HOST3 - The Most Advanced Host/BBS System for Telix
Version 5.01 Date: May 8, 1992
Copyright 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992 by Host Software Products




Documentation Written
By
Merrill Guice




Host Software Products
15837 Windrose Way
San Diego, CA 92127-2066

Daniel E. Horn - President








License
______________________________________________________________________


This program is distributed under the Shareware concept.

Non-Registered users of Host50 are granted a limited license to use it
for a 4 week trial period, in order to determine it's usefulness to
you. ANY other use of Host50 after that period is strictly prohibited.


System Requirements
______________________________________________________________________


HOST3 requires a minimum of 350k memory and requires either Telix 3.12
or Telix 3.15 and DOS version 3.2 or later.


Disclaimer
______________________________________________________________________


This program is provided as is, and is to be run at your own risk.
There is NO warranty of any kind or form covering this program. Exis
Inc., Colin Sampaleanu, and the author are not in any way responsible,
or liable for any damages of any kind that may arise from the usage of
this program, or that of any programs or files associated, or included
with it.


Acknowledgements
______________________________________________________________________


This program evolved from the original HOST.SLC/HCONFIG.SLC programs
written by Colin Sampaleanu and included in each copy of Telix. Jon
Flemming later revised Colin's work with HOST2.SLC/ H2CONFIG.SLC.

I wrote Host 3 to enhance Jon Flemming's program. Jon made some
superb changes to Colin's original, but I felt there were many more
improvements that could be made to the program. Over time I have made
uncountable changes and have ended up with the latest version of
HOST3, version 5.0. I hope you enjoy it!








i








What is Shareware?
______________________________________________________________________




Shareware (also known as user supported software and other names) is a
concept not understood by everyone. The authors of Shareware retain
all rights to the software under the copyright laws while still
allowing free distribution. This gives the user the chance to freely
obtain and try out software to see if it fits his needs. Shareware
should not be confused with Public Domain software even though they
are often obtained from the same sources.

If you continue to use Shareware after trying it out, you are expected
to register your use with the author and pay a registration fee. What
you get in return depends on the author, but may include a printed
manual, free updates, telephone support, etc. Only by paying for the
Shareware you use do you enable the Shareware author to continue to
support his software and create new programs. Considering that the
Shareware registration fees are almost always far less than the
purchase price of comparable commercial software it's obvious that
Shareware is a good deal for everyone.

There are real advantages to you in the Shareware system. You get to
try out software to make sure it is compatible with your hardware and
that it fits your needs before you "buy" it with your registration.
The author saves the expense of advertising, packaging and
distribution and passes the savings on to you. Plus, most Shareware
authors are much more accessible than commercial software sources so
that your questions and suggestions are much more likely to be
responded to.


Thank you for your support.

Daniel Horn, President
Host Software Products














ii








Table of Contents
______________________________________________________________________




License .............................................. i
System Requirements ............................. i
Disclaimer ...................................... i
Acknowledgements ................................ i


What is Shareware? ................................... ii

Table of Contents ....................................iii

What is Host3? ...................................... 1
Why Register? ....................................... 3
Registration ......................................... 4

Installing Host50 .................................... 5
Start Up Configuration ............................... 6
First Logon .......................................... 8

Sysop's Keyboard Commands ............................ 9
Commands to use on-line ......................... 9
Commands to use off-line ........................ 11

Menu Commands ........................................ 13
Main Menu (Lower Access) ........................ 13
Main Menu (Higher Access) ....................... 15
Message Menu .................................... 15
File Menu (Lower Access) ........................ 18
File Menu (Higher Access) ....................... 20

Customizing Host50 ................................... 22
Configure Modem ................................. 22
Configure Colors ................................ 23
Configure Bulletins ............................. 23
Configure Doors ................................. 24
Configure Archives .............................. 27
Configure Macros ................................ 28
Configure Events ................................ 29
Configure User Items ............................ 30
Log Off New Users .......................... 30
Number Of Downloads ........................ 31
Access 1 Download Limit .................... 31
New User Access Level ...................... 31
Time per access level 0 .................... 31
Time per access level 1-9 .................. 31
Configure File Bases ............................ 32
Configure Message Bases ......................... 33

iii








Table of Contents
______________________________________________________________________




Configure Upload Items .......................... 34
General Items ................................... 35
System Password ............................ 35
Screen Blank Time Limit .................... 35
Chat Time .................................. 35
User Logon Alarm ........................... 35
User Comments .............................. 36
DOORWAY Command Line ....................... 36
Telix Config File .......................... 36
Configure BBS Info .............................. 36
Reset Default Options ........................... 37
Save changes to disk ............................ 37
Exit Config Program ............................. 37
Creating BBS Graphic Screens .................... 37

Adding Files to Host50 ............................... 40
The ADDFILES.EXE program ........................ 40
Adding Files Manually ........................... 43
Manually Change Files ........................... 44
Manually Removing Files ......................... 45
Manually Moving Files ........................... 45

The User Editor ...................................... 46

The Files Compressor ................................. 49
The User Base ................................... 49
The Files Bases ................................. 50
The Message Bases ............................... 50
Running from a batch file ....................... 51
Data base repair ................................ 52

Using Marshall Dudley's DOORWAY.EXE .................. 53

Security and Legal ................................... 54


Registered Programs

The Files Editor ..................................... 55

The Menu Editor ...................................... 57

The External User Editor ............................. 64



iv








Table of Contents
______________________________________________________________________




Thanks and Appreciation .............................. 66

Technical Support .................................... 67

Appendix A - Tips on Installing Doors ................ 68

Appendix B - Suggested Events ........................ 71

Appendix C - HOSTDOOR.SYS Format ..................... 74

Appendix D - Writing Your Own Converter .............. 81

Appendix E - Files: Required, Optional, Created ...... 83

Appendix F - External Archive Testing ................ 86

INDEX



TELIX.EXE, SALT, HOST.SLC, HCONFIG.SLC: Copyright 1986, 1987,
1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 by Exis Inc., and Colin Sampaleanu. Used with
permission.

Doorway (C) 1991, Marshall Dudley
Bimodem (C) 1991, Erik Labs
TheDraw (C) 1991, TheSoft Programming Services
Flash 3.0 (C) 1989, 1990, Qsoft Software Kenneth P. Wilcox
BNU (C) 1989, David Nugent and Unique Computing Pty Limited
Checkout (C) 1989, Saturn Software and John Bintz

The names and trademarks of programs and companies mentioned herein
are the property of those respective companies.













v





What is Host3?
______________________________________________________________________




Host3 is a remote system that can be used as a complete BBS. It is
fast, friendly, extremely flexible, and powerful enough to be
customized for each person's tastes. Even novice computer users can
have it up and running in minutes.

HOST3 has been written for the Telix (C) 1991 Communications program
using SALT (Script Application Language for Telix -- a powerful and
extensive communications script language).

Here are the advanced features you will find in the shareware version
of Host3 v5.01 :


o Fully working message bases, file bases, ability to drop to
DOS, and support for user added doors.

o Can be configured to run multiple conferences for files and
messages.

o Can hold 99 files and 99 messages per conference in the
shareware version.

o FSME (Full Screen Message Editor) that allows quoting of
messages. Messages can be up to 99 lines long. Plus a Line
Message Editor for those whose machines do not support ANSI.

o Add any file from any drive to the files base with the
ADDFILES.EXE program. Accepts 1000 files per directory and
100 tagged files with full MOUSE support.

o Data base management program (H50COMP.EXE) controls all
message, file, and user databases.

o 10 user levels. You decide each level's access to features
and on line time. The trash can list allows you to have a
text file of names you don't want on your system.

o Host50 keeps track of the user's time on per day. A user
that has 60 minutes a day and uses 45 on the first call will
only have 15 minutes left.

o Program up to 5 different events at any time of the day.
The special event time of EVERY will run an event after each
call. Special Event programs of EXITHOST and EXITTELIX
allow the event to abort both the Host50 and Telix programs.




1





What is Host3?
______________________________________________________________________




o New status log file (HOST50.LOG) supplies complete
information on what happens while users are on line with
Host50. It logs bulletins read, doors opened, events run,
total minutes used on the system by each caller, if carrier
was lost, time running out, and no input in five minutes.

o Support for user added doors. You can now have up to 10 (in
the shareware version) different doors. Host50 supports
PCBoard 14.x, QBBS, RBBS, and GAP/DOORWAY doors.

o Support for Marshall Dudley's DOORWAY program for greater
control over the shell to DOS from remote.

o Support for external protocols that have been added to Telix
by you (except for bimodem).

o Support for up to 10 different archive programs. Default
programs supported are ZIP, PAK, ARC, ARJ, and LHZ. You can
add support for more.

o Full keyboard macro support. You can reassign ALL keys on
the keyboard including those used by Host50.

o Host50 has a "Quick Logon" feature that allows you to stack
the name and password to bypass opening screens.

o Host50 will answer the phone one of two ways: using built in
software or the modem's hardware switches.

o Host50 will interface with FrontDoor and other mailer
programs. Complete instructions for this specialized
function are available from the Host Software Products
Support BBS.
















2





Why Register?
______________________________________________________________________




* Registration allows you to use Host50 on a regular basis.

* Registered users will be sent mailed notification of updates
to the program. They also get top priority in user support.


* Registered users receive copies of program that says
"REGISTERED TO:" and gives their names.

* Registered copies of Host50 can handle 29,999 messages and
999 files per conference. The shareware version is limited
to 99.

* Registered copies of Host50 can handle 999 Bulletins and
Doors instead of the 10 allowed in the shareware version.

* Registered users receive three additional support programs:

H50UEDIT.EXE : A full-screen external editor allows editing
of ALL user information and the easy addition of new users.

H50MENUS.EXE : A full-screen Menu Editing program lets you
personalize all menus. You can limit the access to each menu
function, personalize the menu keys, add up to three
different external functions for each menu, and replace all
internal functions with external ones.

H50FEDIT.EXE : A files base editor that allows you to edit
all the file information in the file bases. You can move or
copy files between different file bases, delete files from
any base, edit all information, and more. A very handy
utility.

* Registered users will be able to join the beta test process
and receive previews of all new software. They will also
have access to Telix scripts and Host50 third party programs
available from the Host Software Products Support BBS.




Registration is $27.50 US Dollars. Add $2.50 US Dollars for shipping
and handling (US$3.50 OverSeas). Includes Host50 Program and manual
on disk. A printed, bound manual is available for $5.00 when you
order with program. If you order later, it will cost $5.00 plus S/H.
To order, make check or money order to:

Host Software Products
15837 Windrose Way
San Diego, CA 92127-2066
3





Registration
______________________________________________________________________


Please send:


_____ Host50 Registration(s) @ $27.50ea __________

_____ Printed, bound manual(s) @ $5.00 ea __________

_____ Shipping and Handling @ $2.50 ea
($3.50 Overseas) __________


Total __________


Disk Size: 5.25" ______ 3.5" ______

{ Print }

Name :______________________________________________________

Address:______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

Day Phone:(____)______-_______ Evening:(____)______-_______

Comments:_____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

{ Optional }

Computer Type:________________________________________________

Modem Type And Speed:_________________________________________

Color display [Y/N]: __

Where did you hear about (and/or receive a copy of) Host50?


{ } BBS Name______________________ Ph #(____)______-_______
{ } Sig Name________________________________________________
{ } CompuServe
{ } Friend
{ } Other ____________________________________________________

4





Installation
______________________________________________________________________







1. The best way to run Host50 is to either have your Telix directory
listed in your DOS path statement (C:\Telix;) or listed as an
environment variable (SET TELIX = C:\TELIX\) in your autoexec.bat
file. Make these changes and reboot your computer.

2. If you have made the changes in item one, place the files
HINSTALL.EXE and HOST50.DAT in any directory on your hard drive
and run HINSTALL. IF NOT, place the files in the directory that
holds TELIX.EXE and run HINSTALL.

3. HINSTALL will ask you if you wish \TELIX\HOST to be the directory
where Host50 will keep its data files. If you want to change this
do it now.

4. HINSTALL will then expand and place the different files into
their correct directories.

5. If HINSTALL finds any data files from previous versions of HOST3
(4.1, 4.2, 4.3, or 4.4) it will convert them. It will then place
the newly converted data files into the data directory. It will
ask if you want to delete the old files that are no longer needed
by Host50 before deleting.

6. HINSTALL will not bother any key DOS files like CONFIG.SYS or
AUTOEXEC.BAT.

7. IMPORTANT! If you are upgrading from a previous version of
Host3, you will need to repack all the message, file, and user
data bases when you first start Host50. To do this, press Alt-F
at the opening menu of Host50. Then press F6 to pack all bases.
Should there be a problem in the conversion, you can run
HREPAIR.EXE to fix the database.

8. Following the installation process, you can erase HINSTALL.EXE
and HOST50.DAT.

9. Adjust Host50 to your tastes using the tips on the next page.









5





Start Up Configuration
______________________________________________________________________




From Host50's main menu, press Alt-O for the Configuration menu. You
will be presented with a long column of options. To select an option,
you can either move the cursor bar to the item or press the letter of
the alphabet that is listed out to the side.

Here are some of the things you may want to attend to when first
starting the program:


1. You will notice that the modem picks up the line when you go into
the configure menu. This is to keep Host50 from answering a call
while you are working.


2. Host50 comes configured to test archives that use the ARC, PAK,
ZIP, ARJ, and LHZ archive methods. Your archive programs must be
found on the DOS path for this to work.


3. (L) GENERAL ITEMS. You will want to put your own password in
place of the word "Password". The system password allows callers
who have co-sysop access to shell to DOS. It also allows the
sysop to shut the system down from a remote system.

You may wish to put your name in place of SYSOP at selection (F).
If you plan to make local logons under your own name, then your
name needs to go here so you will get any mail addressed to the
Sysop.


4. (H) USER ITEMS. Item A asks if you want to log off new users.
This is a good security practice to follow once you have your
board in normal operation. It needs to be turned off now or the
first test of your system with a live caller will be very, very
short.

Item B sets the file ratio for your users. Putting a zero (0)
means that no file ratio will be enforced. Putting any other
number here means that the user will have to maintain a file
ratio of uploads to downloads. For example, if you want to
require that one file be sent up for each 5 files taken, then put
a 5 here.

Item D sets the access level that you want new callers to have.
Items E-N set how much time each access level gets on line each
day.



6





Start Up Configuration
______________________________________________________________________




5. (K) CONFIGURE UPLOAD ITEMS. Set item A to the name of the drive
and directory where you want uploads to go. If you do not want
to users to see the uploads that are available, set item C to the
level you want.


Host50 should be ready to run now. For complete information on how to
add doors, bulletins, opening screens, and more see the section on
Customizing Host50. To make your first test of Host50, go to the next
page for First Logon.








































7





First Logon
______________________________________________________________________




Now you are ready to take a peek inside of Host50. From the main menu
of Host50 press Alt-L for a Local Logon. You will see the prompt
"Can you support ANSI color graphics?" answer with a Y and a carriage
return.

You will then be asked the familiar series of questions that are asked
of any person logging on to a BBS for the first time. Your answers
are being stored in the user database. When you are finished, you
will be asked if you wish to check for messages in the message base.
Press Y to see the display.

