旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� � 栢栢栢 複 栢 栢栢栢 栢栢栢 栢栢栢 � Version: 1.2 � 栢 栢 栢 栢 栢 栢 栢 � Release: 01.06.1992 � 栢栢 栢 栢栢栢 栢栢栢 栢栢栢 栢 栢栢� � Author : Matjaz Koce � 栢 栢 栢 栢 栢 栢 栢 栢 栢 栢 � � 栢 栢 栢栢栢 栢栢栢 栢 栢栢栢 栢栢栢 � (c) MicroArt d.o.o 쳐컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� 1991-92 � FidoPCB - FidoNet to PCBoard 14.x mail interface � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� Lazy Sysop's rule: "Long manuals are never printed and read completely" FidoPCB 1.2 Page i -----=- Table of contents -=--------------------------------------- Naming Conventions -=-------------------------------- ii Distribution File -=--------------------------------- ii Distribution Rules -=-------------------------------- ii Contacting the Author -=----------------------------- iii Shareware -=----------------------------------------- iii Unregistered Shareware version -=-------------------- iii Overview -=------------------------------------------ 1 Limitations -=--------------------------------------- 2 Installation and Setup -=---------------------------- 3 Command line parameters -=--------------------------- 5 Configuration file -=-------------------------------- 7 Lost Mail -=----------------------------------------- 13 Handling NetMail -=---------------------------------- 14 Running FidoPCB as a DOOR -=------------------------- 16 Areafix -=------------------------------------------- 17 Support and distribution nodes -=-------------------- 18 Copyrights, Trademarks and Warranty -=--------------- 19 Credits -=------------------------------------------- 20 FidoPCB 1.2 Page ii -----=- Naming Conventions -=---------------------------------------------- FidoPCB is distributed using the file naming convention of: FPvvb.aaa, where 'vv' stands for the version number (ie. 13 for version 1.3, 50 for version 5.0). The 'b' refers to a letter code specifying (A)lpha, (B)eta or (S)hareware release versions (ie. The shareware release is distributed as FPvvS.aaa). The AAA suffix refers to the compression method used on the distribution archive. This may be ARC, ZIP, ARJ, etc. When referring to the distribution file in the documentation, it will usually be referred to as the distribution archive. -----=- Distribution File -=----------------------------------------------- The following files should be present within the distribution archive: File Description ============ ======================================================== FILE_ID.DIZ Archive description MICROART.BBS MicroArt BBS Description and Phone Numbers ORDER.FRM FidoPCB Order Form HISTORY.DOC File describing changes from version to version FIDOPCB.DOC The FidoPCB User's Manual FIDOPCB.EXE The executable program FIDOPCB.CFG Sample (self describing) configuration file FIDOPCB Sample DOOR file LOST. PCBoard message base for lost mail LOST.NDX Index file for LOST. MATRIX. PCBoard message base for NetMail MATRIX.NDX Index file for MATRIX. RUNFD.BAT Sample Batch used to run FrontDoor, PCBoard and FidoPCB ============ ======================================================== Alpha/Beta versions usually do not include the User's Manual. The revision history file, HISTORY.DOC, is included however, and should be consulted to see brief descriptions of changes and fixes. Please be sure to read this file if you are working with an alpha or beta version of FidoPCB! -----=- Distribution Rules -=---------------------------------------------- Sysops MAY place 'ZIP Comments' in the FidoPCB distribution archive file if they normally do so with all their download files. Sysops MAY place additional files (such as 'README.1ST' or 'BBS_AD') ONLY if file names don't conflict with the files already in the distribution archive (see previous sentence). Distribution of the alpha and beta versions is restricted to those systems with specific permission to distribute them. Do not distribute any version of FidoPCB except the unregistered shareware (FPvvS.aaa) version! FidoPCB 1.2 Page iii -----=- Contacting the Author -=------------------------------------------- Problems, questions, and suggestions