
Sunday 30-Jan-94 08:22:42

--1450--

BB> When you change the access group, CNet then AUTOMATICALLY adjusts the
BB> user's expiration date according to the new access group's default
BB> expiration days.

Isn't that true of all the values, not just expire-dates?

I don't have any problem re-running EA a 2nd time,
but maybe it would help if we had 4 exit-options like:
> Save and exit                Abort and exit
> Save and continue            Abort and continue

You'd then edit the access-level, hit "Save and continue", then edit
the expire-date (and all the other variables).

I'd use all 4 quite often.

Also, "Abort and continue" would allow you to undo mistakes and start
over.

--1451--

Ken> All CNet executables now automatically allocate their minimum
Ken> stack sizes.  Yes, you heard it right!  It is now SAFE to
Ken> "run control" with a stack size of 4000.  CNet will take care of
Ken> the necessary details.

Are there *ANY* penalties for doing the above?  If not, wure wish EVERYBODY
used that method.

Ken> What you now have to be concerned about is
Ken> NON-CNet executables.  Programs like LHA, ZOO, etc., if they
Ken> themselves do not do automatic stack allocation, obtain their
Ken> default stack size from the CLI stack size with which CNet was
Ken> ran.  You also have to be concerned about C program-file games
Ken> and other doors.  Do these programs have minimum stack sizes?
Ken> If so, it might be wise to create scripts containing STACK
Ken> commands which you run instead of the pfiles themselves.
Ken> A future version of CNet may provide an automated way of doing this,
Ken> where the stack size is specified on the "AT" screen.

Those systems with 50+ pfiles online could find that to be difficult.
Set them all 1-by-1.  Have to increase them all 1-by-1 10K, while
experimenting.  Or create/edit 50+ individual scripts.

Maybe CONFIG/DEFAULTS can use 4 new gadgets that controls things globally.

1> Stack settings for all C-pfiles:
2> Stack settings for all DOS-pfiles:
3> Stack settings for all Arexx-pfiles:
4> Stack settings for all CONFIG/ARCHIVERs:

We wouldn't have INDIVIDUAL pfile stack-control, but it sure would be
a faster/easier way to set-up initially, and tweek regularly.

--1452--

v3.05 readme...

Ken> It was possible to recurse several commands which should not
Ken> have been recursable.

Whenever I'm in a sub, NF works fine, NM works fine, but NS doesn't.
(I thought NS was just NF+NM.  No?)

NS gives:

> No new files found.
>
> Command is NOT usable from this prompt.

--1453--

Hopefully some day, Ken will inpliment the complete set...

'changewhat'
'changewhere'
'getwhat'
'getwhere'

--1454--

If you try and edit a user's access-level from the status window, as
soon as you hit the 1st digit of a 10-31 level number, the access
level changes to that 1-3 number instead.  It could log the user out
if that level's limits are set very, very low.  (Like my 2-3 levels.)

--1455--

I assume Ken meant "YOOHOO" instead of "YAHOO".

Ken> may enter the BBS as expecting.  If, however, CNet detects EMSI,
Ken> TSYNC, or YAHOO characters, CNet will run a script according to

My TD log...
> -  1-Feb-94 20:03:05  Connection made at 14400 Bd
> -  1-Feb-94 20:03:05  Connection made at 14400 Bd
> =  1-Feb-94 20:03:21  Begin of session
> ?  1-Feb-94 20:03:21  EMSI-PUT: EMSI_INQ
> ?  1-Feb-94 20:03:22  EMSI-PUT: EMSI_INQ
> ?  1-Feb-94 20:03:24  EMSI-PUT: EMSI_INQ
> ?  1-Feb-94 20:03:27  EMSI-PUT: EMSI_INQ
> -  1-Feb-94 20:03:27  Carrier lost
> =  1-Feb-94 20:03:27  Session connect time 0:22
> ~  1-Feb-94 20:03:27  Hanging up modem
> ~  1-Feb-94 20:03:27  Already hung up
> =  1-Feb-94 20:03:27  Call failed
> ~  1-Feb-94 20:03:27  Initializing modem
> +  1-Feb-94 20:03:30  Waiting for call

Well, I tried calling FW under while forcing my TD into WAZOO NOWAZOO
EMSI NOEMSI.  CNet never gets past the intially "Press ESC or '/'
twice to enter system:".

How do I force TD into TSYNC?

Ken, how many times have you tried+succeeded with the new "CNet spawns
TD" feature?

Jim, you do have the FW Fidonet port set to 0-23 trap (not mail) hour?
(Just wanted to cover ALL bases.)

JS>   Soo... somebody, ANYBODY, please do a Fido call here and let me know if
JS> it works!

Jim, I'll try a few.

Would it be worth having Ken add some "demo Fidonet code"?
Hit a pulldown menu in CNet to test-run s:Trap-sequence, TD, exit, etc,
immediately.

(At least for use in the beta-CNets, maybe leave it in for the non-betas too.)

--1456--

When I "MOve" files, v3.05 STILL assumes the wrong partition as the default.

> List, :, /, or Subboard#: 2
> Partition 4, bytes free: 13652096
> Move to which partition  [0]: 4

Subboard #2 doesn't even have a "0" partition set ON.
Why make "0" the default?