Now you are at the main menu. At the top of the screen will be a
status line showing your name, address, access level, and password.
Press Alt-Z to toggle that display. It will now show you the sysop
commands that are available. (see Sysop Commands below for complete
description).

If you left the defaults in place, you will have four minutes
remaining online. Press F4 a few times and watch your access level
raise on the status bar at the top of the screen. Press enter and the
screen will recycle. The user display should now show that have
increased time on line.

Keep pressing F4 until your access level is a 9. Host50 will ask if
you really want to raise to a Sysop level, say yes. Press enter to
recycle the page and you will see that you have more time. You will
also see the higher access menu that is available to callers with
access above level 7.

Now you can experiment inside the program using the list of sysop and
menu commands listed on the next few pages. To shell to DOS, just
press Alt-J. You can try out the message menu by leaving a test
message. You may wish to add a file (see the section on adding files
to Host50).

When you exit the local logon, press F2 for the user editor and edit
your listing to upgrade yourself to sysop level. (see The User Editor
for more information).

You are now ready to have someone call and log on as a remote user to
test out your modem. You are also ready to add files, screens,
bulletins and doors. For complete information on these functions, see
Customizing Host50.






8





Sysop's Keyboard Commands
______________________________________________________________________




As sysop, you are in control of what happens in Host50 at all times.
Here is a listing of the commands you have available to you:


The Status Box:

At the top of the screen is a status box showing what is happening in
Host50. You can toggle this box on and off by pressing Alt-8. The
status box will show you the name of the person on line, their city
and state, password, access level, date last on the system, the Baud
Rate, if chat is on or off and if the person has requested a chat in
your absence.


The Help Screen:

You can toggle the Status Box into a help screen by pressing Alt-Z.
This will list some of the more commonly used sysop commands.



COMMANDS TO USE ON-LINE


Fast Logon

You can skip the opening screen by entering the following information
at the "Can you support ANSI?" prompt:

Y{FIRST AND LAST NAME{PASSWORD

"Y" is if you can support ANSI graphics; if not, use an "N" instead.
The brackets must be present with no spaces. To speed up local
logons, you can create a macro that will hold all this information.
See the section on Macros to find out how.


ALT-8: Status Box Toggle

Turns the status box of Host50 on or off. Having it off will increase
the size of the viewing screen.


ALT-Z: Help Screen Toggle

Allows the sysop to change between the status box and the help box.



9





Sysop's Keyboard Commands
______________________________________________________________________




F1: Chat control

This toggles the caller's ability to request chats. If chat is on, an
alarm will sound when the user requests a chat. When chat is off, no
alarm will sound and the user will be given the option of leaving a
message. You can force chat on or off at any time by pressing F1.
When chat is forced on, the status box at the top will show CHAT ON in
a different color than when in normal mode.

(See "CUSTOMIZING HOST50" more detail on Chat Hours).


F3: Lower Access

You can temporarily lower a user's access level by pressing F3 for
each level you wish to remove. The new level will only be in effect
for that call only. Host50 will restore the old level at log off.


F4: Raise Access

You can temporarily raise a user's access level by pressing F4 for
each level you wish to add. The new level will be in effect for that
call only. Host50 will restore the old level at log off.


F5: Lower Time

You can temporarily lower the user's time on line by pressing F5 for
each five minutes you wish to remove. The time you take away will be
in effect the entire day. At midnight, Host50 will reset the time to
normal.


F6: Raise Time

You can temporarily raise the user's time on line by pressing F6 for
each five minutes you wish to add. The extra time you give will be
available to the user for that entire day. At midnight, Host50 will
reset the time to normal.


F10: Chat with User

Press F10 to initiate a chat with the user. You can carry on a key
board conversation as long as you like without effecting the user's
time on line. Press escape to exit chat.


10





Sysop's Keyboard Commands
______________________________________________________________________




ALT-J: Shell to DOS

You may shell to DOS at any time unless there is a file transfer or
door running. The user will be prompted to wait while the sysop is in
DOS and Host50 will not accept any user commands until you return.
The user will not lose any on line time while you are in DOS.


ALT-I: Screen Image

You can capture an image of the screen to a file by pressing ALT-I
(just like you do in Telix). The name of the text file is HOST50.IMG.


ALT-C: Capture Log

When you turn on the capture log, it will capture EVERYTHING the user
does to a capture file (HOST50.CAP). This capture file will become
extremely large very quickly as it contains ALL information printed to
the screen.


ALT-H: Hangup

If you wish to terminate a call in the middle of a session, press Alt-
H and the modem will hang up.


COMMANDS TO BE USED OFF LINE


ALT-L: Local Mode

This allows you to run Host50 in local mode. All the menu commands
will work for you (with some exceptions, see MENU COMMANDS below)


ALT-O: Configure Host50

This runs the H50CONFIG program that sets up Host50 for initial
running and allows you to customize the program. See CUSTOMIZING
HOST50 for more on this program.







11





Sysop's Keyboard Commands
______________________________________________________________________




F2: User Editor

This brings up the user editor. Note that there must be at least ONE
user, otherwise the user editor will NOT work. If you have already
made your local logon (see First Logon) you will have become the first
user in the user database. (See "THE USER EDITOR" for more
information)


ALT-F: Run File Compressor

This will run the database files compressor (H50COMP.EXE) for use on
User, Message, and Files databases. See THE FILES COMPRESSOR for more
information on running this program.


ALT-A: Run Text Editor

This will run the Text Editor you have selected to use in Telix. If
you have not selected a text editor in Telix, this command will not
work.


ALT-X: Exit

This allows you to exit Host50 back to Telix.
























12





Menu Commands
______________________________________________________________________




There are two sets of menus in Host50: Lower and Higher access menus.

Users with access levels of 0-6 will see lower access screens for Main
Menu, and Files Menu. Access levels of 7-9 will be shown the higher
access menus for Main Menu and Files Menu. The Message Menu is the
same for all levels.

Registered Users of Host50 will receive the H50MENUS program. It
allows you to draw your own menus and set the access level to any menu
function. You can also change the letter that starts any function, and
add three external functions. See the section on REGISTERED PROGRAMS.

Here is a listing of all user commands available from the menus
inside Host50:


MAIN MENU: Lower Access


(M)essage System

This option opens the Message Base menu for users with access levels 0
and higher.


(F)ile System

This option opens the File Base menu for users with access levels 1 or
higher.


(P)age

If chat is on, this command will ring a bell to alert you that the
user wants to chat. If chat is off, it will show a message saying that
you are not available and give them the option of leaving a private
message. To answer a page, press the space bar and the chat screen
will come up.


(B)ulletin

This option sends the user to a list of bulletins they can select to
view.





13





Menu Commands
______________________________________________________________________




(Y)our Defaults

Lets the user change their address, city, zip, state, choose a default
protocol, turn the pause function on or off, enable disable ansi,
change password and change colors.


(C)omments To Sysop

This option will allow the user to write a private message to the
"Sysop" (If you have defined your name in place of the Sysop it will
be sent to you. See either START UP CONFIGURATION or CUSTOMIZING
HOST50 (Section M: General Options, Comments Sent To)


(X)pert

This function allows the user to change their expertise level, to one
of three levels:

NOVICE Gives a menu of commands.
INTERMEDIATE Gives the command letters on the input line.
EXPERT NO help whatsoever!


Run (D)oors

This option sends the caller to a list of the doors that are available
to users in their access level. They select the door to run from that
list.


(G)oodbye

Logs off the user from the system.














14





Menu Commands
______________________________________________________________________


MAIN MENU: Higher Access


The Higher Access Main Menu contains all the commands listed above and
contains the following extra commands:



System (L)og

This shows the user the daily usage log. Ctrl-P will pause the
display, and Ctrl-X will abort. The user can also select to continue
or abort at the (Y/n): prompt.


(S)hell to DOS

This lets the user shell to DOS. They will be prompted for the system
password. If they fail to enter it, they will not be allowed to shell.
Host50 will either use CTTY or DOORWAY to control the shell to DOS>


///////////////////////////// IMPORTANT! /////////////////////////////

There is no way for Host50 to check on the status of the carrier. If
the carrier is lost while a user is in DOS (via remote) then the
SYSTEM WILL HANG!. The only solution if this happens is to reboot the
computer. You can avoid this problem by using the program DOORWAY
(see Using Marshall Dudley's Doorway)

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

(Z)

This command is not listed on the menu, but it available ANYWHERE. It
allows the system to be shut down by remote. The user will be
prompted for the system password. If they fail to give it, the program
will continue running.


Message Menu: Lower and Higher Access


The Message Menu is the same for both Lower and Higher Access users.
Here is the listing of all user commands available:

(A)rea:

This will show the list of message areas you have defined for Host50
and allow the user to choose one. For more information on setting up
multiple message areas, see CUSTOMIZING HOST50, section (J).
15





Menu Commands
______________________________________________________________________




(R)ead:

This shows the user a list of commands to use when reading the message
base.


(A)gain : Read current message again.
(N)ext : Read next message.
(P)revious: Read previous message.
(R)eply : Reply to current message.
(K)ill : Kill current message (allowed only to the sender,
receiver, or level 9 user).
(Q)uit : Quit reading messages.


The user can jump ahead or go back in the message base by entering the
number of the message they wish to access. For instance, if there are
112 messages in the base and you are at #1, you can enter 112 and go
to the last message. Then you can press P for previous and read the
messages in reverse order.


(W)rite Message

This allows the user to write a message to another user (either Public
or Private).


How to Write Messages or Reply to Messages:

Writing new messages or replying to existing messages calls the editor
in Host50. Here is the step by step listing of functions:

Name:

Host50 will first ask for the name of the person you are writing. To
abort the message at this point, just press a carriage return. Sysops
can leave global messages that will appear with the user's name
instead of "all" by entering @user.

Title:

Host50 will next ask for the title (or subject) of your message. To
abort at this point, press a carriage return and the message will
abort.




16





Menu Commands
______________________________________________________________________




(P)ublic or (R)eceiver

If you want the message to be private, press R for receiver only.
Level 9 users (sysop) can read all messages. You may wish to post
this information to your users.


Full Screen Editor (Y/n/u)?

You are given three options for entering messages: Full Screen Editor,
Line Editor, and Upload message.


Uploaded Messages

If you wish to upload a prepared message, press U for upload. Local
logons will be asked for the path and name of the file on the hard
drive. On-line users will be asked to upload the message using an
ASCII upload.


Line Editor

If you do not want the full screen editor, press N for the line
editor. You can then enter your message line by line. You can only
edit a line when you are on it. Once you have entered the line, it
cannot be edited. Pressing enter twice will give you a menu with the
following options:

(A)bort - Kill the message
(S)ave - Save the message
(R)edraw - Redraws the screen
(C)ontinue - Continues the message at the point you left off
(O)riginal - Allows you to quote the message to which you are
replying.

Pressing O will cause the original message to be displayed with line
numbers to the left. You will be asked what line number to start for
the quote. When you enter that number, you will be asked for the line
number to end the quote. If you want the whole message, press enter.









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Menu Commands
______________________________________________________________________




Full Screen Editor

Press Y for the Full Screen Editor. This allows you to move about the
message editing and writing as you wish. Press Control Z at any time
to get a help screen displayed with the following information:

^D Move one character left ^F Move one character right
^R Move one line up ^C Move one line down
^E Line beginning ^X Line ending

^Y Delete Line ^V Overtype/Insert Mode
^T Redraw Screen ^O Original (quoting)

You can also use the cursor keys, the backspace, home, end, delete,
page up and down if you are using a 101 key enhanced keyboard.

Control O will call up the original message on the screen. You can
select to quote the whole message and then edit the quote on screen
using your cursor controls. Otherwise, you can just quote the portion
you want by telling Host50 what lines to include.

Pressing ESCAPE will call up a menu along the bottom of the screen
with the following options (just like the line editor):

(A)bort - Kill the message
(S)ave - Save the message
(R)edraw - Redraws the screen
(C)ontinue - Continues the message at the point you left off
(O)riginal - Allows you to quote the message to which you are
replying.


(Q)uit to Main Menu

This allows the user to go back to the main menu.



File Menu: Lower Access


This is a list of all user commands available to Lower Access Users
from the File Menu section.


(A)rea:

This will show the list of file areas you have defined for Host50 and
allow the user to choose one. For more information on setting up
multiple file bases, see CUSTOMIZING HOST50, section (I). 18





Menu Commands
______________________________________________________________________





(F)iles List

This shows the user a listing of the files that are available for
users at their level. The list includes file name, file size, file
date, and a two line description of the file.


(X)tended File list

This allows the user to see an expanded listing of the files available
that includes the all the information listed above plus the
approximate time for the transfer and the name of the person who
uploaded the file.


(U)pload

Allows user to upload a file (if not already in the file database) to
the system. The user can use any protocol (except for Bimodem) that
has been defined in Telix.

The user will be asked for the name of the file. They do have to
include the file extension (zip, arc, pak, lhz, and etc). If they
have not defined a protocol as their default (see main menu (Y)our
defaults), they will be shown a list of protocols available and asked
to choose one.

Local uploads inside Host50 are available to the sysop. See ADDING
FILES TO HOST50.


(D)ownload

Lets the user Download files from Host50. If you have specified it in
H50CONFIG, Level 1 users can only download a specified limit. (see
CUSTOMIZING HOST50, section (H) )

The user will be asked for the name of the file. The default file
extension is .ZIP. If they have not defined a protocol as their
default (see main menu (Y)our defaults), they will be shown a list of
protocols available and asked to choose one. They will then be asked
if they wish to hang up after the transfer.


(V)iew Archive

Lets the user look inside the archive file to see the list of all
compressed files and technical data.

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(E)xtract Archive

Lets the user extract files from an archive. The user is first asked
for the name of the archive. Then they are asked if Host50 needs to
show the list of files in the archive. The file is then extracted
from the archive and zipped (using PKZIP), into a temporary file
called TEMPARC.ZIP. The user is given the filename for downloading.
The file is deleted when the user hangs up.


(Q)uit to Main Menu

This allows the user to go back to the main menu.



File Menu: Higher Access


This is a listing of menu commands available to higher access users.
Some are limited to the sysop only (as noted). Registered users can
change access to these commands (or any others) with the H50MENUS
program.


(D)ownload files

Higher access users can download any file on any drive. This makes it
easy to send a file that is not in the file database to a user. Just
temporarily upgrade them to a level 7 or 8 and type in the full drive
and path to the file.


(V)eiw Archive

Higher access users can view any archive file on any drive. They need
to know the drive and full path to the file.


(E)xtract Archive

Higher access users can extract an archive that is available on any
drive. They will need to know the drive and the full path to the file.






20





Menu Commands
______________________________________________________________________




(S)how a Directory Listing

Allows user to do a listing of the files in any directory on any
drive. For instance, \telix\*.cap would show all the capture files in
the telix directory. Pressing enter at the directory prompt will give
you the file list for the upload directory.



(C)hange File

This option allows the sysop to manually change the file information
in the database. (see ADDING FILES TO HOST50)


(R)emove File

This option allows the sysop to remove a file from the database. It
also allows the sysop to erase the file from the drive. (see ADDING
FILES TO HOST50)






























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Host50 allows you to customize its operations in many ways by running
H50CONFIG. You can add bulletins, different archive programs, doors,
multiple conferences, and more. The following is a listing of the
configuration menu and how to customize each item.

