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Executive Host – Premium Host/BBS for Telix. | |||
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File Name | File Size | Zip Size | Zip Type |
EXECHOST.DAT | 113329 | 113244 | deflated |
FEATURES.TXT | 5176 | 2079 | deflated |
INSTALL.EXE | 26055 | 25575 | deflated |
MANUAL.DOC | 84250 | 22664 | deflated |
README.1ST | 1180 | 615 | deflated |
Download File EXHOST17.ZIP Here
Contents of the MANUAL.DOC file
Executive Host - Premium Host/BBS for Telix
Version 1.7, released 31 August, 1991
Copyright (c) 1990, 1991 by John Wright
All Rights Reserved
Another fine product from,
Fine Software Products
xecutive oftware roducts for Intelligent People
John Wright - Owner, Programmer, Technical Support
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
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Introduction ......................................................... 1
How to Register .................................................. 2
System Requirements .............................................. 3
Installation ......................................................... 3
Main Menu Options .................................................... 6
SysOp Menu ....................................................... 6
Guest Menu ....................................................... 10
Message Menu ....................................................... 10
SysOp's Function Keys ................................................ 11
Security Levels ...................................................... 11
The Host User File ................................................... 12
The Message Base ..................................................... 12
Private Messages ................................................. 13
Public Messages ................................................. 13
The Message Data File ............................................ 13
Adding Files to the Host ............................................. 13
Installing Filelists (with descriptions) ............................. 14
Installing Bulletins ................................................. 15
Installing Doors ..................................................... 15
Installing Conferences ............................................... 16
Additional Security - Trashcan File .................................. 18
New User Questionnaire ............................................... 18
Event ................................................................ 18
Using the Host Utilities ............................................. 19
Using the Host Filer ................................................. 20
File Transfers ....................................................... 22
Downloading ...................................................... 22
Uploading ........................................................ 22
Important Files to Become Familiar With .............................. 22
Limitations .......................................................... 24
Support .............................................................. 24
APPENDIX A - High Speed and Error-Correcting Modem Setup ............. A1
APPENDIX B - Mail Doors, Offline Readers, Mail Networks, and Frontends. B1
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WHAT IS EXECUTIVE HOST?
If you need a fully functional BBS or just a remote access program for
your computer, this is the program for you. Executive Host is designed
to be entirely flexible and can be set-up in a matter of minutes. A
fast and easy to use program that comes with everything you need to be
up and running immediately, and yet has the power to allow extensive
customization and handle E-mail, multiple message bases, bulletins,
file areas, and doors. In addition, Executive Host now completely swaps
out of Telix when executing doors and the remote shell. The sysop can
access his computer from remote with nearly the same amount of base memory
available as when using the computer normally.
CONFERENCES! PRIVATE FILE AREAS! PRIVATE MESSAGE AREAS!
Multiple conferences or forums may now be installed. Up to 999
conferences, each with its own message base, file areas, doors,
and bulletins may be installed by the SysOp. This powerful new feature
will allow you to assign security levels for each conference, enabling
private and semi-private conferences, file areas and message bases.
This ability also allows Executive Host to be linked into most of
the mail relay systems. Utilities already exist for linking your
BBS with the PCrelay (RIMES) international mail network. Support for
off-line mail doors and mail readers is also in place, and the host
may be executed from a frontend utility such as FrontDoor.
Executive Host is written entirely in the SALT language and requires
the communications program Telix, version 3.12 or above, to run
properly. If you are not currently using Telix as your communications
package of choice, Executive Host is one of two reasons why you should
switch now. The other reason being that Telix is beyond a doubt, the
finest, most powerful, and easy to use communications package available
today.
What is a host and how does it differ from a BBS? There is only one
major difference between a host and a self-standing BBS program, and
that is that a host is programmed in a special script programming language
that allows it to directly interface a communications program and use
all of it's powerful features (in this case Telix). This allows the
Host Sysop to take advantage of all of the special functions and
features built into Telix. For example, the registration and set-up of
protocols is not necessary since these come with Telix. Also, in effect
you are getting two programs for the drive-space of one. In other words,
since Executive Host is using the internal communication routines in
Telix, it is a very small program in itself. An alternative remote access
program would be much larger and also much more expensive.
A host will allow it's operator to access his computer from remote, while
away on business or pleasure. Executive Host also has many other features
that allow the access of several hundred callers (up to 10,000), each of
whom may be assigned a security level for varied levels of access.
It's advanced message base and file transfer routines make it a prime
choice for someone interested in running a Bulletin Board System, either
for personal or business needs. All of this for a low cost of only $35,
as compared to from $200-$500 for programs with comparable features.
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Executive Host is now, without a doubt, the most powerful and full-
featured Host program available anywhere. If you demand quality and
innovation from your software products, then Executive Host is the
right program for you.
EXECUTIVE HOST IS SHARE-WARE.
The extended use of this program after a 10 day trial period
requires it's registration with the author. Some limits have been
built in to the unregistered version of Executive Host to encourage
individual compliance. The file ORDER.FRM is a registration form
that you may print and mail with your check or money order for $35.00
plus $5 shipping (U.S. dollars). If you live outside of USA/Canada,
please register on-line with your Visa/Mastercard/Discover card, or send
$40.00 in U.S. cash via registered or insured post. Checks and
money orders written on foreign banks can no longer be accepted due
to extremely high bank processing fees.
Send your order to the author at the address below.
John Wright
700 S Virginia Ave
Marion, IL 62959 USA
USE YOUR CREDIT CARD! - You may now register instantly online at our
support BBS with your VISA/MASTERCARD/DISCOVER card. To order, call:
ESP BBS - (618) 993-5091 (38400,N,8,1) - HST/V32.bis compatible.
By registering online, callers can download their registered version
of Executive Host immediately, and not have to wait for the disk in
the mail.
What do you get when you register?
1. Full-featured, personalized Host with Zmodem capabilities.
2. External protocol support including Puma, Bimodem, Jmodem, etc.
3. Free upgrades for one full year or at least one major upgrade.
(obtained on our support bbs in the registered sysop conference)
4. The right to download and use Beta versions of new upgrades still
undergoing testing. (also available on our support bbs)
5. On-Line support at our BBS, 24 hours a day.
6. Ability to design and use custom menus with Executive Host.
7. Ability to run batch files when callers logon and logoff,
enabling utilities such as "Last Caller On" to be used.
8. Quarterly Exechost Announcements mailed to all members.
9. The finest, most powerful Host/BBS system available.
Some portions of Executive Host are Copyright and used with permission
of:
Colin Sampaleanu & Exis Inc.
and Jon Fleming
Thanks go to Jon for his permission to use portions of his password
code.
page 3
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Executive Host was written entirely in SALT, Telix's powerful script
language. Special thanks go to Colin Sampaleanu, author of Telix
and the SALT language. Telix is a registered copyright of:
Colin Sampaleanu
& Exis Inc.
P.O. Box 130
West Hill, ON
Canada M1E 4R4
Register your copy of Telix today!
All Executive Host utilities were written and compiled using the
Borland C++ Professional Compiler, and compressed using the PKLITE
Professional Executable File Compressor. Borland C++ is a Copyright of
Borland International. PkLite Professional is Copyright PkWare, Inc.
SYSTEM
REQUIREMENTS - 1. 256k of memory and an MS-DOS or compatible operating
system.
2. Telix version 3.12 or above already installed.
3. A good text editor that accepts file names on the command
line is required. Ted.com, a public domain text editor
from PC Magazine is included for those who do not
currently have their own editor. Obtaining a more
cabable text editor, such as Qedit (shareware) is
highly recommended.
INSTALLATION:
To install Executive Host, copy ALL files into your Telix directory.
DO NOT copy any Executive Host files into a Telix script directory.
If you do not have your text editor configured in Telix, do so now.
This is done by running Telix and entering "ALT-O". Then choose
"Filenames and Paths" and enter your editor's name under option "h".
(If you do not have your own text editor, ted.com will be used
automatically, and the Telix editor setup is not necessary.)
Hit Escape to exit this screen. If you do not have Telix configured
to use a status bar on the BOTTOM of the screen, do so now. This is
done from the "Terminal Options" setup screen. Save your new setup
and exit Telix.
If you are using ZIP files, ensure that a copy of pkzip and
pkunzip are located in the host directory or somewhere in your system's
path.
Decide where you want your DOWN and UP directories and create
them with the "MD" command. The DOWN directory is the primary
download directory where callers may download files from. However,
downloading from the UP (uploads) directory is also permitted.
One set-up would be:
C:\ -- Telix ---down
----up
You would create them by typing "MD C:\TELIX\DOWN" and "MD C:\TELIX\UP".
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*** SPECIAL NOTE - NEW FEATURE!!!
Downloading is now permitted from any valid path on your system.
Paths are listed in an ascii (text) file named DOWNLOAD.LST.
See page 13 for further details.
Now run the BOARD.BAT file by typing "BOARD" and pressing the Enter
key. The set-up program will start automatically. When prompted for
the SysOp's name and password, enter your name and password, or the
name and password of the person who will be the System Operator.
Next a list of system parameters will be displayed:
Executive Host Configuration
A: Name of BBS or Host System : (left blank)
A: Executive Host Download Directory : C:\Telix\down\
B: Executive Host Uploads Directory : C:\Telix\up\
C: Connection Type : Modem
D: Minutes Allowed per Call : 60
E: Hour of day to run event (0-23) : 0
F: Host Access (Public or Private) : Private
G: SysOp's Page Turned On/Off : on
H: New Caller's security Level : 1
I: Type of Monitor (Color/Mono) : Mono
J: Baud Rate Locked (High-Speed Modems) : No
K: Auto Answer Mode or Ring Detection : Auto
L: Number of Rings to Answer On : 1
M: Protect Doors With Password : Yes
N: FrontEnd Mail System is Attached : No
Q: Quit without saving any changes
X: Exit and save changes to disk.
Which option ->
Each option should be configured to your individual needs as below,
OPTION A: is the full path of where your download files directory will
be located.
OPTION B: is the full path of where your uploads directory will be
located.
OPTION C: should be left as "Modem" unless you are connecting two
computers directly with a serial cable, in which it should be
set at "Direct".
OPTION D: Is the total minutes allowed on-line per call. A number
between 1 and 60 minutes may be chosen or "0" for no limit.
OPTION E: Time that the Host will execute it's event (EVENT.BAT).
Event may be run on any hour of the day (0-23), with "0"
representing midnight.
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OPTION F: This setting, if set at "private", will not allow caller's who
are not registered to access the host. If set at "public",
new callers may access the host at the security level set in
option H.
OPTION G: This option sets whether the SysOp's page will be turned on
or off.
OPTION H: This option selects the security level that will be assigned
to new, unverified callers prior to their verification and
upgrade by the SysOp. Valid levels for this option are:
Level 0 - Caller is "locked-out" of the Host and will have no access.
Level 1 - Callers may read mail, view bulletins and info screen, page
the SysOp, or leave a private message to the SysOp.
Level 2 - Same as 1, but may also view filelists and perform a text
search on filelists.
Level 3 - Same as 2, but may also enter public messages and upload files.
Level 4 - Same as 3, but has access to doors and may view files.
Level 5 - Caller has full guest privileges including the ability to
download files.
OPTION I: Is the type of monitor and should be set as "Mono" if you
have a monochrome monitor or "Color" if you have a color
monitor.
OPTION J: This option should be left as "No" unless you are using an
error correcting modem, which requires the baud rate to
be locked. (i.e. HST or Hayes 9600 baud modems)
OPTION K: Auto Answer Mode sets the modem in the answer mode using
the Hayes ATS0=x command. This method is satisfactory in
most cases. Ring Detection mode waits until a ring is
detected before sending at ATA to the modem signalling it
to answer. This mode may be preferred by some in order
to better interface with other software programs or hardware
(such as modem/fax cards).
OPTION L: This option sets the number of rings the modem will wait
before answering the phone. Values between 1 and 99 may
be selected.
OPTION M: This option allows the sysop to decide whether password
protection is desired each time a caller returns from a
door. It is recommended that this option be kept at
'Yes' for optimal security. Password protection coming
out of the remote shell is mandatory.
OPTION N: This option tells the host system if it is being executed
from a FrontEnd mail system, such as the FrontDoor mail
program. FrontEnd programs are necessary in order to
interface with certain mail networks, such as FidoNet.
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This completes the initial installation of the host, and this is all
that is required to run the host as a remote access program, or as a
simple BBS. Help on the Host's menus are available while running the
Host by typing "H" from the main, protocol and message menus. More
detailed instructions on how to set up multiple doors, bulletins,
filelists, etc. come later in this manual.
THE MENU OPTIONS:
DESCRIPTIONS OF THE SYSOP'S MENU COMMANDS.
Executive Host
SysOp Menu
(D)ownload File
(U)pload File
(F)ile Directories (M)essage Menu
(V)iew File (B)ulletins
(T)ext Search (O)pen Door
(S)hell to Dos (EDIT) Guest List
(J)oin Conference (UTIL)ities
(Q)uit Conference (I)nfo on Host
(X)pert Mode (C)olor on/off
(P)age SysOp
(H)elp on Menus
(G)oodbye
(D)ownload - Sends a file from Executive Host to you. The SysOp may
download from anywhere on the system by using a full path. The SysOp
may also use wildcards (i.e. *.*) when downloading with batch
protocols.
(U)pload - Sets Executive Host up to receive a file from you. The
SysOp may also upload files to anywhere on the system by using a full
path (i.e. C:\LOTUS\BUSINESS.WKS). If you use Zmodem, you will not be
able to upload with a full path since the protocol grabs the filename
from the remote site.
