__________________________________________________________ | | | 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 ...