************************Please Note******************************* Beginning with version 3.3 LoopBack is compiled with version 2.0 of the PPLC compiler! Unfortunately the price of progress is that you have to upgrade to version 15.1 to make use of this program. We will be compiling with the latest version of PPLC, so please make sure you upgrade you PCB code. You will get errors if you do not have the 15.1 code! ************************Please Note******************************* v4.0 - Release Version 12-10-93 . Besides a name change there is a bunch that is new in this release. we have squashed all known bugs, and added quite a bit of functionality to the program, please note that there is a new PPE called GETNUM.PPE that is for registered users only, please follow the instructions in the DOC file for installation, it will create a CALLBACK.FON file for you out of your USERS file, that way even though you are only just starting to use LoopBack, you still have all the people in your users file included. . Unregistered users now will have a second delay for each user that LoopBack has verified, this isn't so bad for the first 20-30 users, but on busier boards this can get downright boring. Do yourself a favor, call up the support board, and grab your own key file, it is much more pleaseant. . When the user enters in his password, dots are echoed, instead of their characters. Myself, I liked the old way, but enough requests came in to justify this. . You can now reward your successful callbacks with bytes, check out CFG line 26 for what to do. . Changed the way a number is taken from the user, you can now have it take the number form their HOME/VOICE field, their BUSINESS/DATA field or you can ask each user what number they would like to use for verification. . Lots of work on internationilzation going on, I think we have it down, but this version will tell. Work continues. v3.9á - Beta Notes 12-08-93 . Fixed a slight display problem with displaying the "Calling back for verification" prompt, it now centered with your BBS name, a little more pleaseing to the eye. . Fixed a MAJOR bug, in that if you had the SYSOP TEST cfg line (25) set to N, then LoopBack would not drop carrier. Fixed! This is the last BETA release of this program, if there are things you want to see added or changed, now is the time to let me know. v3.8.1á - Beta Notes 12-06-93 . Didn't want to make this a full release, so we are going with the .1 designator, this release is to fix a problem with the program dying if there was no CALLBACK.BAD file, as this file is one that is created by LoopBack, it would not be there on an intial run. Sorry about that. All fixed now. Let me know how you like the new -cleaner- look. v3.8á - Beta Notes 12-06-93 . Removed the FREECALL Feature, we have a new product that will allow you to do the same thing, but with a much better interface. This program called CALLME will call back your users, and allow them to remain on-line. got rid of the display files SEVENTEE.DSP AND EIGHTEEN.DSP, as they were no longer needed. . Optimizing code, hopefully we will get the PPE size down a bit. . Added the ability for the sysop to run the program through it's paces, without having to call in remotely. refer to the CFG file, line 25 for a quicky on this, or see the doc file for more in depth discussion. . Made the verification screen external to the program, you may now edit the file to suit your BBS, please try to leave at least 5 lines free at the bottom so that we can fit the Attempt#, Name, and password prompts in. This file is now SEVENTEE.DSP it is replacing the freecall display file which is no longer needed. . Externalized the POSTCARD routine now, if you want ot see anything added changed to the postcard format, let me know. Just leave the POSTCARD.PPE in your LoopBack directory, it will be called if needed. v3.7á - Beta Notes 12-01-93 . Added a new Display file (EIGHT.DSP) that will give a quick explanation to your users whos security is too high to use the callback verifier. . Changed the way LoopBack Logs to the callers log, it now logs much earlier so that if a users security is too high, you still get to see the attempt. . Added logging of a normal exit (th eone I didn't think of!), you will now see if your user elects to abort the callback procedure. . Added the ability for the sysop to allow X number of callback attempts to a certain number, this will cut down on a user repeatedly calling up and inputting in their most hated enemies (how come these kids always have so many hated enemies?) and letting it redial away. You can specify exactly how many tries a number gets, then they have to leave you a message to explain how come they just can't get it. v3.6á - Beta Notes 12-01-93 . More code optimizations, LoopBack should be running a bit faster now. . Documentation Upgrade! Much more info, please let me know if there is anything else that you need to know (more examples...etc). We are nearing the complete release, so if there is anything that you want to see added - now is the time to let me know! v3.5á - Beta Notes 11-25-93 . Added International Number support. You will now find a template for your countries phone system in the cfg file. This is now a simple way for you to configure your Callback