(F)ile Directories - Gives a list of all files available for download,
with file names, sizes, dates, and descriptions. After each screen is
filled, the display will pause until
have not been set-up by the SysOp, only names, sizes, dates, and
transfer times will be displayed to the caller.
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(V)iew - The (Z) sub-option will view any Zip file in the main or
uploads directory of Executive Host. A guest may also view text files
that are compressed inside of the zip file. The (T) sub-option will
allow a guest to view any text file that the SysOp has made available.
A directory of text files available for view can be found with the (F)
option from the main menu, and then the (T) sub-option. The (S)ysOp
view sub-option allows the SysOp to view any text file, anywhere on the
system.
(T)ext Search - This option allows the caller to do a text search of
the filelists made available by the SysOp. Searches for specific text,
file names, portions of file names, or even dates (in the correct format)
are allowed. Wildcards (* or ?) will be searched for literally and should
not be used. If the SysOp has not set-up filelists, this option may not
be performed.
(J)oin Conference - This option allows callers to join (or enter)
a conference area. Conference areas may have their own level of
security (minimum access level), file areas, and message base,
depending on how the SysOp chooses to set them up.
(Q)uit Conference - This option returns the caller to the Main
conference area (the area all callers are in when they first log on).
This command is used by callers when they are wish to return to the
Main conference after using the (J)oin command.
(X)pert Mode - This will make Executive Host stop displaying the main,
protocol, and message menus.
(M)essage Menu - This option displays the five message options
available for all callers. They are as follows:
(E)nter a message
(R)ead messages
(N)ote to SysOp
(J)oin Conference
(Q)uit Conference
All of the menu choices on the message menu may also be executed from
the main menu, even though some are not listed.
(B)ulletins - Displays a menu of bulletins callers may view.
(O)pen Door - Displays a menu of doors that may be entered.
(UTIL) Host Utilities - This option allows the use of four SysOp
utilities. These utilities are:
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(S)hell to DOS - This allows the SysOp to shell to dos from remote.
This option may be used when in local mode, but the F2 key is probably
a better choice in this case. The remote shell may be executed without
using the "UTIL" option by just entering "S" from the main menu. The
Host will shell to DOS using one of three methods. First, if the
DOORWAY.EXE file is detected in the Telix directory, the Host will
create a DOOR.SYS file and drop to DOS using this excellent redirection
program. Doorway will allow the SysOp to run any program from remote
that does not run in graphics mode. This includes most word-processors,
databases, and spreadsheets. Doorway is share-ware, and the latest
version is available on most good BBS's as DRWY220.ZIP.
If you need support for running graphic programs from remote, you will
have to buy a commercial program such as PC-Anywhere, Carbon Copy, or
Commute. Any of these programs can be executed successfully from the
Executive Host remote shell. Consult the documentation of these
programs on how to run them in the carrier detect startup mode.
If Doorway is not detected, then the Host will search for the file
DROP.BAT. The SysOp may modify this file to use the redirection
program/method of his choice (i.e. Gateway, PC-Anywhere, Commute). If
this file is found, the Host will run it to perform the remote shell.
NEW FEATURE!!! - Beginning with v1.7, Executive Host now swaps
completely out of Telix when executing the remote shell. This means
that you will have nearly your entire system memory available to
run programs from remote. Swapping completely out of Telix requires
that the communications port be reset. This is done by running
RESET.EXE (an Executive Host utility) in the first line of the
DROP.BAT file. In addition, the BOARD.BAT file must be executed
in the last line of the DROP.BAT file, in order to reload Executive
Host after the remote shell. An example DROP.BAT file is listed
below. This example is the default DROP.BAT file that Executive
Host creates automatically when DOORWAY.EXE is detected in the
Telix directory.
RESET.EXE
DOORWAY SYS /O:t /L: /G:ON /V:D /B:M /C:Dos
C:
CD \TELIX
BOARD
If DOORWAY.EXE and DROP.BAT are both not found, the Host will use
the DOS CTTY redirection function to allow the SysOp to shell from
remote. The SysOp will not be able to run most programs, but will be
able to use DOS programs and commands, pkzip/pkunzip, and other programs
that do not write directly to the screen.
(R)ead Host Caller's Log - Allows the remote view of the host caller's
log, which is a text record of everything that takes place on the host.
The caller's log is also where the caller's registration information is
stored.
(D)OS Command Line - Allows the execution of dos commands without
having to drop to DOS.
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(EDIT) Guest List - The guest list is the file that contains the list
of users of the host. This command allows the SysOp to directly modify
the security levels of callers, even from remote.
The sub-options for this command are:
(V)iew Guest List - Allows the SysOp to view the current list of
callers along with their current status (security), and their password.
(A)dd a new guest to list - This option allows the SysOp to add a new
caller's name and password to the guest list. The new caller is given
full guest access to the Host (level 5).
(C)hange Caller's Security Level - This option will allow the SysOp
to change a caller's access level and set it from (1-8).
(D)eny a Guest Access to Host - This in effect "locks-out" a caller.
In other words, his access level is set to 0, and when he calls and
enters his correct password he will be immediately disconnected.
(S)uspend Download privileges - This options will suspend all the
downloading privileges of a caller by setting his access level to 4.
(T)urn off Host - Shuts down the host from remote. When this option
is chosen, the SysOp will be prompted to decide which environment the
host should quit to (Telix or DOS). By quitting to DOS, the SysOp
may return to a batch file process.
(I)nfo on Host - Displays the Executive Host information screen.
(C)olor On/Off - This will allow the caller to switch between ascii
and color menus.
(P)age - If the page is turned on, this will page the SYSOP for 20
seconds.
(H)elp - Will display a menu command help file.
(G)oodbye - This will log you off, and set Executive Host up for
another caller.
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DESCRIPTIONS OF THE GUEST'S MENU COMMANDS:
Executive Host
Guest Menu
(D)ownload File
(U)pload File
(F)ile Directories (M)essage Menu
(V)iew File (B)ulletins
(T)ext Search (O)pen Door
(J)oin Conference (I)nfo on Host
(Q)uit Conference (C)olor on/off
(X)pert Mode (N)ote to Sysop
(P)age SysOp
(H)elp on Menus
(G)oodbye
The Guest menu is identical to the SysOp menu except for the
substitution of the (N)ote to SysOp command in the place of the SysOp
(UTIL)ities command. The (N)ote to SysOp command will allow a
caller to leave a message to the sysop, no matter what the caller's
security level. If a caller's security level 2 or below, the message
is automatically marked as private E-mail.
DESCRIPTIONS OF THE MESSAGE MENU COMMANDS:
Executive Host Message Menu
(E)nter a Message
(R)ead Messages
(N)ote to SysOp
(J)oin Conference
(Q)uit Conference
(H)elp on Message Menu
(E)nter Message - Allows callers with access level 3 or above to
leave a private or public message. Public messages may be addressed
to a specific person, or to "ALL". Callers with access level 2 or
below may only leave private mail addressed to the SysOp.
(R)ead Messages - Allows callers to read mail addressed to them, and
also read all messages in the conference marked as public mail.
The (N)ote to SysOp, (J)oin Conference, and (Q)uit Conference commands
are identical to those found on the main guest and sysop menus.
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SYSOP'S FUNCTION KEYS (ON-LINE COMMANDS):
The SysOp has eight commands on the function keys that may be executed
while a caller is on-line, or while in the local logon mode. The SysOp
may toggle the list of commands on the status line by using the up and
down arrow keys.
F1 Key - Kill User - This function will hang-up on the current caller
immediately with no warning or comment.
F2 Key - Dos Functions - This function will bring up the Telix Dos
functions window where the SysOp may drop to dos, perform a directory,
etc.
F3 Key - This key will initiate chat with the current caller.
F4 Key - This key will allow the SysOp to edit the user file
(EXECHOST.USR) file with a text editor, while the caller waits on-line.
F5 Key - This key will raise the caller's access level (temporarily) to
the SysOp level (level 9).
F6 Key - This key will set the caller's access level (temporarily) to
access level 5 (full guest access).
F7 Key - This key will increase the caller's on-line time in 5-minute
increments.
F8 Key - This key will decrease the caller's on-line time in 5-minute
decrements.
F9 Key - This key toggles the page on/off switch. If this switch is
on callers will be able to page the SysOp. If it is turned off, the
caller will be instructed to leave a message.
F10 Key - This key displays the SysOp's full-screen help. It does not
interfere with the caller, and the caller cannot see the help message.
HOST SECURITY LEVELS:
Level 0 - Caller is "locked-out" of the Host and will have no access.
Level 1 - Callers may read mail, view bulletins and info screen, page
the SysOp, or leave a private message to the SysOp.
Level 2 - Same as 1, but may also view filelists and perform a text
search on filelists.
Level 3 - Same as 2, but may also enter public messages and upload files.
Level 4 - Same as 3, but has access to doors and may view files.
Level 5 - Caller has full guest privileges including the ability to
download files.
Level 6 - Same access as 5, but higher conference security.
Level 7 - Same access as 5, except for time allowed online. If the
SysOp is not giving all callers unlimited time, this level
will always be given 60 minutes access. Also higher
conference security.
Level 8 - Same access as 5, except this caller will always have an
unlimited amount of access time. Also higher conference
security.
Level 9 - SysOp status. Caller has full access to all SysOp functions.
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Access level 9 may not be assigned via the Guest List Editor. In order
to assign this powerful level to a caller other than yourself, you
must edit the EXECHOST.USR file with your text editor. It is highly
recommended that you not give anyone an access level 9 other than
yourself. Access level 9 will give the caller complete access to your
system, and disastrous results could occur either by accident or on
purpose.
EDITING THE EXECHOST.USR FILE:
Here is one example of an Executive Host Guest List File (exechost.usr).
----------------- User's Name
| --------- User's Password
| | ----- User's Security Level
| | | --- User's Data Number (used in execmail.dat)
| | | |
| | | | (semicolons used as dividers)
| | | |
| | | |
John Wright;host;9;1 << SysOp >>
Edward Williams;dud;5;2 << Guest >>
Brent Taft;whipped;5;3 << Guest >>
Jay Fuller;guy;5;4 << Guest >>
Jack Ripper;nut;5;5 << Guest >>
Bob Coffey;pup;5;6 << Guest >>
Claude Hammond;smart;5;7 << Guest >>
Access Levels may be changed by directly modifying this file with a
text editor. This is the only way you will be able to assign access
level 9 to a user.
In most cases, the easiest way to change access levels is by using the
on-line guest list editor. Once logged on either local or from remote,
enter "edit" from the main menu.
THE MESSAGE BASE AND HOW IT WORKS:
The message base combines public messages and private E-mail into
one secure message system. Each message base has its own index file
for added speed and ease of use.
The message base uses the message data numbers assigned to each
user in the EXECHOST.USR file. The data numbers are added sequentially
to the file EXECMAIL.DAT, where the user's message information is stored.
Two important bits of information are stored here. The first is the
number of the user's last message read. This is stored in order to give
the caller an idea of where he left off from the last time he read
messages. The second bit of information is the number of the last public
message addressed to the user. When a caller logs on, the Host looks at
the message data file, and compares the last message read with the last
message sent to the user. This way the Host is able to quickly determine
if the user has new mail, without having to scan the entire message base.
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This quick scan is performed for each conference in which the caller has
access (if conferences have been setup), and the caller is notified of
which conferences he has mail waiting.
Messages written to or from the caller may be deleted by choosing
(k)ill at the bottom of the message. The SysOp may delete any public
message. Note: This function does not actually delete the message from
the message base, but simply marks it as deleted so callers are unable to
read it. PACK.EXE must be run to strip these deleted messages from the
message base. It is recommended that SysOps run PACK.EXE at least once
a week (or in the daily event) in order to trim down the size of the
message base and speed up it's operation. Read the file PACK.DOC for
more information on PACK.EXE.
Example of the EXECMAIL.DAT file:
------- Message Data Number
| --- User's Last Message Read (public message)
| | Number of Last Message Sent to User (public message)
| | |
| | | (semicolons user as dividers)
001;000040;000038
002;000039;000012
003;000040;000033
004;000022;000007
005;000035;000004
ADDING FILES TO YOUR HOST SETUP:
If you are running the program as a public access BBS, or just as a
semi-private host, you will be sure to want to make available certain
programs for download. Of course the SysOp may download from anywhere
on the system, but guest callers may download from only the upload and
download directories. Therefore, in order to make programs available to
all callers, they must be copied into one of these directories.
The arrangement makes no difference; all files may be in the uploads
directory, all files may be in one of the download directories, or any
combination is fine and the Host will find them all.
** NEW!! **
Beginning with version 1.6, any valid path on the computer system may
be used as a download directory. In order for the Host to recognize
them properly they must be listed in a file named DOWNLOAD.LST. i.e.
<< Beginning of File >>
C:\GAMES\
D:\UTILS\
E:\CDROM1\
E:\CDROM2\
etc, etc....
<< End of File >>
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There is no limit to the number of paths that may be used as download
directories for your callers. WARNING!! Do not add your Telix directory
to this list, since this would compromise your system security.
If you are using filelists with descriptions, initially just copy your
new files to a download directory. Then use the Host Filer to add these
filenames to your filelists (Option A). After your initial set-up
it is a good idea to add new programs to the filelists prior to
copying them into the download directories. The easiest and most
efficient way to do this is to first separate new files into categories
represented by your filelists. For example, copy all of your new
utility files into a temporary directory. Then use option A to add the
new files to your utility filelist. This will allow you to enter a path
such as "C:\TEMP\*.ZIP", instead of adding each file individually. All
that is left is to copy the files into a valid download directory,
delete the original files in the temp directory, and start your new
category.