should be directed to Matjaz Koce: Modem: MicroArt BBS Node 1: +38 66 34 986 [1200-9600] Node 2: +38 66 33 816 [1200-2400] Node 3: +38 66 37 536 [1200-2400] Mail: MicroArt d.o.o Phone: +38 66 24977 Matjaz Koce Fax: +38 66 21275 Marusiceva 5 66000 Koper Slovenija EchoMail: AdriaNet: Sysops, Shareware, HomeMadeSW Conferences FidoNet: FidoPCB, Enet.sysop Conferences SaltAir BBS: Sysop Chat, Net_mail, Utility NetMail: 2:380/100@FidoNet.org 2:333/606@FidoNet.org -----=- Shareware -=------------------------------------------------------- Since you've most likely read statements under the heading "Shareware" before, I won't bother going into the idea again. Simply be aware that FidoPCB is Shareware (US$ 39, or 62 DEM for the 256 area version). The registered version has some additional features. The ORDER.FRM file contains the registration form and price information. You can also send me NET_MAIL, or leave a comment to the sysop on MicroArt BBS. Any and all registered users may operate any current and future releases of FidoPCB v1.x (both registered and beta versions). Both registered and beta versions are always available from MicroArt BBS and other support BBS's, and may be downloaded from MicroArt BBS as desired. Registration will also give you access to the BBS support conference called FidoPCB, to share your experiences with other registered users. In this conference you can also make suggestions, report bugs (I hope this won't happen), and so on. -----=- Unregistered Shareware version -=---------------------------------- Running FidoPCB will indicate whether you are using the shareware [NR] or registered [Serial#] version. The unregistered version will accept a maximum of 20 configured areas. The Tearline will also indicate that you're using '---FidoPCB [NR]'. There are no other limitations in the unregistered versions of FidoPCB. FidoPCB 1.2 Page 1 -----=- Overview -=-------------------------------------------------------- FidoPCB is a utility used to import/export FidoNet type messages into PCBoard message bases. Messages are transferred between many different BBS's in, so called, Fido FTS-2 type packets. FidoPCB's features include: - Unpacking of compressed packets (ZIP, ARC, ARJ, LHA formats) - Importing of PKT files containing messages for various AREAS (without conversion into MSG format) into PCBoard message bases - Exporting of new messages from PCBoard message bases - Packing of exported messages - Create the necessary MSG files for FrontDoor (send file, hold file) - Create the necessary OUT file for BinkleyTerm - Support for up to 10 AKA Aliases - Bi-directional NetMail (private FidoNet mail) handling. - Recognition of CRASH, DIRECT, INTL and other FidoNet message flags - Handling of AreaFix commands (if you are a host, new areas can be connected or removed automatically) with connection security levels and passwords - Support for networks and multinode PCBoard systems with file sharing - Configurable as a DOOR (requires a Fossil driver) - Duplicate Message checking - Recognition of ^aINLT and ^aFMPT flags for imported NetMail messages - Recognition and support of PCBoard's "Private" message flag All of these, and other features can be used with multiple aliases (AKAs). FidoPCB 1.2 Page 2 -----=- Limitations -=----------------------------------------------------- As mentioned, the unregistered version will handle only 20 configured areas. Registered versions of FidoPCB can handle 256, 512, 1024 or more message areas, depending on your needs. By setting FILES=65 or higher in CONFIG.SYS, FidoPCB will be able to process mail for 30 configured nodes (if you are working as HUB or HOST). Future versions will have limitations dependent on the FILES setting, and available memory only. FidoPCB doesn't check how much disk space is available, so be sure that there is at least 1Mb or more free space available (depending on your packet size, and the number of configured Nodes and areas). Your system should have at least 350K of free RAM available, mainly to run archivers like PKUNZIP, etc. For exact memory requirements, please check the