JS> BA> > List, :, /, or Subboard#: 2
JS> BA> > Partition 4, bytes free: 13652096
JS> BA> > Move to which partition  [0]: 4

JS> BA> Subboard #2 doesn't even have a "0" partition set ON.
JS> BA> Why make "0" the default?

JS> Does it say EXACTLY that?

That was a direct cut/paste.  But I might have modified my BBSTEXT file line.
What is the default text?  (That might be it.)

JS>   The way I interpret the system operation is that it is asking if you
JS> wish to install the file in the FIRST partition covered by that subboard,
JS> which would be partition '0', which could easily be located on UDBASE4:,
JS> no?

I wouldn't suggestion mixing the 2 VERY different references here.
("0-31 partitions #s" and "which element in my partition list is it".)
4 would be 4, regardless of whether it's the 7th one in the list.

This would leave 0 doubts...
> List, :, /, or Subboard#: 2
> UDBase4:, bytes free: 13652096
> Move to which partition [UDBase4]:

Would anyone still ask "Gee, what partition is the default?"

--1457--

Thanks for the new index.

Are you welcoming suggestions and new index entries?

New entries...
Maybe we could tell everyone, "any time you look in the index for a
certain word and can't find it, mention it to "David
Anderson", for addition in a future index update".

Suggestions...
Add a short line of dots between keywords and page #s.
> Address Messages. . . . . . . . . . 147
> Adopting Orphan Files . . . . . . . 119,168
> AG  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98,257
> AL (pfiles/gfiles/news) . . . . . . 216
> Alarm Sysop @ Logon . . . . . . . . 122

Also, things could be left and right justified:
> Address Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . 147
> Adopting Orphan Files . . . . . . . 119,168
> AG  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  98,257
> AL (pfiles/gfiles/news) . . . . . . . . 216
> Alarm Sysop @ Logon . . . . . . . . . . 122

Also, if you format the file in the following way, we can
print it out and drop it right into the manual....

Left  Margin: 12
Right Margin: 60
Lines/Page  : 44
Chars/Inch  : 12

(All you really need to do is "make sure no line is >50 chars long".  The
printer can do all the rest.)

If you could obtain a text-file of CNet's original index, would you be
interested in merging (and de-duping) it with yours?

Also, I can't find the following things in the EITHER index.

> SkyPix
> Paragon Doors
> GetCarrier (arexx cmd)
> Return original msg also  (page 276)
> Request return-receipt (Fidonet) (page 278)
> Request return-receipt (Local)

More new index entries.  I couldn't even find some of these pages #s.

!V cmd .......................
! Marker (Missing Items) .....       262
+ Marker (Control-Panel) .....
+ Marker (favorite item) .....       170
+ Marker (who) ...............
+n, -n .......................       161
<#, ># .......................   156,162
ANSI Paging/Scrolling ........       130
AO (Gfiles/Pfiles/List) ......       212
Avalid Files .................    92,263
BAD_MSGS .....................       248
Chaos Flag ...................       238
Chat Colors ..................       233
Check-Spelling ...............       200
Control-E, F Macros ..........       133
Credit Removal Factor ........       175
ESC-CODE (modem) .............        76
FInger cmd ...................    99,280
FIFO-handler .................   217,260
Font .........................        48
Gfiles Area ..................       211
JoinLink ID/Password .........        53
LAST cmd .....................       161
Lock/Unlock Control-Panel ....        37
Locking Ports ................
Log-On Macro .................   133,181
MATRIX (Netmail) .............
New ..........................   161,170
NoReq ........................       260
Null Modem SetUp .............     77,90
OVER cmd .....................       161
Repair_Sub ...................   189-190
RIP ..........................
Rooms ........................       235
Route-Mail ...................        83
SAM/SAG ...................... 39,41,257
Shared Ports .................
SkyPix .......................       128
Spell-Checker ................       200
UUCP HiWater .................   143,256
UUmail, UUnews ...............       255
Vote Flag ....................       151
X (Auto-Callback) ............
X (Sorting Lists) ............
XPR Libraries/Protocols ......        67

I've already had several users say they'd also like copies of my
additions.  I can't send them to everyone 1-by-1.  I'll just post them
here.  YANK, insert, disregard, as needed.

You might also want to put a standard "$VER: v1.1" version-string in
the file some place, too.

More CNet Manual Index stuff...

+ (conf shout) ..........         235
- (conf whisper) ........         235
= (conf noises) .........     236,264
Dictionary (editing).....         134
File-Mail ............... 275,280,284
FInger cmd ..............      99,280
Hide (auto) .............     132,231
Hide cmd ................     100,230
Inactive Days (items) ...         143
Inactive Days (users) ...         115
Muffle (auto) ...........     132,231
Muffle cmd ..............     100,230
Multi-Mail ..............         283
Noises (conf) ...........     236,264
Shout (conf) ............         235
Signature Files .........         133
Whisper (conf) ..........         235

Also, using dividers like:
> [blank]
>                    --- A ---
> A's...
> A's...
> [blank]
>                    --- B ---
> B's...
> B's...
> [blank]
>                    --- C ---
> C's...
> C's...
throughout the index, will help.