NOTE: When you have changed an item in the configuration, remember to
press X at the main config menu to save your changes.


(A): CONFIGURE MODEM

Modem Answer String:

This is the string which is sent to the modem when a RING is detected.
The default is "ATA^M" and should work for most modems. If it does not
work for your modem try turning on Modem Auto Answer Mode.


Answer On Ring Number:

This allows you to determine how many rings Host50 will wait before
answering an incoming call. You may choose from 1 to 9 rings. The
default is set for 1 ring.


Modem Pickup String:

This is the string which is sent to the modem when going offhook (in
conjunction with Pickup Modem in Local and Utils). This string
(ATM0H1^M) will make the modem pickup the line.


Pickup Modem In Local:

This option decides if Host50 will pickup the phone (go offhook) when
doing a local log on. Having this turned on would cause any callers to
get a busy signal when you are in the local mode.


Pickup Modem In Utils:

This option decides if Host50 should pickup the phone (go offhook)
when running any of the utility programs.

Some modems may go offhook and leave the speaker on. The M0 command
turns off the speaker on most modems. If your speaker is left on,
check your manual for the proper command.


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Modem Auto Answer Mode:

This option uses your modem's Auto Answer Mode instead of letting
Host50 answer the incoming call. The default is set to OFF and should
only be changed to ON if Host50 is unable to answer incoming calls.


(B): Configure Colors

This option allows you to configure the color of each screen element
used on the Sysop side in Host50. You control the colors for boxes,
help and titles, options, highlights, items, Sysop Chat, and User
Chat. Select the item you wish to change and you will be shown a
color palette box. Use the Cursor keys to move to the color selection
you desire. As you move the cursor, the screen element you are
changing will change colors on screen. When you find the color you
like, press enter.

You can go back to the Default Colors that came with Host50 by
pressing H for "Use default colors". You can also set Host50 to work
in monochrome by pressing I for "Use Black & While color"


(C): Configure Bulletins

You can create Bulletin screens to be viewed by users. Use this
section for news, board policies, game door standings, and any number
of things. Bulletins can be in either ascii or ansi formats.


Add a Bulletin :

When you press "A", H50CONFIG will prompt you to input the full path
and filename of the bulletin file. If you had the file BULL1.ANS in
the C:\TELIX\BLTS directory you would input C:\TELIX\BLTS\BULL1.ANS as
the filename. Once you have input the filename press ENTER. You can
abort the process by pressing ESCAPE at any time.

Now H50CONFIG will ask for the description you want shown to the user
when they view the bulletin list. Put a brief description of the
bulletin here.

Next H50CONFIG will ask for the access level of the bulletin. If you
wish to limit the users who can view that specific bulletin, then you
would put that access code here. If you want it available to all, put
in a 0.

The bulletin is now in the system and available to be seen by users.

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Delete A Bulletin:

When you press "B" you will be asked for the number of the bulletin
you wish to delete. It will then ask you to confirm the deletion with
a Y/N prompt. When you answer Y, the bulletin will be removed from
Host50. The program will not remove the bulletin file from your
drive. You will have to do that yourself in DOS.


Edit A Bulletin:

If you want to come back and make changes in an entry, you can do that
here. The program will take you through each of the options
(filename, description, and access) and ask what you want to change.
To abort the process just press escape.


Jump To A Bulletin:

This option will allow you to jump to specific bulletin by entering
its number.


Exit To Main Menu:

This option will exit you back to the Main configuration menu.
Remember to press X at the Main configuration menu to save your
changes to disk.



(D): Configure Doors

A door is when a user is allowed to exit Host50 and run another
program on your computer. It is as if a door is opened from Host50
allowing the user access to other parts of your computer.

There are many doors available in the BBS world that do a multitude of
things: Playing games, voting on questions, viewing ansi screens,
storing time, and so forth. In addition, there are door programs like
Marshall Dudley's DOORWAY that allow users to run IBM character based
business programs like spreadsheets, word processors, or databases.







24





Customizing Host50
______________________________________________________________________




Host50 will accept four types of program files: EXE, COM, BAT, and
Telix Salt's SLC. It directly supports door programs written for
PCBoard 14.x, GAP, QBBS, RBBS, and Remote Access BBS programs. It will
also support Marshall Dudley's DOORWAY program.

Setting up doors require some patience because there is no standard
way of installing a door. You have to figure out how to install a
door and then configure it with H50CONFIG. In appendix "A" are
outlined several examples of door installations. You can also get
help from a local sysop who has doors on his board and has undergone
the same process.

Once you have followed the door's installation procedure you are ready
to configure the door for Host50. Be sure to write down any command
line switches that you will need to start the program because you will
asked to supply them to H50CONFIG.


Add a Door:

Once you press "A" H50CONFIG will prompt you for the full path and
filename to the door program. For instance, a game door called
GOLF.EXE in the \DOOR\GAME directory would be entered as
C:\DOOR\GAME\GOLF.EXE. When you have input the filename press ENTER.

H50CONFIG will next ask you for the command line. If you need to pass
parameters to the program put it here. For instance, GOLF.EXE
requires the name of its configuration file called GOLF.CFG to run.
You would put GOLF.CFG on the command line. There are system
variables that you can place on the command line to pass current
information to your door program:


%C - Comm Port Number : Current Comm Port Number
%P - Port Address : Current Comm Port Address In Hex
%I - IRQ Line : Current Comm Port IRQ Line
%B - Baud Rate : Current Baud Rate
%D - DTE Rate : Current DTE Rate
%M - Minutes Left : Minutes User Has Left On System
%S - Seconds Left : Seconds User Has left On System
%L - Location Of System : Location of the BBS Door System
File : File(s).

When finished with the command line (or if there were not any
parameters needed) press ENTER.




25





Customizing Host50
______________________________________________________________________




Now H50CONFIG will ask for the description you want shown to the user
in the list of available doors. Put a brief description of the door
here.

Next H50CONFIG will ask for the access level you wish the door to
have. If you wish to limit the users who can operate that specific
door then you would put that access code here. If you want it
available to all, put in a 0.

The last thing H50CONFIG will ask is what (if any) converter is needed
for the door. Each BBS door program requires its own special system
file. QBBS/RBBS doors need DORINFO1.DEF, PCBoard 14.x requires
PCBOARD.SYS, Gap and Doorway want DOOR.SYS, and so forth.

Host50 writes its own system file (called HOSTDOOR.SYS) and then
converts it to match the BBS program you chose. It will then write
this system file into the directory with the door's program file. In
our example above, it would write the file into the C:\DOOR\GAME
directory.

If the door is written for Host50 or does not require a system file
then choose the "No Converter" option.

Once you are through with configuring the door, remember to save your
changes by pressing X at the Main configuration menu. You will then
want to log on to Host50 in local mode and test the door out. You are
configuring two programs at once (the door and the bbs) so, be
prepared to repeat the process.

If you have made a mistake you can easily edit the information by
choosing the "Edit a Door" option. If it still doesn't work check to
make sure you have installed the door correctly.


Delete A Door:

When you press "B" you will be asked for the number of the door you
wish to delete. It will then ask you to confirm the deletion with a
Y/N prompt. When you answer Y, the door will be removed from Host50.
The program will not remove the door's program files from your drive.
You will have to do that yourself in DOS.


Edit A Door:

If you wish to come back and make changes in an entry you can do that
here. The program will take you through each of the options (filename,
description, access, and converter) and ask what you want to change.

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______________________________________________________________________




Jump To A Door:

This option will allow you to jump to specific door entry.


Exit To Main Menu:

This option will exit you back to the Main configuration menu.
Remember to press X at the Main configuration menu to save your
changes to disk.



(E): Configure Archives

When a user uploads a file, you will want to test the archive to make
sure that it has arrived in good condition. Host50 also allows users
to view archives and extract files from archives while on line.
Host50 comes configured to work with ZIP, PAK, ARC, LZH, and ARJ
archives. If your favorite archive program is not on the list, you
may add it here. Host50 will accept up to 10 archives at one time.

Before adding an archive program not covered by Host50, you will need
to know the three letter file extension that the program uses for the
files it has compressed. You will also need the View, Extract, and
Test commands for the program.

To add an archive program, place the scroll bar (using Up/Down arrow
keys) on an open line and press return. H50CONFIG will then allow you
to edit each of the options in turn. Pressing ESC will allow you to
keep that option unchanged. Below is a list of the five options:


Extension : This is the acceptable extension for this archive.

Program name : This is the file to run to work with this archive,
note that the file must be in your path.

Test Line : This is the command line sent to the file
(Program) in order to run a test on the archives.

View Line : This is the command line sent to the file
(Program) in order to view the files in the
archives.

Extract Line : This is the command line sent to the file
(Program) in order to extract files from the
archives.

27





Customizing Host50
______________________________________________________________________




Test Uploaded Archives:

Host50 will test the archives of newly uploaded files. In most cases,
this switch should be left on.


Delete Bad Archives:

If a file fails the archive test, Host50 will delete it. Choosing to
turn this function Off will cause the file added to the database as a
private upload to the sysop. The database will carry a warning
message for the sysop about the failed test.


External Script:

You can substitute your own archive testing program for Host50's
internal routines. This program has to be called by a script. See
Appendix F for a script outline.



(F): Configure Macros

You can redefine ANY key in Host50. The keys used by Host50 can
be reassigned to any other key by using the following Keywords:

Macro Keywords Default Key
-------------- -----------

$TOGGLECHAT F1
$USEREDIT F2
$LOWERACCESS F3
$RAISEACCESS F4
$TOGGLESTATUS ALT-8
$CHATMODE F10
$EXITHOST ALT-X
$DOSSHELL ALT-J
$TEXTEDIT ALT-A
$HOSTCONFIG ALT-O
$HOSTHELP ALT-Z
$HANGUP ALT-H
$FILECOMPRESS ALT-F
$LOCALMODE ALT-L
$LOWERTIME F5
$RAISETIME F6
$SCREENIMAGE ALT-I
$CAPTURELOG ALT-C

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Customizing Host50
______________________________________________________________________




Display Key:

When you press "A" H50CONFIG will ask you to press any key you
wish to have displayed. If a macro is assigned to that key, it will
be displayed. If not, there will be a NO MACRO ASSIGNED message that
will let you know that the key is available to store a macro.

Edit Key:

When you press "B" H50CONFIG will then ask you to press the key
combination you wish to edit. Enter the information you wish the key
combination to carry and then press ENTER. Note that only ASCII
characters (no ALT keys) can be used in macro's. CTRL characters can
be used by placing a carat "^" in front of the character. For
example, a RETURN would be "^M", a tab is "^I" etc. To save any macros
you have made, choose the Save Macros option by pressing X.

Since you will be doing many local logons to test different parts of
Host50, here is a simple macro that will speed up the process using
Host50's Quick Logon feature.

Press B for edit, and then press Alt 1. Then enter the following
combination:

y{Your Name{your password^M

For example, y{Dan Horn{Hello^M

Save the macro by pressing X. The next time you make a local logon,
press Alt L for the logon and then press Alt 1. Host50 will print out
the quick logon and then skip the opening screen to take you directly
into the program.

The Quick Logon feature can be used by any user. I have used it here
to give you a working example of a macro.



(G): Configure Events

Host50 will stop and run any program you choose at any time of your
choosing. This is called a timed event. Up to 5 different events can
be programmed to be run by Host50.

You can use any program with an extension of EXE, COM, BAT, or SLC.
In addition, there are two internal programs that can be run as
events: EXITHOST and EXITTELIX. EXITHOST will exit Host50 back into
Telix. EXITTELIX will exit Host50 , exit Telix and return to DOS.


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Customizing Host50
______________________________________________________________________




Persons who use Host50 with FrontDoor will have to be careful with
event scheduling. Call the Host Software Products Support BBS for
special documentation on attaching FrontDoor.

The easiest way to learn how to configure events is to configure
EXITTELIX. Set it up to run and watch Host50 return to DOS. There
are some sample event programs and batch files listed in APPENDIX "B".


CONFIGURE EVENT


H50CONFIG will first ask for the time you wish the event to occur.
Host50 will either want time entered in 24 hour (military) or 12 hour
time depending on the format you have set in Telix. (In Telix see:
Alt-O, General Settings, Section L: Time Format)

To make an event happen each time a user logs off the system, type in
the word EVERY instead of an actual time. Press enter to move to the
next topic or press ESC to abort.

You will then be asked if you want the event to be sliding. A sliding
event waits for the user to complete their call before the event is
run. A non-sliding event occurs exactly at the time you specify. If a
caller is on line when a non-sliding event is due to occur, Host50
notifies them that their time is being shortened due to the event.
Host50 will hang up on them just before the event is due to occur.

Next you will be prompted for the program name. Enter the full syntax
for the program file and any parameters that need to be passed to the
program. For instance, C:\BATCH\EVENT.BAT . Press enter
and your event will be logged.

Press X to exit to the main menu. Remember to save your changes to
disk.



(H): Configure User Items


Log Off New Users:

The default (on) will log off all new users after they finish filling
out the questionnaire. Turn off this switch to give access to all
users on first call.



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Customizing Host50
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Number Of Downloads:

This is the ratio of downloads to uploads that a user must maintain.
For example, if you wish users to maintain a 5:1 files ratio, place a
5 here. If you set the number to a '0', then there will be no
upload/download ratio enforced.


Access 1 Download Limit:

This is the limit (in Kilobytes) that users with access level 1 can
download per logon. This does not effect the other user levels.


New User Access Level:

Here you can choose the access level that you will give to new users
to your system. If you are logging off new users, your choice should
be "0".


Time per access level 0:

This is the amount of time you allow level 0 users to have on the
board. This should be set at 0 if you are hanging up after the
initial questionnaire is filled out. The old default on Host44 was 4
minutes.


Time per access level 1-9:

Here you can set the number of on line minutes allotted to each access
level. The defaults are set in 10 minute increments, but you can
choose any time limits you like.

Exit To Main Menu:

This option will exit you back to the Main configuration menu.
Remember to press X at the Main configuration menu to save your
changes to disk.









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(I): Configure File Bases

You have one default file base called the Main File Base. You can add
an additional 9 bases in the shareware version and 999 bases in the
registered version. The shareware version can hold up to 99 files per
base while the registered version allows 999.

A file base is a data base of files available on your system. The
files for a certain database do not have to be placed in the same
drive or directory; however, doing so will keep things organized.


Add a File Base:

When you press "A" you will be asked to name the new files base. Type
in the name and press ENTER. You will then be asked what level of
users will be allowed access to that files base. If all, enter 1,
otherwise enter the access level you desire. (default menus do not
allow users with an access level of 0 to go to the files base)


Delete a File Base:

When you press "B" you will be prompted for the name of the files base
to delete. You then will be requested to confirm the deletion.
Please note that the files in that data base are not removed from your
drive by this operation. You will have to do that using DOS or a DOS
shell.


Edit a File Base:

If you wish to come back and make changes in an entry later you can do
that here. Press "C" and you will be allowed to edit the information.


Jump to a File Base:

This option will allow you to jump to specific file base entry.


Exit To Main Menu:

This option will exit you back to the Main configuration menu.
Remember to press X at the Main configuration menu to save your
changes to disk.