INSTALLING DESCRIPTION FILES - Executive Host works fine using only
physical (DOS) file directories, however most SysOps who want to run a
serious bbs will want to use a series of filelists that will display the
filenames, dates, and descriptions. Executive Host has an advanced filer
built in, and filelists can be setup easily as follows.
1. Decide how many different filelists you wish to use, and enter their
names and numbers in the directory data file DIR.DAT.
2. If you want to use only one big filelist, the DIR.DAT file
is not necessary. Just name the filelist MAIN.DIR, and the
host will use it.
3. If you use the DIR.DAT file, you must also use the file called
DIRLIST. This file is the menu that will be displayed whenever a
caller chooses to view the filelists, and should contain the menu
of filelists with their corresponding number. An ansi color directory
menu file may also be used and must be called DIRLISTG. Ansi colors
are automatically added to DIRLIST if this file is not present.
4. A Recent Uploads filelist should also be created and must be
called NEW.DIR. This file is where the descriptions of files
uploaded by callers will be added. It is recommended that files be
rotated out of the Recent Uploads directory after about a week's time,
but that is up to the SysOp.
5. Once the data file has been setup and each filelist has been created,
the Host Filer (F6) will recognize your setup and allow you to edit and
modify these files when necessary. All files must be in the Telix
directory. Example files of the DIR.DAT, DIRLIST and DIRLISTG files are
included in the file EXAMPLES.ZIP.
6. Ansi colors are added to the filelists automatically, so a separate
ansi file is not necessary.
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INSTALLING BULLETINS - The set-up for bulletins is similar to the
setup for filelists and is done as follows:
1. If you wish to use only one bulletin file, name it BULLETIN, and
the Host will display it when a caller selects the view bulletins
option. An ansi bulletin may also be displayed for callers who choose
color. This file must be called BULLTING.
2. If you wish to set-up multiple bulletins, you must use a data file
similar to the filelist data file. Enter each bulletin's name and
number in the file BULLETIN.DAT.
3. If you are using multiple bulletins, you must modify the file
BULLLIST, which is the menu displayed to callers that shows the
available bulletins, and their corresponding number The file
BULLLIST.G may also be used to display a color bulletin menu. Ansi
colors are automatically added if this file is not found.
4. Create each bulletin with your text editor, and put them in the
host directory. Ansi is added automatically to the bulletins unless
you wish to make separate ansi bulletins. You may do this by adding a
"G" to the end of the bulletin file name. For example, the ansi
bulletin for the file RULES, should be RULESG. Note that the
bulletin name may not be longer than 7 characters long if an ansi
version of the bulletin is to be used.
5. Once all of this has been completed, your bulletins, menu, and data
file may be modified in the SysOp's Utilities Window (F5) at the waiting
for call screen.
INSTALLING DOORS - The set-up of doors is also similar to the set-up of
bulletins and filelists, and is done as follows:
1. If you wish to have only one door on-line, then create a file
called DOOR.BAT that will run the door. DOOR.BAT will be run
whenever a caller chooses the (O)pen Door option.
2. If you wish to use multiple doors, modify the file DOOR.DAT with
the batch file name and corresponding number of each door.
3. Also modify the door menu file DOORLIST, which is displayed to
the caller when the (O)pen Door option is chosen. The file
DOORLIST.G may be used to create a color door menu to callers. Ansi
colors are automatically added if this file is not found.
4. Create the batch file for each door to be run. FISHING.BAT is an
example of a batch file for an RBBS door.
5. Once the above has been accomplished, the door batch files, menu,
and data file may be modified from the SysOp's Utilities window (F5) at
the waiting for call screen.
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6. Two files are created when a door is opened, a GAP BBS compatible
DOOR.SYS file which is recognized by Gap door programs and Doorway, and
the DORINFO1.DEF file, which is recognized by RBBS compatible doors,
and some QBBS doors.
7. IMPORTANT!: Beginning with version 1.7, Executive Host swaps
completely out of Telix to execute door programs. For this reason,
and in order to reset the computer's communications port, the
RESET.EXE program must be run in each door batch file. RESET.EXE
should be the first command executed in each door batch file,
otherwise the some doors may become confused and. In addition,
since Telix is completely swapped out when running doors, in order
to reload the host system, the board.bat file must be run as the last
line in ALL door batch files. An example door batch file for the
Kannons and Katapults door game is listed below.
RESET.EXE
CD KNK
KNK C:\TELIX\DORINFO1.DEF
CD \TELIX
BOARD.BAT
Notice that RESET.EXE is the first command in the batch file, and that
BOARD.BAT is the last command. It is very important that all door
batch files are setup similarly.
INSTALLING CONFERENCES - The setup of conferences in Executive Host
was new to version 1.6, and can add much power and flexibility to the
host system. Setup of conferences is listed on a step-by-step basis
below. There are four main steps.
1. Create the conference subdirectory with the DOS "MD" command.
Conference subdirectories are where the conference messages and other
data files are stored, and these subdirectories must branch directly
off of the Telix directory. For example, to create a subdirectory for
the SYSOP conference, you would type "MD SYSOP" from the Telix
subdirectory. Although conference subdirectories do not have to be
named the same as the conference name, it is probably a good idea to
do so.
2. Add the conference setup information to the file CONF.DAT. This
is where the conference name, number, and other important information
are stored. The format of this file is shown below:
1;SysOp <-- number and name of conference (1)
SYSOP\ <-- conference directory (2)
C:\TELIX\DOWN\ <-- conference download directory (3)
C:\TELIX\UP\ <-- conference upload directory (4)
6 <-- minimum access level for conference (5)
Line one contains the conference number and name. Be sure to limit
your conference name to less than 30 characters.
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Line two contains the name of the conference directory that you just
created using the DOS "MD" command. Do not use the full path, i.e.
"C:\TELIX\SYSOP\". Enter the path in the exact format as shown above.
Line three contains the conference download directory. This may be
the same or different from the main download directory setup in the
Host configuration.
Line four contains the conference upload directory. This path may
also be the same or different than the main upload directory setup in
the Host configuration.
Line five contains the minimum access level of callers that will be
admitted into the conference.
Be sure to end all paths with a "\" backslash, as shown above.
More conferences are added to the CONF.DAT file in the same manner,
by listing this information below the last conference. An example
of the CONF.DAT file with setups for three conferences is included
in the file EXAMPLES.ZIP.
3. Next create or edit the CONFMENU and CONFMENU.G files.
These are the conference menu files that will be displayed to callers
when they select the (J)oin Conference option from the main menu.
These files, along with the CONF.DAT file must be present in the Telix
directory in order for the Host to recognize that conferences have
been setup properly. Examples of both of these files are also included
in EXAMPLES.ZIP.
4. Special conference files and menus may now be added to the
conference directory. Conference specific setups for bulletins, doors,
and filelists may be created for each conference. For example, if the
Host found the files DIRLIST/DIRLIST.G and DIR.DAT in a conference
directory, it would use this filelist setup when callers are in this
conference only. The SysOp can setup bulletins, filelists and doors
in each conference, EXACTLY as was done for the Main conference.
By limiting the access of callers admitted into conferences, the SysOp
can thus create private conferences with their own file areas, doors,
bulletins and message bases. In addition, the SysOp may design
different menus for each conference, and place them in the conference
directory, if so inclined.
The following files may be placed in the conference directory as
substitutes for the files and menus in the Telix directory:
OPEN *
OPENG *
NEWS *
NEWSG *
DIR.DAT
DIRLIST
DIRLISTG
DOOR.DAT
DOORLIST
DOORLIST.G
BULLETIN.DAT
BULLLIST
BULLLIST.G
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Executive Host v1.7 also supports different menus in each
conference. These files, of course, are not necessary, but if
you wish to have different menus in each conference, it is now
possible. Of course, you must have a registered version of
Executive Host to utilize custom menus.
Files marked with an asterisk (*) will only be displayed if found in
the conference directory. If any of the other files are not found in
the conference directory, the identical files in the Telix directory
will be used. In other words, the Main conference's filelists, bulletins
and doors will always be used as a default if the SysOp has not setup
special ones for each conference.
No other files of any kind should be copied into the conference directory,
as they will not be used and will only waste your hard-drive space.
In particular, all filelists (dir files), bulletins, and door batch files
should be kept in the Telix directory, and full paths are not necessary
in the DIR.DAT, DOOR.DAT, and BULLETIN.DAT files.
ADDITIONAL SYSTEM SECURITY - V1.7 of Executive Host now allows the
SysOp to create and update a 'trashcan' file. This file should be
called TRASHCAN.TXT and is a list of obscene and/or undesirable names
that the SysOp wishes to check new callers' names against, when they
are first registering. When a caller first logs in as a new user,
his name is checked against the names in the trashcan file. If the
new caller's name matches with any of the undesirable names listed
in the file, the caller is disconnected immediately. This file can be
used to weed out obvious undesirable callers with names such as
'Hacker', and can also be used to prevent a particular person from
registering who has proved to be a problem in the past. Both single
and full names can be added to this file, and should be listed, one on
each line, as shown below (case is insignificant):
Hacker
Jerk
Joe Pest
BBS Terrorist
etc.
CALLER REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND SCRIPTS - V1.7 of Executive Host
now has an external script questionnaire with a list of questions to
be asked of new callers. This script questionnaire file is named
REGISTER.ASK, and can be modified by the SysOp to change the default
questions, or add additional questions. Answers to the new user
questionnaire are no longer saved to the EXECHOST.LOG file. Instead,
answers to the REGISTER.ASK file are saved to a file named REGISTER.ANS.
THE HOST EVENT - Executive Host will execute the EVENT.BAT file daily,
at the hour specified in the Host Configuration. The default EVENT.BAT
file executes the PACK.EXE message base utility, and then runs the
BOARD.BAT file to reload the Host. Additionally, the host deletes
the file CALLERS.DAT (internally) immediately after executing the event.
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This file contains information on how much time each caller has left
on the BBS for that particular day. If you are not running your
host 24 hours, and the event is not run each day, this file will
still need to be deleted, otherwise all active callers will eventually
run out of time, and will be unable to login to your system. The
EVENT.BAT file is a perfect place to run optional utilities and
perform automatic backup procedures on your system.
USING THE HOST UTILITIES - By Pressing the F5 key at the waiting for
caller screen, the SysOp may enter the Host Utilities area. In this
area the SysOp may choose from 10 different utility functions (A-J).
If conferences have been setup, the conference menu will be displayed,
and the SysOp will be asked to select the conference to work out of.
Sysop's Host Utilities
A> List Caller's Log F> Edit Door List
B> Edit UserFile G> Edit Door Batch Files
C> Edit Bulletin List H> Edit Door Data File
D> Edit Bulletins I> Test-Run Door
E> Edit Bulletin Data File J> DOS Command Line
Choose a Utility Option?
(A) - List Caller's Log. This option will use the LIST.COM file
browsing utility to view the Host caller's log. A copy of List.com must
be located in the Telix directory. V. Buerg's more advanced list.com
may be substituted in the place of the list program distributed with
Executive Host.
(B) - Edit UserFile. This option will use the text editor defined in
Telix to edit the Host's user database. Callers' passwords and
security may be manually changed using this option. Be careful to
not alter the structure or order of this file, otherwise the host
will report an error.
(C) - Press C to bring up the bulletin menu file in your text editor.
This is the file that shows callers the bulletins available for view.
If this file is modified, and you are also using the file BULLLIST.G
to display a color menu, you will have to make the necessary changes to
it also.
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(D) - Option D will allow the editing of each bulletin that is set-up
in the bulletin data file (BULLETIN.DAT). First you will be displayed
the bulletin menu, from which you must select which bulletin to edit.
(E) - Option E allows will bring up the bulletin data file in your text
editor. This is the file that tells the host, which bulletins to read,
and their respective numbers.
(F) - Option F will allow the editing of the door menu file DOORLIST.
This is the menu of all doors available for callers, and is displayed
when a caller enters "O" for open door. If you are using the file
DOORLIST.G.
(G) - Choosing option G will allow you to edit any of your batch files
that execute doors. The Host will display your door menu, in order for
you to select the batch file to edit, and will then bring up the batch
file you choose in your text editor.
(H) - Option H allow you to edit the door data file, which contains the
number and name of each door available for callers to use.
(I) - This option will test-run any of the doors that you have set-up
in the door data file. It will display your door menu, and ask you to
select a door to test-run. Once you have done this it will run the
door's batch file, and allow you to test your set-up and installation
of doors.
(J) - DOS Command Line - This option will allow the SysOp to run a
specific application without dropping to DOS. A Drop to DOS may be
accomplished by pressing the
Line.
USING THE HOST FILER - By pressing the F6 key at the waiting for caller
screen, the SysOp may enter the Host Filer area. In this area the
SysOp may choose from 10 different Filer options also (A-J).
If conferences have been setup, the conference menu will be displayed,
and the SysOp will be asked to select the conference to work out of.
Executive Host Filer
A> Add New Files to Filelist F> Verify Filelist
B> Auto-Describe Filelist G> Sort Filelist
C> Edit Filelist Menu H> Run Editor
D> Edit Filelist I> Run List.com
E> Edit Filelist Data File J> DOS Command Line
Choose a Filer Option?