I notice the page-break and no-page-break files are 98 chars different
in size.  These are the exact same indexes?  Also, one says it has 550
entries, the other says it has 600.  (They both have the same # of
lines.)

WC> Filename:       lines - words - chars - bins - pages - crc
WC> WITHpagebreaks   657    1673    29614     14     10    88a1
WC> NOpagebreaks     657    1644    29516      0     10    9155
WC> -----------------------------------------------------------
WC> Total 2 files:  1314    3317    59130     14     20    1f38

Thanks for the update.

--1458--

A> Bill Allen: Dont tell me how I run a 'large' system, etc, etc... I dont
A> give a damn, this is un-needed WASTE... (Didnt mean to jump on you, but
A> whenever someone has a complaint similar to mine, you try to jump in and
A> show how 'most' people wont have this problem, your right, MOST WONT, but
A> those who run many networks are sure to have this problem alot, even if
A> they know it or not..)

When I feel a problem effects 1% of the systems, I'll mention it, and ask "is
it worth it?".  When I feel a problem effects 90% of the systems, I'll mention
that too.  It *IS* something that should be considered when asking for major
re-writes and changes in the very way CNet works.  Should we just ignore that?
(Or have *I* just been grossly incorrect at my x% guesses in the past?)

Here we have a "problem" that effects everyone with heavy-active subs.
RR can be run, the space is full recovered.  But it is "lost" up until you run
RR.  I don't really know what (if anything) can be done to fix that.

Do you want the space to be recovered BEFORE you run RR?  Or remove the need
for RR entirely?

RR_Subs.LHA lets you run RR more often on busy subs, less often on others.
Maybe some of your VERY VERY busy subs need RR every 2-3 days.
(Not every 7.)
Maybe some of your very NOT busy subs need RR only every 30 days.
(And it's a waste to RR them as often as every 7 days.)

RR_Subs.LHA reports HD space gains/losses, too.



A> as an example... this is nearly 100 MEGS of waste per week... I read about
A> how it allocates the 64k blocks, etc, etc... but it becomes just too
A> fragmented, and then grabs another chunk... and on and on and on...

Maybe CNet is allocate another 64K block before it really should.
I assume CNet is 1st suppose to try to "insert" a new msg over an old one, if
(and only if) it can't, THEN allocate another 64K block.
Have you checked that that is working OK?

(Check data-file sizes, post a msg, check data-file sizes again.)

--1459--

Just so that everyone knows, you can use TERM to call your own Fidonet port
and 1/2 way test it.

Just set-up an FKEY with the string "**EMSI".
Hit it when you reach CNet's "Hit ESC twice" prompt.

You, of course, won't be able to test a send/rec packet, but you will see if
CNet is calling s:Trap-Sequence, loading TD, exiting safely, opening/closing
ports, etc.

--1460--

JS> the text message said "call back next hour".  We have a 2 hour ZMH, so
JS> thats not quite appropriate.  I notified Ken.

D> A 'qwick-fix' is just to edit BBSTEXT to read, Call back after 5:00 am (or
D> whatever)

Ken> Sorry!  This BBS is accepting FidoNet Mail calls only.  Please hang up
Ken> and call back next hour.

I'd like to see that notice worded something like:
Bill> This BBS is only accepts FidoNet-Mail calls from 4am-5am.
Bill> Please call back after 5am. (The local time is 4:45am EST.)

(CNet gets all the times shown directly from your CONFIG/MODEM/TRAP settings.)

It informs the user of many things:
1)  Is this a 100% mail-only BBS?  Or just "currently" mail-only?
    (There's a BIG difference.)
2)  What's the local-time and time zone?
    (There's 24 different ones, just "8am" has no meaning to someone calling
    from the other side of the world.)
3)  What's a good time to call back?
    (More exact than "Next-hour" or "later" or "soon".)
4)  As you change your CONFIG/MODEM/TRAP times, your fidonet-login
    string changes too.

--1461--

I add a gfile like:

> Item type   : Dos
> DOS filename: c:LHA
> Description : Usenet FAQ about the Amiga
> Arguments   : p dh3:a/16.1/AmigaFAQ.lha FAQ.txt

The "p" option in LHA correctly extracts and displays the file, but...

Even when I set "Disable More? : No", I still don't get any more-prompts.

--1462--

Ken, thanks for adding every imaginable sysop-cmd to the Browse-prompt.
Unfortunately you left out the 1 that I use most.  "MOVE"

(It would be handy on the respond/pass prompt, too.)

--1463--

When I use the POST cmd from an item's pass/respond prompt, I can
conveniently create a new post quoting the text from the old post.  I
feel that the default ADDRESSEE should also be taken from the the old
post instead of using "ALL".

--1464--

Jim, maybe this will help trackdown your TrapDoor/Fidonet problems.
(All this will be in effect AFTER 8pm Saturday.)

I hope I've got this all set-up correctly and remember to turn it on.

1)  Call my private voice # at xxx-xxxx.
2)  If I'm home, I'll answer and we can do the voice+bbs tests.
3)  If I'm not home, let it ring 12+ times and CNet will answer.
4)  Log-in under your acct or the "DEMO;DEMO" test-acct.
5)  Type "WHO" to make sure line #1 is not in use.
6)  If it's open, type the command "<private>" at any prompt.
7)  My TD will dial FW.