procedure. . More display file Cleaning going on here. I am trying to not have any 'bleed' at all on the screen. . Added local/long distance exchanges for callback verification. This allows the sysop with several area codes that local, or exchanges that are separated by area codes to enter these into separate files. Allows calls to be only to local exchanges. . New CALLBACK.CFG file format. We have changed it so that there are now short descriptions on the actual config lines. Let me know if it is any easier for you to read / use. . Added a function to grab the users Data number (the number they entered on logon), to save them a bit of typing. The user does not need to use this number, they can enter an alternate number instead. . Fixed a color problem in the Time Restrictions area, nothing really noticeable, but it did stand out while I was running the new code (hundreds of times for testing ...ho...hum...). . Added defaults to all the Y/N prompts, they all default to YES, also the prompts have been changed just a bit, to be more understandable. . Added a 10 second delay to the Time Restriction screen. This allows the user to see more of what is going on. . New opening screens, lets the user see that you are proudly using LoopBack maybe one or two of them will want to send me money also...who knows. . Much logging is done to your CALLER log file, it will log number calling to, bad numbers, bad area codes, time restrictions...etc. This will let you see what is going on with the program. . LoopBack now writes to the USERNET.XXX file, letting everyone know that their is a user in the LoopBack verifier (it also lets you know if someone is trying to get verified...at least you can tell what they are doing. v3.4á - Beta Notes 11-21-93 . Cleaned up most of the display file. They should now display without any bleed. . Added two new config lines, both are for modem control. Lines 28 and 29 now allow you to input your modems on-hook and off-hook commands. . Added a delay on the actual call-back screen, this allows better modem negotitiation, especially for 2400 baud modems. The delay is 4 seconds and there is an on-screen countdown so that your users do not get antsy and hang up on you. v3.3á - Beta Notes 11-18-93 . Please see that there is a SAMPLE.CFG file now, that way those of you who are upgrading do not have to worry about losing the contents of your previous CALLBACK.CFG. Please not the changes that are in the sample. if this is your first time running LoopBack, just rename SAMPLE.CFG to CALLBACK.CFG (or whatever you have renamed the CALLBACK.PPE to it will add CFG to it). Then edit it to change the values that you need to change. . Before you UNZIP this archive into your callback directory Please read the file UPDATE.DOC. There have been major changes to the display files, and they are outlined in UPDATE.DOC. All display files are now externalized, that means that you can edit them to your hearts content, but please not that many of them are created to fit together like a puzzle so try to keep sizes identical to what I have provided (unless you don't mind scrolling screens <G>). . Removed some debugging code, seems that when you were asked for the phone number to call back to, I would allow users to worm their way out of the callback procedure by hitting enter. This was used by me for testing parts of the code, and I have just forgotten that it was in there. It is out of there now! So unless you specify in your config file that the user should have the option to exit, they are stuck in there till they complete it! Let me know if any of you want to see a new prompt there so that a user can leave you a comment. I have my own editor built and it would be a simple matter to add it in for you. This way, the user can either complete the call-back procedure, or whine to you why they can't...let me know! . New config line variable (line 27) place the codes that you need to dial out of a PBX here, ie. 9,,8 that would dial a 9 then pause for two seconds then dial an 8, then it will proceed to dial the users inputed number. All other users (non-PBX users) please place a 0 here (default). v3.2á - Beta Notes 11-12-93 . Changed the way the PPE works just a bit, please note you will have to have config line 25 set to "N" if you want to place this PPE in a security specific file (IE. if you want LoopBack to run for every new user only). other wise Loopback will be called up for all of your users...and that is a major pain in the butt. v3.1á - Beta Notes 11-12-93 . Removed the first prompt that the user got from your BBS on callback, the "speed as reported by PCB?" prompt, this was a garbage collection prompt as pcb would still have some garbage in the buffer, but with the new PPL 2.0 compiler, I was able to use the new KEYFLUSH command, and cleared up the problem completely. . I am going to be going through the code, and optimize it using the new compiler, I figure I can speed up execution, and make a slightly smaller PPE file, and it will allow me to add the International number support. The number support is already worked out, and it will be completely sysop configurable. . Minor display changes, I changed the colors on a few files. v3.0á - Beta Notes 11-11-93 . Lots of changes added (I have been adding things and