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(A) - The "Add New Files to Filelist" option allows the SysOp to add
one or more new files that he has acquired to a filelist. The SysOp
will be asked for the path of the new programs first. For example
"A:*.ZIP" may be entered. Then the SysOp will be asked which filelist
to add the new programs to. The file adder will add these programs
to the filelist and allow the manual entry of descriptions by the
SysOp. Also remember to sort the filelist after the new files have
been added (Option G). The new files must of course be copied into the
main or uploads directory in order to be available for downloading.
(B) - The "Auto-Describe Filelist" option will add descriptions to your
filelist from an existing list. In other words, if you have just
used option (A) to add new files to an Executive Host filelist, and you
do not want to add all of the descriptions manually, you have another
alternative. You can download or capture a filelist from another BBS,
and use this source file to transfer the descriptions to your Host
filelist. This is the purpose of option (B). The source file may be
in any popular bbs format i.e. PCB, RBBS, dBBS, etc. The SysOp will be
asked for the name of the filelist that needs descriptions added. Next,
the name of the source file to be searched must be entered. Both files
must be sorted alphabetically prior to using this option. A .bak file of
the filelist is created in case something goes wrong. All files must be
in the Telix (Host) directory.
(C-E) - Allows the editing of filelists, the directory menu file,
and the directory data file.
(F) - Verify Filelist - This option will verify that all the files in a
filelist really exist in either the upload or download directories.
If you have a dir file with 75 files, a successful verification result
would look like this:
75 files processed.
0 files NOT Found.
(G) - Sort Filelist - This option will sort a filelist using the
program SORTIT.EXE. This program sorts filelists alphabetically, while
ignoring (not sorting) any filelist information header that may be
present. Filelists may not be larger than 64k in size. A custom
sort program, such as V. Buerg's SORTF.COM may be implemented to sort
files larger than 64k. This is done by deleting the file SORTIT.EXE and
creating a batch file named SORTIT.BAT to run the program. It is a good
idea to always keep filelists sorted in order to give callers an orderly
display of files available for download. Also, filelists must be sorted
prior to using the "Auto-Describe Filelist" option in the Host Filer. To
sort a file from the dos prompt, simply type "SORTIT [name of filelist]".
(H) - Run Editor - This option simply runs the editor defined in Telix
without a file name. Ted.com is run by default if an editor is not
defined in Telix.
(I) - Run List - This option will run the LIST.COM file browsing utility
if it is present in the Telix directory.
(J) - DOS command Line - This option is identical to option "J" in the
Host Utilities area. You may enter a DOS command to be executed, or
press
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DOWNLOADING - Downloading may take place from either upload or
download directories, and all files in any of these directories are
always available for download by all callers with access to the
conference. The SysOp may of course enter a full path and download from
anywhere on the system. Remember that the file DOWNLOAD.LST may be
used to make any path on the system a valid Executive Host download
directory.
UPLOADING - Files uploaded by all callers will be sent to the uploads
directory. In addition the UPLOADS.BAT file will be run if it exists.
This batch file could perform various virus checking functions, and
integrity checks on the uploaded file(s). The SysOp may include a full
path when uploading, and the file can be sent anywhere on the system.
IMPORTANT FILES TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH - The following files are used
in the day to day operation of the Host and their structure and format
should be studied by the SysOp. If they should ever become corrupted
or deleted, your knowledge of their structure will ensure that you will
be back on-line quickly.
System and Message Base Files:
exechost.usr - the Host UserFile containing the name, password, and
security levels of all callers.
exechost.cnf - the Host configuration data file
execmail.dat - the message base data file.
message.txt - the message base text.
message.dat - the message base pointers data file.
message.ndx - the message base index file
Executive Host External Menu Files:
* guest.men - main menu displayed to all callers except sysop
* guestg.men - ansi version of guest.men
* sysop.men - main menu displayed to the sysop only
* sysopg.men - ansi version of sysop.men
* message.men - message system menu
* messageg.men - ansi version of message.men
* protocol.men - protocol selection menu
* protcolg.men - ansi version of protocol.men
* util.men - sysop utilities menu
* utilg.men - ansi version of util.men
* edit.men - sysop's edit guest list menu
* editg.men - ansi version of edit.men
[*] - these files are not supported in the UNREGISTERED version.
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Other important files:
exechost.log - host usage log - contains a log of caller activities on
your host bbs system.
register.ask - the script file questionnaire which contains questions
asked of all new callers.
register.ans - the answer file containing each new caller's answers
to the questions in the register.ask script file.
trashcan.txt - text file containing any obscene or undesirable names
you wish to check new callers' names against before
granting registration.
sortit.exe - program that sorts filelists.
reset.exe - resets communications port before remote shell & doors.
pack.exe - removes deleted mail from each message base and
updates the message index file.
list.com - text file browse utility.
drop.bat - batch file used for remote shell to DOS.
upload.bat - batch file executed whenever a caller uploads a file.
event.bat - batch file run as an "event" at a certain hour each day.
board.bat - runs Executive Host.
bimodem.bat - runs the optional Bimodem protocol program.
logon.bat - executed immediately prior to the open/openg files
being displayed to a caller (if found).
logoff.bat - executed immediately after each caller logs off
the host system (if found).
dir.dat - data file of filelists.
door.dat - data file of door batch files.
bulletin.dat - data file of bulletin files available for view.
callers.dat - data file recording on-line time used by callers.
conf.dat - data file with conference information.
bulllist - bulletin menu file displayed to callers.
bullist.g - ansi version of bulllist.
dirlist - directory file menu displayed to callers.
dirlistg - ansi version of dirlist.
doorlist - door menu file displayed to callers.
doorlist.g - ansi version of doorlist.
open - ascii file displayed when caller first logs on.
openg - ansi version of open file.
news - news file that is displayed immediately following
open/openg.
newsg - ansi version of news file.
vip - file displayed to callers with access level 6 or 7
immediately after the news file.
vipg - ansi version of vip file.
info - file displayed when caller chooses (I)nfo on Host.
infog - ansi version of info file.
goodbye - file displayed when caller logs off.
goodbyeg - ansi version of goodbye.
newuser - file displayed after a new caller registers.
newuserg - ansi version of newuser file.
uptest - file that is displayed immediately after an upload.
uptestg - ansi version of uptest file.
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LIMITS - The following limits are built into all versions of Executive
Host.
9,999 Registered Callers.
999 Conferences, each with its own message base.
99 Filelists per conference (9,801 total).
99 Bulletins per conference (9,801 total).
99 Doors per conference (9,801 total).
999,999 Messages in each conference message base (98,999,901 total).
Of course disk space is a limiting factor in many cases.
SUPPORT - Support for Executive Host is available exclusively at the
Executive Software Products BBS listed below. Support is available
24 hours a day.
Main Support Board - ESP BBS, (618) 993-5091 (14400bps,N,8,1).
We will always be operating with the latest version of Executive Host
Software (sometimes Beta), and a HST Dual-Standard V32.bis modem.
The author (John Wright) is active in the Telix conference on the
RIMES international mail network, if you wish to contact him there.
Support is also available on Compuserve in the IBMBBS area (76605,1310).
The author checks this conference weekly. Please do not leave private
E-mail, as this helps only yourself, and defeats the purpose of a
public support arena.
Priority of support will always go to Registered users of Executive Host.
*** REGISTER EXECUTIVE HOST ON-LINE WITH YOUR VISA/MASTERCARD/DISCOVER CARD
ON OUR 24 HOUR SUPPORT BULLETIN BOARD. ORDERS ARE USUALLY PROCESSED AND
AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY FOR DOWNLOAD. FOREIGN CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED.
Thank you and enjoy Executive Host.
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APPENDIX A - HIGH SPEED AND ERROR CORRECTING MODEM SETUP
The US Robotics and other high speed or error correcting modems require
special settings in order to work properly with Telix and Executive Host.
You have two choices that will allow you to connect with all callers.
But first, make sure that you have a copy of Executive Host 1.3 or above.
Support for these modems was not included with earlier versions.
OPTION 1: Set the Executive Host configuration "Lock Baud Rates" to
"YES".
Then go into Telix configuration and ensure that the two screens
below are set as indicated. The most important settings for
Executive Host have been marked with the "(*)" sign. These
settings MUST be set as shown to have the Host perform correctly.
The Baud rate shown below should be set at 4800 or 9600 for 2400cps
modems, or 19200 or 38400 for high speed (9600 baud) modems, such as
the USRobotics HST dual standard.
Terminal options
A - Baud 19200 Parity None Data length 8 Stop bits 1 (*)
B - COM2 or COM1
C - Default terminal type ........... ANSI-BBS (*)
D - Status line ..................... Bottom (*)
E - Local echo ...................... Off
F - Add Line Feeds after CRs ........ Off
G - Strip high bit (incoming data) .. Off
H - Received Backspace destructive .. On
I - XON/XOFF software flow control .. On (*)
J - CTS/RTS hardware flow control ... On (*)
K - DSR/DTR hardware flow control ... Off (*)
L - Compuserve Quick B transfers .... On
M - Zmodem auto-downloads ........... On
N - Answerback string (ENQ) .........
Change which setting? (Return or Esc to exit)
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Modem and dialing parameter setup
A - Init string ......... ~~~+++~~~AT&B1&H1&I0&R2V1X4^M (*)
B - Dialing prefix 1 .... ATDP (NOTE: Be sure to save the above
C - Dialing prefix 2 .... ATDP string into your NVRAM "AT&W").
D - Dialing prefix 3 .... ATDP
E - Dialing suffix ...... ^M
F - Connect string ...... CONNECT
G - No connect strings .. NO CARRIER BUSY
VOICE NO DIAL TONE
H - Hang-up string ...... ~~~+++~~~ATH0^M
I - Auto answer string .. ~~~+++~~~ATS0=1^M
J - Dial cancel string .. ^M
K - Dial time ........... 50
L - Redial pause ........ 10
M - Auto baud detect .... Off (*)
N - Drop DTR to hangup .. On (*)
Change which setting? (Return or Esc to exit)
The new Telix modem configuration program (included with v3.15 of Telix),
will setup your modem and Telix in a similar manner. However, you must
ensure that both CTS/RTS and Xon/Xoff flow control are enabled. The
Executive Host configuration option "Lock Baud Rates?" must be set to
"Yes".
Additional help for the setup of high speed and error correcting modems
under Executive Host is available on our support BBS, 24 hours a day.
page B1
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APPENDIX B - MAIL DOORS, OFFLINE READERS, MAIL NETWORKS, AND FRONTENDS
UNIVERSAL TEXT INTERFACE (UTI) - Executive Host UTI conversion
utilities already exist to link the Executive Host message base with
many external mail programs and networks. The latest version of these
drivers will always be made available on the bbs systems listed below.
Steve Wood wrote the UTI utilities for Executive Host and his bbs is
also listed (Woodshed BBS): Thanks Steve!
ESP BBS - (618) 993-5091 - sysop, John Wright
THE WOODSHED BBS - (602) 841-7881 sysop, Steve Wood
EXIS (TELIX) BBS - (416) 439-8293 sysop, Jeff Woods
The UTI utilities allow the sysop to use the following programs in
conjunction with Executive Host.
1. PCrelay Software - written by Kip Compton.
This software allows Executive Host systems to be linked with
the Relaynet (RIMES) international mail network, and other mail
networks that run under PCrelay software. PCrelay can also be
used to link BBS's together (outside of a network), in order to
share message bases.
2. MegaDoor Offline Mail Door - written by Kip Compton.
This software is setup as a door under Executive Host, and allows
callers to download mail, read and reply offline, and upload
new mail into the Executive Host system later.
3. MegaReader Offline Mail Reader - written by Kip Compton.
The MegaReader program is used by callers to read and reply offline
to messages downloaded from the MegaDoor.
4. Any other MegaMail compatible program or door available now or
in the future.
The latest version and technical support for all of the products
listed above can be obtained directly from Kip Compton on his
support bbs, 24 hours a day: - (703) 690-7361.
FRONTEND PROGRAMS:
Additionally, Executive Host now has sufficient support to be run
from a frontend mail program. Frontend Mail programs actually
answer incoming calls, and then pass the necessary information on
to the bbs software so that the caller can be logged in normally.
Many people prefer to run BBS software from a frontend program
such as FrontDoor, because of its consistent interface and also
because of the many additional features available to the sysop
while waiting for incoming calls. Primarily however, frontend
programs were designed for linking message base systems with
other bbs systems and mail networks. It is possible that the
existing UTI drivers for Executive Host can be modified to allow
the message base to be linked to networks via a frontend program.
page B2
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The same is true for linking the Executive Host message base with
mail networks that require a frontend, such as the FidoNet
international mail network. However, at the time this manual was
written, it has never been done, so further information is not
currently available.
In order to obtain the current caller information from the frontend
program, Executive Host will read a file named FRONTEND.USR. This
file must contain three pieces of information, normally passed
as command line parameters from frontend programs:
baud rate
port
minutes left before next event
This file can be built automatically by the batch file that
calls Executive Host. The FrontDoor mail program passes the baud,
port, and minutes until next event information as %1, %2, and %3 command
line variables. An example of the EXEBBS.BAT file used by FrontDoor
is listed below:
ECHO %1 > FRONTEND.USR ; copies the baud info to the new file
ECHO %2 >> FRONTEND.USR ; appends the port info to the file
ECHO %3 >> FRONTEND.USR ; appends the minutes left info
BOARD.BAT ; runs Executive Host
Please call the Executive Host support BBS (ESP BBS) for further
information on setting up frontend programs.