Test as much as you like, 24hrs/day.

I can only leave my voice # on the BBS like that for the next 1-2 days.
After that, it's a 100% voice-only, private-line again.

I hope that helps.  Ken, of course, can use the "<private>" cmd, too.

--1465--

P> AD> TRI bbs board, i've seen 20 line descriptions before... I say 10 is a
P> good
P> AD> size.

P> I agree, make it configurable! This will keep everyone happy!

It depends on HOW Ken impliments that change.
Will systems that only want 1-2 line notes suffer any additional slowdowns in
searches (and disk-space, and memory costs) because "20-100 line notes are
possible".  (Regardless on whether or not they are fully used.)

It could happen, depending on HOW Ken does it.

--1466--

EG>  Anyway... one morning, I logged on, and had a bunch of new uploads... it
EG> seems CNet made in some of the fido areas, some 1.msg, 2.msg... etc..
EG> files...

If you are using CNet v3.0, use #1 *OR* #2, not both.
1) CNetTosser
2) Xfido/Ifido/CleanFido

I highly recommend just using #1.

--1467--

On Wed  2-Feb-1994  4:27p, Geoffrey Setser wrote:
GS>      I am going to start receiving Internet Newsgroups from the same
GS> source that I receive my FIDO areas from.  They will be coming to me
GS> already transformed into FIDO format.

GS>      What do I do about the names that are too long to fit into either the
GS> areas portion of the toss config or the unique disk names area in the
GS> subboard setup (al)?  Almost all of the names will fit into the toss
GS> config, but the "unique disk name" field is too small for most.

Often when your gateway transforms them from Newsgroup to Fidonet format, they
will make shorter tagnames like "U_AMIGA_HW" instead of "comp.sys.amiga.hardware".

--1468--

H> hell. Of course, that was a while ago. Why can't Ken implement RIP for the
H> local screen as well as going out to the modem? He does that with MCI and
H> ANSI already.

RIP is planned for CNet.  I'm assuming it is a MAJOR project, not something
that Ken can throw together in a few days.

How do I add my own choices to ET:
> 0) ASCII                                1) C=64 GFX
> 2) IBM GFX                              3) Amiga Int'l
> 4) Amiga SkyPix                         5) RIP

We could then use tt5 menus and send all the RIP codes we want.
(We just couldn't (yet) view them on our local CNet screens.)

--1469--

OG>         any DOCS I (I=not being a BETA tester) can find on TrapWake says
OG> the PORT will stay LOADED and determine if calls are net or human...
OG> According to my AMIGA, a LOADED PORT (even when BBS is RESIDENT) sucks
OG> around 400K (CNets Manual Calls this DATA MEMORY)... TrapDoor when Up only
OG> sucks a MAX of 50K (DATA MEMORY). I see a BIG Difference here between
OG> 400K & 50K..........

But are those #s based on TD in a window or screen?  Is CNet in a window or
screen?  2-4-8-16 colors?  No screen at all?  Is TD in a public screen on top
of a CNet screen?  Is CNet in a public screen on top of a TD screen?  With all
the different combos, I think that 400K VS 50K can change drastically.

Hopefull, someday, will be able to pick from a long, long list of TD/CNET
methods that work 100%:
1) TD answering the phone, loads CNet
2) CNet answering the phone, loads TD
3) TD answering the phone, passing control to CNet (which stays loaded
   at all times.
4) CNet answering the phone, passing control to TD (which stays loaded
   at all times.
5) A small prg answering the phone loading CNet, TD, or your FAX prg
   as needed.
6) A small prg answering the phone and passing control to CNet, TD, or
   your FAX prg (which all stay loaded at all times.)

(Arexx would do all the "open/close/share/pass the serial-port" methods for
3,4,6.)

I can't imagine anyone saying, "I want more than 6 methods".

--1470--

P> Well AM and the "sysinfo" off config are still screwed. running
P> pointers, count, etc does not help.. I dont want to reset it.

Is that with 305 or 305a?

305a seems to fix the bug.  But I can't find any mention of it in Ken's
ReadMe.  (ugh.  We are back to "try everthing, because you don't know what was
fixed and what wasn't".)

AMVDE.LHA allows you to fix your AM variables.
v3.05a seems to NOT scramble them after you do that.
(At least on my system.)

Also, Ken, please keep v305 and v305a changes marked as such in the ReadMe.
I've already lost track of the many changes and re-changes and un-changes.


BB> Maybe we need a separate README for beta testers, then.  My purpose for
BB> the "305_readme" was for REGULAR peoples

Well, however you want to do it.  I don't want to bog you down in readme's,
but the original v3.05 ReadMe was great.  I knew exactly what to test, item by
item, right down the list.  What would have taken days, took mins to do.  What
would have missed x% of the changes, checked 100% of the changes.

Although things like:
> AMAINT is killing files it shouldn't and randomly!
> CNet will not recognize network aliases when using the MAIL cmd.
> When changing a user's access group, expiration date is lost.
> After selecting files, SS reports different descriptions.
should have been marked as "not bugs, but problems or comments".

I guess that's what you meant with the "Other bugs reported:" header.
                                              ^^^^
(but I didn't "get it" at first.)

 Keep up the good work.