manual for the appropriate archiver(s) for details. FidoPCB can handle messages of up to 64Kb. Future versions will be able to accomodate messages of unlimited size. FidoPCB 1.2 Page 3 -----=- Installation and Setup -=------------------------------------------ Included in the distribution archive, is a sample configuration file. I advise you to use it as an example. You should also have experience using PCBSETUP, as you'll have to install two additional conferences (Matrix and Lost Mail). This will be discussed later in this Manual. Also be sure you placed the directory containing the various archivers (PKUNZIP, PKZIP, ARJ...) in your search PATH. Alternately, you can define their locations in the FIDOPCB.CFG file. Throughout this manual, the directory where FidoPCB resides in, is referred to as FIDOPCB. You may change this if you wish. The Installation is divided into four steps (#3 is the longest :->): 1) Create the FIDOPCB directory, and change to it with the CD command 2) Extract FPvvb.aaa: FIDOPCB.EXE - executable code FIDOPCB.CFG - sample configuration file FIDOPCB.DOC - The User's Manual RUNFD.BAT - sample BAT file for FrontDoor MATRIX.* - message base and its index LOST.* - message base and its index 3.1) Using a text editor, edit the FIDOPCB.CFG configuration file. Lines should end with LF/CR. DON'T use tabs: CHR(9)! The configuration file is 'self describing'. All of the commands and parameters are discussed in the Manual. Don't forget to set up all of the conferences you entered in the configuration file under the AREA parameter, with PCBSetup. You must also go into PCBoard and join them, in order to create the respective MSGS and MSGS.NDX files if they don't already exist. 3.2) Create an area with PCBSetup, where lost mail should be placed. Use the directory you specified with the LOST_MAIL command in FIDOPCB.CFG. Copy the LOST.* files to that directory. 3.3) Create an area with PCBSetup, where NetMail should be placed. Use the directory you specified with the NET_MAIL command in FIDOPCB.CFG. Copy the MATRIX.* files to that directory. 3.4) Run FIDOPCB with the SET ALL TOP commands to both check for errors in the configuration (they will be reported), and to set all of the Last Message Read (LMR) pointers. If an error is reported, repeat step 3.1 3.5) Select one area as a 'test area', and enter some (at least two) messages via PCBoard (do not use messages with *Origin lines, unless you're using the FORCE parameter on the FidoPCB command line!) 3.6) Run FIDOPCB with the EXPORT parameter to export the test messages 3.7) Check the results by looking in the directories specified with the PACKET and MAIL commands in FIDOPCB.CFG, and examining FIDOPCB.STA. If nothing is there, repeat step 3. FidoPCB 1.2 Page 4 -----=- Installation and Setup -=------------------------------------------ 4) Include FIDOPCB in your BAT files for events (see sample RUNFD.BAT) 5) Install FidoPCB as DOOR (Optional) If you are unable to set up FidoPCB, mail me at my BBS. I'll be there to help you. FidoPCB 1.2 Page 5 -----=- Command line parameters -=----------------------------------------- Running FIDOPCB.EXE without parameters or with the /? switch will display all of the available command line parameters on the screen. FidoPCB needs only simple information on the command line in order to run. Most of the information is read from FIDOPCB.CFG. Syntax: FIDOPCB [/?] [command] [areaname] [areanumber] [switch] /? Displays a short description of all commands and switches Valid commands are: EXPORT, IMPORT, TOSS, SET, LIST, STAT Valid switches are: FORCE, RESET, STRIP Commands: EXPORT - Exports all new messages (since the last execution of FIDOPCB), and updates the Last Message Read (LMR) pointers IMPORT - Looks for new Mail Packet files in the FILES directory, and imports them into the apropriate PCBoard message bases. It also updates the LMR pointers, regardless of there being any messages to export TOSS - Combines the functions of the IMPORT and EXPORT commands by exporting all new messages, and looking for new Mail Packet files, importing them if