Contents of the README.1ST file
Executive Host - Premium Host/BBS for Telix
Version 1.7, released 31 August, 1991
Copyright (c) 1990, 1991 by John Wright
All Rights Reserved
Another fine product from,
Fine Software Products
xecutive oftware roducts for Intelligent People
John Wright - Owner, Programmer, Technical Support
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Introduction ......................................................... 1
How to Register .................................................. 2
System Requirements .............................................. 3
Installation ......................................................... 3
Main Menu Options .................................................... 6
SysOp Menu ....................................................... 6
Guest Menu ....................................................... 10
Message Menu ....................................................... 10
SysOp's Function Keys ................................................ 11
Security Levels ...................................................... 11
The Host User File ................................................... 12
The Message Base ..................................................... 12
Private Messages ................................................. 13
Public Messages ................................................. 13
The Message Data File ............................................ 13
Adding Files to the Host ............................................. 13
Installing Filelists (with descriptions) ............................. 14
Installing Bulletins ................................................. 15
Installing Doors ..................................................... 15
Installing Conferences ............................................... 16
Additional Security - Trashcan File .................................. 18
New User Questionnaire ............................................... 18
Event ................................................................ 18
Using the Host Utilities ............................................. 19
Using the Host Filer ................................................. 20
File Transfers ....................................................... 22
Downloading ...................................................... 22
Uploading ........................................................ 22
Important Files to Become Familiar With .............................. 22
Limitations .......................................................... 24
Support .............................................................. 24
APPENDIX A - High Speed and Error-Correcting Modem Setup ............. A1
APPENDIX B - Mail Doors, Offline Readers, Mail Networks, and Frontends. B1
page 1
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WHAT IS EXECUTIVE HOST?
If you need a fully functional BBS or just a remote access program for
your computer, this is the program for you. Executive Host is designed
to be entirely flexible and can be set-up in a matter of minutes. A
fast and easy to use program that comes with everything you need to be
up and running immediately, and yet has the power to allow extensive
customization and handle E-mail, multiple message bases, bulletins,
file areas, and doors. In addition, Executive Host now completely swaps
out of Telix when executing doors and the remote shell. The sysop can
access his computer from remote with nearly the same amount of base memory
available as when using the computer normally.
CONFERENCES! PRIVATE FILE AREAS! PRIVATE MESSAGE AREAS!
Multiple conferences or forums may now be installed. Up to 999
conferences, each with its own message base, file areas, doors,
and bulletins may be installed by the SysOp. This powerful new feature
will allow you to assign security levels for each conference, enabling
private and semi-private conferences, file areas and message bases.
This ability also allows Executive Host to be linked into most of
the mail relay systems. Utilities already exist for linking your
BBS with the PCrelay (RIMES) international mail network. Support for
off-line mail doors and mail readers is also in place, and the host
may be executed from a frontend utility such as FrontDoor.
Executive Host is written entirely in the SALT language and requires
the communications program Telix, version 3.12 or above, to run
properly. If you are not currently using Telix as your communications
package of choice, Executive Host is one of two reasons why you should
switch now. The other reason being that Telix is beyond a doubt, the
finest, most powerful, and easy to use communications package available
today.
What is a host and how does it differ from a BBS? There is only one
major difference between a host and a self-standing BBS program, and
that is that a host is programmed in a special script programming language
that allows it to directly interface a communications program and use
all of it's powerful features (in this case Telix). This allows the
Host Sysop to take advantage of all of the special functions and
features built into Telix. For example, the registration and set-up of
protocols is not necessary since these come with Telix. Also, in effect
you are getting two programs for the drive-space of one. In other words,
since Executive Host is using the internal communication routines in
Telix, it is a very small program in itself. An alternative remote access
program would be much larger and also much more expensive.
A host will allow it's operator to access his computer from remote, while
away on business or pleasure. Executive Host also has many other features
that allow the access of several hundred callers (up to 10,000), each of
whom may be assigned a security level for varied levels of access.
It's advanced message base and file transfer routines make it a prime
choice for someone interested in running a Bulletin Board System, either
for personal or business needs. All of this for a low cost of only $35,
as compared to from $200-$500 for programs with comparable features.
page 2
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Executive Host is now, without a doubt, the most powerful and full-
featured Host program available anywhere. If you demand quality and
innovation from your software products, then Executive Host is the
right program for you.
EXECUTIVE HOST IS SHARE-WARE.
The extended use of this program after a 10 day trial period
requires it's registration with the author. Some limits have been
built in to the unregistered version of Executive Host to encourage
individual compliance. The file ORDER.FRM is a registration form
that you may print and mail with your check or money order for $35.00
plus $5 shipping (U.S. dollars). If you live outside of USA/Canada,
please register on-line with your Visa/Mastercard/Discover card, or send
$40.00 in U.S. cash via registered or insured post. Checks and
money orders written on foreign banks can no longer be accepted due
to extremely high bank processing fees.
Send your order to the author at the address below.
John Wright
700 S Virginia Ave
Marion, IL 62959 USA
USE YOUR CREDIT CARD! - You may now register instantly online at our
support BBS with your VISA/MASTERCARD/DISCOVER card. To order, call:
ESP BBS - (618) 993-5091 (38400,N,8,1) - HST/V32.bis compatible.
By registering online, callers can download their registered version
of Executive Host immediately, and not have to wait for the disk in
the mail.
What do you get when you register?
1. Full-featured, personalized Host with Zmodem capabilities.
2. External protocol support including Puma, Bimodem, Jmodem, etc.
3. Free upgrades for one full year or at least one major upgrade.
(obtained on our support bbs in the registered sysop conference)
4. The right to download and use Beta versions of new upgrades still
undergoing testing. (also available on our support bbs)
5. On-Line support at our BBS, 24 hours a day.
6. Ability to design and use custom menus with Executive Host.
7. Ability to run batch files when callers logon and logoff,
enabling utilities such as "Last Caller On" to be used.
8. Quarterly Exechost Announcements mailed to all members.
9. The finest, most powerful Host/BBS system available.
Some portions of Executive Host are Copyright and used with permission
of:
Colin Sampaleanu & Exis Inc.
and Jon Fleming
Thanks go to Jon for his permission to use portions of his password
code.
page 3
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Executive Host was written entirely in SALT, Telix's powerful script
language. Special thanks go to Colin Sampaleanu, author of Telix
and the SALT language. Telix is a registered copyright of:
Colin Sampaleanu
& Exis Inc.
P.O. Box 130
West Hill, ON
Canada M1E 4R4
Register your copy of Telix today!
All Executive Host utilities were written and compiled using the
Borland C++ Professional Compiler, and compressed using the PKLITE
Professional Executable File Compressor. Borland C++ is a Copyright of
Borland International. PkLite Professional is Copyright PkWare, Inc.
SYSTEM
REQUIREMENTS - 1. 256k of memory and an MS-DOS or compatible operating
system.
2. Telix version 3.12 or above already installed.
3. A good text editor that accepts file names on the command
line is required. Ted.com, a public domain text editor
from PC Magazine is included for those who do not
currently have their own editor. Obtaining a more
cabable text editor, such as Qedit (shareware) is
highly recommended.
INSTALLATION:
To install Executive Host, copy ALL files into your Telix directory.
DO NOT copy any Executive Host files into a Telix script directory.
If you do not have your text editor configured in Telix, do so now.
This is done by running Telix and entering "ALT-O". Then choose
"Filenames and Paths" and enter your editor's name under option "h".
(If you do not have your own text editor, ted.com will be used
automatically, and the Telix editor setup is not necessary.)
Hit Escape to exit this screen. If you do not have Telix configured
to use a status bar on the BOTTOM of the screen, do so now. This is
done from the "Terminal Options" setup screen. Save your new setup
and exit Telix.
If you are using ZIP files, ensure that a copy of pkzip and
pkunzip are located in the host directory or somewhere in your system's
path.
Decide where you want your DOWN and UP directories and create
them with the "MD" command. The DOWN directory is the primary
download directory where callers may download files from. However,
downloading from the UP (uploads) directory is also permitted.
One set-up would be:
C:\ -- Telix ---down
----up
You would create them by typing "MD C:\TELIX\DOWN" and "MD C:\TELIX\UP".
page 4
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*** SPECIAL NOTE - NEW FEATURE!!!
Downloading is now permitted from any valid path on your system.
Paths are listed in an ascii (text) file named DOWNLOAD.LST.
See page 13 for further details.
Now run the BOARD.BAT file by typing "BOARD" and pressing the Enter
key. The set-up program will start automatically. When prompted for
the SysOp's name and password, enter your name and password, or the
name and password of the person who will be the System Operator.
Next a list of system parameters will be displayed:
Executive Host Configuration
A: Name of BBS or Host System : (left blank)
A: Executive Host Download Directory : C:\Telix\down\
B: Executive Host Uploads Directory : C:\Telix\up\
C: Connection Type : Modem
D: Minutes Allowed per Call : 60
E: Hour of day to run event (0-23) : 0
F: Host Access (Public or Private) : Private
G: SysOp's Page Turned On/Off : on
H: New Caller's security Level : 1
I: Type of Monitor (Color/Mono) : Mono
J: Baud Rate Locked (High-Speed Modems) : No
K: Auto Answer Mode or Ring Detection : Auto
L: Number of Rings to Answer On : 1
M: Protect Doors With Password : Yes
N: FrontEnd Mail System is Attached : No
Q: Quit without saving any changes
X: Exit and save changes to disk.
Which option ->
Each option should be configured to your individual needs as below,
OPTION A: is the full path of where your download files directory will
be located.
OPTION B: is the full path of where your uploads directory will be
located.
OPTION C: should be left as "Modem" unless you are connecting two
computers directly with a serial cable, in which it should be
set at "Direct".
OPTION D: Is the total minutes allowed on-line per call. A number
between 1 and 60 minutes may be chosen or "0" for no limit.
OPTION E: Time that the Host will execute it's event (EVENT.BAT).
Event may be run on any hour of the day (0-23), with "0"
representing midnight.
page 5
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OPTION F: This setting, if set at "private", will not allow caller's who
are not registered to access the host. If set at "public",
new callers may access the host at the security level set in
option H.
OPTION G: This option sets whether the SysOp's page will be turned on
or off.
OPTION H: This option selects the security level that will be assigned
to new, unverified callers prior to their verification and
upgrade by the SysOp. Valid levels for this option are:
Level 0 - Caller is "locked-out" of the Host and will have no access.
Level 1 - Callers may read mail, view bulletins and info screen, page
the SysOp, or leave a private message to the SysOp.
Level 2 - Same as 1, but may also view filelists and perform a text
search on filelists.
Level 3 - Same as 2, but may also enter public messages and upload files.
Level 4 - Same as 3, but has access to doors and may view files.
Level 5 - Caller has full guest privileges including the ability to
download files.
OPTION I: Is the type of monitor and should be set as "Mono" if you
have a monochrome monitor or "Color" if you have a color
monitor.
OPTION J: This option should be left as "No" unless you are using an
error correcting modem, which requires the baud rate to
be locked. (i.e. HST or Hayes 9600 baud modems)
OPTION K: Auto Answer Mode sets the modem in the answer mode using
the Hayes ATS0=x command. This method is satisfactory in
most cases. Ring Detection mode waits until a ring is
detected before sending at ATA to the modem signalling it
to answer. This mode may be preferred by some in order
to better interface with other software programs or hardware
(such as modem/fax cards).
OPTION L: This option sets the number of rings the modem will wait
before answering the phone. Values between 1 and 99 may
be selected.
OPTION M: This option allows the sysop to decide whether password
protection is desired each time a caller returns from a
door. It is recommended that this option be kept at
'Yes' for optimal security. Password protection coming
out of the remote shell is mandatory.
OPTION N: This option tells the host system if it is being executed
from a FrontEnd mail system, such as the FrontDoor mail
program. FrontEnd programs are necessary in order to
interface with certain mail networks, such as FidoNet.
page 6
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This completes the initial installation of the host, and this is all
that is required to run the host as a remote access program, or as a
simple BBS. Help on the Host's menus are available while running the
Host by typing "H" from the main, protocol and message menus. More
detailed instructions on how to set up multiple doors, bulletins,
filelists, etc. come later in this manual.
THE MENU OPTIONS:
DESCRIPTIONS OF THE SYSOP'S MENU COMMANDS.
Executive Host
SysOp Menu
(D)ownload File
(U)pload File
(F)ile Directories (M)essage Menu
(V)iew File (B)ulletins
(T)ext Search (O)pen Door
(S)hell to Dos (EDIT) Guest List
(J)oin Conference (UTIL)ities
(Q)uit Conference (I)nfo on Host
(X)pert Mode (C)olor on/off
(P)age SysOp
(H)elp on Menus
(G)oodbye
(D)ownload - Sends a file from Executive Host to you. The SysOp may
download from anywhere on the system by using a full path. The SysOp
may also use wildcards (i.e. *.*) when downloading with batch
protocols.
(U)pload - Sets Executive Host up to receive a file from you. The
SysOp may also upload files to anywhere on the system by using a full
path (i.e. C:\LOTUS\BUSINESS.WKS). If you use Zmodem, you will not be
able to upload with a full path since the protocol grabs the filename
from the remote site.
(F)ile Directories - Gives a list of all files available for download,
with file names, sizes, dates, and descriptions. After each screen is
filled, the display will pause until
have not been set-up by the SysOp, only names, sizes, dates, and
transfer times will be displayed to the caller.
page 7
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(V)iew - The (Z) sub-option will view any Zip file in the main or
uploads directory of Executive Host. A guest may also view text files
that are compressed inside of the zip file. The (T) sub-option will
allow a guest to view any text file that the SysOp has made available.
A directory of text files available for view can be found with the (F)
option from the main menu, and then the (T) sub-option. The (S)ysOp
view sub-option allows the SysOp to view any text file, anywhere on the
system.
