Commodore C-NET 128 v7.0 User Manual
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Commodore C-NET 128 v7.0 User Manual

Commodore C-NET 128 v7.0 User Manual

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C-NET 128 v7.0
- TABLE OF CONTENTS -
1.0
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Trialware
1.2
Usage Agreement
1.3
Copyright
1.4
Program and Manual
1.5
Limitations of Remedies
1.6
Update and Customer Support
1.7
Acknowledgment
1.8
User Support
1.9
Registration Form
2.0
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
2.1
V7 Development History
2.2
Incompatibilities between V6 and V7
2.2.1 Sysops Upgrading from V6 to V7
2.2.2 Network Connectivity
2.2.3 Net E-Mail & Subs
2.3
User Port or Swiftlink/Turbo232 System
2.4
Modem Information
2.5
Known Problems
2.6
V7.5 Plans
3.0
HARDWARE CONFIGURATION
3.1
Modems
3.2
Floppy Disk Drives
3.3
Hard Disk Drives
3.4
Video Output
3.5
Cartridges
4.0
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
4.1
Decompressing the Files
4.2
Checklist of C-NET 128 v7.0 Files
4.3
Setting Up Your C-NET 128 V7.0 System
4.3.1 Planning Your System
4.3.2 Copying Files
4.4
Loading the Configuration Program
4.5
System Configuration
4.5.1
4.5.2
4.5.3
4.5.4
4.5.5 Enter Activation Code
4.5.6 Create User Date Files
4.5.7 Saving Your Configuration
4.6
Load Files into a RAM Expansion Unit
5.0
GOING ON-LINE
5.1
Booting the Program
5.2
Setting Time and Date
5.3
Load and Run C-Net
5.4
Creating the System Operator Account
5.4.1 Logging on for the First Time
5.4.2 New User Application
5.5
The C-NET 'Waiting For Call' Screen
5.5.1 The Status Window
Scan System
Format Disks
System Parameters
Edit Modem Strings

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Summary of Contents for Commodore C-NET 128 v7.0

  • Page 1 Hard Disk Drives Video Output Cartridges SOFTWARE INSTALLATION Decompressing the Files Checklist of C-NET 128 v7.0 Files Setting Up Your C-NET 128 V7.0 System 4.3.1 Planning Your System 4.3.2 Copying Files Loading the Configuration Program System Configuration 4.5.1 Scan System 4.5.2...
  • Page 2 5.5.2 The System Activity Monitor (S.A.M.) 5.5.2.1 C-Net v7.0 System Monitor 5.5.2.2 S.A.M. Screen 1 (System Variables) 5.5.2.3 S.A.M. Screen 2 (Communication Statistics) 5.5.2.4 Large Clock 5.5.2.5 System Activity Chart 5.5.3 Monitoring and Control System (M.A.C.S.) Options When Logging onto the System SYSTEM OPERATOR CONTROLS Sysop Status Access Change...
  • Page 3 Uploading/Downloading User List 8.10 Dating System 8.11 Voting System 8.12 BBS Listing System 8.13 Edit Profile 8.14 Auto-validation 8.15 Accounting Summary 8.16 Re-logon 8.17 Account Summary 8.18 Activity Queue 8.19 Today’s Callers 8.20 Immediate Processing 8.21 Command Stacking 8.22 Maintenance Commands THE ACCOUNTING SYSTEM 10.0 ELECTRONIC MAIL SYSTEM...
  • Page 4 14.4 Other Commands 14.5 Maintenance Commands 14.6 Direct Disk Exchange Mode 15.0 MESSAGE COMMAND INTERPRETER (MCI) 16.0 THE EDITOR SYSTEM 16.1 Saving/Loading Text in the Editor 16.2 Seeing What Has Been Entered 16.3 Manipulating Text 16.4 Insert Mode 16.5 Line Numbers 16.6 Word Wraparound/Text Formatting 16.7...
  • Page 5 17.8.1 Set Bridge Connections 17.8.2 Edit Network Connections 17.8.3 Review Dead Mail 17.8.4 Send Net Feedback 17.8.5 Edit Node Parameters 17.8.6 Send Net Mail 17.8.7 Send Net File 17.9 EDITING THE FUNCTION KEY MACROS 18.0 CONFIGURATION OF AUTOMAINTENANCE 18.1 Utility P-File Overview 18.2 Create System Pointers File 18.3...