--1471--

BA> I'd rather just see "04-Feb-94" and not have to worry about whether
BA> it's "2.4.94" or "4.2.94".

D> Picky! Picky! hehe. Hey, I'm NEW to these VERSION FULL strings! Be kind!

Not to criticize, it was just a polite reminder.

I get a wide variety of responses like:
"Bill, I already know that, what do you think I'm a new user???"
"I've been doing it wrong for years, and no one took the time to mention it."
"If you hate my pfile, don't run it."
"I'm new to C, Arexx, Amigas, and even computers, etc."

So I don't know how to word my requests and comments anymore.
(And have given up on trying to word them politely, correctly, etc.)
So I just "spit it out", briefly and bluntly.

No harm done, I hope.

--1472--

BA> Jim, please delete this apparently VERY destructive file.  But keep
BA> the item/responses in place so that others will be aware.

JS> Okay Bill!  I deleted the file.  But I used a ten foot pole to push the
JS> RETURN key just in case!!

Thanks.

Think we can convince Ken to keep the DL-count in the header of items that
have been changed from FILES to POSTS, like this one?

--1473--

DS>    I feel that CNet should dis-continue ALL Skypix support.  Maybe you
DS> should post a Vote topic on this?

Sounds like a VERY good vote topic.  But I hesitate to post it for everyone
will have the bother of replying.

I sure wish CNet's voting booth allowed a per-topic flag like:
> Show during log-in: Yes/No
(I could set it to NO.)

Or I wish I had *SUB* vote powers.  We could kick around ideas in a post, make
responses, comments, pros/cons, an then vote at that item's respond/pass
prompt.  (That's already a part of CNet, but I have NEVER seen it used on FW.
Jim?)

Either one would sure cut down on the "I just had to answer 14 vote-topics
during log-in" remarks.

Jim, would it be possible to kick-on the "Add new vote topics" flag for this
"Suggestions Sub"?

It's an ideal feature for a *suggestions* sub.
                             ^^^^^^^^^^^
People wouldn't have to be bothered during log-ins to vote.
Ideas could be kicked around in items, and responses, and then (only those
that wanted to) could vote.

Thanks

--1474--

MB> Can anyone answer the question, of will I be able to track messages using
MB> CNET and CNET's TOSS program? PATH? Seen-Bys? Or will I still need to sue
MB> Foozle for this? A moderator needs this info to track dupes!

There's a CONFIG/TOSSER option to "Show kudges in imported messages".  You can
see the paths/seen-bys online.  Is that what you mean by "track messages"?  Or
is it something more sophisticated?

MB> BTW: My order is now progressing, my check has been recieved! So I will be
MB> able to join the rest of you all. Just sorry I did not get it sooner, but
MB> I was busy, so kill me! :)
MB> *** CNET 2.63

You do know that you (and everyone) can play with the CNet v3.04 demo
regardless of which version you are currently running.

--1475--

SM> in them, you cannot use the AO! command to adopt the files unless the CD
SM> has a files.bbs file.  Several CDROMS have an index file, but it is not
SM> always called files.bbs.  It may be named something else.

Change that line in BBStext from "%sfiles.bbs" to whatever you what.
(Don't forget to change it back, for your callers, later.)

--1476--

The pfile known as "count", would be better if it displayed some
actual, numerical count info while it worked.  Instead of the current:

> *.............................................**.**.......
> ...........................................******.........
> .**.**........**.******.******..*****.***...**********....
> ********.**.......**...********.**...****.****************
> **.******.............**.**..**.**........****.**.**.**...
> ..******..**.**...**..**............********.**.****.****.
> **..**..**........**.**.******...******.**.******.****.***
> .**..**.**..****************....**....****...**...........

What does that mean?

I'm almost positive I saw a picture of a sheep last time.
What does *THAT* mean?

--1477--

RE> P> Isnt there anyone else who would like to see CNet support more than 8
RE> P> lines?
RE> P> The only way Ken's gonna change this is he hears about it :)

Not until I hear what *KEN* has to say on the subject.
(Others are "guessing" (and later contradicting) the answers to these
questions.)

If the limit is raised to 50-lines, and I still keep mine set at 5-lines,
which (and to what extend) will occur:   (Remember, that point.  50-line max,
but I still set my at 5-lines.)

1 Slower 'text' searches.
2 More memory used.
3 More disk-space used.

and
4 Pfile breakage (again, ugh) due to expanding structures.
5 What % of the sysops will use/need 50-line *SHORT* filenotes?

If the answers to 1-5 are none, none, none, none, and >20%, then I'm all for
it.
If the answers are 2-10x slower, 2-10x memory, 2-10x the disk space, 50%
breakage, and 5% usage.  Is it worth it?

It all depends on the  method  of implementation.

Again, *KEN* needs to answer those items.  Not wild guesses from myself or
others.

--1478--

> 120 Jul'92   0 NOREQ        2K Great for cancelling those annoying
>                                requestors, 2.0 compatible.
>  32  1-Sep  11 noreq        3K No Requesters to use in conjunction with
>                                DMSRead...

Does anyone have the FULL archive for these files?
What's the difference between those 2 NoReq's?