found, and then updating the LMR pointers SET - The syntax for the SET command is: SET /ALL /TOP It sets the LMR pointer for , or for all areas if you specify the ALL parameter. Using the TOP parameter instead of a number will set LMR pointer to the highest message. You may use negative numbers to roll back the LMR pointer(s) from the current value, by the number indicated (the number is subtracted from the high message number). If the number is above the highest message, the highest message number will be used. LIST - The syntax for the LIST command is: LIST /ALL It lists the LMR pointer(s) and area types. Using the ALL parameter instead of lists all areas. STAT - Displays statistics for all inbound/outbound mail Switches: DOOR - Works only with a Fossil driver installed, and requires access to PCBOARD.SYS. It can be used with all of the other commands and switches. RESET - used with the STAT command to reset statistics to 0 STRIP - Converts all characters above CHR(128) into asterisks (*). Used with the EXPORT and TOSS commands. FORCE - Overrides checking for "Origin:" lines. The purpose of checking for these lines is to avoid sending out received messages. Used with the EXPORT and TOSS commands. FidoPCB 1.2 Page 6 -----=- Command line parameters -=----------------------------------------- Examples: FIDOPCB LIST ALL - Lists all areas (name, LMR pointer, type) FIDOPCB STAT - Shows import/export statistics FIDOPCB STAT RESET - Resets statistics for all areas to 0 FIDOPCB SET Net_Mail TOP - Sets LMR pointer in MATRIX to the highest message FIDOPCB SET ALL -10 - Sets LMR pointer to -10 in all areas FIDOPCB SET FIDOTEST 1 - Sets LMR pointer in the FIDOTEST area to 1 FIDOPCB TOSS STRIP - Looks for MO?, TH?, etc., and imports them into PCBoard. Routes messages in PKT files to other nodes as defined in FIDOPCB.CFG. Exports all new messages from PCBoard into PKT files, converting all characters with a value above CHR(128) (�) to asterisks (*). FIDOPCB EXPORT FORCE - Exports all new messages from PCBoard into PKT files, including messages with "* Origin:" lines in the body text, which are not exported by default. FIDOPCB IMPORT - Scans for MO?, TH?, etc. files, and imports them into PCBoard. FIDOPCB TOSS DOOR - Imports/Exports all messages. Output is sent to the modem instead of a file. FidoPCB 1.2 Page 7 -----=- Configuration file -=---------------------------------------------- FIDOPCB.CFG contains the configuration for FidoPCB. The configuration file can, and should be created with a standard text editor such as QEdit, PCWrite, or EDLIN. Never use Word Processors such as Word, WordStar or WordPerfect, since they may put additional, unwanted characters into what should be a standard ASCII text file. Maximum line length is 1024 characters. Lines starting with a semi-colon (;) are ignored. Each command should be specified on a separate line, and no TAB characters (CHR(9)) should be imbedded on the line. The sample FIDOPCB.CFG included in the distribution archive should be used as a point of reference. Do NOT leave any blank lines between commands. Because blank lines are ignored, FidoPCB will point to the wrong line number if an error should occur. If you place a semi-colon on otherwise blank lines, then FidoPCB will be able to point to the correct line. Future versions of FidoPCB will include a configuration program in order to ease the configuration process. Valid commands are: ORIGIN, TAG, SYSOP, NODE, AREA, AREA_MSGS, MAIL, IGNORE_ECHO, PACKET, WORK, FILE, COMPRESS, FLOW_TYPE, AKA, USE_AKA, AKA_TAG, INTERFACE, NET_TOSS, NETWORK, LOST_MAIL, NET_MAIL, PCBOARD, FRONTDOOR, ZIP, UNZIP, ARC, UNARC, ARJ, UNARJ, LZH, UNLZH, MAX_MSGS, DUPE_CHECK, DOMAIN, BAD, NO_BELL, AREA_LEVEL, NODE_LEVEL, PASSWORD, AKA_DOMAIN Most of the commands have default values so it isn't necessary to use them in your configuration file. Commands are separated into six groups: Directory Descriptions, Archiver Definitions, Area Descriptions, Node Descriptions, Strings, and Switches. Some are strictly connected. For instance: AREA_MSGS, AREA_LEVEL follow the AREA command