  • Page 6: Introduction

    USAGE AGREEMENT C-Net 128 v7.0 (from now on referred to as the PROGRAM) is being distributed as Trialware. Trialware gives you the opportunity to evaluate...

  • Page 7: Program And Manual

    It is NOT Public Domain or Free of Charge. Using this program requires you to accept the following terms and conditions: 1. You may use this copy of the PROGRAM on an evaluation basis. evaluation period is 30 days. 2. If you enjoy the program and want to receive the benefits of being a registered C-Net System Operator (Sysop) then you must purchase the software.

  • Page 8: Update And Customer Support

    of your registration fee paid, including, without limitation, any lost profits, business goodwill or other special, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use the PROGRAM, or for any claim by any other party, even if R.ERIC PEARSON has been advised of the possibility of such claims or damages.

  • Page 9: Registration Form

    The Northern Outpost BBS (403) 622-3395 REGISTRATION FORM To register your copy of C-NET 128 v7.0 print-out and fill-in the following form and mail it along with your registration fee of $20 in U.S. Funds to: R. ERIC PEARSON 245 Shear Hill Rd.
  • Page 10 interrupt handler with ML code to receive data from the modem. Characters received are placed in the normal 255 byte RS-232 input buffer. This allowed the “Main” portion of the BBS to operate with existing code with only minor modifications to the ML program. However, it was quickly found that the U/D protocol programs bypassed this functionality and used their own separate code to access the modem.
  • Page 11 2. Redesign of PRG.NET-ASSEMBLE and PRG.AMAINT. 3. Redesign of System Configuration Utility. 4. Redesign of E-Mail. 5. Added System Monitor 6. Added HELP for System Operator at Waiting for Call screen. 7. Added Last 10 Caller Screen toggle at Waiting for Call screen. 8.

  • Page 12: Net E-Mail & Subs

    USER PORT OR SWIFTLINK/TURBO232 SYSTEM Before setting up your C-NET v7.0 BBS you need to decide if you will be running with a modem that interfaces with the Commodore 128 through the User Port or through a Swiftlink/Turbo232 cartridge. User Port modems will only be able to sustain speeds up to 2400 BPS, while modems using a Swiftlink/Turbo232 will be able to attain much greater speeds.

  • Page 13: Known Problems

    3500 - Clear the line, hang-up. 3860 - Retrieve one character the RS-232 input buffer. SYS4939 - Wedges the NMI handler and initializes the Swiftlink/Turbo232 KNOWN PROBLEMS Following is a list of known problems (a.k.a. bugs) or features by subsystem that did not make the release date: Electronic Mail 1.

  • Page 14: Hardware Configuration

    ATV0, ATH, ATS0=x, ATS7=x, ATX1, and ATA, RS-232 interfaces, which are necessary to connect most Hayes compatible modems to the Commodore 128, must be tested separately for their compatibility with C- NET 128. RS-232 interfaces that have been successfully tested include the MSD and the Omnitronix brands.

  • Page 15: Video Output

    128’s keyboard must be depressed at all times. CARTRIDGES No form of ‘FAST LOAD, MACH128, etc. or other types of software cartridge can be successfully used with C-NET 128 v7.0, but will only interfere and cause numerous problems. - SOFTWARE INSTALLATION -...

  • Page 16: Checklist Of C-Net 128 V7.0 Files

    Following is a list and brief description of files you should have after decompressing all of the V7.0 archives. MACHINE LANGUAGE PROGRAMS: CNETBOOT – Loader program for C-NET 128 V7.0 M4.O – ML to save and restore the SysOp Status Window and cursor position M5 – RAM Loader ML –...
  • Page 17 PRG.NET-CONNECT PRG.NET-DIST PRG.NET-EASY PRG.NET-FBACK PRG.NET-MAIL PRG.NET-MAP PRG.NET-NEWS PRG.NET-NOW PRG.NET-ORDERS PRG.NET-PARMS PRG.NET-PULL PRG.NET-SEND PRG.NET-SEND FIX PRG.NET-SORT PRG.NET-SU PRG.NET-SUB EDIT PRG.NET-SUBS PRG.NET-TEST PRG.NET-TRANS PRG.NET-UNPACK PRG.NET-UTIL PRG.NEW USER – Run when a new user logs on PRG.NEWS – C-Net News Sub-system PRG.NEWSCAN PRG.NS – Net Send E-Mail PRG.PERIOD PRG.PROFILE PRG.RAM –...