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(J): Configure Message Bases

You have one default message base called the Main Message Base. You
can add an additional 9 bases in the shareware version and 999 bases
in the registered version. The shareware version will hold 90
messages while the registered version will hold 29,999 messages.

A message base is a data base that tracks messages that are available
to be read on your system.


Add a Message Base:

When you press "A" H50CONFIG will ask for a description. Enter here
the name of the new message base and press ENTER. You will then be
asked for the access level to the message base. If you want all users
to have access to the messages, enter 1. Otherwise, enter the access
level you desire and press ENTER. Access level 0 users are not
allowed into the message bases by the default menus.

You will then be asked if you want to echo the messages. An echo is
when you send messages written on your system to another system or a
network of systems. Host50 has been written to be compatible with
echo networks like FIDONet, RIME/PCRelay, InterLink, and etc. The
required UTI programs to allow Host50 to interface with networks will
be released as separate programs and will be available from the Host
Software Products Support Board. When you are set up for echoes,
press Y otherwise enter N for NO and press enter.


Delete a Message Base:

When you press "B" H50CONFIG will ask for the number of the message
base to be deleted. Enter the number and you will be prompted to
confirm the deletion. The messages in that message base will be
deleted from your hard drive.


Edit a Message Base:

If you wish to edit the name, access, or echo flag of a message base,
press "C" and you will be presented with those choices for changing.


Jump to a Message Base:

This option will allow you to jump to specific message base entry.


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Exit To Main Menu:

This option will exit you back to the Main configuration menu.
Remember to press X at the Main configuration menu to save your
changes to disk.



(K): Configure Upload Items

Host Upload Directory:

Press "A" and H50CONFIG will ask for the full path name to the drive
and directory where uploaded files from users will be stored. For
example, C:\TELIX\UPLOADS. It is a good idea to set aside a directory
just for uploads to ease the process of scanning the files for virus
and processing. Registered Users can use H50FEDIT (FILES EDITOR) to
later move the files from the upload directory to another files base
and directory. Shareware Users will have to make the transfer
manually (See Manually Adding Files)


Upload File Base:

Press "B" and H50CONFIG will ask for the number of the files base
where you wish Uploads to be listed.

Shareware Users *SHOULD* enter a 0. This adds uploaded files to the
file database where the user is located at the time of the upload.
For a complete discussion of this, see Manually Adding Files under the
heading Adding Files to Host50 on page 42..

Registered users can follow the common BBS practice of having a
separate file base for new uploads. Enter an unused number for the
Uploads Data Base. Use the FILES EDITOR to move files from the upload
file base to other bases. (See Registered Programs)


Level of Uploads:

This is the access level to which a file is set when uploaded by a
user. If set to a 1 then all access levels will be able to see newly
uploaded files. If you want to limit access to new uploads, set this
level to a higher number.





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Exit To Main Menu:

This option will exit you back to the Main configuration menu.
Remember to press X at the Main configuration menu to save your
changes to disk.



(L): General Items


System Password:

This is the password that allows the sysop to shell to DOS and do a
system shutdown when calling in from a remote. Pick a good password
and don't give it to anyone!


Screen Blank Time Limit:

This option allows you to set the number of minutes Host50 will wait
before blanking the main call screen.


Time Chat is to come on:

This is the time that you would like the "Chatting Times" to start.
Chat will come on at this time. (Chat can also be forced on or forced
off at any time by pressing F1). When you press "C" you will be
prompted for the time you wish this function to be enabled. The time
format will depend on how you have time set in Telix. Telix can be
configured for 24 hour (military) time or 12 hour time.


Time Chat is to go off:

This is the time that you would like the "Chatting Times" to end.
When you press "D" you will be prompted for the time you wish chat to
end.


User Logon Alarm:

If you would like an alarm to sound when someone logs on to your
system, choose ON. If you like to sleep at night, choose OFF.




35





Customizing Host50
______________________________________________________________________



User Comments Sent To:

This is the name of the person who will receive any user comments.
The default is Sysop. Changing this to your name will allow you to
logon to the board using your name and receive the comments. If you
leave the setting at the default, then you will have to log on to
Host50 under the name of Sysop in order to read user comments.


DOORWAY Command Line:

This is the command line string sent to DOORWAY.EXE (if used) when a
user does a online shell to DOS. Note that the option can contain any
of the System Variables. See Appendix D System Variables for more
information. This default setting will work fine for simple shells to
DOS. (See Using Doorway)


Telix Config File:

This option contains the name of the TELIX configuration file being
used. This should be changed *ONLY* if you are using Host50 with a
separate TELIX configuration file. Since Host50 uses information found
in the file it is important that this is set correctly.


Exit To Main Menu:


This option will exit you back to the Main configuration menu.
Remember to press X at the Main configuration menu to save your
changes to disk.



(M): Configure BBS Info

This is where you enter information about the BBS you will create.
The information will be used by Host50 and any QWK mail packet door
that you use.

A. BBS Name The name of your BBS (40 character limit)

B. BBS Telephone The phone number of your BBS

C. BBS City/State The Location of your BBS

D. BBS Net/Node Your QWK door ID for hookup with E mail networks

E. BBS Sysop Name Your Name

36





Customizing Host50
______________________________________________________________________




(N): Reset Default Options

If chosen this option will reset all of the configuration options to

their original default values.


(X): Save changes to disk

After you have finished making your changes in H50CONFIG, press X to
save those changes to disk before exiting the program.


(Z): Exit Config Program

Press "Z" to leave H50CONFIG. Make sure you save your changes before
exiting. "Z" will not save changes by itself.




CREATING BBS GRAPHIC SCREENS


You can create colorful screens for use in Host50 by using TheDraw or
other ANSI drawing programs. You can greet the user at Logon, give
the latest news, greet new users with the board policies, and say
goodbye. You need to follow the following guidelines when making
screens:


Input Buffer

The input buffer for these files is set at 255 characters per line.
Screen writes will be smoother if the input buffer is evenly divisible
by 80. (E.G. 80, 160, or 240.) This is because most screens are 80
columns wide. A buffer of 240 writes fairly quickly even on XT
machines.


Screen Size

You really don't have all 25 lines of the screen available to you. It
is best to draw your screen from Line 2 Column 2 to Line 21 column 79.
Line 25 is taken up by most comm program's status line. Lines 23 and
24 holds the prompts for the next action. The last column sometimes
holds screen information that would interfere with your graphic.

Block save your screen from position 1,1 to 21,80 and it should work
perfectly.
37





Customizing Host50
______________________________________________________________________



Ansi/Ascii

Save your screens in both ANSI and ASCII. This way users who do not
have ANSI enabled can still see a screen.


The File Names


Use the following file names for your screens and place them in your
\TELIX\HOST directory. Note that *.ANS files are ANSI and *.ASC files
are ASCII:


LOGON.ASC LOGON.ANS This file is displayed when a user logs on
the system.

NEWS.ASC NEWS.ANS This file is displayed after the user has
logged on the system for the first time each
day. See The NEWS.* File for tips on making
this file.

BBSINFO.ASC BBSINFO.ANS This file is displayed EVERY time the user
logs on to the system. It follows the news
screen and can be used for any number of
things.

BYEBYE.ASC BYEBYE.ANS This file is displayed when the user logs off
the system.

NEWUSER.ASC NEWUSER.ANS This file is displayed to all new users. Its
a good idea to put board policies here.




The NEWS.* File


The news file can be made in an ascii editor. If you want color, you
can construct separate pages in TheDraw and then concatenate the files
using DOS's copy command. (e.g. COPY FILE1 + FILE2 NEWS.ANS). The
easiest method is using a program written for BBS's that construct
bulletin screens. One well known program of this type is FLASH30 by
Qsoft. News files can be made many pages long. Host50 will pause the
screen after a page of lines has been sent and wait for the user to
ask Yes or No before proceeding.



38





Customizing Host50
______________________________________________________________________




Global Variables

Host50 has several global variables that can be inserted into any user
created screen, bulletin, or message. Global variables are preceded
by the "at" symbol (@). The three text variables are:

@user displays the current user's full name
@frst displays the current user's first name
@mins displays the current user's number of minutes remaining
on line

There are also six global color codes based on the colors set by the
user in the Your Defaults area:

@C1 Displays the first color defined by the user
@C2 Displays the second color defined by the user
@C3 Displays the third color defined by the user
@C4 Displays the fourth color defined by the user
@C5 Displays the fifth color defined by the user
@C6 Displays the sixth color defined by the user


For example: @C1Would display this line of text in color


In making your design, you should realize that anything positioned to
the right of a text variable will change position depending upon the
number of characters that replace the variable. For instance,
"Tristin Andrew" uses many more character spaces than "Joe Blow", so
the line of text would look differently for each. This is how the
lines of text would look:

@user the Global Variable
Joe Blow the Global Variable
Tristin Andrew the Global Variable

You can experiment with these variables in the message base. Just
write a message using the global variables, save it, and read the
message.

Note that the color variables are for use on ansi screens only. You
will need to edit them out of ascii versions of the same screen
because the codes can be seen by ascii viewers. Users of the
registered H50MENUS.EXE program should use their ansi editor for
colors and not color variables as ascii versions of the menu are
created by the program and would display the codes to ascii users.



39





Adding Files to Host50
______________________________________________________________________




A files data base is a collection of information about files available
to your users. You can define up to 10 files data bases in the
shareware version and 999 files data bases in the registered version.
In addition, you are limited to 99 files per files base in the
shareware version and 999 files in the registered version.

It is possible to have both A:\FILE1.ZIP and C:\TELIX\UPLOAD\FILE2.ZIP
in the same files database; however, it is a good idea to group your
files together in one directory and database if you plan to offer a
lot of files.

You can have databases available to one set of users and not another.
For instance, special files could be kept in an area defined for
access level 6 and above. Users below level 6 would never see the
area from the menu. (See CUSTOMIZING HOST50 Section (I):)

You can also set access levels for each file. A file with access
level 6 could be in the same files database with a file set at access
level 0. A user with an access level of 5 would not see the access 6
file.

Files can be password protected so that only special users can get a
certain file.

Host50's ADDFILES.EXE program will allow you to add files to any
database while off line. You can also add files manually while in
local logon mode. Registered Users can easily edit database entries
off line with the FILES EDITOR.



ADDING FILES WITH THE ADDFILES.EXE PROGRAM


ADDFILES.EXE allows you add files from any drive or directory to any
files database. You view all files available and tag the ones you
want added.

ADDFILES.EXE should be in your Telix directory. If the Telix directory
is in your DOS path statement, ADDFILES.EXE can be run from any
directory. Otherwise, you will have to start the program from the
Telix directory each time. This external program should not be run
when shelled to DOS from a local logon of Host50.






40





Adding Files to Host50
______________________________________________________________________




Choosing the Drive and Directory

Addfiles opens with a window on the left side of the screen that shows
all of the files and sub-directories located in your current
directory. To change directories, move the cursor bar to the
directory you want and press the enter key or use the left button of
your mouse. To change drives, press F2, and you will be presented
with a prompt for the name of the drive.


Choosing Files

Once you are in the proper drive and directory, move the cursor bar to
the file you want to add and press the spacebar or the right button of
the mouse. A check () will appear next to the file. Move through
the directory checking all the files you want. You can change drives
and directories anytime during this process and ADDFILES will remember
all file tags.


Adding Files

When you have tagged all the files you wish to add, press F1 to begin
adding files. You will be presented with a new screen and menu. The
bottom half of the menu is for entering information about the file.
The top half of the menu lists your menu choices and the current data
base. Be sure you are in the right file data base before you starting
saving files. It is not easy to correct an addition to the wrong
database if you don't have a copy of the FILES EDITOR.


F3 Change Current File Base:

Press F3 and you will be presented with a window to change the
database by entering the database's number. If you do not remember
the number of the database, press F1 at this window and a listing of
the files databases will be presented to you. You can change data
bases at any time in your ADDFILES session.


Here is the information you are asked to provide ADDFILES.EXE on each
file:


File Name:

This is the complete drive, path, and filename of the file. It should
already be in place.

41





Adding Files to Host50
______________________________________________________________________




File Description:

You are given two lines to describe what the files does.


File Uploader:

This defaults to sysop. You can change the name to any name you wish.


File Access:

This is the access you wish the file to have. If you want all users
to have access to the file, enter 1.


File Password:

If you want the file protected by a password, enter that word here.


File Date:

Addfiles will put today's date in this field. You can change it if
you wish.


F1 Add file to the data base:

Once you have entered all the information about the file, double check
it to make sure it is correct. Make sure you are adding it to the
correct database. Press F1 to save this data to the database and
advance to the next file.

When you have saved all the files you had checked, ADDFILES will
return you to the opening menu.

Once the data is saved, you can change your entries by making a local
logon and using (C)hange File from the files menu (See MANUALLY
CHANGING FILES). Registered users can use the wonderful FILES EDITOR.


F2 Skip to next file:

Pressing F2 will skip to the next file that you have chosen to be
added. You will not save the current file to disk, but ADDFILES will
hold it for you during the session should you want to come back.


42





Adding Files to Host50
______________________________________________________________________




F10: EXIT

Exits ADDFILES.EXE.



ADDING FILES MANUALLY


It is possible to add files, change file listings, and remove files
from any files database while in local logon. This is best used by
Shareware users of Host50. Registered users have the FILES EDITOR for
these functions.

SPECIAL NOTE: Shareware Users should NOT have a Special Upload Files
Base defined or they will have problems when manually adding and
moving files. Any file you manually add will go to the Upload files
base and *not* the files base you are in at the time.

For example, you are in the Main File Base and manually add FILE.ZIP.
After you are through, you will *not* find the file listed in the Main
File Base. It will be found in the Uploads File Base. The only way
to move the file to into the Main File Base back would be to add it
with ADDFILES or using the FILES EDITOR program available to
Registered Users. Simply put, if you define an Uploads Files Base,
you will have to make all of your file additions with ADDFILES.EXE.
You will not be able to add files manually unless you want them to be
in the Uploads File Base.

To move user uploads from the Upload File Base to another Base you
will have to move the files out of the Upload Directory to another
directory and then run ADDFILES to add the files to another file base.
Then run the Files Compressor on the Upload File Base with the Kill
Files Not Found option. You may not wish to put up with all of this
to have an Upload File Base. It is up to you.


To Add A File Manually

Select the file database to which you want to add files by pressing A
for Area change.

Select (U) for upload. At the prompt asking what file to upload,
enter the full drive, path, and filename of the file. Entering just
the filename with no path will cause Host50 to act like you are making
a remote upload and ask for your protocol. If this happens, press N
for None to abort.


43





Adding Files to Host50
______________________________________________________________________




If you have defined a special uploads directory (not a files base, a
directory), you can add files from there without entering the complete
drive and path. A very simple files setup is just one directory that
has been defined for uploads and holds all your host zip files.

You can add multiple files to the database at one time. If you have
several files to upload, just enter the drive, directory and "*.*".
(E.G. C:\DOS\ZIPS\*.* ) Host50 will then process each file one at a
time and prompt you for information.


Testing

If you have Host50 configured to test all new archive files (the
default setting), Host50 will first test the archive to see if it has
CRC errors.


Description

Host50 will ask you to supply a two line description of the file.