The CNet manual mentions using "NoReq" several times.
(And should be included on the CNet disks, if possible.  2K)

--1479--

MT> Well!? What is your BBSCOMMAND line in Your trapdoor config!?

Mine is set to:
> BBSCOMMAND "CNet:BBS TRAP NOLACE NOSCREEN PORT 1 DEPTH 2 BAUD %B LOCK %b"

You can always dial 810-473-2020, log-in under an instant "DEMO" acct, and
view (or D/L) the actual TrapDoor.cfg (and a ton of other config files) that
we are using here.

Sure wish more SysOps had that kind of thing in their gfile-menus.

You could call any CNet, anywhere, and see the actual, working config
examples.

--1480--

RJ> I want it to run once every 5 minutes on all ports
RJ> I have set it up in events as an Arexx pfile time = 0
RJ>                                             valid = 2400
RJ>                                          Interval = 5
RJ>                                          Interate = 144
RJ> and only when a user is online.

RJ> What I get is when I logon is it runs the pfiles 144 times and then never
RJ> again. Until the next logon and then 144 times again...

Don't feel bad.  This can be VERY confusing.  I don't have the manual
in front of me, but if I recall, you want....

time      = 0
valid     = 1   (not 2400)
interval  = 5
interate  = 288 (not 144)
(288*5=1440.  There are 1440 mins in 1 day.)

I sure wish the manual had more real-world *EXAMPLES* like that.
Not just text paragraphs.

--1481--

I've set-up the 2 following events:

> Ports      MO/DT   Weekdays  Start   Valid   Int  Repeat     Type

>  2         -----   SMTWRFS   20:30   00:01    1     60   Only if idle
>            JoinLink ATDT473-2020 auto

>  2         -----   SMTWRFS   21:30   00:01    0      1   Idle or online
>            JoinLink 0
>

WHO and the Control-Panel report the correct "Hanging up" and
"JoinLink" strings every minute, throughout that hour, but no dialing
ever occurs at all.

I see the dialing string appear in that port's screen, but the port
doesn't even appear to be entering the terminal mode at all.

--1482--

What would cause v3.05a Control-Panel/SysInfo to report:
> Next event: -1270.-7 mins (on port 0)

(That's an exact cut/quote.)

--1483--

> Further, individual items can be "linked" to voting topics by using
> the item AT command.  You must know the vote topic's serial number
> (displayed when the vote topic is read).  When an item is linked,
> the user may use the VOTE command at a "respond or pass" prompt to
> immediately access the linked vote topic.

Currently a user must:
1) Type VOTE to create the new vote-topic and all parameters.
2) Send me email, (hopefully) giving me the correct subdir name,
   sub-name, which item, which vote-topic.
   (They invariably will say "sub #7, item #45, which is useless
   to me.  I have to mail them back and forth before I get all
   the correct info.)
3) I have to find that sub, that item, get the vote ser#, and link it
   to the correct item myself.

It would be much easier if a user could type VOTE at the respond/pass
prompt.  Creating (and automatically LINKING) the new vote-topic to
that item.  Others typing VOTE at that same respond/pass prompt could
then vote (as they do now) on that topic.

--1484--

SM> My soulition:  Put the promnt for the CDROM files.bbs description file in
SM> the A0! command!

Which version of CNet are you running?

I'm not sure when it was added, but the latest v3.05a-beta DOES have
a prompt when you type "AO":

> Short description summary file: UDBase3:MyDir/files.bbs

Is that what you need?



Of course, the cmd is "AO" not "A0".
                                 ^

And you have to leave off the "!" if you want the prompts.

--1485--

Did you mean to include identical bbswake, config, yank-task, and toss
files in v3.05a and v3.05c?

Just wanted to make sure you didn't accidently grab the old
ones by mistake.

--1486--

Ken, this is *NOT* a priority item, but I'll forget about it if I
don't post it now...

Would it be possible to allow -n and +n date-offsets within a VDE's
date field?

It's a pain checking today's date, adding 45 days in my head, and
having to type the exact, full "15-Jan-94 17:23" date and military time.
If you leave off the time (I don't really care if a file is purged at
exactly 17:23p or 18:19p"), or make a *single* syntax error, the whole
date is invalid and has to be re-entered.

"45" would check the system-clock and pop-in the correct date + 45 days.
"-10" would do the same, for the date 10 days ago.

--1487--

BA> Often when your gateway transforms them from Newsgroup to Fidonet
BA> format,  they will make tagnames like "U_AMIGA_HW" instead of
BA> "comp.sys.amiga.hardware".

GS> Unfortunately, the gate that I get my feed from does not do that.
GS> They are named exactly like the internet designation.

That's very unfortunate.  I'm not sure what the suggested max-limit on Fidonet
TagNames is.  But it can't be 40-50 characters.  I thought it was around 12-20.

Do the other IBM systems taking these feeds actually accept:

> "comp.sys.amiga.hardware"
> "comp.binaries.ibm.pc.archives"
> "comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.misc"
> "misc.forsale.computers.workstations"
> "alt.binaries.pictures.fine-art.graphics"
> "alt.american.automobile.breakdown.breakdown.break"

as fully legal *Fidonet* tagnames???

Yikes!

--1488--

D> Suggest running an aftersession script (there are several online here now)
D> that checks to see if toss is already running.  This small measure will
D> avoid tons of dupes into bad_msgs!