(T)ext Search - This option allows the caller to do a text search of
the filelists made available by the SysOp. Searches for specific text,
file names, portions of file names, or even dates (in the correct format)
are allowed. Wildcards (* or ?) will be searched for literally and should
not be used. If the SysOp has not set-up filelists, this option may not
be performed.
(J)oin Conference - This option allows callers to join (or enter)
a conference area. Conference areas may have their own level of
security (minimum access level), file areas, and message base,
depending on how the SysOp chooses to set them up.
(Q)uit Conference - This option returns the caller to the Main
conference area (the area all callers are in when they first log on).
This command is used by callers when they are wish to return to the
Main conference after using the (J)oin command.
(X)pert Mode - This will make Executive Host stop displaying the main,
protocol, and message menus.
(M)essage Menu - This option displays the five message options
available for all callers. They are as follows:
(E)nter a message
(R)ead messages
(N)ote to SysOp
(J)oin Conference
(Q)uit Conference
All of the menu choices on the message menu may also be executed from
the main menu, even though some are not listed.
(B)ulletins - Displays a menu of bulletins callers may view.
(O)pen Door - Displays a menu of doors that may be entered.
(UTIL) Host Utilities - This option allows the use of four SysOp
utilities. These utilities are:
page 8
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(S)hell to DOS - This allows the SysOp to shell to dos from remote.
This option may be used when in local mode, but the F2 key is probably
a better choice in this case. The remote shell may be executed without
using the "UTIL" option by just entering "S" from the main menu. The
Host will shell to DOS using one of three methods. First, if the
DOORWAY.EXE file is detected in the Telix directory, the Host will
create a DOOR.SYS file and drop to DOS using this excellent redirection
program. Doorway will allow the SysOp to run any program from remote
that does not run in graphics mode. This includes most word-processors,
databases, and spreadsheets. Doorway is share-ware, and the latest
version is available on most good BBS's as DRWY220.ZIP.
If you need support for running graphic programs from remote, you will
have to buy a commercial program such as PC-Anywhere, Carbon Copy, or
Commute. Any of these programs can be executed successfully from the
Executive Host remote shell. Consult the documentation of these
programs on how to run them in the carrier detect startup mode.
If Doorway is not detected, then the Host will search for the file
DROP.BAT. The SysOp may modify this file to use the redirection
program/method of his choice (i.e. Gateway, PC-Anywhere, Commute). If
this file is found, the Host will run it to perform the remote shell.
NEW FEATURE!!! - Beginning with v1.7, Executive Host now swaps
completely out of Telix when executing the remote shell. This means
that you will have nearly your entire system memory available to
run programs from remote. Swapping completely out of Telix requires
that the communications port be reset. This is done by running
RESET.EXE (an Executive Host utility) in the first line of the
DROP.BAT file. In addition, the BOARD.BAT file must be executed
in the last line of the DROP.BAT file, in order to reload Executive
Host after the remote shell. An example DROP.BAT file is listed
below. This example is the default DROP.BAT file that Executive
Host creates automatically when DOORWAY.EXE is detected in the
Telix directory.
RESET.EXE
DOORWAY SYS /O:t /L: /G:ON /V:D /B:M /C:Dos
C:
CD \TELIX
BOARD
If DOORWAY.EXE and DROP.BAT are both not found, the Host will use
the DOS CTTY redirection function to allow the SysOp to shell from
remote. The SysOp will not be able to run most programs, but will be
able to use DOS programs and commands, pkzip/pkunzip, and other programs
that do not write directly to the screen.
(R)ead Host Caller's Log - Allows the remote view of the host caller's
log, which is a text record of everything that takes place on the host.
The caller's log is also where the caller's registration information is
stored.
(D)OS Command Line - Allows the execution of dos commands without
having to drop to DOS.
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(EDIT) Guest List - The guest list is the file that contains the list
of users of the host. This command allows the SysOp to directly modify
the security levels of callers, even from remote.
The sub-options for this command are:
(V)iew Guest List - Allows the SysOp to view the current list of
callers along with their current status (security), and their password.
(A)dd a new guest to list - This option allows the SysOp to add a new
caller's name and password to the guest list. The new caller is given
full guest access to the Host (level 5).
(C)hange Caller's Security Level - This option will allow the SysOp
to change a caller's access level and set it from (1-8).
(D)eny a Guest Access to Host - This in effect "locks-out" a caller.
In other words, his access level is set to 0, and when he calls and
enters his correct password he will be immediately disconnected.
(S)uspend Download privileges - This options will suspend all the
downloading privileges of a caller by setting his access level to 4.
(T)urn off Host - Shuts down the host from remote. When this option
is chosen, the SysOp will be prompted to decide which environment the
host should quit to (Telix or DOS). By quitting to DOS, the SysOp
may return to a batch file process.
(I)nfo on Host - Displays the Executive Host information screen.
(C)olor On/Off - This will allow the caller to switch between ascii
and color menus.
(P)age - If the page is turned on, this will page the SYSOP for 20
seconds.
(H)elp - Will display a menu command help file.
(G)oodbye - This will log you off, and set Executive Host up for
another caller.
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DESCRIPTIONS OF THE GUEST'S MENU COMMANDS:
Executive Host
Guest Menu
(D)ownload File
(U)pload File
(F)ile Directories (M)essage Menu
(V)iew File (B)ulletins
(T)ext Search (O)pen Door
(J)oin Conference (I)nfo on Host
(Q)uit Conference (C)olor on/off
(X)pert Mode (N)ote to Sysop
(P)age SysOp
(H)elp on Menus
(G)oodbye
The Guest menu is identical to the SysOp menu except for the
substitution of the (N)ote to SysOp command in the place of the SysOp
(UTIL)ities command. The (N)ote to SysOp command will allow a
caller to leave a message to the sysop, no matter what the caller's
security level. If a caller's security level 2 or below, the message
is automatically marked as private E-mail.
DESCRIPTIONS OF THE MESSAGE MENU COMMANDS:
Executive Host Message Menu
(E)nter a Message
(R)ead Messages
(N)ote to SysOp
(J)oin Conference
(Q)uit Conference
(H)elp on Message Menu
(E)nter Message - Allows callers with access level 3 or above to
leave a private or public message. Public messages may be addressed
to a specific person, or to "ALL". Callers with access level 2 or
below may only leave private mail addressed to the SysOp.
(R)ead Messages - Allows callers to read mail addressed to them, and
also read all messages in the conference marked as public mail.
The (N)ote to SysOp, (J)oin Conference, and (Q)uit Conference commands
are identical to those found on the main guest and sysop menus.
page 11
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SYSOP'S FUNCTION KEYS (ON-LINE COMMANDS):
The SysOp has eight commands on the function keys that may be executed
while a caller is on-line, or while in the local logon mode. The SysOp
may toggle the list of commands on the status line by using the up and
down arrow keys.
F1 Key - Kill User - This function will hang-up on the current caller
immediately with no warning or comment.
F2 Key - Dos Functions - This function will bring up the Telix Dos
functions window where the SysOp may drop to dos, perform a directory,
etc.
F3 Key - This key will initiate chat with the current caller.
F4 Key - This key will allow the SysOp to edit the user file
(EXECHOST.USR) file with a text editor, while the caller waits on-line.
F5 Key - This key will raise the caller's access level (temporarily) to
the SysOp level (level 9).
F6 Key - This key will set the caller's access level (temporarily) to
access level 5 (full guest access).
F7 Key - This key will increase the caller's on-line time in 5-minute
increments.
F8 Key - This key will decrease the caller's on-line time in 5-minute
decrements.
F9 Key - This key toggles the page on/off switch. If this switch is
on callers will be able to page the SysOp. If it is turned off, the
caller will be instructed to leave a message.
F10 Key - This key displays the SysOp's full-screen help. It does not
interfere with the caller, and the caller cannot see the help message.
HOST SECURITY LEVELS:
Level 0 - Caller is "locked-out" of the Host and will have no access.
Level 1 - Callers may read mail, view bulletins and info screen, page
the SysOp, or leave a private message to the SysOp.
Level 2 - Same as 1, but may also view filelists and perform a text
search on filelists.
Level 3 - Same as 2, but may also enter public messages and upload files.
Level 4 - Same as 3, but has access to doors and may view files.
Level 5 - Caller has full guest privileges including the ability to
download files.
Level 6 - Same access as 5, but higher conference security.
Level 7 - Same access as 5, except for time allowed online. If the
SysOp is not giving all callers unlimited time, this level
will always be given 60 minutes access. Also higher
conference security.
Level 8 - Same access as 5, except this caller will always have an
unlimited amount of access time. Also higher conference
security.
Level 9 - SysOp status. Caller has full access to all SysOp functions.
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Access level 9 may not be assigned via the Guest List Editor. In order
to assign this powerful level to a caller other than yourself, you
must edit the EXECHOST.USR file with your text editor. It is highly
recommended that you not give anyone an access level 9 other than
yourself. Access level 9 will give the caller complete access to your
system, and disastrous results could occur either by accident or on
purpose.
EDITING THE EXECHOST.USR FILE:
Here is one example of an Executive Host Guest List File (exechost.usr).
----------------- User's Name
| --------- User's Password
| | ----- User's Security Level
| | | --- User's Data Number (used in execmail.dat)
| | | |
| | | | (semicolons used as dividers)
| | | |
| | | |
John Wright;host;9;1 << SysOp >>
Edward Williams;dud;5;2 << Guest >>
Brent Taft;whipped;5;3 << Guest >>
Jay Fuller;guy;5;4 << Guest >>
Jack Ripper;nut;5;5 << Guest >>
Bob Coffey;pup;5;6 << Guest >>
Claude Hammond;smart;5;7 << Guest >>
Access Levels may be changed by directly modifying this file with a
text editor. This is the only way you will be able to assign access
level 9 to a user.
In most cases, the easiest way to change access levels is by using the
on-line guest list editor. Once logged on either local or from remote,
enter "edit" from the main menu.
THE MESSAGE BASE AND HOW IT WORKS:
The message base combines public messages and private E-mail into
one secure message system. Each message base has its own index file
for added speed and ease of use.
The message base uses the message data numbers assigned to each
user in the EXECHOST.USR file. The data numbers are added sequentially
to the file EXECMAIL.DAT, where the user's message information is stored.
Two important bits of information are stored here. The first is the
number of the user's last message read. This is stored in order to give
the caller an idea of where he left off from the last time he read
messages. The second bit of information is the number of the last public
message addressed to the user. When a caller logs on, the Host looks at
the message data file, and compares the last message read with the last
message sent to the user. This way the Host is able to quickly determine
if the user has new mail, without having to scan the entire message base.
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This quick scan is performed for each conference in which the caller has
access (if conferences have been setup), and the caller is notified of
which conferences he has mail waiting.
Messages written to or from the caller may be deleted by choosing
(k)ill at the bottom of the message. The SysOp may delete any public
message. Note: This function does not actually delete the message from
the message base, but simply marks it as deleted so callers are unable to
read it. PACK.EXE must be run to strip these deleted messages from the
message base. It is recommended that SysOps run PACK.EXE at least once
a week (or in the daily event) in order to trim down the size of the
message base and speed up it's operation. Read the file PACK.DOC for
more information on PACK.EXE.
Example of the EXECMAIL.DAT file:
------- Message Data Number
| --- User's Last Message Read (public message)
| | Number of Last Message Sent to User (public message)
| | |
| | | (semicolons user as dividers)
001;000040;000038
002;000039;000012
003;000040;000033
004;000022;000007
005;000035;000004
ADDING FILES TO YOUR HOST SETUP:
If you are running the program as a public access BBS, or just as a
semi-private host, you will be sure to want to make available certain
programs for download. Of course the SysOp may download from anywhere
on the system, but guest callers may download from only the upload and
download directories. Therefore, in order to make programs available to
all callers, they must be copied into one of these directories.
The arrangement makes no difference; all files may be in the uploads
directory, all files may be in one of the download directories, or any
combination is fine and the Host will find them all.
** NEW!! **
Beginning with version 1.6, any valid path on the computer system may
be used as a download directory. In order for the Host to recognize
them properly they must be listed in a file named DOWNLOAD.LST. i.e.
<< Beginning of File >>
C:\GAMES\
D:\UTILS\
E:\CDROM1\
E:\CDROM2\
etc, etc....
<< End of File >>
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There is no limit to the number of paths that may be used as download
directories for your callers. WARNING!! Do not add your Telix directory
to this list, since this would compromise your system security.
If you are using filelists with descriptions, initially just copy your
new files to a download directory. Then use the Host Filer to add these
filenames to your filelists (Option A). After your initial set-up
it is a good idea to add new programs to the filelists prior to
copying them into the download directories. The easiest and most
efficient way to do this is to first separate new files into categories
represented by your filelists. For example, copy all of your new
utility files into a temporary directory. Then use option A to add the
new files to your utility filelist. This will allow you to enter a path
such as "C:\TEMP\*.ZIP", instead of adding each file individually. All
that is left is to copy the files into a valid download directory,
delete the original files in the temp directory, and start your new
category.
INSTALLING DESCRIPTION FILES - Executive Host works fine using only
physical (DOS) file directories, however most SysOps who want to run a
serious bbs will want to use a series of filelists that will display the
filenames, dates, and descriptions. Executive Host has an advanced filer
built in, and filelists can be setup easily as follows.
1. Decide how many different filelists you wish to use, and enter their
names and numbers in the directory data file DIR.DAT.
2. If you want to use only one big filelist, the DIR.DAT file
is not necessary. Just name the filelist MAIN.DIR, and the
host will use it.