Access level

You cannot set the access level for an individual file while making a
manual file addition. You have to use ADDFILES for this. Registered
Users can add an access level later using the FILES EDITOR.


Password Protect

To require a password for the file, select yes and enter the password.



MANUALLY CHANGE FILES


To change the listing for a particular file, press C from the files
menu and then supply the name of the file. You do not need to give
the full path and name of the file as it is in the database.

You will then be taken through a series of prompts asking if you wish
to change the drive\path\filename of the file, the description, and
the password of the file (if any).



44





Adding Files to Host50
______________________________________________________________________




MANUALLY REMOVING FILES


You can remove a file by pressing R from the files menu and then
supplying the name of the file. Host50 will prompt you to confirm
that you wish to delete the file from the data base. Answer yes and
the file will be removed.

You will then be given the option to erase the file from the directory
on your drive. To erase the file, press y and it will be removed.



MANUALLY MOVING FILES


To change the file to another file database you must first remove the
file from the existing data base, change to another files area, and
then add the file to the new file data base. You may wish to shell to
DOS and physically move the file to another directory on your drive.





























45





The User Editor
______________________________________________________________________




After someone has logged on to your board, information about their
account is stored in the user file USER50.DAT. To edit that
information you turn to the USER EDITOR.

There are two user editors. One is available to shareware users and
is located inside of H50UTILS.SLC. The other is available only to
registered users and is called H50UEDIT.EXE. (See Registered
Programs). The following are instructions for using the shareware
version:

You can access the user editor in two different ways. In Host50, you
can start the user editor from the sysop menu by pressing F2. In
Telix, you can run the script H50UTILS.SLC and choose the user edit
option.

To open a new user account, the user has to logon and fill out the
questionnaire. You can also make a local logon and enter the
information about the user yourself. Registered users can pre-
register new users with H50UEDIT.EXE.


Here is how you move around the USER EDITOR:


Page Down : This moves you to the next user

Page Up : This moves you to the previous user.

Home : This moves you to the top of the page.

End : This moves you to the bottom of the page.

Up Arrow : This will move you up one field.

Down Arrow: This will move you down one field.


To Edit A Field:

You can select a field to edit by either moving the cursor or by
selecting the letter out to the left hand column. Press ENTER to edit
the field. When you are through, press ENTER again. To abort the
process, press ESCAPE. To save your changes, press X for SAVE USER.
To exit the editor, press Z. Be sure you have saved any changes
before exiting the editor.




46





The User Editor
______________________________________________________________________




USER FIELDS YOU CAN EDIT

You can move around the editor screen and edit any of the following 9
fields:

User's Full Name:

This is the user's full name. When editing, be sure that you do not
leave any extra spaces after the last name or Host50 will want those
spaces given as part of the last name.


User's Password:

The user fields are sensitive to open spaces. If you change a users
password, be careful that there are no spaces following the password.
Otherwise, the user will have to input a space following the password.


User's Access:

Most of the time, you will be editing the new user's access level
after verifying their application to the board. Just enter their new
access level here and press X to save.


User's Status Flag:

The three legal entries for this field are: A (active), D (delete),
and B (blacklist).

Putting a Status Flag of D for delete will remove the User's Account
from active status. The user will be unable to logon. The file will
remain visible to you in the user editor until the next time the FILES
BASE COMPRESSOR is used. (See Files Base Compressor, below)

Putting a Status Flag of B for blacklist will temporarily place the
User's Account on inactive status until you choose to change it.


User's Phone Number : This is the user's phone number.

User's Street Address: This is the user's street address.

User's Location : This is the user's city and state.

User's Zip : This is the user's zip code.

Comment About User : This is a place to put in a comment.
47





The User Editor
______________________________________________________________________




USER FIELDS YOU CANNOT EDIT


Here is a listing of information shareware users can see but not edit.
Editing of this information is limited to registered users with the
program H50UEDIT.


Date User Last on : This shows when the user was last on

Users Total Downloads : Shows how many downloads the user has made

Users Total Uploads : This shows how many uploads the user has made
**

*Users Ansi Status : Shows if Ansi is turned on

*Users Pause Status : This shows if screen pause is activated

+Users Experience Level: Shows the level of menus the user has chosen



(*) can be edited by the user at the Main Menu prompt (Y)our Defaults.

(+) can be edited by the user at the Main Menu prompt (X)pert Menus.

(**) an edit here can award a specific user more downloads or require
more uploads!




















48





The Files Compressor
______________________________________________________________________




The FILES COMPRESSOR (H50COMP.EXE) should be in your Telix Directory.
If the directory is in the DOS path you may start the program from any
directory. The program can be run from the Sysop Commands Menu by
pressing ALT-F or as an event from a batch file using command line
switches for automatic operation. Do not run when shelled to DOS from
a local logon in Host50

Here is a what a FILES COMPRESSOR does:


Resorts Files : After you have made changes in your files base, or
user base they will not be in order. Running the
compressor will resort them.


Deletes Records: When you delete a file, message, or user in one of
the bases, the record still remains. Running the
compressor removes record from the chain and
rebuilds the data base.

Packs Bases : Deletes users who have allowed their accounts to
lapse by being inactive on the board. Deletes old
messages and private messages that have been read.
Removes file listings for files that are no longer
on the drive.






THE USER BASE



To pack the user base, press F1 from the main menu. You will be asked
if you wish to delete users who haven't connected in x amount of days.
The program default is 30, but you can change that by typing in
another number.

The program will then delete records of users who haven't called and
users that you have marked for deletion. It will resort the file
alphabetically and write a new file to disk. If any problems are
encountered, you will be prompted to run HREPAIR.EXE (see below)





49





The Files Compressor
______________________________________________________________________




THE FILES BASES


You have two actions you can do with the files base. You can either
compress a single file base by pressing F2 or you can pack all files
bases by pressing F3. Here are your options:


Sort By Date or Name:

To sort the files alphabetically, choose N for name. To sort by date
press D and the files will be sorted in ascending order with the
oldest file first.


Reverse Sort:

This switch reverses the sort routine making it sort in descending
order. If you have chosen a name sort, then choosing reverse will sort
the files from Z-A. If you have chosen a Date sort the files will be
sorted from the newest to the oldest files.


Kill files not found:

This switch causes the program to run a check on each file to see if
it is actually on the drive and in the directory. If the file is NOT
found, then it will be removed from the database.



THE MESSAGE BASES


You have two actions you can do with the files base. You can either

compress a single message base by pressing F4 or you can pack all
message bases by pressing F5. You will be given two options:


Kill Private:

This option will delete *ALL* private mail which has been read.


Days to allow:

This option will delete all messages (x) days old. The default setting
is 30 days, but you can change to whatever you like.

50





The Files Compressor
______________________________________________________________________




You can set up H50COMP to run from a batch file using command line
switches. Host50 can be set to run that batch file at a certain time
as an event. For instance:

H50COMP /U D:90

Would run H50COMP.EXE and compress the User Base, deleting all users
who haven't called in 90 days. You can only run either a User Base,
Files Base or Message Base compression at one time. H50COMP will not
let you combine operations. Here are the command line switches:


U Compress User File
D:(x) - (X) Days since last call

M Compress Message Base
K - Kill Private
D:(x) - (X) Days to allow
B:(x) - (X) Message Base To Compress

F Compress File Database
D - Sort by Date
R - Reverse Sort
K - Kill files not found
B:(x) - (X) File Base To Compress


B:(x) switches determine the number of the base that is to be
compressed. If the B switch is left out or set to 0 then H50COMP will
compress all bases. If B is set to a number then it compresses only
that base.


Here are some command line examples:


H50COMP /M K D:30 compress all message bases, kill private messages
that have been read and messages over 30 days
old.


H50COMP /F K B:4 compress file base #4 and kill all files not found


H50COMP /U D:90 /M K D:30 /F K You CANNOT combine switches on a
command line. This example would
only compress the user base, the
switches for message base and files
base would be ignored.
51





The Files Compressor
______________________________________________________________________




The Files Compressor monitors the integrity of your data bases.
Should it find a corrupted database, it will write a file for that
data base with a .REP extension. H50COMP will then tell you to run a
program called HREPAIR.EXE. Exit the Files Compressor and run it
immediately.


HREPAIR will attempt to repair USER50.REP (the user base),
INDEXxxx.REP (the message and file pointers for each user),
MSG50xxx.REP/HEADERxx.REP (the messages) and FILESxxx.REP (the files
base).

It is a good idea to run daily backups of all your Host50 files in
case HREPAIR is unable to fix them. Many sysops run backups of their
systems automatically as part of a daily event. Use several different
sets of backup diskettes so that you will be assured of having a good
set.


Trouble Shooting:

Note --This is a worst case scenario. We include this here as a
backup to HREPAIR and to save you a call to the Host Software Products
Support BBS.

Should HREPAIR be unable to fix a message base, there is another way
to fix it:

Go to the message base configuration menu and print screen the
description of all your bases. Exit Host50.

Backup all your INDEX50.*, MSG50.*, AND HEADER.* files from your host
directory to another diskette *or* use a better set from a backup
diskette. Delete those files from your hard drive along with
H50MBASE.DAT.

Restart Host50 and you will see H50MBASE created on the start up.
Open the configuration program and reinstall your bases using that
printout from the print screen. Shell to dos and restore the files
you backed up.

Run H50COMP. It may crash on the index, requiring HREPAIR. After
that, it should work in most cases.

IF NOT, delete the INDEX50.* files, and run H50COMP again. It will
crash because there aren't any index files. Run HREPAIR and it will
create new ones from the *.rep files created by H50COMP. Compact once
more. Your bases will be restored, but your users will have had their
message read pointer reset to 0.
52





Using Marshall Dudley's Doorway.Exe
______________________________________________________________________




DOORWAY.EXE is a program that allows an online user to Shell to DOS
and not only run all of the DOS commands but also to run almost ANY
IBM CHARACTER BASED program online. DOORWAY redirects the input and
output of the program to the comm port as well as to the console
allowing the user and the sysop to control the program.

Without DOORWAY.EXE in your Telix directory, Host50 will use DOS's
CTTY for the shell. Many programs will not run in CTTY and CTTY does
not feed screens to the console so that you can see what the remote
user is doing.

When running DOORWAY.EXE under Telix/Host50 there might not be enough
RAM to allow certain programs to run. To find out your available RAM
from the local mode, press Alt-J to shell to DOS and then run Doorway
in local. The command line for this operation is:

Doorway Local /s:* /c:dos.

Once doorway is up, run DOS's CHKDSK command. This will tell you the
available RAM. Remember to type exit to return to your original
prompt.

//// DO NOT run CHKDSK from a remote! Do this only in local mode.////


To use DOORWAY.EXE with Host50, you must be running ANSI.SYS (Or any
ANSI program with the exception of FANSI-Console) and you need to
place the DOORWAY.EXE program in your Telix directory. Once a user
shells to DOS then DOORWAY.EXE will run using the default command line
that is already installed in Host50's configuration.

The user can now use any DOS commands they want. To keep their
communications program from interfering with certain commands (Like
the function keys and ALT-key combinations) they will need to activate
the DOORWAY mode on their end. Doorway is supported by many
communication programs. Telix users can turn on Doorway mode by
pressing ALT =

With Doorway activated on the user end, all the keyboard output will
go directly out the comm port to the remote computer.

Once finished in DOS the user types EXIT to return to Host50. If they
have invoked their terminal into DOORWAY mode they will need to turn
it off once they have returned to Host50.

Doorway monitors the carrier. If the carrier is lost it will either
reboot or return to the Host50 program. Which option depends on how
you have set the Doorway command line. The default is set to return
to Host50.
53





Security and Legal
______________________________________________________________________




Host50 provides you with several features to help maintain security
for your computer. If your host is strictly private, you can put that

message on your welcome screen and use the log off feature to bump the
caller off the board.

If you are using Host50 as a general purpose BBS, you may
occasionally have someone violate your BBS rules. You can temporarily
remove their account from service by changing their account flag in
the USER EDITOR from Active to Blacklist.

You may have the misfortune to come in contact with a person so
laboriously vile that you wish to never see them on your board again.
To ban their name for all time, put them in the TRASHCAN FILE.

Create an ascii file called TRASHCAN.DAT with your favorite editor.
Place one name per line. Here is an example format:

Joe Blow
John Hacker

When that person calls back and inputs their name, Host50 will post a
message that their name is not acceptable on the board. Persons who
try to "hack" your board by entering it illegally or causing damage to
your computer are in violation of The Electronics and Communications
Privacy Act of 1986. Copies of this act are available from most
Electronic Bulletin Boards.

The act also holds that you may be held liable by someone who thinks
they are leaving a private message on your board only to have it read
(by accident or otherwise) by others. To protect yourself, you need
to post a warning that messages are not private on your board. Below
is an example of boiler plate legal language in use on some BBS's.
This is shown as an example only and not as legal advice. Consult your
lawyer for language suitable to your situation


NO PRIVACY WARNING

PURSUANT TO THE ELECTRONIC AND COMMUNICATIONS PRIVACY ACT OF 1986, 18
USC 2510 et. seq., NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THERE ARE NO FACILITIES
PROVIDED BY THIS SYSTEM FOR SENDING OR RECEIVING PRIVATE OR
CONFIDENTIAL ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS. ALL MESSAGES SHALL BE DEEMED
TO BE READILY ACCESSIBLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

Do NOT use this system for any communication for which the sender
intends only the sender and the intended recipient or recipients to
read.


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When you register Host50, you will receive three extra programs that
will make running your host even easier: The Files Editor, The Menu
Editor, and the External User Editor.




THE FILES EDITOR


Once you have added files with ADDFILES.EXE or manually, you can make
changes quickly with the files editor. This program allows you to edit
your file entries, copy or move file entries among files bases, or
move files from one directory to another.

The filename for the program is H50FEDIT.EXE and it should be located
in your \TELIX\HOST directory.

The opening screen looks like the ADDFILES.EXE program. The top of
the menu shows the current database name and number, plus the current
record number of the file. The bottom of the menu holds all the
different information fields for the file. A complete listing of
actions can be obtained by pressing F1 for help.

To edit a file, change to the files database you wish to work in by
pressing F3 and the database number. If you don't remember the
database number, press F1 for help. A screen showing all the database
files will come up and you will be prompted again for the data base
number.

Once you are in the proper file database, you can scroll through the
base by pressing page up and page down. Once you are at your file,
use the enter key to jump from field to field. You can change
everything: File Name, File Description, File Uploader, File Access,
File Password, and File Date. When you are finished with your
changes, press F2 to save the file info.

Here is a listing of all the actions available to you in the FILES
EDITOR:


F1 Help Screen

The help screen listing these commands.





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F2 Save File Info

Once you are through editing a listing, press F2 to save it before you
move to the next file.


F3 Change File Base

Press F3 and you will be presented with a window to change the
database by entering the database's number. If you do not remember
the number of the database, press F1 at this window and a listing of
the files databases will be presented to you.


F5 Copy File to Another Base

To copy the current record to another files base, press F5 and you
will be prompted for the number of the files base. If you cannot
remember it, press F1 for a listing of files bases.


F6 Move File to Another Base

To move the current record to another files base, press F6 and you
will be prompted for the number of the files base. If you cannot
remember it, press F1 for a listing of the files bases.