NODE_LEVEL, SYSOP, COMPRESS, FLOW_TYPE, USE_AKA follow the NODE command AKA_TAG,AKA_DOMAIN follow the AKA command SYSOP follows the ORIGIN and NODE command DIRECTORY DESCRIPTIONS: Limited to 64 characters per description, and the described directory must exist when FidoPCB is run. Command Description 컴컴컴컴컴� 컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� FILE path to inbound packets (where received files are placed) PACKET path to outbound packets (where outgoing packets are placed) MAIL path to *.MSG (where FrontDoor finds .MSG files) BAD path to bad packets (used for packets that contain errors) FidoPCB 1.2 Page 8 -----=- Configuration file -=---------------------------------------------- Command Description 컴컴컴컴컴� 컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� WORK path to FidoPCB's work directory (a RAM disk if possible) LOST_MAIL path to LOST.* (PCBoard area where lost mail is imported) NET_MAIL path to MATRIX.* (PCBoard area where NetMail is imported) ** Remember: The recipient's Net address goes on the first line of a message PCBOARD path to PCBOARD.SYS (created by PCBoard for running Doors) FRONTDOOR path to FrontDoor files (used to generate semaphore files) Examples: MAIL c:\front\mail PACKET f:\microart\pcb\fidopcb\packet PCBOARD m:\pcb SWITCHES: Enable or disable certain functions and features. Defaults are the first listed settings listed in the table. Command Switches Description 컴컴컴컴컴� 컴컴컴컴컴 컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� INTERFACE NONE FidoNet interface program you are using. BINKLEY FRONTDOOR NET_TOSS PCBOARD System to which NetMail is sent. Setting this to FRONTDOOR 'Both' places mail in both PCBoard and FrontDoor. BOTH NETWORK OFF When enabled, allows File Locking. For use with ON Multitasking and multiple Node environments. NO_BELL OFF When enabled, FidoPCB will beep when an error is ON encountered while packets are being processed. If you use LANTastic or NOS 4.0, this feature should be disabled. IGNORE_ECHO ON Exports only those messages with PCBoard's Echo OFF flag set. If disabled, all messages are exported. MAX_MSGS 9999 Specifies the number of messages to export at one time. The valid range is 1-9999. DUPE_CHECK 200 Specifies the number of messages that are checked for duplication in areas specified with the DUPE switch in the AREA declarations. FidoPCB checks the From, To, Subj, Date, Time and ^aMSGID fields. Also checked, are the first ten characters of messages. Any duplicates will be copied into the LOST mail conference. The valid range is 1-9999. FidoPCB 1.2 Page 9 -----=- Configuration file -=---------------------------------------------- Command Switches Description 컴컴컴컴컴� 컴컴컴컴컴 컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� COMPRESS ZIP Compression method to be used on Outbound, as well ARC as inbound echomail packets. ARJ LZH Examples: INTERFACE frontdoor NETWORK off NET_TOSS both STRINGS: These definitions are used to identify your system and messages that originate from it. Command Description 컴컴컴컴컴� 컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� ORIGIN Your node's main address. Format: Z:NNN/SSS (Zone:Net/Node) DOMAIN The UUCP organization identifier that is appended to the ^aMSGID flag of messages originating on your system. It can be up to 20 characters long. The default is "fidonet.org". SYSOP Name of the SysOp whose system is specified by the ORIGIN and NODE commands. TAG The string that will be appended to all messages originating at your main Net Address. AKA Alias addresses by which your system is known. Up to 10 AKA aliases may be defined. Strictly connected to the AKA_TAG command. AKA_TAG The string that will be appended to all messages originating at your AKA Address. AKA_DOMAIN The UUCP organization identifier that is appended to the ^aMSGID flag of messages originating on your system. It can be up to 20 characters long. The default is "fidonet.org". Examples: ORIGIN 2:380/100 DOMAIN fidonet.org SYSOP Gregor Rudolf AKA 1 2:333/606 AKA_TAG We are the best in Koper, Slovenija (2:333/606) AKA DOMAIN fidonet.org FidoPCB 1.2 Page 10 -----=- Configuration file -=---------------------------------------------- ARCHIVER DEFINITIONS: These definitions are used to identify the location and names of your archiving utilities. If you already have that location listed in your PATH statement, then use of these definitions is not required. If you need to use them, it isn't necessary to include commandline switches, as they are already coded into FidoPCB. The proper syntax for using these definitions is: :\[path] Command Purpose Requires Embedded Switches 컴컴컴컴컴� 컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴 컴컴컴컴� 컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴 ZIP Generate ZIP format archives PKZIP -M UNZIP Extract ZIP format archives PKUNZIP -O ARC Generate ARC format archives PKARC -R UNARC Extract ARC format archives PKXARC -M ARJ Generate ARJ format archives ARJ M UNARJ Extract ARJ format archives ARJ E -U LZH Generate LZH format archives LHA M UNLZH Extract LZH format archives LHA E Examples: ZIP c:\utility\pkunzip.exe UNARC m:\archiver\pkxarc.exe ARJ c:\arj.exe UNARJ c:\arj.exe UNLZH d:\lharc\lha.exe AREA DESCRIPTION: Definitions for message area routing. These commands require multiple parameters in one line, and are strictly connected to additional commands. Command Parameters Description Connected to 컴컴컴컴컴� 컴컴컴컴컴 컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴 컴컴컴컴컴컴� AREA number Area identifier for connection to AREA_MSGS the NODE parameter. (Range: 1-127) name FidoNET's name for the area, as listed in the comprehensive Areas directory (ELISTvvv.aaa). path Path to the PCBoard Message file. NOMSGS If used, declares the area to be a pass-through area. DUPE Enables duplicate checking in the DUPE_CHECK the area. A control file using 4 bytes/checked message is created. AREA_LEVEL number Sets a security level for use by NODE_LEVEL AreaFix to forward the area. The valid range is 1-9999. Default: 0 FidoPCB 1.2 Page 11 -----=- Configuration file -=---------------------------------------------- Command Parameters Description Connected to 컴컴컴컴컴� 컴컴컴컴컴 컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴 컴컴컴컴컴컴� AREA_MSGS filename The PCBoard message file name. If not defined, the default is MSGS Example: AREA 1 Clipper d:\pcb\clipper DUPE AREA_MSGS Clip AREA 99 For_node_603 d:\pcb NOMSGS NODE DESCRIPTION: Descriptors for message packet routing. These commands require multiple parameters in one line, and are strictly connected to additional commands. Command Parameters Description Connected to 컴컴컴컴컴� 컴컴컴컴컴 컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� 컴컴컴컴컴컴컴 NODE address Host Node's address (Z:NNN/SSS) SYSOP, areas The area number(s) tied to this COMPRESS, Node. Area numbers must be FLOW_TYPE, defined with the AREA command! USE_AKA Individual areas can be separated by commas, and consecutive areas, ranged with hyphens. If no areas are defined, packets are created containing all areas. NODE_LEVEL number Sets a security level for use by AREA_LEVEL AreaFix to forward areas with an equal or lower security level to the node. Valid range is 1-9999. Default: 0 PASSWORD string The AreaFix password used by this node. Limit: 20 characters. SYSOP Name of the SysOp whose system is specified by the NODE command. COMPRESS mode Compression method to used on packets to/from this node. The default is ZIP. Valid parameters are ZIP, ARC, ARJ, LHA. FLOW_TYPE flag Outbound packet status flag. The default is NORMAL. Flags are: NORMAL, HOLD, IMMEDIATE, CRASH. FidoPCB 1.2 Page 12 -----=- Configuration file -=---------------------------------------------- Command Parameters Description Connected to 컴컴컴컴컴� 컴컴컴컴컴 컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� 컴컴컴컴컴컴컴 USE_AKA number Predefined AKA to be used on packets sent to this node. AKA's are defined with the AKA Command! Example: NODE 2:333/600 1-3,7,15 NODE_LEVEL 3 PASSWORD fidopcb SYSOP Maurizio Biondi COMPRESS ZIP FidoPCB 1.2 Page 13 -----=- Lost Mail -=------------------------------------------------------- LOST, and the index LOST.NDX, make up the PCBoard compatible message base that contains mail