TOSS itself already checks to see if its already running.

But it sounds like we might need BOTH toss and repair_sub to forbid each other
(as well as themselves) from running a 2nd copy or together.

(How's that for a sentence?  And I actually understood it.)

Ken just needs to determine *ALL* pfiles that should never be run twice (or
with each other) and have them create (and check for) ENV:CNet_No_DUP and
ENV:CNet_Pfile_No_2 variables.

Toss
Amaint
count
transpose
pointers
count
missing
repair_sub
Amaint
Bmaint
Lmaint
User List

Pfile authors should also be instructed to create/check those 2 ENV: variables
if they write pfiles that might cause a conflict with themselves or other CNet
maint stuff.

We would then be able to run 6 copies of amaint, 3 copies of RR, and 12 copies
of delete-old-mail, and 2 copies of count, all at the same time, and have
absolutely 0 problems.  (An extreme example, but I'm sure you get the idea.)

The Amiga multi-tasks and care has to be taken to avoid conflicts.

--1489--

TB> I wonder why CNet can't just hack off short descriptions at 8 lines, and
TB> put any extra ones in the LONG description (where that garbage belongs
TB> anyway.)

How about *.DIZ lines that are <x lines long, go into short-descriptions.

Lines that are >x lines long, go into the long-descriptions, and the short
descriptions become a line out of BBStext like "See long description" (or
whatever).

(Of course, x would equal your 1-8 line config setting.)

No "hacking off" of any kind.
Filenotes can be 1000s of lines long.
Short notes (like the name says) stay as short-notes.
Long notes (like the name says) stay as long-notes.

--1490--

GS> I have no problem using the RR command to gain back the HD space, but
GS> can't get it to take any arguements.  I know that it is suppose to be able
GS> to take a range of the actual subboard numbers.  I'm probably just using
GS> the wrong syntax or something.  I would really like to set it up in the
GS> Cnet events.  It is a big hassle to enter each sub manually and type RR
GS> every couple of days.

As far as I know (which isn't very far sometimes), RR does NOT take any args
when run online from the sub prompt.

It DOES take standard "x,y-z ranging" args when run as an event.

Do you have the latest "RR_Subs.LHA" tool?

Let it know which days of the month (1-31), you wish to repair which subs, and
it handles everything for you.  (You only have to set-up 1 event, NOT 31.)

--1491--

A> is ag2_1.lha your latest AG program? (in C pfiles area)

I'm running "AG2 v2.3 Nov  2 1993 06:03:14" so I know there's at least a v2.2.

File requ "BBVERS" tomorrow for the latest list of all my 'version #s'.
(Automatically updated each night.)

File requ "AG2" and you'll have the latest release (always).

Please ask these questions as PUBLIC posts (not private email) in the "AG"
item.

I'd rather answer the same questions them once, instead of 10 times.

Thanks for understanding.
 
--1492--

P> PLEASE sit down for a few hours and comment the hell out of cnet.h.
P> Please give us some examples of ALL functions in empty.c which are not

I'd like to see Ken do that also.  Even if he spent just 15 mins per day on
it.  ANYTHING!

P> co-sysop testing, and the other one probably hit the wrong key! Anyways
P> there are several people working on Terminals for the Amiga, so I hear?
P> (Bill "Mr BBS", What do you know about this?) 

I'm "Mr BBS", not "Mr Term".  ;-)

I keep hearing the same things as everyone else.
"2-3 term authors are working on it."
Month after month goes by, and I just keep hearing "soon".
I don't know why they can't at least release the basis RIP stuff.
(Some of the more advance stuff is probably tricky and time consuming to
implement.)

I don't think it would hurt if 500+ people sent mail and 
said "WE WANT RIP!!!":
   1) John Preston@1:369/310 (a new term wRIP)
   2) Jack Radigan@1:266/61.0 (Terminus w/RIP)
   3) Michael Nelson; BBS: 519-542-6788; Internet: m.nelson34@genie.geis.com
      (a term called AmigaRIP. 90% complete as of Jan-94)

CNet will have RIP in the future (per Ken).  I don't know when.
In the mean time, create all the RIP screens you want.
CNet should be able to send them fine.
(You of course can't see them on your local screens, but even point&click
selection should work.)
Maybe that will "start the fire" and get things rolling.
 
--1493--

DW> I want to start a BBS, but have been having trouble with some of the
DW> BBS  that are around.  I also want to be able to access the NET, too.  If
DW> anyone  has any suggestions please let me know.  Thanx......

This being the "CNet-BBS Echo" I think most folks are going to suggest CNet.

Get the free demo version of CNet and try it out yourself.

1) Dial 810-473-2020. (Detroit, MI)

2) Quick log-in (without even creating an acct).
   At log-in, type "DEMO" for your name, and "DEMO" for your password.

3) Type "DEMO" at any prompt to start D/Ling the CNet demo.

(You should be D/Ling within 15 secs of your *FIRST* call.)

--1494--

AK> type ME to see who EXACTLY in invited, however, it said that a membership
AK> list has not been compiled yet. How is this done?

I can't find it in the manual.  (Can anyone?)