If you are also moving the actual file to another directory at the
same time, make the move with ALT-M first and then move the record.


ALT-M Move File to Another Directory

To move the actual file from its current directory to another
directory, press Alt-M. You will be prompted for a full drive and
path to the new directory. To aid in multiple file moves, the drive
and path you enter are saved for the session.


F7 Delete File from Base

Pressing F7 will cause the File Access level to be changed to "D" for
DELETED. You will still see the record in the files editor, but it
will not be visible to your users. The record will remain until the
files database has been compressed using the FILES COMPRESSOR (See
Using the Files Compressor).



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F10 Exit File Base Editor:

Exits the program.




THE MENU EDITOR



H50MENUS.EXE should be found in your Telix directory. If the Telix
directory is in the DOS path, you can start this program from any
directory. Do not run the program when shelled to DOS during a local
logon of Host50.

H50MENUS lets you personalize all Host50 menus. You can limit the
access to each menu function, personalize the menu keys, add up to

three different external functions for each menu, and replace all
internal functions with external ones.

You can also change the look of the menus by creating new ANSI screens
and importing them into H50MENUS.

Here is the listing for all command keys in H50MENUS. It is followed
by instructions on making new Menu Screens and customizing Menu
Commands.



COMMAND KEYS FOR H50MENUS


F1: Help Screen

The Help Screen listing these commands.


F2: Load Default Menu

This pulls up the default menu that came with Host50. You can
reinstall it to Host50 by pressing F5. You can copy it to disk by
pressing F4.






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F3: Load Menu From File

Pressing F3 brings up a window for you to enter the name of the file
you wish to load into H50MENUS. For instance, you have drawn a new
Lower Access Main Menu screen in a file C:\TDRAW\PICS\MAINLOW.ANS. You
would enter the entire file name and press enter. The file will come
up on screen. For less typing, open H50MENUS in the directory with
your menu screens and enter only the filename and extension.


F4: Save Menu to A File

This action will save the menu on your screen to a data file so that
you can edit it.


F5: Save Menu to Data File

This installs the new screen or the default screen into Host50.


F7: Switch Menu Types

Pressing F7 will bring up a choice of menu areas for editing. (Main,
Message, or Files).


F8: Switch Menu Level

Pressing F8 will bring up a choice of high or low access menu areas.


F9: Configure Menu Keys

This will take you to the key editor for the current menu. Here you
can personalize the menu keys, limit the access to each menu function,
add up to three different external functions for each menu, and
replace all internal functions with external ones. The Menu Key area
has its own Command Set:

F1 The Help Menu
F2 Load Default Menu
F3 Save Menu to Host50
F10 Quit


F10: Exit Program.

Be sure you have saved any changes before exiting.
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HOW TO MAKE NEW MENU SCREENS


You can create your own menu screens for Host50 using any ANSI editor
such as TheDraw, ANSI Write, or others. You are limited to a screen
display of 16 lines and 8000 characters; however, it is recommended
that you limit the screen to 11 lines for faster screen rights and
better fit on the screen.

Creating new menus follows a three step process:

1. Saving Default Menus to disk files for editing
2. Editing Default Menus to create new screens
3. Importing the new designs into Host50 via H50MENUS


1. Saving Default Menus

Open H50MENUS and you will be presented with the Lower Access Main
Menu. Press F4 to save this screen to a file for editing. You will
be asked to supply a file name (e.g. C:\TDRAW\PICS\MENULOW.ANS)>

To see the High Access Main Menu screen, press F8. You will be given
two choices: Higher Access Menu and Lower Access Menu. Choose the
Higher Access Menu. The Higher Access Main Menu will come up on the
screen. Press F4 to save this screen to another file.

To see the File Menu or the Message Menu, press F7. You will be given
three choices: Main Menu, File Menu and Msg Menu. Move the cursor to
your choice and press enter. Save those menus to separate files using
the F4 key. Remember to save both the Higher and Lower Access
versions to files. Then exit H50MENUS by pressing F10.


2. Create New Menus

Now, open your favorite ANSI editor and load one of the files you just
saved from H50MENUS. Create your new design around the Menu Commands.
Your design does have to fit in a special limited space. Users who
have screen pausing in effect will get (Y/n)? prompts if your screen
scrolls over 24 lines. Host50 will insert three lines at the top of
your design, so move the menu to the top of the screen when editing.
Although you are allowed 16 lines by the program, practice has shown
that 11 lines fits the screen better. If possible, leave line 11 blank
so that there will be a space between the menu and the Host50 prompt.




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When you are finished, block save the new menu screen saving no more
than 16 lines. Select no screen preparation, 240 characters per
line, and the fastest screen write. You can experiment with other
options later.

When you use Clear Screen, Menuedit *will not* create an ascii version
of your menu for your ascii users. If that is not a problem, Clear
screen will provide a cleaner look; but, it does erase the STATUS
WINDOW at the top of the screen. You *must* leave 5 lines clear at
the top of the design if you use Clear Screen. Host50 wants those
lines for the status window and will hold them there, scrolling other
lines under it. To bring the STATUS WINDOW back up, Hit Chat (F1)
twice. When the user calls up another menu, the STATUS WINDOW will be
erased again.

Characters per line that are evenly divisible by 80 are best for
smooth screen writes. This is because screens are usually 80 columns
wide. Fastest writes are from buffers of 240 characters per line.

Animation is tricky with the limitations of 8000 characters per
screen. Animation uses lots of control characters. If you do try
animation, keep it very simple. A slow screen write can be irritating
to users.


Use your imagination and have fun! Personalized menus make a board
truly "yours". For more help, download the file H50MENUS.ZIP from the
Host Software Products Support board for a collection of sample menu
files.



3. Import New Screens into Host50

Exit your ANSI editor and reopen H50MENUS. Call up the menu type that
you are going to replace using the F7 key. Call up the menu access
level you want with the F8 key.


Now, Press F3 to load your new menu. Give the filename and press
enter. The file will be loaded. Check to make sure it has written
cleanly to the screen. If there are problems, exit and re-edit the
file.

If the screen looks good, press F5 to save it to Host50. Your new
menu screen is now installed. You may want to run Host50 now and see
how the menu works.


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HOW TO CUSTOMIZE MENU COMMANDS USING THE KEY EDITOR


This area will allow you to change all the allowable keys that are
used in Host50. By changing the key to a different one you can
completely redesign the Host50 "Look and Feel". You can input any
standard letter character as long as the letter is not already be in
use in the current menu.

To enter the Key Editor, press F7 for the selection of Menu Types and
choose the Menu (Main, Files, or Message) that you wish to edit. Once
that menu appears on the screen, press F9 to edit its keys.

You will be presented with all the Menu Commands available for the
menu you have selected. Each command is listed first by its
description and then the key that activates the command. Out to the
side is the access level for that command and a script that may be run
instead of the command. Using cursor keys, move down the list to the
item you wish to change.

Here is the list of Commands in the Key editor:


F1: Brings up the Help Screen.

F2: Load default key assignments.

F3: Save key assignments to Host50.

F10: Quit to Menu Configuration.



You can do the following in the Key Editor:


1. Change the letter that activates the Menu Command

You can change any letter on any menu. Just make sure that you don't
use the same letter for two functions in the same menu. Here is an
example of a letter change:

To change (A)rea Change in the Files Menu to (O)ther File Areas you
would first press enter until your cursor was over the A. Press the
letter O. Now press F3 to save your change.


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You will have to edit your Files Menus (both Lower and Higher Access)
to reflect the change from A to O and then install them into Host50
with Menu Edit.

If you wish to restore the Default Menu Commands, press F2 to load the
commands and then F3 to save them to disk.


2. Turn off a Menu Command

You can completely remove a function from use by replacing the key
assignment with a space (blank). Here is an example:

The System Shutdown command is Z. It is not listed on any menu, but
it is an active command. A person with the system password can press
Z, enter the password, and turn off the system from remote. To remove
the Z command: move the cursor to the letter Z on the Main Menu and
press delete, then press F3 to save your change to disk.

If you wish to restore the Default Menu Commands, press F2 to load the
commands and then F3 to save them to disk.



3. Change the access to a Menu Command

You can change the access to any Menu Command. Here is an example:

The co-sysop levels (7 and 8 access code) have access to nice features
like *.* downloads and directory listings. They also have access to
the Shell to Dos. To move that access up to Level 8 only, move the
cursor to the access code for Shell to DOS. Enter an 8 and press
enter. Then press F3 to save your change to disk.

If you wish to restore the Default Menu Commands, press F2 to load the
commands and then F3 to save them to disk.



4. Replace a menu command with a SALT SCRIPT to call another function

You can replace any Menu Command with a SALT SCRIPT to call another
function. This does require considerable skill in the writing of SALT
SCRIPTS. Most BBS add-on programs require a system file (DORINFO.DAT,
PCBOARD.SYS, DOOR.SYS and others) in order to operate.




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Host50 does write the file HOSTDOOR.SYS when it calls a script. If
you know how to write a converter, you can convert HOSTDOOR.SYS into
the system file your door needs. A format for serious programmers is
provided in Appendixes C and D.



5. Add up to three extra functions to each menu

You can also add simple doors to your menus with the external
functions. Just enter the Letter for the command and the SALT SCRIPT
that you want run. Host50 will write the HOSTDOOR.SYS file when an
external function is called. Serious programmers can convert this
file into a system file for use with other bbs doors.

Here is a very simple, but necessary, function you can add to the
message menu. Registered users can get the file HTYPEF.SLC from the
Host Software Products Support BBS to do the following exercise
instead of using DOORWAY.

In the security and legal section above, we discussed the need for a
privacy statement to be posted prominently for users to read. Using
Marshall Dudley's DOORWAY, we can allow users to call that statement
for viewing from the Message Menu.

First, compile this SALT script using Telix's CS.EXE. Call the script
PRIVACY.SLT.



Main()
{
Dos("C:\TELIX\DOORWAY.EXE local /s:* /i:C:\TEXT\PRIVATE", 0);
}


Inside the quotes is a DOORWAY command line. Any DOS command would
work inside the "quotes". Here is what the command line does:

Local is for running doorway in local mode so you can test it
with a local logon. Once you test this out, change this command
to either Com1 or Com2 and recompile.

/s:* is for running doorway without a sys file

/i:C:\TEXT\PRIVATE is for showing a text file. You do not have to
give the full path if the file is located in the same directory
with DOORWAY.

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The PRIVATE file contains the privacy warning text. At the bottom of
the file you should add the line:

$:PRESS [ENTER] TO RETURN

Be sure that the $ sign is in the first column on the left hand side.
You can color the text in THEDRAW, but you must then edit the file
with a text editor to insure that the $ is on the extreme left of the
screen; Otherwise, DOORWAY will not recognize the $ command.

Now, enter the H50MENUS program and call up the MESSAGE MENU. Press
F9 to edit the keys. Using the cursor keys, move to the first
external function and enter the letter P for Privacy Statement. Enter
the file name PRIVACY.SLC for the name of the script. You will also
want to edit your menu screens to include the (P)rivacy Warning
command.

Make a local logon and press P at the message menu. DOORWAY should
run in local mode and call up the text of your message. When you
press a carriage return, DOORWAY returns control to Host50. Now re-
edit your PRIVACY.SLT script to replace the LOCAL command with the
appropriate comm port command (Com1 or Com2) and you are done.




THE EXTERNAL USER EDITOR


The H50UEDIT.EXE program should be in your Telix directory; you can
start it from anywhere if that directory is in the path. When you call
the user editor from Host50 (F2) you will get this registered version
instead of the shareware version.

H50UEDIT.EXE is the full screen external user editor program that lets
you to edit all of the information that is available on a user. That
includes information the shareware version would not allow you to
edit. The following keys have functions in H50UEDIT.EXE:


MENU COMMANDS FOR H50UEDIT


F1 Help Screen

Brings up a the listing of menu commands



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F2 Saves the current user

Before moving to the next record, you must save the changes you have
made by pressing F2.


F3 Print user information

When you press F3 you are prompted to print the information for the
current user or all users.


F4 Search Users

To find a particular user, press F4 and enter their name. H50UEDIT
will advance to the first listing holding that name.


F5 Create New User

You can pre-log new users by pressing F5 and then entering all the
information. You primarily need the user's name, password, access,
and activity flag for the account to work. Information on address and
the like is optional.


F10 Exit Program

Before exiting the program, make sure you have saved the changes by
pressing F2 on the user's record.



















65





Thanks and Appreciation
______________________________________________________________________


There are a few people to whom I would like to give special thanks to,
for their help and cooperation in my endeavor to create this program:


Marvin Blackburn: My *FIRST* registered user and my most important
beta tester, his input and support have done the most for HOST! Thank
you VERY much Marvin!

Richard Fry: One of my best friends who is always giving me support
and comments about HOST. Some of his best ideas have made HOST what
it is now! I'll Always Be Grateful Rick!

Merrill Guice: The author of this documentation. He has had to use
and test every feature so that you would have detailed instructions on
how to get the best out of the program. People have been giving me
grief about my manuals for some time. Now, thank goodness, they can
blame Merrill instead!

Bob Francis: For unfailing support and humor, even when I woke him up
in the middle of the night.


And, of course to all the beta testers:

Steve See, Jack Gordon, Lloyd Burt, Harry Smith, Merrill Guice, Steve
Walcher, Jay Hanna, Mark Jensen, Jerry Mecray, Paul Kimball, and the
rest! These guys worked very hard for nearly 10 months testing,
using, and retesting Host50. They also took my calls and laughed at
my jokes. Thank you for all the hard work guys, you've done a good
job! Now, how are you going to explain the phone bill to your spouse?

Thanks also to the document beta testers, Chuck O'Neill and Billy
Hanner, for taking a program they never saw, using every feature, and
writing down where Merrill's manual led them astray.



And finally,

Colin Sampaleanu and Jeff Woods at Exis

For the extremely hard work and numerous, uncounted hours they have
put into creating Telix, which is the best telecomm program around! As
well as putting up with my questions, bugging them about problems and
all around giving them a hard time!

EXTRA thanks to both of You!




66





Technical Support
______________________________________________________________________




If you have any suggestions, ideas for the next version, problems
using the program, or (God forbid) bugs, you may get a hold of me at
these locations:


BEST WAY!-> Host Software Products Support Board, (619) 674-1548

This is the best place to come for help and to find out ways to enjoy
Host50 even more. We have created several add on Telix scripts to take
advantage of the flexibility of Host50 and you will find them here.
User created programs are also available for download. Programmers
will find technical information about Host50 on file.

CompuServe: 70304,1737 IBM Communications

PCRelay (RIME), HOST-BBS Conference

If your PCRelay Board does not carry our support conference ask
them to! Ask for HOST-BBS - RelayNet Master Number #203

Telix Support BBS, (416) 439-9399

PCRelay (RIME), Telix Conference

FIDO Net Telix Conference



Or write me at:

Host Software Products
15837 Windrose Way
San Diego, CA 92127-2066




Daniel Horn, President
Host Software Products










67





Appendix A - Examples of Door Installations
______________________________________________________________________




SIMPLE SETUP


Here is the simplest setup for a PCBoard door. The game in this
example is called HiDice. Here is what is put in Host50:

Your filename is C:\DOORS\HIDI\HIDICE.EXE

The command line is HIDICE.CFG

The converter is PCBoard 14.x

Many doors want some type of configuration file. Here is what a
typical one looks like:

C:\DOORS\HIDI\PCBoard.sys
Dan Horn
Host Software Products
000000


The first line is where the PCBOARD.SYS file will be found. Host50
will write the PCBOARD.SYS file into the directory given in the
filename, in this case: C:\DOORS\HIDI\. Getting the directory wrong
is a common mistake.

