan process.
NOTE: You must specify a full drive and path in the Scan
Utility field.
RAMGR Function Keys
------------------------------------------------------------
This option allows you to configure up to 5 external program
command-lines which may be activated using the ALT-F1
through ALT-F5 keys from within the RAMGR file list screen.
Any @ characters within this field will be expanded into the
full path and filename of the file that is currently
highlighted. The *M macro may be used to swap RAMGR out of
memory before shelling to the external program.
For example, to run the program FILEVIEW.EXE from the
C:\UTILITY directory, passing the path and filename of the
currently-highlighted file and swapping RAMGR before the
shell:
C:\UTILITY\FILEVIEW.EXE @ *M
External Archive Viewer
------------------------------------------------------------
RemoteAccess has an internal archive viewing utility that
may be used to view the formatted contents of many types of
file archives. However, if you prefer, you can use an
external archive viewing utility by specifying the full
drive, path and filename of the viewer to be used, in this
- 40 -
field. See menu function type 34-"View archive" in the Menu
Administration chapter for more information on viewing
archives. {+} Registered only.
Archivers
------------------------------------------------------------
RemoteAccess supports the use of up to 10 archiver utility
programs. These are used primarily in converting archives
from one format to another.
When configuring file areas (later in this chapter) you can
specify the archive format to convert all uploaded files to.
For example, if you favor the .LZH format, you can specify
that all uploads are to be converted to this type. The
conversion function is actually performed by the RAFILE
utility which is discussed in the File Database
Administration chapter. RAFILE uses the information entered
here to carry out its REARC function.
If you don't want to convert uploaded archives, you don't
have to specify anything here. But if you do, you'll
probably want to include at least the most popular archiver
utilities. These utilities are available on most any BBS
that offers shareware software programs for download.
Position the cursor-bar on Archivers and press <ENTER>.
Next, position the cursor-bar on "Arc 1" and press <ENTER>
to edit the archiver command information.
It doesn't matter what order in which the archivers are
entered. RemoteAccess simply looks at the filename
extension and determines which archiver is to be used. The
information entered includes the archive filename extension,
the command- line used to unpack archives of this type and
the command-line used to pack archives of this type.
When the @ macro character is used in this field, it is
expanded into the full path and filename of the archive
filename that functions are being performed on. The first
field (Arc 1) is used to enter a 3-character filename
extension which corresponds to the archive type being
defined. For example, if you're entering archiver
information for the ARJ archiver utility, enter ARJ and
press <ENTER>. Next, you will be prompted to enter the
unpack command- line for this archiver. For example, to
enter the unpack command-line for the ARJ archiver (and
assuming that, for the sake of this example, it exists in
the directory C:\ARJ) you might enter the following
command-line:
C:\ARJ\ARJ.EXE e @
- 41 -
After pressing <ENTER> in this field, you will be prompted to
enter the pack command-line. In keeping with our example,
you might enter:
C:\ARJ\ARJ.EXE a @
After pressing <ENTER> in this field, you will be returned
to the Archivers pick-list menu. Continue entering the
extension, unpack and pack information for all archiver
types you wish to support.
When entering the command-lines in the unpack and pack
fields, you must specify a drive and path as well as the
filename and extension.
Logoff Warning
------------------------------------------------------------
If enabled, this option will warn a user who is about to
logoff that he/she has files tagged. At this point, the user
will be given the option of returning to the system.
New CD Areas
------------------------------------------------------------
By default, file areas defined as being on a CD-ROM are not
included in a scan for new files. It is possible to override
this by setting this option to "Yes".
Restrictions
============================================================
The next option group is the Restrictions group. This group
simply offers three restriction settings that can be applied
to your system. Position the cursor-bar on the Restrictions
option and press <ENTER>. Step through each of the pick-list
options as you read the descriptions that follow.
Log-on Speed
------------------------------------------------------------
This option allows you to specify the minimum modem
connection speed that is required in order for a user to be
able to log-on to your system.
For example, if this field has a setting of 2400, users
connecting at a BPS rate less than 2400 would not be allowed
to log-on. Instead, the text file TOOSLOW.ASC is displayed
just before the call is terminated. See the External
Support Files chapter for more information on this file.
- 42 -
ANSI Speed
------------------------------------------------------------
This option is used to specify the minimum modem connection
speed that is required in order for users to enable ANSI
emulation. Since ANSI escape codes are used to effect color
changes and cursor positioning, they add to the
communications overhead and can effectively slow throughput
to callers of low BPS connection rates.
For example, to restrict the use of ANSI emulation to
callers with at least a 2400 BPS connect speed, set this
field to 2400.
No300 Start and No300 End
------------------------------------------------------------
RemoteAccess allows you to configure a period (or window) of
time in which 300 BPS callers are not allowed to log-on to
your system. Although faster modems have become affordable,
we realize that there are still some 300 BPS modem Die-hards
out there who refuse to upgrade.
If you wish to restrict your system to allow 300 BPS callers
only during certain times of the day, set these fields to
the starting and ending times of this period.
For example, to disallow 300 BPS callers between the hours
of 5:00pm (17:00) and 8:00pm (20:00), enter 17:00 in the
No300 Start field and 20:00 in the No300 End field.
When a 300 BPS caller attempts to log-on during the
restricted time frame, RemoteAccess will display the text
file NO300.ASC (if it exists) prior to terminating the call.
Errorlevels
============================================================
The next option group is the Errorlevels group. This group
is used to specify the errorlevels that RemoteAccess will
return when used in conjunction with a third-party Front End
Mailer. Fax/modem support is also offered through the use of
one of these options.