from any areas not defined in FIDOPCB.CFG. Look at it occasionally, or set up it in PCBSETUP, since it is one of the indicators of your system being set up correctly on your end. Area names defined in FIDOPCB.CFG with the AREA parameter, are compared with the names found inside the packets. If FidoPCB finds messages directed to an area that wasn't defined, it puts those messages into the LOST message base. The first line of all messages placed in LOST, are saved with the statement, AREA: in the first line. That way, you will be able to locate problem. Duplicate messages are also placed in LOST, and are saved with the statement, DUPLICATE, on the first line, and AREA: on the second line. This permits you to to check the messages, and move or kill them. FidoPCB 1.2 Page 14 -----=- Handling NetMail -=------------------------------------------------ MATRIX, and the index MATRIX.NDX, make up the PCBoard compatible message base file containing NetMail messages (private FidoNet messages). If you are using FrontDoor, FidoPCB scans for new .MSG files and imports them to the MATRIX conference in PCBoard. Compressed NetMail messages are imported automatically without using .MSG files. When you enter NetMail messages, you must enter the recipient's network address at the start of the first line using the format: (Z:NNN/SSS.PPP) Z = Zone number (Default = 2) N = Net number S = Site (Node) number P = Point number (optional) Don't forget to enclose the address in parenthesis "()", as FidoPCB only checks for this format! MATRIX messages are then converted to the .MSG format used by FrontDoor, so you can review them. Exported messages are placed in the directory you specified with the MAIL command in FIDOPCB.CFG, from where they are routed by FrontDoor. To add special flags to a message, add one of the following commands, enclosed in parenthesis "()", at the start of the second line: HOLD, IMM, CRASH, INTL. Multiple flags can be entered by separating them with a comma (,) and no trailing spaces. Flag Description 컴컴� 컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� HOLD Causes FrontDoor to put this message on hold. IMM Causes the message to be forwarded immediately. CRASH Forces FrontDoor to forward this message directly to the recipient. INTL Forces the message to be routed via the Zone Gate, to recipients outside your zone. Do not use this flag in conjunction with the CRASH flag. Example: =================================================== To: ALL Date: 10.10.91 From: Gregor Rudolf Time: 12:13:11 Subj: Just sampling... Read: NO Conf: MATRIX (54) (2:380/101) <- recipient's address (IMM,CRASH) <- special flags This is only a sample message. ===================================================== If you have NET_TOSS set to BOTH in the configuration file, DO NOT use FM to read messages, as this will generate duplicates in the MATRIX conference in PCBoard. FidoPCB 1.2 Page 15 -----=- Handling NetMail -=------------------------------------------------ The first line of all received messages will contain the sender's address, in the format: FROM:(Z:NNN/SSS.PPP). This allows you to see the sender's address and facilitate your replies. Messages in this conference will also include all additional lines extracted from the message header, including the ^aMSGID, ^aINLT and ^aFMPT lines. FidoPCB 1.2 Page 16 -----=- Running FidoPCB as a DOOR -=--------------------------------------- FidoPCB can be configured to run as a DOOR. This mode will allow you and you users to process mail independently from FrontDoor and other events. Two things are needed to set FidoPCB up as a DOOR: First, you must have a Fossil Driver such as BNU or X00 installed on your computer. Second, the PCBOARD.SYS file generated by PCBoard should be in the directory defined by the PCBOARD command in FIDOPCB.CFG. Create a batch file using the sample FIDOPCB file as an example. Then, using PCBSetup's Main Conference (and/or a conference specific) Door Paths editor, create an entry for the door. You may set the Password, Security and Shell options as you desire. The LOGIN, USER.SYS and DOOR.SYS