When the door is called, Host50 writes PCBOARD.SYS to C:\DOORS\HIDI.
It then changes to that directory and starts the program by issuing
the line:

C:\DOORS\HIDI\HIDICE.EXE HIDICE.CFG.



RUNNING A FOSSIL DRIVER

Some doors need a fossil driver active in RAM before they can operate.
Fossil drivers are used by most BBS programs to monitor the
communications interrupt in memory and are available from almost any
BBS. The two main programs in use are called BNU and X00. You put the
fossil driver in memory before you start your door and remove it when
you are through by calling your door from a batch file.

Locate the batch file in the same directory as the door program. This
way, Host50 will send the system file to the same directory as the
program. Be sure and use full path and filenames in your batch file
to avoid DOS calling another copy of command.com and eating up memory.


68





Appendix A - Examples of Door Installations
______________________________________________________________________




Here is a sample Host50 configuration:

Filename : C:\DOORS\CARDS\BLACKJAK.BAT
Command Line: Blank
Converter : RBBS


Here is the batch file:

rem This is Blackjak.bat
rem Starting fossil driver
C:\MISC\BNU.COM /F
rem now start the program
C:\DOORS\CARDS\JACK.EXE JACK.CFG
rem when the program is over, remove fossil driver
C:\MISC\BNU.COM /U
:end


STARTING A SCRIPT FROM THE DOOR

You can run a Telix script from the door section and even pass a
parameter to it.

For instance, there is a script available to registered users of
Host50 on the Host Software Products Support BBS called HTYPEF.SLC.
This script will type a file on the screen of the local and the
remote. This is how you would configure it in Host50 to show a file
called AFILE.ANS:

Filename : C:\TELIX\SCRIPT\HTYPEF.SLC

Command Line: C:\TELIX\HOST\AFILE.ANS

Converter: none

Script writers need to know that anything you put in the command line
is sent to the script as a SINGLE string. So running a door with the
command line as:

"THIS IS A TEST"

would be passed to a script as a single string. A script can use this
string by having it's main function set up like so:

main(str commandline)
{
...
}
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Appendix A - Examples of Door Installations
______________________________________________________________________




The string commandline could be set to use one of the internal
parameters. For instance, %C will expand to tell the Comm port in
use:

"THIS IS A TEST %C"

Could expand to:

"THIS IS A TEST 1"








































70





Appendix B - Examples of Events
______________________________________________________________________




Most sysops run events to do maintenance on their BBS files. They run
batch files to backup their drive, run maintenance programs for the
various game doors, scan new files for virus, pack data bases, and any
number of things.

It is a good idea to run your event at some time other than midnight
because this is one of the busier times for callers. An event time
like 4am is not likely to inconvenience users.

Listed here are some sample events and batch files.


CHECKING ALL UPLOADS FOR VIRUS

You will want to check all new files that have been uploaded to your
board before you make them available for users. This set of batch
files uses PKzip and McAfee's ViruScan to do just that. The file
assumes that all uploads are sent to a directory called C:\BBS\UPLOAD;
that there is an empty directory called \TEMP; that you have a zip
comment file called ziphead.asc. The batch files are called EVENT.BAT
and SCANNER.BAT. These batch files are set to run EVERY time someone
logs off your board. I have written this for ZIP files only. You can
modify it to work with Archive programs popular in your area.

rem This is EVENT.BAT
rem
if exist C:\BBS\UPLOAD\*.ZIP goto send
goto end
:send
XCOPY C:\BBS\UPLOAD\*.ZIP \TEMP /m
if not exist C:\TEMP\*.ZIP goto end
md \TEMP\$$$
cd \TEMP
for %%a in (*.zip) do call SCANNER.BAT %%a
rd \TEMP\$$$
for %%a in (*.zip) do PKZIP %%a -z < \TELIX\HOST\ZIPHEAD.ASC
COPY C:\TEMP\*.ZIP C:\BBS\UPLOAD
DEL C:\TEMP\*.* < ECHO Y
ATTRIB -A C:\BBS\UPLOAD\*.ZIP
H50COMP /F K B:4
cd \TELIX
:end

Line 3 checks to see if there are any files in your upload directory.
If there are no files, the batch file ends.

Line 6 uses XCOPY to send all files that have not had the archive bit
set on to a sub-directory called TEMP.

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Appendix B - Examples of Events
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Line 7 is a test to see if there are any new files; if TEMP is empty
the batch file ends.

Line 8 creates a new directory for use by SCANNER.BAT. Line 10 sends
each new file in turn to SCANNER.BAT for processing.

Line 12 inserts your own zip comment file in the place of any file
that was present. If you don't want to have a zip comment, create a
blank file called ZIPHEAD.ASC and this will serve to wipe out the
comment.

Line 13 copies all the files back to \BBS\UPLOAD. Line 14 deletes all
the files in \TEMP.

Line 15 sets the archive bits of all the files in \BBS\UPLOAD to off.

Line 16 starts up the Files Compressor and resorts all the files to
include the new ones. If you are a registered user, you may want to
have it compress only the Uploads file base.


Here is SCANNER BAT:

PKUNZIP %1 *.COM *.EXE *.OVL C:\TEMP\$$$\
if errorlevel 1 goto end
SCAN C:\TEMP\$$$
if errorlevel 1 goto bad
if errorlevel 0 goto end
:bad
md C:\XXX
copy %1 C:\XXX
del %1
del C:\BBS\UPLOAD\%1
echo ** Scan detects %1 carries virus **>>C:\TELIX\HOST\HOST50.LOG
echo ** File removed to c:\xxx\%1 !!! ** >>C:\TELIX\HOST\HOST50.LOG
:end
del C:\TEMP\$$$\*.* < ECHO Y

Line 1 unzips the file name passed to it by EVENT.BAT. It unzips
files that commonly hold virus into the directory C:\TEMP\$$$ that was
created by EVENT.BAT

Line 2 checks to see if any of those files existed in the archive.
PKzip gives an error level of 1 if no files are found. If the files
aren't found, the batch file ends.




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Appendix B - Examples of Events
______________________________________________________________________




Line 3 calls VIRUSCAN to scan the files. An error level of 1 or
higher means bad files were found. An error level of 0 means the
files are ok and the batch file branches to the end where the files
are deleted and control is passed back to EVENT.BAT.

Lines 7 - 12 create a directory called \XXX and moves the bad files to
it. The bad files are also erased from \TEMP and \BBS\UPLOAD. A
warning is inserted in the HOST50.LOG file.

We have included these batch files so that you can get started with an
important event right off the bat. Later, you may wish to find a file
on the BBS's called CHECKOUT. This program does essentially the same
functions as the batch file, but does it much faster. It also handles
all kinds of archive formats.



BACKUP THE BBS FILES

You can back up all of your important BBS files each day on to a
diskette. This is good for saving your Users list and other databases
against corruption. It is a good idea to rotate the disks out of your
floppy each day and have several sets.

An easy batch file line for this event is:

XCOPY C:\TELIX\HOST\*.* A:

You can combine this with other actions in a once per day event


COMPRESS THE DATA BASES

After you back up your data, its a good idea to compress the files.
You may be already compressing the Filebases in EVENT.BAT whenever a
new upload is made. Since you may go a day or two without an upload,
its a good idea to compress them at least once a day.

Here are some sample batch lines:

H50COMP U D:90
H50COMP M D:30 B:0 K
H50COMP F B0 K

Line 1 compresses the User base and deletes all callers who haven't
logged on in 90 days. Line 2 compresses all the Message bases, kills
all messages over 30 days old, and kills all private messages that
have been read. Line 3 compresses all Files bases in alphabetical
order and kills any entries where the files are not present.
73





Appendix C - Hostdoor.Sys Format
______________________________________________________________________




This file is written out when Host50 runs a door program. It contains
information pertaining to both the user's status and also to the
status of certain variables in Host50. This information is intended
for people who are able to program in SALT to help them customize door
converters and attach programs to the menus.

The following is the file format of the HOSTDOOR.SYS file and then a
short description of the different variables and their use.


NOTE: Each of the Positions given are actual locations in the data
file, as referenced by the Fseek() function in SALT. These positions
might not be exactly the same (but should be) in any other language.

The following is information on the data type formats used in the
HOSTDOOR.SYS file.

Str String of [Total] size, can be read in with the FREAD()
function, and written with FWRITE().

Chr String of 1 character size, can be read in with the FREAD()
function, and written with FWRITE().

Uint Unsigned integer stored in the Intel format, that is Low
Byte/High Byte format. Unsigned integers can be read in as
a string and the converted to a integer variable using the
following code:

(Unsigned Char [Total = 1] integers)

x = SubChr(temp, 0);


(Unsigned Integer [Total = 2] integers)

x = SubChr(temp, 0) + SubChr(temp, 1) * 256;


(Unsigned Long Int [Total = 3] integers)

x = SubChr(temp, 0) + SubChr(temp, 1) * 256 +

SubChr(temp, 2) * 65536;






74





Appendix C - Hostdoor.Sys Format
______________________________________________________________________




Sint Signed integer stored in the Intel format, that is Low
Byte/High Byte format. Signed integers can be read in as a
string and the converted to a integer variable using the
following code:

(Signed Integer [Total = 2] integers)

x = SubChr(temp, 0) + SubChr(temp, 1) * 256;
if (x > 32767)
x = x - 65536;







































75





Appendix C - Hostdoor.Sys Format
______________________________________________________________________




HOSTDOOR.SYS

Position Total Type Data Name


0 2 Str Host Version Number
2 64 Str Host Data Directory
66 1 Uint Status Bar Location
67 1 Uint System Color 1
68 1 Uint System Color 2
69 1 Uint System Color 3
70 1 Uint System Color 4
71 1 Uint System Color 5
72 1 Uint Auto Baud Detect
73 1 Uint Local Mode
74 5 Str Baud Rate
79 5 Str DTE Rate
84 1 Uint Com Port
85 2 Uint Com Port Base
87 1 Uint Com Port IRQ
88 1 Uint Error Correcting Connection
89 6 Str Time User Logged On (Seconds)
95 6 Str Seconds Remaining This Call
101 3 Str User Number
104 1 Chr User Access Level
105 20 Str User Name
125 35 Str User Location
160 18 Str User Phone
178 10 Str User Password
188 10 Str User LastOn
198 1 Uint User ANSI
199 1 Uint User Pause
200 1 Uint User Experience
201 1 Str User Protocol
202 3 Uint User Uploads
205 3 Uint User Downloads
208 1 Uint User ANSI 1
209 1 Uint User ANSI 2
210 1 Uint User ANSI 3
211 1 Uint User ANSI 4
212 1 Uint User ANSI 5
213 1 Uint User ANSI 6
214 2 Sint Minutes Credited/
Removed from time
216 2 Uint Current Message Base Number
218 2 Uint Current File Base Number



76





Appendix C - Hostdoor.Sys Format
______________________________________________________________________




This is a list of all information in the data file and a brief
description of each:


Host Version A string (of 2 length) that contains the version number
of HOST3. It's a constant (it will only change when a
new version is released) and for Host50 is set to 50.

Host Data Dir The name of the directory where Host50 keeps all of its
data files (such as USER50.DAT, FILES50.1, etc). This
is for doors that have their own data files and wish to
keep them in the data directory (which they really
should, just keeps everything orderly).

Status Bar This is an integer showing the current position of the
Host50 status bar. If the status bar is off, this will
be '1', if on this will be '4'. This is given so that
any script doors may be able to write to the screen
without disturbing the status information.

Color1 ; Color2 ; Color3 ; Color4 ; Color5

These 5 integers are the five system colors that have been chosen by
the sysop for the system sided options. These colors are provided only
for the ability for the door programs to make themselves "Blend" into
Host50 in operation and to provide a more constant interface of the
doors and Host50.

Com Port A integer that gives the actual port number (1,2,3,4
and etc)

Com Port Base The actual address base for the com port given in an
decimal form. For instance, 3f8 would be 1016.

Com Port IRQ The IRQ number for the Com Port in use.

Auto Baud Detect

This is an integer that indicates if Host50 should
change the baud rate on a call (Locked DTE Rate). If a
'0', Host50 leaves the baud rate alone (the DTE is
locked), a '1' tells Host50 to change the rate.

Local Mode A '1' means that Host50 is in a Local Test Mode (sysop
has done a local logon). A '0' means there is a user
online.



77





Appendix C - Hostdoor.Sys Format
______________________________________________________________________




Baud Rate This is the baud rate that the caller is using. In the
case of high speed modems like the USRobotics HST, this
rate may not match the rate that the local modem is
running. If a door makes a baud change, the DTE Rate
SHOULD be the rate that is used. Any attempt to change
the baud rate of a High Speed modem to a rate that is
different from the DTE Rate will cause a loss of the
carrier.

DTE Rate This is the actual operating speed of the modem. It
should always be given preference over the Baud Rate
See above for more details.

Error Correcting

This is an integer that indicates if there is an MNP
(Error Correction) connection established.

Time User Logged On

This is an integer containing the time the user logged
on the system. The integer is given in seconds from
midnight.

Seconds Remaining

This is the time the user has left on the system based
in seconds.

User Number This is the current caller's User Number held in the
user data file. It is used to locate the user
information quickly. This is NOT an actual location in
the data file, but is a reference number that is used
to calculate the data's true location in the file.

User Access Level

This is an integer which represents the users access on
Host50. It can be a number between 0 and 9.

User Name This is the user's full name.

User Location

This is a combination of the user's city and state and
State they are calling from in the format "CITY,
STATE".


78





Appendix C - Hostdoor.Sys Format
______________________________________________________________________




User Phone This is the user's phone number. There is no special
format for the phone number. It is input as a string of
18 characters in length.

User Password This is the user's password.

User LastOn This is the date the user was laston. The format of the
date is "MM-DD-YY".

User ANSI This is an integer representing the user's current ANSI
status. A '1' means ANSI is on, and a '0' means that
ANSI is off. The ANSI_x variables will contain the
ANSI color the user has chosen regardless of this
line's status. This variable should always be checked
before using ANSI color.

User Pause This is an integer representing the status of the pause
function. If it is a '1' then Pause is on and the
screen should be paused every 23 lines. A '0' is off
and the screen should not be paused.

User Experience
This is an integer representing the user's current help
level. A '0' is the Novice level, '1' is Intermediate,
and '2' is Expert.

User Protocol This is the user's current default protocol.

User Uploads This is an string which contains the total number of
uploads the user has made to the system.

User Downloads This is an integer which contains the total number of
downloads the user has made from the system.


ANSI_1 ; ANSI_2 ; ANSI_3 ; ANSI_4 ; ANSI_5 ; ANSI_6

These six integers contain the colors chosen by the user as their
default color. They should be used where a specific color is not
required. Note that these will contain the color number even if the
User has specified ANSI to be off. The program should ALWAYS reference
the USER_ANSI variable to check if ANSI is on or off!