If you won't be using a Front End Mailer or a fax/modem,
skip ahead to the Display options group. If you will be
using a Front End Mailer or a fax/modem, or would like to
understand how one is used with RemoteAccess, position the
cursor-bar on Errorlevels and press <ENTER>. A new
pick-list menu will be displayed which contains a selection
list of connect speeds and their corresponding errorlevel
numbers.
- 43 -
Front End Mailer software is an application which is
generally used to link a BBS to a mail network. Within a
mail network, systems exchange mail (NetMail), messages
(EchoMail) and files. Many Sysops participate in mail
networks in order to provide their users with EchoMail
message conferences which are message areas devoted to
specific topics of all sorts. This requires systems to
adhere to guidelines set forth within individual mail
networks. It also requires systems to have the ability to
answer an incoming call and determine whether the call is
another node within the mail network or a human BBS caller.
The system must then act accordingly. If another node is
calling, a protocol is used to exchange data between the
nodes. If the Front End Mailer detects a human BBS caller,
it must be able to load the BBS. Under these conditions, you
can probably see why separate Front End Mailer software is
required in order to participate in a mail network.
Although RemoteAccess does not act as a Front End Mailer to
a mail network by itself, it does work in conjunction with
most Front End Mailer software.
Generally speaking, there are two basic methods of loading
RemoteAccess while a Front End Mailer is in use. The first
method is to load the mailer directly from a batch file.
The front end would then answer incoming calls and if a
human BBS caller was detected, it would exit to the calling
batch file with an errorlevel which is based on the caller's
connection speed. The calling batch file would trap the
errorlevel and load RemoteAccess using the appropriate
command-line parameters to set the BPS rate and other
settings.
The drawback to this method is that there may be long delays
between the time the Front End Mailer detects the human BBS
caller and the time RemoteAccess prompts the user to enter
his or her log-on name.
The second method greatly reduces this apparent loading time
and sounds trickier to implement than it really is. The
Shell to Mailer feature permits RemoteAccess itself to be
loaded first which, in turn, runs the Front End Mailer
software in a DOS shell. When a human BBS caller is
detected by the Front End Mailer, it exits with the same DOS
errorlevel set as in the first method. But rather than
control being passed back to the calling batch file, it is
instead passed back to RemoteAccess which called the Front
End Mailer software using the DOS shell.
The errorlevel that the Front End Mailer software returns to
RemoteAccess is checked against the list of errorlevels
defined in the Errorlevel pick-list. If a match is found,
RemoteAccess uses the connection speed corresponding to the
- 44 -
matched errorlevel to communicate with the caller.
The advantage of using the second method is that since
RemoteAccess is already loaded when the DOS shell to load
the Front End Mailer was executed, the BBS appears to load
much faster and the caller doesn't experience a long delay
(even if RemoteAccess is swapped to disk prior to shelling
to the Front End Mailer software.
NOTE: When an errorlevel is passed which either does not
match any of the errorlevels in the pick-list, or matches
the errorlevel specified in the Fax field, RemoteAccess
immediately exits to the calling batch file, passing the
received errorlevel to it.
For information on loading RemoteAccess in Shell to Mailer
mode, see the RA.EXE Command-Line Parameters, Shell to
Mailer and Batch File Examples sections of the Reference
Information chapter.
Fax
------------------------------------------------------------
The Fax field is used to specify the errorlevel that
RemoteAccess is to exit with when a fax connect response is
received from the modem (see Responses in the Modem section
below). When RemoteAccess answers an incoming call and the
connect response from the modem matches the Fax connect
response, it exits to the calling batch file, passing the
errorlevel specified here. This enables you to use a
fax/modem as your BBS modem and still receive incoming
faxes. {+} Registered only.
Display
============================================================
The Display options group contains a pick-list of options
that pertain to your computer's display monitor. Through
these options, RemoteAccess supports monochrome (black and
white) and color monitors as well as 43 and 50 display line
modes. For a list of display options, position the
cursor-bar on Display and press <ENTER>.
Monochrome
------------------------------------------------------------
Setting this option to Yes tells RemoteAccess to use
monochrome mode. In this mode, RemoteAccess remaps
(changes) all color definitions to black and white.
- 45 -
Direct Screen Write Mode
------------------------------------------------------------
Specifies that fast direct screen writes are to be used. If
you are not using RemoteAccess in a multitasking
environment, set this option to Yes. This will cause all
screen output to be written to video RAM directly instead of
using your PCs BIOS functions to perform the task. This
results in a significantly increased screen write speed. If
you are using multitasking software, set this option to No.
Snow Checking
------------------------------------------------------------
Some older CGA (Color Graphics Adapter) adapters are prone
to snowing while an application program performs display
output functions. This occurs when software updates the
computer display at high rates. RemoteAccess can counter
this effect if the Snow Check option is set to Yes. If you
have a CGA adapter, set this option to No. If you discover
the snowing effect, change it to Yes.
Display Lines (Size)
------------------------------------------------------------
The Display Lines option allows you to configure the display
size (in lines) and has three possible settings:
Setting Description
------------------------------------------------------------
25 Standard 25-line mode.
43/50 EGA 43-line and VGA 50-line mode.
AUTO When this setting is specified, RemoteAccess uses
the mode which is active at the time it is loaded.
Colors
============================================================
The Colors option group contains a list of items that allow
you to customize some of the more often used colors that the
user sees.
Select this option to display the pick-list of items that
may be edited. After selecting a particular item, a color
selection pick-list menu will be displayed. Use the UP,
DOWN, LEFT and RIGHT keys to move the color se