NUFLAG.DOC 01-01-95 (This PPE was originally named MFLAG.PPE, however, due to a possible conflict with a program called MFLAGGI, it was renamed to NUFLAG.PPE) NUFLAG.PPE v1.1 As a SysOp I fell in love with FLAG.PPE by David Terry, however, as time went by, I observed a problem with new users that were using a non-batch protocol as their default protocol. FLAG.PPE would let this user flag all the files they wish to flag, but when it came time to download the files, PCBoard would present the user with a list of BATCH-MODE protocols to choose from, because they had more than one file flagged for downloading! And of course, now what? If they don't have a batch-mode protocol to choose from in their communications program, they are stuck (Otherwords, in trouble!). Let them figure their way out of this one. They probably won't, so here comes ALT-H! Believe it or not, there are many new and unsophisticated callers NEW to the BBSing world using hand-me-down computers and communications software. Either their software lacks batch-mode protocols (Procomm Plus v1.0), or they do not know the difference, and have selected to use a non-batch protocol. In any event, this raises havoc on your BBS when FLAG.PPE is used. So, the object of NUFLAG.PPE is to keep them out of this trap and to force them into immediate download when they have flagged a file to download. A screen file will be displayed to them explaining why the download needs to take place now, and they are offered the opportunity to either download the file now, (C)ancel the download and the flagged file is UNflagged, press (H)elp for a help file telling them what the differences are between the available protocols on your BBS. If a caller has a batch-mode protocol selected as default on your BBS, then normal multiple file flagging will be done just like the original FLAG.PPE... Also, If the caller did not select ANY default protocol to use on the BBS when completing the new user process, (I do get some new callers doing just that!), any attempt to flag a file will immediately CALL FLAGPROT.PPE to offer the user the opportunity to select a protocol of choice NOW! If none is selected, they are returned to NUFLAG.PPE and the screen they were viewing at the time. Nothing is flagged! They cannot flag a file UNTIL they have selected a default protocol to use on your BBS. However, if they DID select a protocol to use as their default on the BBS, NUFLAG.PPE will behave accordingly. Multiple flagging for batch-mode protocols, immediate downloading for non-batch protocols. This way both parties are happy; the user, and the SysOp! NUFLAG.DOC Page 2 ********************************************************** Now lets look at the list of files included in the archive. README.1ST I hope you have read the file BEFORE this one! NUFLAG.PPE The main program. FLAGPROT.PPE The protocol setting PPE called by NUFLAG.PPE. PROTOCOL.CNF This file is used to indicated where you keep | your PCBR?.BAT & PCBS?.BAT files for EXTERNAL | protocols. This is usually in the PCBoard.EXE | directory. The default in this file is C:\PCB\ | EDIT this file if different!!! * DLNOW Display file explaining immediate download need. * DLHELP Display file explaining available protocols. ADD | additional protocols you may be offering. * PNONE Display file explaining a need to select a protocol. | Note: if you have MORE than 11 protocol choices to | offer, Add a @PAUSE@ macro to the end of this file. FLAGNEW Standard FLAG prompt, enhanced with additional info. | A Ctrl-Z display file! (see README.1ST) FLAGHLP Normal flag (H)elp display file. (GRAPH+LANG) FLAGOLD Non-ANSI prompt for TTY callers. FLAGBAR SPACEBAR info line after spacebar is pressed. FLAGBARR RIPscrip version of FLAGBAR (untested by me). PREFILER RIPscrip mouse region mask (Functionality untested by me) (I don't use RIPscrip). * (These files can be SEC+GRAPH+LANG specific.) The above PPE/display files are the required files for normal use. The following files are optional, select to use as you wish. FLAGNEW.OP1 Optional FLAGNEW prompt, displays DIR number the user is viewing. A Ctrl-Z file! Rename to FLAGNEW. FLAGNEW.OP2 Optional FLAGNEW prompt. Displays CONF & DIR number user is viewing. A Ctrl-Z file! Rename to FLAGNEW. Great for CD-ROM conferences in addition to Main Board. I personally like using FLAGNEW.OP2 prompt so I can observe where the user is: What conference, directory, etc. INSTALLATION: My assumption here is that you are ALREADY using FLAG.PPE, so I'm not going to explain how to install NUFLAG.PPE as such. Temporarily backup your current FLAG directory, DELETE the old files, than copy the new NUFLAG files to that directory. If you are lazy, then just rename NUFLAG.PPE to FLAG.PPE and everything will operate just as before, without needing to modify the PCBTEXT entry # 549. USING A RAMDISK: I certainly hope you have been running FLAG.PPE and it's required files from a ramdisk... It's really necessary for fast NUFLAG.DOC Page 3 usage and display of the prompt line! I use a batch file called START.BAT that is called from my autoexec.bat to "copy" all the required files to the ramdisk, and PCBTEXT reflects this path to run the PPE. (don't forget to copy FLAGPROT.PPE and PROTOCOL.CNF there also). TESTING NUFLAG.PPE: 1. Logon from the call waiting screen as the SysOp. 2. Change YOUR protocol choice to (N) None. 3. List a directory using the new NUFLAG.PPE 4. Attempt to flag a file. You will immediately be brought to FLAGPROT.PPE to select a default protocol to use on the BBS... 5. Select a NON-batch protocol, such as X, C, O, or F. When done, you are returned to the directory listing. 6. Now flag a file... because you are using a NON-batch protocol as your choice, you are placed into download mode. You may download immediately by pressing ENTER, or enter "H" to display a help screen, or (C)ancel the download and return to the directory listing. (The file is now UNflagged!). That's it... you have tested the functionality of NUFLAG.PPE! (Don't forget to re-set your SysOp protocol choice). After changing back to a BATCH-MODE protocol, you will be able to flag multiple files to download. I hope you enjoy your new "FLAG" PPE! I've been running it on my board for some time now, and it has worked flawlessly. Don Bearor, SysOp The Home Office On-Line BBS: 310-422-0401