not releasing the package, as I wanted to do a lot of testing, and some of these things were "Emergency Crash Requests" that absolutely-had-to-be-included). Please not the changes to the config file. Also please take a look at the NEW file called UPDATE.DOC, this will explain anything that has changed and what files you may need to add/change. . Added support of single name user, double name users or triple name users. Those people who run an alias only board will especially appreciate this. . Changed the verification logon screen, it gives a bit of help to the caller as to the format they should enter their name in. . Added a retry for the user to enter their name, the user now has three tries to enter their name/password correctly. A running count is maintained so the sysop can know where the user is in the callback process. . Added a local call-back option for the user. This works in that a call that a user places to your board may be a long distance (or toll call), while the call for you (your Board) is a local call (or non-metered). You as the sysop have the option to allow certain exchange codes to be called back, and returned to the bbs, allowing them to be on-line, without them incurring the cost of the call. Please edit the file FREECALL.LST and enter the exchanges that you want to be able to use this feature. Also you have to turn it on in the Config file, put a "Y" in config line 25, also, in config line 26, place the LOWEST security that you want to access this feature. . Fixed the expired date problem, again, if you had a "0" for length of time it would give the user a 0 day subscription period. I have fixed this (and it was really obvious when I was looking at it), so that now if you have "0" in there, you will get "00-00-00" in pcbsm. I tried it multiple times over here, it works. . Adding (should be in the next release) templates for the phone number types that you want to dial back, this will allow you to use international dial strings. It is not foolproof right now, so I want to hold off enabling it until it is. v2.9á - Beta Notes 11-09-93 . Much change to the sysop stat screen, it now gives much more info (this is in conjunction with the last release). V3.0 will bring us multiple exchange lists. We are also adding international support for the numbers, so bear with us. v2.8á - Beta Notes 11-08-93 . Major Change in this release. You will notice the difference when you see the sysop stat screen (the screen that is shown to you while the countdown timer is running). You now have a display of the last 5 successful callbacks, with the Number, Date, and Full Name. There is also a section to let you know how long the delay timer is, and the status of the delay timer (INACTIVE, ACTIVE, HUNG). We are adding the multi-exchange list in, but sysops were needing this stat info, so I put it in this release. . New code for error handling, much tighter code now. . Fixed a display problem on the welcome display. v2.7á - Beta Notes 11-06-93 . Changed the time restrictions a bit, made them a bit more bullet-proof, I had a report of a user slipping by, and this was the only place I could find that might allow that. In the process, I added the ability for the user to see your callback schedule. If you want me to externalize the file - let me know, as it sits now, it shows a very nice graphic display to your users. . Fixed a crawler in the User Expiration Date, seems that if a user placed a "0" in line 15 of the config file, it would give the user a "0" day length of time as a default subscription period. It is now changed so that if you do have a "0" in line 15, it will give the default PCBoard length of time which is "00-00-00". We are adding for the next release local/long distance in the same area code this way you can specify the exchanges in your local area code that may happen to be either a local call to you or a long distance call. This may supplant the exchange list. Keep an eye out over here for late breaking news. v2.6á - Beta Notes 11-06-93 . Internal release, I heave completely re-written some routines that dealt with carrier detect, and displaying of external files (to speed them up) I didn't want to release it as a general beta release, but I just kept it in-house. v2.5á - Beta Notes 11-05-93 . Added EXCHANGE lists for those of you who need them. Check out the new config file variable for the changes you may need to make. . Added Time Restriction ability for sysops. This will allow you to decide on which hours you will dis-allow the LoopBack program from verifying your users. This is handy for people who do not want to verify users except for certain time of the day (usually at night) to keep their costs low. Please edit the file TIMEREST.CAL to reflect those hours you do/do not want to all callbacks. . Some code changes. I don't want to change to much with this version, as we have quite a bit of new code in here, and I want to make sure that it is bullet proof. v2.4á - Beta Notes 11-04-93 . Added the ability for the user to have characters other than Alpha characters in their names and password (all you people with Jean-Luc's will now be happy!). (this was a wishlist item, so it was handled first, if you want something done immediately, the best way is to join conf 300 on File-Link