options must be set to NO. FidoPCB obtains all the necessary information from PCBOARD.SYS. The program also generates the two semaphore files used by FrontDoor, a function that is of particular help in the case of multinode systems. You may want to restrict access to the FidoPCB door on your system, to prevent abuse, and to keep dummy NetMail and duplicate messages from circulating around the world. On my system, for instance, only a few users have a security level high enough to run the FidoPCB door. FidoPCB 1.2 Page 17 -----=- Areafix -=--------------------------------------------------------- Areafix is active when you're operating as a HOST or HUB and Access to it is allowed only for configured nodes. It allows all of your configured nodes to list, select and deselect available areas on your node, with a simple NetMail message. Areafix messages should be addressed to Areafix. The subject of the message should include your AreaFix password, and the optional "-q" switch in order to generate a list of selected areas. Areas are activated by entering their name in the body text. To turn off active areas, this name should be preceded with a hyphen (-). Example: From: Matjaz Potrc, MojsteR BBS (2:380/101) To: Areafix, MicroArt BBS (2:380/100) Subj: fidopcb -q ------------------------------------------- Clipper -C_Echo FidoPCB 1.2 Page 18 -----=- Support and distribution nodes -=---------------------------------- All FidoPCB support BBS's carry the FidoPCB echo conference. You can find the most recent releases of the Beta and Shareware versions of FidoPCB, on both the support and distribution sites. If you have any problems with the program, simply join the support conference. My partners and I will answer your questions. We only ask that you be patient in waiting for your answers. The following, is a list of FidoPCB support boards around the world: Country Board Name FidoNET Phone Protocols 컴컴컴컴 컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴 컴컴컴컴� 컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� 컴컴컴컴컴컴 Slovenia MicroArt BBS 2:380/100 +38 66 349-86 V.32 MojsteR BBS 2:380/101 +38 68 237-31 V.32bis Italy Fido_TS_1 2:333/603 +39 40 378-3111 V.32bis/HST USA The Sweet Life PCBoard 1:102/815 1 818 882-9058 V.32bis/HST NETRef BBS 1:273/214 1 215 736-1889 V.32bis/HST Canada Innovatron 1:240/333 1 819 893-9682 V.32bis/HST FidoPCB 1.2 Page 19 -----=- Copyrights, Trademarks and Warranty -=----------------------------- All of the programs mentioned are copyrighted and/or trademarked by their respective authors. Please refer to each program in order to determine the actual copyright/trademark owner(s) as appropriate or needed. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR, MATJAZ KOCE, BE HELD RESPONSIBLE IN ANY WAY, FOR THE BEHAVIOR OF ANY VERSION OF FIDOPCB. NEITHER THE AUTHOR, OR ANY OTHER PARTY AUTHORIZED BY THE AUTHOR TO MODIFY AND DISTRIBUTE FIDOPCB, SHALL BE HELD LIABLE FOR DAMAGES INCURRED, INCLUDING ANY LOST INCOME, AND/OR OTHER SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE, OR INABILITY TO USE FIDOPCB. THIS INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF DATA, DATA BEING RENDERED INACCURATE, LOSSES SUSTAINED BY THIRD PARTIES, OR A FAILURE OF THE PROGRAM TO OPERATE WITH ANY OTHER PROGRAMS. THE ABOVE TERMS APPLY IN ALL CASES AND SITUATIONS, EVEN IF THE AUTHOR HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, OR FOR ANY CLAIM BY ANY OTHER PARTY. FidoPCB 1.2 Page 20 -----=- Credits -=--------------------------------------------------------- Thanks to: - All beta testers - Gregor Rudolf, who helped me with advice. - Damjan Pavlovec, Matjaz Potrc, George Silberstern and Mike Waldron, for their help with the documentation. - George Silberstern, for being providing user support in the USA - Mosaic v1.0 and other PCBoard mailer/tossers, as their bugs, slow processing, inabillities made me feel bad. So much so, that I decided to write a tosser of my own Revision history can be found in the file, HISTORY.DOC, which is included in the FidoPCB distribution archive. PLEASE, SUPPORT SHAREWARE! Thank you.