Minutes Credited/
Removed A Signed Integer in the amount of minutes that
should be credited or removed from the users time.
Credited time numbers from 1 to +32,767 and
Removed time numbers from -1 to -32,768

79





Appendix C - Hostdoor.Sys Format
______________________________________________________________________




Current Message
Base Number An integer that holds the number for the current
Message Base.

Current File
Base Number An integer that holds the number for the current
File Base.










































80






Appendix D - Writing Your Own Converter
______________________________________________________________________




This section gives a brief listing of the "Special" format for a
Host50 Door converter. It is given for those of you who would like to
write your own converter.

The converters are standard Telix scripts with a few "Extra" specific
details about the script. Following the description is a SMALL example
(no actual code) for a converter script. The compiled script must have
a extension of H50, and should be placed in the HOST data directory.
If you have a converter you have written please share it with us!


1. The FIRST (not counting notes) compilable line MUST be a string
definition (global) of 12 characters in length giving the name of
the BBS system the door was written to serve. Here is the
format:

STR ConverterName[12] = "WILDCAT";

It is not necessary for the actual string to have an exact 12
characters but it must not be more than 12 characters.


2. The script must have two passed variables declared in MAIN(). The
first variable is a string that contains the path where the
converted data file will be placed. The second variable is an
integer defining if the data file should be created, or should be
erased. Since the converter MUST do both it is important that it
knows which to do. Here is an example:

Main(Str Path_Name, Int EraseFiles)

If you attempt to run the converter from outside of Host50 it
will not run.


3. The converter must create / erase the data file based upon the
value of the passed integer. If the integer is a '0' then the
script must create the data file. If the integer is a '1' it must
erase it.

The following page holds a short template for a script. It does
not have any specific code except for the initial variable
declaration and the branching based on EraseFiles. This example
is to show the initial variables and the Main() variable
declarations.



81





Appendix D - Writing Your Own Converter
______________________________________________________________________




///////////////////// EXAMPLE CONVERTER /////////////////////////

STR ConverterName[12] = "EXAMPLE";

// DEFINE ALL OTHER NEEDED GLOBAL VARIABLES HERE

Main(Str Path_Name, Int EraseFiles)
{
// DEFINE ALL NEEDED LOCAL VARIABLES HERE
If(EraseFiles)
{
EraseTheFile(); // RUN USER FUNCTION TO DELETE DATA FILE
Return; // RETURN TO Host50
}
GetData(); // RUN USER FUNCTION TO GET DATA FROM
// HOSTDOOR.SYS
WriteData(); // RUN USER FUNCTION TO WRITE DATA TO THE
// DOOR SYSTEM FILE
Return; // RETURN TO Host50
}
//////////////////// END OF EXAMPLE CONVERTER ///////////////////


NOTE: This is not intended to be a lesson in writing scripts. If you
are not proficient at writing scripts then PLEASE do not attempt to
write your own converter. It is possible to destroy important
information if you make a mistake.

This information is intended solely for those people who are
programmers. If you want/need a converter and are not able to write
your own, we will be more then happy to help you out!


















82





Appendix E - Required, Optional,& Created Files
______________________________________________________________________


Below is a list of all the files that are required by Host50 and those
that the program creates and maintains. In addition, there are
optional files you may wish to add.


REQUIRED FILES TO RUN HOST50


HINSTALL.EXE This is the installation program. Once used it may be
deleted.

HOST50.DAT This contains the Host50 program files in a compressed
format. HINSTALL extracts the files and puts them in
the correct directories. You can delete HOST50.DAT
following installation.

HOST50.SLC This is the main program, it is the script which you
call in order to run Host50.

HOST50.OVL This contains the screen overlays for Host50.

H50UTILS.SLC Utilities script, it contains the Configure Program and
the Shareware User Editor Program. It is called by the
HOST50.SLC program. It can also run in Telix by typing
H50UTILS after pressing ALT-G. It will be placed in
your script directory by HINSTALL.

H50MSGED.SLC Message Editor script overlay, contains all of the
message editor routines. It will be placed in your
script directory by HINSTALL NOTE: H50MSGED.SLC can be
deleted if you do not wish to use the message editor.
(No message base).

MENUS50.DAT This is the file which contains all of the menus for
each of the levels as well as the sections. It will be
placed in your HOST data directory by HINSTALL.

H50COMP.EXE This is the file which does all the data file
compression. It will be placed in your Telix
directory.

*.H50 Door Converter overlays, contain all the information to
convert to the different BBS systems. They will be
placed in your HOST data directory. Current converters:
GAP.H50, PCB14.H50, QBBS.H50 NOTE: If you do not want
to have support for a specific BBS type, then you may
delete the converter for that BBS.


ENGLISH.LNG This file holds all of the BBS commands in ENGLISH.
future versions will be able to run in other languages.
83





Appendix E - Required, Optional,& Created Files
______________________________________________________________________




HOST50.LIB This library file holds all of the command overlays
used in the configuration program.



CREATED FILES

Files made by Host50 and located in the HOST data directory


USER50.DAT This is the file that holds all of the user
information.

HOST50.LOG This is the log of what each user does when on the
system.

H50FBASE.DAT This holds the number and name of each files base.


FILES50.* This is the file that holds all of the file database
information. The file extension is the number of the
database.

H50MBASE.DAT This holds the number and name of each message base.

INDEX50.* This file holds the message pointers for each user for
each message base. The file extension is the number of
the database.

HEADER50.* This is the header information for each message in the
message base. The file extension is the number of the
message base.

MSG50.* This holds the actual messages for the message base.
The file extension is the number of the message base.

DOORS50.DAT This file contains all of the information you enter
when you configure to run a door program.

BLTS50.DAT This file contains all of the information you enter
when you configure bulletins.

HOST50.CFG This file holds all of the other configuration
information you enter when you customize Host50.

HOST50.KEY This file holds all of the Macros you create.




84





Appendix E - Required, Optional,& Created Files
______________________________________________________________________




OPTIONAL FILES


ADDFILES.EXE The ADDFILES program for addling files to the files
base. It should be placed in the Telix directory.

HSHELL.BAT This batch file is supplied in the Telix documentation.
If in the Telix directory it will be run if a online
user does a shell to DOS. It will override ALL other
shell options. The order in which the shell options
take precedence is:

HSHELL.BAT
DOORWAY.EXE
CTTY COMx



TRASHCAN.DAT If this ASCII text file is found in the HOST data
directory it will determine if any name given by a new
user is acceptable. (See Security and Legal)


*.ANS These files are the BBS ansi graphics files you create.
You can make a LOGON, NEWUSER, BBSINFO, NEWS, and
BYEBYE file. (See Customizing Host50)

*.ASC These are the ASCII versions of the ANSI graphics files
you created. Have these made for those users who don't
have ansi available to them.


HLOGON.SLC If this compiled Salt file exists in your Telix Script
Directory, Host50 will run the script during the logon
process just before the prompt for message check. This
script can call a quote of the day program, message to
next caller door, or whatever your script writing
abilities permits.











85





Appendix F - External Archive Testing
______________________________________________________________________




There are several attractive archive testing programs on the BBS
market. We have left an option open to substitute one of those for
Host50's internal archive test routines. During Beta test, several
Beta users started work on scripts to mesh with their favorite archive
program. None were finished by release date, but you should be able
to find them soon on the Host Sotfware Products Support BBS.

If you are a script writer, here are some tips for writing your own.
Be sure an upload any successful script you write to share with
others!

You must start this function with a SALT script. The script requires
a single parameter, and MUST return a integer value of -1, 0, or 1.
An example of the main entrance code would be:

main(str filename)
{
...
return(xxx);
}

Filename would contain the name of the file just uploaded and ready
for testing. You could then use SALT's RUN function to start the
program and pass the string FILENAME as the parameter. Your archive
test program must exit with a DOS ERRORLEVEL that gives the result of
the test. You must then translate that ERRORLEVEL to one of three
return codes to pass back to Host50.

Here are the codes:

-1 Archive failed the test. Erase if Host50 is set to erase bad
archives.

0 Archive Can't Be Tested, save and notify sysop with message.

1 Archive Tests Ok.













86





Index
______________________________________________________________________



-- A --

ADDFILES 1, 40-44, 55, 85 configuration 6, 7, 14,
alarm 10, 35 22, 24-27, 31,
Animation 60 32, 34-37, 52,
ansi 1, 8, 9, 14, 23, 24, 53, 61, 68, 69,
37-39, 48, 53, 84
57, 59, 60, 76, converter 26, 63, 68, 69,
79, 85 81-83
application 1, 47 CRC 44
ARC 2, 6, 19, 27 CTTY 15, 53, 85
archive 2, 6, 19, 20, 22,
27, 28, 44, -- D --
71-73, 86
ARJ 2, 6, 27 database 5, 8, 12, 19-21,
ASCII 17, 23, 29, 38, 39, 28, 32, 34,
54, 60, 85 40-45, 50-52, 55,
ATA 22 56, 84
ATTRIB 71 door 1-3, 7, 8, 11, 14,
AUTOEXEC 5 22-27, 36, 62,
63, 68-71, 74,
--B -- 77, 78, 81-85
DOORWAY 2, 15, 24-26,
BACKUP 52, 71, 73 36, 53, 63, 64,
Baud 9, 25, 76-78 85
BBSINFO 38, 85 DORINFO 62
beta 3, 66, 86 DOS 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 11,
Bimodem 2, 19 15, 24, 26, 29,
Blacklist 47, 54 30, 32, 35, 36,
BLTS 23 38, 40, 44, 45,
BNU 68, 69 49, 52, 53, 57,
bulletins 2, 3, 7, 8, 13, 62, 63, 68, 85,
22, 23, 84 86
BYEBYE 38, 85 DOSSHELL 28
Byte 74, 75 download 19, 20, 31, 60,
67
-- C -- DTE 25, 76-78

Capture Log 11, 21 -- E --
Chat 9, 10, 13, 23, 28,
35, 60 EraseFiles 81, 82
CHECKOUT 73 ESC 27, 30
CHKDSK 53 Event 1, 2, 29, 30, 49,
Colors 14, 23, 39, 77, 79 51, 52, 71-73
Comm 25, 37, 53, 64, 70 EXITHOST 1, 28, 29
commandline 69, 70 EXITTELIX 1, 29, 30
Compressor 12, 43, 47,
49-52, 56, 72
CompuServe 4, 67

87





Index
______________________________________________________________________




-- F --

FANSI 53 HOSTDOOR 26, 63, 74-80,
FIDO 67 82
FIDONet 33 HOSTHELP 28
File Base 1, 3, 13, 32, HREPAIR 5, 49, 52
34, 40, 41, 43, HSHELL 85
44, 47, 49-52, HST 78
56, 57, 72, 76, HTYPEF 63, 69
80, 84 85
File Menu 18, 20, 59 -- I --
FILECOMPRESS 28
File Compressor 12, 43, IBM 24, 53, 67
49-52, 56, 72 INDEX 52, 87
File Editor 34, 40-44, Intel 74, 75
55, 56 interrupt 68
fossil 68, 69 IRQ 25, 76, 77
Frontdoor 2, 30
FSME 1 -- K --
Full Screen Editor 17, 18
Keywords 28
-- G --
-- I --
GAP 2, 25, 26, 83
GLOBAL 16, 39, 81, 82 lhz 2, 6, 19
Global Variable 39 library 84
graphics 8, 9, 85 Local Mode 11, 22, 26, 53,
63, 64, 76, 77
-- H -- LOCALMODE 28
Lower Access 10, 13, 18,
H50COMP 1, 12, 49, 51, 52, 58, 59
71, 73, 83 Lower Time 10
H50FEDIT 3, 34, 55 LOWERACCESS 28
H50MENUS 3, 13, 20, 39, LOWERTIME 28
57-60, 64 LZH 27
H50UEDIT 3, 46, 48, 64, 65
Hacker 54 -- M --
Hangup 11, 28
HEADER 52, 84 Macros 9, 28, 29, 84
Help Screen 9, 18, 55, 57, mail 6, 36, 50
61, 64 Main Menu 6, 8, 13, 15,
HINSTALL 5, 83 18-20, 24, 27,
HLOGON 85 30-32, 34-36, 48,
Host Software Products 49, 58, 59, 62
Support BBS 2, McAfee 71
3, 30, 52, 63, 69 Menu Commands 8, 11,
HOST50.CFG 84 13-21, 57, 59,
61, 62, 64

88





Index
______________________________________________________________________




Message Base 8, 13, 16, -- R --
33, 39, 50-52,
76, 80, 83, 84 Raise Access 10
Message Menu 8, 13, 15, Raise Time 10
59, 63, 64 RAISEACCESS 28
modem 2, 4, 6, 8, 11, 22, RAISETIME 28
23, 78 RAM 53, 68
MOUSE 1, 41 RBBS 2, 25, 26, 69
reboot 5, 15, 53
-- N -- Redraw 17, 18
Registered 3, 13, 20,
network 33 32-34, 39, 40,
NEWUSER 38, 85 42-44, 46, 48,
Node 36 55, 56, 57-66,
69, 72
-- O -- Registration 3, 4
RelayNet 67
offhook 22 Reply 16
OVL 72, 83 RIME 33, 67

-- P -- -- S --

PAK 2, 6, 19, 27 SALT 1, 25, 62, 63, 74,
parameters 25, 30, 70 85, 86
password 2, 6, 8, 9, 14, Screen Image 11
15, 29, 35, 40, scripts 3, 62, 67, 81, 82,
42, 44, 47, 55, 86
62, 65, 76, 79 Shareware 1-3, 32-34,
PCBoard 2, 25, 26, 62, 68 40, 43, 46, 48,
PCRelay 33, 67 64, 83
phone 2, 4, 22, 36, 47, shell 2, 6, 8, 11, 15, 32,
66, 76, 79 35, 36, 45, 52,
PKUNZIP 72 53, 62, 85
PKzip 20, 71, 72 SLC 25, 29, 46, 63, 64,
Port 25, 53, 64, 70, 76, 69, 83, 85
77 SLT 63, 64
Privacy 54, 63, 64 spreadsheets 24
Protocol 14, 19, 43, 76, Status Box 9, 10
79 string 22, 36, 69, 70, 74,
75, 77, 79, 81,
-- Q -- 86
SYS 5, 26, 53, 62, 63,
QBBS 2, 25, 26, 83 68, 74-80, 82
Qsoft 38
questionnaire 30, 31, 46
QWK 36



89





Index
______________________________________________________________________




-- T --

TDRAW 58, 59
TEMPARC 20
Text Editor 12, 64
TEXTEDIT 28
THEDRAW 37, 38, 59, 64
TOGGLECHAT 28
TOGGLESTATUS 28
TRASHCAN 54, 85

-- U --

upload 7, 17, 19, 21, 28,
31, 34, 40, 43,
44, 71-73, 86
Uploaded Messages 17
User Editor 8, 12, 46-48,
54, 55, 64, 83
USEREDIT 28
USRobotics 78

-- V --

VIRUSCAN 71, 73

-- W --

WILDCAT 81

-- X --

XCOPY 71, 73
XT 37

-- Z --

zip 2, 6, 14, 19, 20, 27,
40, 43, 44, 47,
60, 71, 72









90