and type wish). v2.3á - Beta Notes 11-02-93 . Added the ability to send the user a welcome (or whatever message) on successful verification. This message is contained in an external file (NEWUSER.MSG), feel free to modify it anyway you see fit. . Added the ability to send the sysop a message informing them that a new user has logged on and successfully completed callback verification. This message is contained in an external file (SYSOP.MSG), feel free ot modify it as you see fit. v2.2á - Beta Notes 11-02-93 . Bug release version, looks like in my fervor to get out a version with some sysop reporting, I broke the dial routines for local calls. (look what 6 characters will get you...). . Took this opportunity to tighten up the code a bit, I took out some comments, and optimized some loops. v2.1á - Beta Notes 11-01-93 . Added the ability for the sysop to exclude certain area codes from being called back. A new file is required for sysops who choose to enable this option it is called AREACODE.DIS, in this file is just an area code on its on line. Any areacode found in this file will result in the PPE stopping (after an explanatory message to the user). . Added the ability for the sysop to set their expired, already verified user security. Please make sure that you set this correctly, otherwise your users can "slip through the net", if you do not want to change their security level from what it is at at verification level, just put the same security here, as they get when verified. . Added a new display file, it will be displayed to the users who try to use a BADNUM for their callback, this display file is called NONO.NUM Please remember that the users name, attempted number and date will be logged in the CALLBACK.!!!! file. . Added the number that is being verified to the sysops stats screen, please note, that although it will show the area code, even for local callers, it will not dial out with that area code included. It is included because sysops have requested it, I guess so that they can see at a glance exactly where each caller is calling from. . Added a feature (no config file change needed) that will not display the LC or LD prompt for systems that have the LC/LD config variable set to LC (that means it will not ask if you are a long distance caller if long distance is disallowed). v2.0á - Beta Notes 10-31-93 . Fixed the duplicate question mark on the "Are you sure you want to continue" prompt. . Allowed lower case to be used in the "are you sure you want to continue" prompt. . Restructured the BADNUMS code, changed the file format, to bring it in line with all the rest of the logs, changed the number identification routines, to not let any slip by. . Added the ability for the "-" separator to be used (this was much easier than I thought it was going to be...) v1.9 - Released 10-29-93 New stuff release . Added new config variable, to allow the sysop to choose which line the verification notice gets placed (In pcbsm, on the first screen at the bottom). You can choose to have it placed on comment 1 or comment 2 (some programs already use comment 2, so check your setup). . Some cosmetic changes. . This is the last "Quick Release", we have been throwing in changes and additions on almost an hourly schedule (thanks to all you people who called voice to talk, and those of you who called File-Link BBS to leave suggestions). So far we have incorporated 95% of the suggestions, and plan on adding the other 5% as time allows. This is by no means a finished product, as new things pop up every day, but we plan on making a new release once a week instead of once a day (or even once an hour to registered users). If you want anything added, all you have to do is contact us, we WILL add it for you. Even if you are not a registered user (who can we expect to get you to register it without it being what you want?). v1.8 - Released 10-28-93 Some new stuff . Added on successful verification the comment note 2 (in PCBSM) will be written with the date and number that was verified. That way you can see when they first logged on, and the number that was verified...quickly. . Added a variable to allow you to specify how long a subscription to give a new and verified user to your board. . Fixed a major bug in memory allocation, which means we had to take the sysop display of the last 5 callers out, will put it back in in the next release of new code. v1.7 - Released 10-27-93 Lots of New Stuff here! . Fixed a problem with the exiting of LoopBack if the user decided to not complete the callback (actually there was no code at all to do anything with the response, it just continued on with the verification...thats what I get for doing six things at once <G>). . Added A definable number of callback attempts. (the same number for both local and long distance, but separate variables are being added.) . Added A config variable for the length of time that LoopBack should wait for a connect, a recommended value is 40 seconds. . We are adding Sysop Stats while LoopBack is dialing out, so far we have added the code for the total number of callers verified, and the last 5 verifications. Let us know what else you want to see. v1.6 - Released 10-26-93 Major Changes in this one! . Brought LoopBack into compliance with the industry standard .FON file format. It is now 100% compatible with the type of logs that most popular call back doors use. This means that LoopBack is a complete drop in replacement! No need to lose any of your past Verification history! . Added a configurable dial-out delay. This allows you to specify how long LoopBack will wait before it starts to dial out. Why do you need this you say? Read the config file for an explanation. Look at config line 11 for this option. . Added new check on the phone number to verify it against the already verified database. No way a number can slip by now! . New Input routines. Should make it easier for your users to complete the Callback process. Next Enhancements include: * Time of day dependant call out (only allow long distance after 8:00 to take advantage of lower rates...etc...Completely configurable by the sysop). * Allow the sysop to give Upload credits to verified users. * Allow the sysop to give Bytes to verified users. * Set expiration date on the verified user (for those sysops not running in the PCB subscription mode). * Whatever else you people come up with. LoopBack is customer driven, many of these enhancements come directly from it's users, so let me hear from YOU! Also remember, File-Link BBS has one of the largest (if not largest) library of PPE files for PCB 15, all accessible by you on your first call. Read the end of the CALLBACK.DOC file for access information! v1.5 - Released 10-25-93 Code Optimization Release . Fixed a bug in the bad num routine . Added CRC check on included files . NEW WAY TO REACH THE AUTHOR. CHECK OUT THE DOC FILE FOR INFO ON HOW TO GET THE LATEST FILELINK SOFTWARE QUICKLY AND EASILY! v1.4 - Released 04-25-93 *New stuff added, check out the config file! . Added Ability to make LoopBack a completely seamless part of your Board, you can now bypass all opening screens and delays when registered (sorry registered version only). . Added the ability for the sysop to allow a prompt for the user to abort the callback. This is a sysop configurable switch, some sysops will not want their users to be able to 'escape' the verification procedure. the prompt is only their if you decide to enable it in the config file. . Did a little rework on the cosmetics, more is in the works. Give me feedback! I am planning on adding new features, so let me know what you want to see! v1.3 - Released 10-24-93 *** MAJOR UPGRADE *** . Code optimization (it is running a bit faster now...) . Added security level check, to make sure that the user is below the verified user security level. If user is not, LoopBack exits without any delay. Useful for the sysop who wants to put a call to LoopBack in their security specific files or news file. . Added Sysop callback without dropping carrier. This will also not write the calling number to the CALLBACK.FON file, so it will not be blocked for the next time you need it. This will allow you to be remote and to call in to your system, and have the BBS call you back, giving you full access to the board. NOTE! Only security level 255 users can access this feature! It will not work for any other levels at all. . Added a new configuration variable, that will allow you to put in your areacode, that way if a brain dead user who is calling from next door, enters your areacode (his also), it will be stripped out so that he can be verified, their stupidity does not even get in your way! (see the sample config file for item number 4) . Added Long Distance / Local flags in the Config file. You can now specify whether or not your board will call back long distance users. . Added a Postcard mode, for those of you who opt for not verifying long distance callers. The user will now be prompted for mailing info, and this will be saved out to a file named as the users number on your board followed by an extension of .POS - You can then print out these .POS files directly onto postcard stock, or use them in your own post card verification scheme. v1.2 - released 10-23-93 Whew, glad I caught this one quickly, with v1.1 you were able to define what security you would like to place new users at after they were successful in a callback, well, it was giving all those successful callers a security of 0, and that just don't fly in PCBoard, so we are releasing this version, which takes care of that problem, and we also did a bit of optimizing the code, so you should see it running much faster now. Give me FEEDBACK!!!!! v1.1 - released 10-23-93 OK, so I didn't add the ability to define the security that you give to a successful verification. You will need to edit your CALLBACK.CFG file and add it (see the sample CFG file I included, should take you ten seconds to complete it). Give me some feed back as to what you want to see! Anything you can come up with, I can add, so let me know! v1.0 - Released 10-22-93 Initial release - It has been running fine on File-Link for over a month, and we are a very non-standard setup. File-Link runs 8 nodes per 486 machine, on ARNET smartport pluses. Since this is written in PPL, it handles any configuration that runs PCBoard 15. To Be Added: - Leave a message to the user welcoming them after a successful callback. - Leave a message to the sysop letting them know someone complete LoopBack. - Anything you all come up with.