The cmd is "ME!" to initially create the list.
              ^
--1495--

DF> Subj: Planet Connect 
DF> From: Daniel Fitzpatrick
DF> 
DF> I saw Mario ask and never saw a reply, is anyone using the UUCP to connect to
DF> Internet or offering any advanced Internet access with CNET, and if so i am
DF> sure i am not the only one asking.  My subscribers are wanting USENET and
DF> general access to Internet very badly.... Can CNET handle it, and is anyone
DF> doing it, please fill me in....

Dan, I wish I could offer more info.

Many CNets are picking up Usenet, or full Internet connections.

CNet-Amiga 10-lines 1.4gigs| 916-759-0506 | UUCP 128.120.250.61 bstorm.bga.com
CNet-Amiga 10-lines        | 708-372-0283 | UUCP + Fido @ 1:115/372 (JL)
CNet-Amiga 13-lines        | 312-850-0112 | 2000+ Usenet areas + 2gigs of DLs
CNet-Amiga  6-lines 1.2gig | 201-368-0463 | 3 CD-ROMs, Usenet, Fido 1:107/590
CNet-Amiga  9-lines        | 408-848-6681 | 1,700 Usenet message areas!!!
CNet-Amiga  7-lines        | 716-885-8369 | Usenet access
CNet-Amiga  7-lines        | 208-467-4292 | 3 gigs, FTP/IRC/Telnet, (JL)
CNet-Amiga 16-lines        | 708-983-6557 | TCP/IP, Telnet: 198.147.221.4

Those are the places to call and ask.

Please post any/all info.

--1496--

BA> I recommend always having the most bug-free, update as the DEMO.
BA> (But it is Ken's decision.)

TW> I think that the release updates like 3.05c should have the"bbslicense"
TW> file removed for the registered users, cuz copying this over the other
TW> one makes it a 7-day demo! Just an idea for future releases!

I think the demo-license should be included, but called "bbslicense-
demo" to avoid an over-write.

The installer (if it doesn't already) would ask the user "overwrite
your current license file?".

Make it as easy as possible for both demo'ers and registered users.

--1497--

TW> The idea of a demo is that, 7-day evaluation! Why should Ken put up a
TW> bug free version

Why should they run a version with bugs?
It certainly isn't any additional work on Ken's part to offer a new VS an old
demo.

Users might be basing their whole decision on whether to buy or skip it, from
the demo.  (I know I would.)

How easy was it to obtain?  
(Is it in a sysop-only sub on FW where I can't even get it?)
(Is it available for D/L at 100 nearby sites, or just 1-4?)

How easy was it to install?  
(Point & click installer?)

How many bugs did I find during just the first 7 days of use?  
(Using old versions with bugs in them?  Why?)

What kind of instructions are included about CNet's operation?
(They're working without the manual, or course.)

How long did it take from "getting the disks" to "my first log-on"?
("Out of the box" operation.)

Am I allowed to ask further questions in a nearby "open to everyone" CNet
echo?
(Friendly help, cheap phone calls, "unbiased" opinions from others that
have actually run CNet.)

Do I get my questions answered quickly by Jim/Ken?
(These are future customers we're talking about here.)
 
--1498--

JB>     Does CNet automaticly not show handles on exported messages? Are the
JB> 'Handle/Name' setting taking effect locally only? If I make an echo
JB> 'Handles only' what is in the 'From' field in an exported message?

That can be very confusing.
I wish I had the answer for you.
To make matters worse, sysops VS non-sysops alway see different things
in the msg headers.

So many different things can play a factor.
During your tests are you:
A sysop or non-sysop or subop?
Reading msgs on your system, or as they appear exported to other BBSes?
Reading msgs posted on your BBS, or those posted by others?
Have trace-anonymous powers?
Have any of *6* different name/handle settings in that sub.
What is your "keep name private" flags set to?
Are you calling in from local or remote?

I don't even want to think about trying all 384 different combos and
reporting all the results.  I hope Ken has CNet all displaying what
they should be.  (And I would love to know what's the complete
definition of "should be".)
 
--1499--

MS> There is *no* work-around for this:(  I'm hoping to see a builtin RAID
MS> utility for Toss but I kinda doubt it.  Raid support will be the *only*
MS> thing pushing CNet users towards the use of Foozle instead of Toss.

I'd like to see CNet allow *US* to tap into things and create our own
areafix-like tick/hatch/raid/vote/aim/whatever type stuff.  *NOT* have
Ken try to add them 1-by-1.  (I don't think he will.)

Mike, could you draw-up a proposal on how that would be done?  What
would we have to have Ken change in order to gain that kind of "tap
into" power?

Some kind of method (and config) that would allow us to tell CNet...
1) Intercept all inbound msgs addressed to <name> (or with subject of
<foo>) and run a specific arexx-script passing it necessary info.

Would that do it?

Once implemented, it would allow *US* to add everything we wanted to,
(and even things that won't be dreamed of for the next 5 years)
*WITHOUT* bothering Ken to add more, and more, and more stuff to CNet.

"Give me THE MEANS to do it myself, not forever rely on it being coded
to CNet itself."

--EOF--

Thursday 17-Feb-94 16:31:26

-Bill "Mr. BBS" Beogelein, 810-473-2020, 2-line HST 14.4k USR-DS, 1:2410/207