3. If you use the DIR.DAT file, you must also use the file called
DIRLIST. This file is the menu that will be displayed whenever a
caller chooses to view the filelists, and should contain the menu
of filelists with their corresponding number. An ansi color directory
menu file may also be used and must be called DIRLISTG. Ansi colors
are automatically added to DIRLIST if this file is not present.
4. A Recent Uploads filelist should also be created and must be
called NEW.DIR. This file is where the descriptions of files
uploaded by callers will be added. It is recommended that files be
rotated out of the Recent Uploads directory after about a week's time,
but that is up to the SysOp.
5. Once the data file has been setup and each filelist has been created,
the Host Filer (F6) will recognize your setup and allow you to edit and
modify these files when necessary. All files must be in the Telix
directory. Example files of the DIR.DAT, DIRLIST and DIRLISTG files are
included in the file EXAMPLES.ZIP.
6. Ansi colors are added to the filelists automatically, so a separate
ansi file is not necessary.
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INSTALLING BULLETINS - The set-up for bulletins is similar to the
setup for filelists and is done as follows:
1. If you wish to use only one bulletin file, name it BULLETIN, and
the Host will display it when a caller selects the view bulletins
option. An ansi bulletin may also be displayed for callers who choose
color. This file must be called BULLTING.
2. If you wish to set-up multiple bulletins, you must use a data file
similar to the filelist data file. Enter each bulletin's name and
number in the file BULLETIN.DAT.
3. If you are using multiple bulletins, you must modify the file
BULLLIST, which is the menu displayed to callers that shows the
available bulletins, and their corresponding number The file
BULLLIST.G may also be used to display a color bulletin menu. Ansi
colors are automatically added if this file is not found.
4. Create each bulletin with your text editor, and put them in the
host directory. Ansi is added automatically to the bulletins unless
you wish to make separate ansi bulletins. You may do this by adding a
"G" to the end of the bulletin file name. For example, the ansi
bulletin for the file RULES, should be RULESG. Note that the
bulletin name may not be longer than 7 characters long if an ansi
version of the bulletin is to be used.
5. Once all of this has been completed, your bulletins, menu, and data
file may be modified in the SysOp's Utilities Window (F5) at the waiting
for call screen.
INSTALLING DOORS - The set-up of doors is also similar to the set-up of
bulletins and filelists, and is done as follows:
1. If you wish to have only one door on-line, then create a file
called DOOR.BAT that will run the door. DOOR.BAT will be run
whenever a caller chooses the (O)pen Door option.
2. If you wish to use multiple doors, modify the file DOOR.DAT with
the batch file name and corresponding number of each door.
3. Also modify the door menu file DOORLIST, which is displayed to
the caller when the (O)pen Door option is chosen. The file
DOORLIST.G may be used to create a color door menu to callers. Ansi
colors are automatically added if this file is not found.
4. Create the batch file for each door to be run. FISHING.BAT is an
example of a batch file for an RBBS door.
5. Once the above has been accomplished, the door batch files, menu,
and data file may be modified from the SysOp's Utilities window (F5) at
the waiting for call screen.
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6. Two files are created when a door is opened, a GAP BBS compatible
DOOR.SYS file which is recognized by Gap door programs and Doorway, and
the DORINFO1.DEF file, which is recognized by RBBS compatible doors,
and some QBBS doors.
7. IMPORTANT!: Beginning with version 1.7, Executive Host swaps
completely out of Telix to execute door programs. For this reason,
and in order to reset the computer's communications port, the
RESET.EXE program must be run in each door batch file. RESET.EXE
should be the first command executed in each door batch file,
otherwise the some doors may become confused and. In addition,
since Telix is completely swapped out when running doors, in order
to reload the host system, the board.bat file must be run as the last
line in ALL door batch files. An example door batch file for the
Kannons and Katapults door game is listed below.
RESET.EXE
CD KNK
KNK C:\TELIX\DORINFO1.DEF
CD \TELIX
BOARD.BAT
Notice that RESET.EXE is the first command in the batch file, and that
BOARD.BAT is the last command. It is very important that all door
batch files are setup similarly.
INSTALLING CONFERENCES - The setup of conferences in Executive Host
was new to version 1.6, and can add much power and flexibility to the
host system. Setup of conferences is listed on a step-by-step basis
below. There are four main steps.
1. Create the conference subdirectory with the DOS "MD" command.
Conference subdirectories are where the conference messages and other
data files are stored, and these subdirectories must branch directly
off of the Telix directory. For example, to create a subdirectory for
the SYSOP conference, you would type "MD SYSOP" from the Telix
subdirectory. Although conference subdirectories do not have to be
named the same as the conference name, it is probably a good idea to
do so.
2. Add the conference setup information to the file CONF.DAT. This
is where the conference name, number, and other important information
are stored. The format of this file is shown below:
1;SysOp <-- number and name of conference (1)
SYSOP\ <-- conference directory (2)
C:\TELIX\DOWN\ <-- conference download directory (3)
C:\TELIX\UP\ <-- conference upload directory (4)
6 <-- minimum access level for conference (5)
Line one contains the conference number and name. Be sure to limit
your conference name to less than 30 characters.
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Line two contains the name of the conference directory that you just
created using the DOS "MD" command. Do not use the full path, i.e.
"C:\TELIX\SYSOP\". Enter the path in the exact format as shown above.
Line three contains the conference download directory. This may be
the same or different from the main download directory setup in the
Host configuration.
Line four contains the conference upload directory. This path may
also be the same or different than the main upload directory setup in
the Host configuration.
Line five contains the minimum access level of callers that will be
admitted into the conference.
Be sure to end all paths with a "\" backslash, as shown above.
More conferences are added to the CONF.DAT file in the same manner,
by listing this information below the last conference. An example
of the CONF.DAT file with setups for three conferences is included
in the file EXAMPLES.ZIP.
3. Next create or edit the CONFMENU and CONFMENU.G files.
These are the conference menu files that will be displayed to callers
when they select the (J)oin Conference option from the main menu.
These files, along with the CONF.DAT file must be present in the Telix
directory in order for the Host to recognize that conferences have
been setup properly. Examples of both of these files are also included
in EXAMPLES.ZIP.
4. Special conference files and menus may now be added to the
conference directory. Conference specific setups for bulletins, doors,
and filelists may be created for each conference. For example, if the
Host found the files DIRLIST/DIRLIST.G and DIR.DAT in a conference
directory, it would use this filelist setup when callers are in this
conference only. The SysOp can setup bulletins, filelists and doors
in each conference, EXACTLY as was done for the Main conference.
By limiting the access of callers admitted into conferences, the SysOp
can thus create private conferences with their own file areas, doors,
bulletins and message bases. In addition, the SysOp may design
different menus for each conference, and place them in the conference
directory, if so inclined.
The following files may be placed in the conference directory as
substitutes for the files and menus in the Telix directory:
OPEN *
OPENG *
NEWS *
NEWSG *
DIR.DAT
DIRLIST
DIRLISTG
DOOR.DAT
DOORLIST
DOORLIST.G
BULLETIN.DAT
BULLLIST
BULLLIST.G
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Executive Host v1.7 also supports different menus in each
conference. These files, of course, are not necessary, but if
you wish to have different menus in each conference, it is now
possible. Of course, you must have a registered version of
Executive Host to utilize custom menus.
Files marked with an asterisk (*) will only be displayed if found in
the conference directory. If any of the other files are not found in
the conference directory, the identical files in the Telix directory
will be used. In other words, the Main conference's filelists, bulletins
and doors will always be used as a default if the SysOp has not setup
special ones for each conference.
No other files of any kind should be copied into the conference directory,
as they will not be used and will only waste your hard-drive space.
In particular, all filelists (dir files), bulletins, and door batch files
should be kept in the Telix directory, and full paths are not necessary
in the DIR.DAT, DOOR.DAT, and BULLETIN.DAT files.
ADDITIONAL SYSTEM SECURITY - V1.7 of Executive Host now allows the
SysOp to create and update a 'trashcan' file. This file should be
called TRASHCAN.TXT and is a list of obscene and/or undesirable names
that the SysOp wishes to check new callers' names against, when they
are first registering. When a caller first logs in as a new user,
his name is checked against the names in the trashcan file. If the
new caller's name matches with any of the undesirable names listed
in the file, the caller is disconnected immediately. This file can be
used to weed out obvious undesirable callers with names such as
'Hacker', and can also be used to prevent a particular person from
registering who has proved to be a problem in the past. Both single
and full names can be added to this file, and should be listed, one on
each line, as shown below (case is insignificant):
Hacker
Jerk
Joe Pest
BBS Terrorist
etc.
CALLER REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND SCRIPTS - V1.7 of Executive Host
now has an external script questionnaire with a list of questions to
be asked of new callers. This script questionnaire file is named
REGISTER.ASK, and can be modified by the SysOp to change the default
questions, or add additional questions. Answers to the new user
questionnaire are no longer saved to the EXECHOST.LOG file. Instead,
answers to the REGISTER.ASK file are saved to a file named REGISTER.ANS.
THE HOST EVENT - Executive Host will execute the EVENT.BAT file daily,
at the hour specified in the Host Configuration. The default EVENT.BAT
file executes the PACK.EXE message base utility, and then runs the
BOARD.BAT file to reload the Host. Additionally, the host deletes
the file CALLERS.DAT (internally) immediately after executing the event.
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This file contains information on how much time each caller has left
on the BBS for that particular day. If you are not running your
host 24 hours, and the event is not run each day, this file will
still need to be deleted, otherwise all active callers will eventually
run out of time, and will be unable to login to your system. The
EVENT.BAT file is a perfect place to run optional utilities and
perform automatic backup procedures on your system.
USING THE HOST UTILITIES - By Pressing the F5 key at the waiting for
caller screen, the SysOp may enter the Host Utilities area. In this
area the SysOp may choose from 10 different utility functions (A-J).
If conferences have been setup, the conference menu will be displayed,
and the SysOp will be asked to select the conference to work out of.
Sysop's Host Utilities
A> List Caller's Log F> Edit Door List
B> Edit UserFile G> Edit Door Batch Files
C> Edit Bulletin List H> Edit Door Data File
D> Edit Bulletins I> Test-Run Door
E> Edit Bulletin Data File J> DOS Command Line
Choose a Utility Option?
(A) - List Caller's Log. This option will use the LIST.COM file
browsing utility to view the Host caller's log. A copy of List.com must
be located in the Telix directory. V. Buerg's more advanced list.com
may be substituted in the place of the list program distributed with
Executive Host.
(B) - Edit UserFile. This option will use the text editor defined in
Telix to edit the Host's user database. Callers' passwords and
security may be manually changed using this option. Be careful to
not alter the structure or order of this file, otherwise the host
will report an error.
(C) - Press C to bring up the bulletin menu file in your text editor.
This is the file that shows callers the bulletins available for view.
If this file is modified, and you are also using the file BULLLIST.G
to display a color menu, you will have to make the necessary changes to
it also.
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(D) - Option D will allow the editing of each bulletin that is set-up
in the bulletin data file (BULLETIN.DAT). First you will be displayed
the bulletin menu, from which you must select which bulletin to edit.
(E) - Option E allows will bring up the bulletin data file in your text
editor. This is the file that tells the host, which bulletins to read,
and their respective numbers.
(F) - Option F will allow the editing of the door menu file DOORLIST.
This is the menu of all doors available for callers, and is displayed
when a caller enters "O" for open door. If you are using the file
DOORLIST.G.
(G) - Choosing option G will allow you to edit any of your batch files
that execute doors. The Host will display your door menu, in order for
you to select the batch file to edit, and will then bring up the batch
file you choose in your text editor.
(H) - Option H allow you to edit the door data file, which contains the
number and name of each door available for callers to use.
(I) - This option will test-run any of the doors that you have set-up
in the door data file. It will display your door menu, and ask you to
select a door to test-run. Once you have done this it will run the
door's batch file, and allow you to test your set-up and installation
of doors.
(J) - DOS Command Line - This option will allow the SysOp to run a
specific application without dropping to DOS. A Drop to DOS may be
accomplished by pressing the
Line.
USING THE HOST FILER - By pressing the F6 key at the waiting for caller
screen, the SysOp may enter the Host Filer area. In this area the
SysOp may choose from 10 different Filer options also (A-J).
If conferences have been setup, the conference menu will be displayed,
and the SysOp will be asked to select the conference to work out of.
Executive Host Filer
A> Add New Files to Filelist F> Verify Filelist
B> Auto-Describe Filelist G> Sort Filelist
C> Edit Filelist Menu H> Run Editor
D> Edit Filelist I> Run List.com
E> Edit Filelist Data File J> DOS Command Line
Choose a Filer Option?
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(A) - The "Add New Files to Filelist" option allows the SysOp to add
one or more new files that he has acquired to a filelist. The SysOp
will be asked for the path of the new programs first. For example
"A:*.ZIP" may be entered. Then the SysOp will be asked which filelist
to add the new programs to. The file adder will add these programs
to the filelist and allow the manual entry of descriptions by the
SysOp. Also remember to sort the filelist after the new files have
been added (Option G). The new files must of course be copied into the
main or uploads directory in order to be available for downloading.
(B) - The "Auto-Describe Filelist" option will add descriptions to your
filelist from an existing list. In other words, if you have just
used option (A) to add new files to an Executive Host filelist, and you
do not want to add all of the descriptions manually, you have another
alternative. You can download or capture a filelist from another BBS,
and use this source file to transfer the descriptions to your Host
filelist. This is the purpose of option (B). The source file may be
in any popular bbs format i.e. PCB, RBBS, dBBS, etc. The SysOp will be
asked for the name of the filelist that needs descriptions added. Next,
the name of the source file to be searched must be entered. Both files
must be sorted alphabetically prior to using this option. A .bak file of
the filelist is created in case something goes wrong. All files must be
in the Telix (Host) directory.
