DLP HS/Link Copyright 1993 Samuel H. Smith All Rights Reserved A version of the HS/Link File Transfer Protocol for use with ProComm Plus for Windows (PRELIMINARY APPLICATION NOTES) HSLINK.DLP is a special version of the HS/Link program which has been written specifically for use by ProComm Plus for Windows (PROWIN). INSTALLATION Simply place the HSLINK.DLP in your PROWIN directory, and the HSLINK protocol will automatically appear in the protocol menus and will work as other protocols do in this environment. If you wish to include HS/Link in your "host mode" operations, copy the supplied HOST.WAS file to your PROWIN\ASPECT directory. OPERATION Once HSLINK.DLP is installed in your PROWIN directory, the HS/Link protocol will automatically appear in PROWIN's protocol menus. Downloads are automatic and require no special attention. To upload, click the "upload" icon and select files to transmit. To perform a bidirectional transfer, note that you MUST NOT press the final key required by the BBS you are calling. Instead, click the "upload" icon and flag outgoing files. When HSLINK starts on your end, it will send the final key sequence to the BBS. CONFIGURATION If you wish to set HS/Link options, you can modify the HSLINK.INI file in your PROWIN directory. These settings are normally manipulated via the "Advanced!" setup option of HS/Link from within PROWIN. To configure HSLINK.DLP, activate ProComm+ "Current Setup" ICON, then highlight the button "Protocol: hslink.dlp" and click "Advanced!". Crash Recovery settings Off Disable crash recovery. Do not allow received files to overwrite existing files. Partial files from aborted transfers are automatically erased. Full Recovery Enable full crash recovery. This option causes partial files from aborted transfers to be retained. If a received file matches the filename of an existing file, the contents of the file is compared to the received file, and only those blocks which differ are transferred. Overwrite Disable crash recovery. Allow received files to overwrite existing files. Partial files from aborted transfers are retained. Block Size settings 256 Each block will be 265 bytes in length 1k Each block will be 1024 bytes in length 2k Each block will be 2048 bytes in length 4k Each block will be 4096 bytes in length Acknowledge Window Settings Full streaming (none) In this mode of operation, blocks are transmitted continuously with no acknowledgement of receipt. This mode of operation is useful when error correcting modems are used or when flow control is not required. 8 blocks (normal) In this mode of operation, up to 8 blocks may be in transit before an acknowledgement of receipt is required. Once acknowledgement is received, the next block will be transmitted. This acknowledgement process provides a form of flow control which is useful when other forms of flow control are not totally reliable. 4 blocks (PC Pursuit) When operating HSLINK on a PC Pursuit connection, I recommend the settings of Ack Window = 4, Block size = 256, Xon/Xoff = ON, Minimal Blocks = OFF. File Settings Transfer Log File: This defines the DSZLOG-style transfer result log filename. If left blank, the DSZLOG environment variable specifies this filename. If no DSZLOG environment setting exists, no logfile will be produced. Error Log File: This defines the filename for a detailed transfer and error log to be created. If left blank, the HSERR environment variable specifies this filename. If no HSERR environment setting exists, no logfile will be produced. Duplicate Checklist: This defines the filename of a duplication checklist file. The duplication checklist file can contain a list of directories or filenames to check for duplication. If an incoming file matches a filename or a file in a directory listed here, the file will be rejected. NOTE: duplication checking is active ONLY when Crash Recovery is set to "OFF". Other crash recovery modes grant HSLINK permission to modify existing files, making a duplication checklist meaningless. Other Options Original File Time Stamp Checking this option causes the original file's time and date to be preserved. Unchecking the option causes the current time and date to be given to a file when it is received. Minimal Blocks Checking this option causes HSLINK to minimize each block transmitted, resulting in an increase in thruput. Unchecking this option causes HSLINK to include additional information in each block as required by PC Pursuit or some other environments. File Buffering Checking this option causes HSLINK to use a 10k buffer for files being received or transmitted. Unchecking this option causes HSLINK to read or write each file block as it is sent or received. Large Status Display Checking this option causes a larger file transfer status display to be used. XON/XOFF Handshake Checking this option indicates that you desire to use the XON/XOFF software handshake. Unchecking this option indicates that you do not desire this handshake, but that you will still use it if the remote unit desires its use. Force Remote to use Local Settings Checking this option causes forces the remote unit to use your settings for Minimal Blocks, Block Size, Ack Window and Xon/Xoff. Unchecking this option allows the remote unit to override your settings, or causes compromise settings to be negotiated according to both local and remote options. Allow Bidirectional Transfers Checking this option allows files to be received while files are being transmitted. Unchecking this option causes HSLINK to reject any incoming files when files are being transmitted. Beeper in Chat Mode Checking this option allows the remote unit to beep your speaker with the "page remote" or ^G key in CHAT mode. Unchecking this option forces your speaker to remain silent at all times. Controls OK This causes current settings to be saved. Cancel This causes changes in settings to be discarded and previous settings to remian in effect. Use Default This resets all settings to their original default values, which should work properly in most circumstances. Register... This allows you to enter your personal registration code as well as your name and company name. DIFFERENCES HSLINK.DLP is similar to the standard DOS HSLINK with the following exceptions: * GIF files are automatically displayed onscreen during file transfer. * The command line is automatically provided by PROWIN. Modify the HSLINK.INI file provide protocol options. * The "REGISTER" screen now accepts DLP HS/Link activation codes. Sorry, but DOS HS/Link registrations are not valid for the Windows DLP version. !!!!!!!!!!!!!! BETA TEST VERSION !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This version may seem to work, but it has not been fully tested and is not an official release! You have been warned. PLEASE MAKE FREQUENT BACKUP COPIES OF ALL CRITICAL FILES !!!!!!!!!!!!!! BETA TEST VERSION !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Beta Testing is a means of getting widespread exposure to unfinished versions of a program during the development process. The idea is for as many users as possible to "beta test" the program and to make suggestions and report bugs. This type of widespread testing can lead to a very stable and bug-free finished product (the RELEASE version). Please read HSLINK.NEW to see what has been changed recently. If you encounter problems or would like to make a suggestion, please contact the author. HS/Link product support is available by voice at (818) 891-4228 between 9am and 6pm pacific time, TUESDAY through SATURDAY. To obtain newer beta test versions, please call (818) 891-1344 and select the "free downloading" service from the initial "special services menu". You need not be a registered Tool Shop BBS user to access this special service.