(C-E) - Allows the editing of filelists, the directory menu file,
and the directory data file.
(F) - Verify Filelist - This option will verify that all the files in a
filelist really exist in either the upload or download directories.
If you have a dir file with 75 files, a successful verification result
would look like this:
75 files processed.
0 files NOT Found.
(G) - Sort Filelist - This option will sort a filelist using the
program SORTIT.EXE. This program sorts filelists alphabetically, while
ignoring (not sorting) any filelist information header that may be
present. Filelists may not be larger than 64k in size. A custom
sort program, such as V. Buerg's SORTF.COM may be implemented to sort
files larger than 64k. This is done by deleting the file SORTIT.EXE and
creating a batch file named SORTIT.BAT to run the program. It is a good
idea to always keep filelists sorted in order to give callers an orderly
display of files available for download. Also, filelists must be sorted
prior to using the "Auto-Describe Filelist" option in the Host Filer. To
sort a file from the dos prompt, simply type "SORTIT [name of filelist]".
(H) - Run Editor - This option simply runs the editor defined in Telix
without a file name. Ted.com is run by default if an editor is not
defined in Telix.
(I) - Run List - This option will run the LIST.COM file browsing utility
if it is present in the Telix directory.
(J) - DOS command Line - This option is identical to option "J" in the
Host Utilities area. You may enter a DOS command to be executed, or
press
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DOWNLOADING - Downloading may take place from either upload or
download directories, and all files in any of these directories are
always available for download by all callers with access to the
conference. The SysOp may of course enter a full path and download from
anywhere on the system. Remember that the file DOWNLOAD.LST may be
used to make any path on the system a valid Executive Host download
directory.
UPLOADING - Files uploaded by all callers will be sent to the uploads
directory. In addition the UPLOADS.BAT file will be run if it exists.
This batch file could perform various virus checking functions, and
integrity checks on the uploaded file(s). The SysOp may include a full
path when uploading, and the file can be sent anywhere on the system.
IMPORTANT FILES TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH - The following files are used
in the day to day operation of the Host and their structure and format
should be studied by the SysOp. If they should ever become corrupted
or deleted, your knowledge of their structure will ensure that you will
be back on-line quickly.
System and Message Base Files:
exechost.usr - the Host UserFile containing the name, password, and
security levels of all callers.
exechost.cnf - the Host configuration data file
execmail.dat - the message base data file.
message.txt - the message base text.
message.dat - the message base pointers data file.
message.ndx - the message base index file
Executive Host External Menu Files:
* guest.men - main menu displayed to all callers except sysop
* guestg.men - ansi version of guest.men
* sysop.men - main menu displayed to the sysop only
* sysopg.men - ansi version of sysop.men
* message.men - message system menu
* messageg.men - ansi version of message.men
* protocol.men - protocol selection menu
* protcolg.men - ansi version of protocol.men
* util.men - sysop utilities menu
* utilg.men - ansi version of util.men
* edit.men - sysop's edit guest list menu
* editg.men - ansi version of edit.men
[*] - these files are not supported in the UNREGISTERED version.
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Other important files:
exechost.log - host usage log - contains a log of caller activities on
your host bbs system.
register.ask - the script file questionnaire which contains questions
asked of all new callers.
register.ans - the answer file containing each new caller's answers
to the questions in the register.ask script file.
trashcan.txt - text file containing any obscene or undesirable names
you wish to check new callers' names against before
granting registration.
sortit.exe - program that sorts filelists.
reset.exe - resets communications port before remote shell & doors.
pack.exe - removes deleted mail from each message base and
updates the message index file.
list.com - text file browse utility.
drop.bat - batch file used for remote shell to DOS.
upload.bat - batch file executed whenever a caller uploads a file.
event.bat - batch file run as an "event" at a certain hour each day.
board.bat - runs Executive Host.
bimodem.bat - runs the optional Bimodem protocol program.
logon.bat - executed immediately prior to the open/openg files
being displayed to a caller (if found).
logoff.bat - executed immediately after each caller logs off
the host system (if found).
dir.dat - data file of filelists.
door.dat - data file of door batch files.
bulletin.dat - data file of bulletin files available for view.
callers.dat - data file recording on-line time used by callers.
conf.dat - data file with conference information.
bulllist - bulletin menu file displayed to callers.
bullist.g - ansi version of bulllist.
dirlist - directory file menu displayed to callers.
dirlistg - ansi version of dirlist.
doorlist - door menu file displayed to callers.
doorlist.g - ansi version of doorlist.
open - ascii file displayed when caller first logs on.
openg - ansi version of open file.
news - news file that is displayed immediately following
open/openg.
newsg - ansi version of news file.
vip - file displayed to callers with access level 6 or 7
immediately after the news file.
vipg - ansi version of vip file.
info - file displayed when caller chooses (I)nfo on Host.
infog - ansi version of info file.
goodbye - file displayed when caller logs off.
goodbyeg - ansi version of goodbye.
newuser - file displayed after a new caller registers.
newuserg - ansi version of newuser file.
uptest - file that is displayed immediately after an upload.
uptestg - ansi version of uptest file.
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LIMITS - The following limits are built into all versions of Executive
Host.
9,999 Registered Callers.
999 Conferences, each with its own message base.
99 Filelists per conference (9,801 total).
99 Bulletins per conference (9,801 total).
99 Doors per conference (9,801 total).
999,999 Messages in each conference message base (98,999,901 total).
Of course disk space is a limiting factor in many cases.
SUPPORT - Support for Executive Host is available exclusively at the
Executive Software Products BBS listed below. Support is available
24 hours a day.
Main Support Board - ESP BBS, (618) 993-5091 (14400bps,N,8,1).
We will always be operating with the latest version of Executive Host
Software (sometimes Beta), and a HST Dual-Standard V32.bis modem.
The author (John Wright) is active in the Telix conference on the
RIMES international mail network, if you wish to contact him there.
Support is also available on Compuserve in the IBMBBS area (76605,1310).
The author checks this conference weekly. Please do not leave private
E-mail, as this helps only yourself, and defeats the purpose of a
public support arena.
Priority of support will always go to Registered users of Executive Host.
*** REGISTER EXECUTIVE HOST ON-LINE WITH YOUR VISA/MASTERCARD/DISCOVER CARD
ON OUR 24 HOUR SUPPORT BULLETIN BOARD. ORDERS ARE USUALLY PROCESSED AND
AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY FOR DOWNLOAD. FOREIGN CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED.
Thank you and enjoy Executive Host.
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APPENDIX A - HIGH SPEED AND ERROR CORRECTING MODEM SETUP
The US Robotics and other high speed or error correcting modems require
special settings in order to work properly with Telix and Executive Host.
You have two choices that will allow you to connect with all callers.
But first, make sure that you have a copy of Executive Host 1.3 or above.
Support for these modems was not included with earlier versions.
OPTION 1: Set the Executive Host configuration "Lock Baud Rates" to
"YES".
Then go into Telix configuration and ensure that the two screens
below are set as indicated. The most important settings for
Executive Host have been marked with the "(*)" sign. These
settings MUST be set as shown to have the Host perform correctly.
The Baud rate shown below should be set at 4800 or 9600 for 2400cps
modems, or 19200 or 38400 for high speed (9600 baud) modems, such as
the USRobotics HST dual standard.
Terminal options
A - Baud 19200 Parity None Data length 8 Stop bits 1 (*)
B - COM2 or COM1
C - Default terminal type ........... ANSI-BBS (*)
D - Status line ..................... Bottom (*)
E - Local echo ...................... Off
F - Add Line Feeds after CRs ........ Off
G - Strip high bit (incoming data) .. Off
H - Received Backspace destructive .. On
I - XON/XOFF software flow control .. On (*)
J - CTS/RTS hardware flow control ... On (*)
K - DSR/DTR hardware flow control ... Off (*)
L - Compuserve Quick B transfers .... On
M - Zmodem auto-downloads ........... On
N - Answerback string (ENQ) .........
Change which setting? (Return or Esc to exit)
page A2
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Modem and dialing parameter setup
A - Init string ......... ~~~+++~~~AT&B1&H1&I0&R2V1X4^M (*)
B - Dialing prefix 1 .... ATDP (NOTE: Be sure to save the above
C - Dialing prefix 2 .... ATDP string into your NVRAM "AT&W").
D - Dialing prefix 3 .... ATDP
E - Dialing suffix ...... ^M
F - Connect string ...... CONNECT
G - No connect strings .. NO CARRIER BUSY
VOICE NO DIAL TONE
H - Hang-up string ...... ~~~+++~~~ATH0^M
I - Auto answer string .. ~~~+++~~~ATS0=1^M
J - Dial cancel string .. ^M
K - Dial time ........... 50
L - Redial pause ........ 10
M - Auto baud detect .... Off (*)
N - Drop DTR to hangup .. On (*)
Change which setting? (Return or Esc to exit)
The new Telix modem configuration program (included with v3.15 of Telix),
will setup your modem and Telix in a similar manner. However, you must
ensure that both CTS/RTS and Xon/Xoff flow control are enabled. The
Executive Host configuration option "Lock Baud Rates?" must be set to
"Yes".
Additional help for the setup of high speed and error correcting modems
under Executive Host is available on our support BBS, 24 hours a day.
page B1
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APPENDIX B - MAIL DOORS, OFFLINE READERS, MAIL NETWORKS, AND FRONTENDS
UNIVERSAL TEXT INTERFACE (UTI) - Executive Host UTI conversion
utilities already exist to link the Executive Host message base with
many external mail programs and networks. The latest version of these
drivers will always be made available on the bbs systems listed below.
Steve Wood wrote the UTI utilities for Executive Host and his bbs is
also listed (Woodshed BBS): Thanks Steve!
ESP BBS - (618) 993-5091 - sysop, John Wright
THE WOODSHED BBS - (602) 841-7881 sysop, Steve Wood
EXIS (TELIX) BBS - (416) 439-8293 sysop, Jeff Woods
The UTI utilities allow the sysop to use the following programs in
conjunction with Executive Host.
1. PCrelay Software - written by Kip Compton.
This software allows Executive Host systems to be linked with
the Relaynet (RIMES) international mail network, and other mail
networks that run under PCrelay software. PCrelay can also be
used to link BBS's together (outside of a network), in order to
share message bases.
2. MegaDoor Offline Mail Door - written by Kip Compton.
This software is setup as a door under Executive Host, and allows
callers to download mail, read and reply offline, and upload
new mail into the Executive Host system later.
3. MegaReader Offline Mail Reader - written by Kip Compton.
The MegaReader program is used by callers to read and reply offline
to messages downloaded from the MegaDoor.
4. Any other MegaMail compatible program or door available now or
in the future.
The latest version and technical support for all of the products
listed above can be obtained directly from Kip Compton on his
support bbs, 24 hours a day: - (703) 690-7361.
FRONTEND PROGRAMS:
Additionally, Executive Host now has sufficient support to be run
from a frontend mail program. Frontend Mail programs actually
answer incoming calls, and then pass the necessary information on
to the bbs software so that the caller can be logged in normally.
Many people prefer to run BBS software from a frontend program
such as FrontDoor, because of its consistent interface and also
because of the many additional features available to the sysop
while waiting for incoming calls. Primarily however, frontend
programs were designed for linking message base systems with
other bbs systems and mail networks. It is possible that the
existing UTI drivers for Executive Host can be modified to allow
the message base to be linked to networks via a frontend program.
page B2
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The same is true for linking the Executive Host message base with
mail networks that require a frontend, such as the FidoNet
international mail network. However, at the time this manual was
written, it has never been done, so further information is not
currently available.
In order to obtain the current caller information from the frontend
program, Executive Host will read a file named FRONTEND.USR. This
file must contain three pieces of information, normally passed
as command line parameters from frontend programs:
baud rate
port
minutes left before next event
This file can be built automatically by the batch file that
calls Executive Host. The FrontDoor mail program passes the baud,
port, and minutes until next event information as %1, %2, and %3 command
line variables. An example of the EXEBBS.BAT file used by FrontDoor
is listed below:
ECHO %1 > FRONTEND.USR ; copies the baud info to the new file
ECHO %2 >> FRONTEND.USR ; appends the port info to the file
ECHO %3 >> FRONTEND.USR ; appends the minutes left info
BOARD.BAT ; runs Executive Host
Please call the Executive Host support BBS (ESP BBS) for further
information on setting up frontend programs.
Executive Host v1.7
The Premier BBS System for Telix
Copyright (c) 1990, 1991
John Wright and Executive Software Products
Executive Host is a powerful Bulletin Board System built to
be run under the Telix communications program. Telix v3.12
or above must be installed prior to installing this program.
To install this shareware version of Executive Host, copy all
files into a temp directory and type 'Install'. Be sure to
read the file WHATSNEW.TXT for information on changes and
new features in this version. Consult the MANUAL.DOC file for
specific instructions on how to setup and customize Executive Host.
Example setup files are available inside of the file EXAMPLES.ZIP.
Use the order form file (ORDER.FRM) to register Executive Host.
Type 'PRINTIT' to print a copy of this order form. You can also
register online, 24 hours a day, at our support BBS with your
VISA/MASTERCARD/DISCOVER card - (618) 993-5091 - (38400,N,8,1).
Call today for an online demonstration of Executive Host software!
December 31, 2017
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