  • Page 18: Setting Up Your C-Net 128 V7.0 System

    CHRSET#4 – Alternate Character Set/Font TRATBL 0 – Translation table 0 TRATBL 1 – Translation table 1 SETTING UP YOUR C-NET 128 V7.0 SYSTEM 4.3.1 PLANNING YOUR SYSTEM The C-NET 128 Bulletin Board system works on the premise of different DEVICES and DRIVES for different operations.

  • Page 19: System Configuration

    ALL PRG.NET-* FILES – If you don’t plan on running the networking software. LOADING THE SYSTEM CONFIGURATION PROGRAM Ensure you Commodore 128 is in 128 mode by depressing the 40/80 button and that you monitor has the 80 column RGB mode selected.

  • Page 20: Scan System

    C-NET will automatically boot from the hard drives when powered on with these files in place. For users with floppy diskette systems, insert the C-NET SYSTEM diskette into device 0, and power-up the Commodore 128. At the ready prompt type: BOOT”CNETBOOT”...

  • Page 21: System Parameters

    drive status. If there is an error, you should first try another erasable disk before having the disk drive unit checked for problems. Continue to select device and drive numbers until all disk drives contain empty, newly formatted and error-free disks. Go back to the main menu by pressing RETURN when you are asked for another device for formatting.

  • Page 22: Edit Modem Strings

    “+++” and ATH are sent to hang up. If a dip switch for DTR exists, set it for always on (true). Commodore 1670 (this modem does not support ATA while the phone is ringing -- so must always be set to auto- answer mode.) A Hayes compatible (type 2) modem with DTR (Data Terminal Ready) control ability for fast hang-ups.

  • Page 23: Enter Activation Code

    After confirming all of your modem settings hit ESCAPE to go back to the System Configuration menu. 4.5.5 ENTER ACTIVATION CODE C-NET 128 V7.0 is Time-Limited Shareware (or Trialware). This means that the PROGRAM will cease to function after a predetermined amount of time.

  • Page 24: Saving Your Configuration

    You should now select the sixth option. You will be warned that this will erase any existing user data. Enter a ‘Y’ to continue. You will be asked for a number of user accounts to initially reserve disk space for -- it is a good idea to slightly overestimate this number (a good number to start with is 200).

  • Page 25: Going On-Line

    disk for sequential files. If you use multiple disks, you need only include “m5” on your sequential files disk, and “prg.setup” on the last disk you will be loading from (this is your sequential files disk if you are using a separate disk for them). Any files NOT included on these disk (s) for loading into the RAM expander must be copied to the appropriate disk (s) in the same manner as someone who is not using a RAM expander would.

  • Page 26: Load And Run C-Net

    abbreviation is displayed, press the RETURN key. Now you must set the date. To change the date, use the number keys, either on the numeric keypad or at the top of the keyboard. When the correct date is displayed, press the RETURN key. Enter the year, hour and minute in the same manner.

  • Page 27: New User Application

    If this is a brand new BBS, after booting the system for the first time there will be no user data. Not even an account for you the System Operator. So, the first thing you need to do is create an account for yourself with all the rights and privileges that will allow you complete and utter control of your system.
  • Page 28 That allows for the new zip codes, as well as the Canadian Postal Code. The program also defaults to ‘new Commodore’ prompts for new users. It doesn’t ask the user for his state/province, since it already has that information from the phone number area code that the user inputs.
  • Page 29 the user in case there is an error. Users must put something in the address question, and when asked for the user’s personal name, it prompts the user to input both first and last name. If you create a file ‘sys.badnames’ on your system disk, the system will allow you to disallow certain handles or handle fragments from being used on the system.
  • Page 30 The system will check the directory of system news files, to see if there are any new files to be displayed to the user. If so, there will be at this time. If the user hasn’t called since his last birthday, the system will greet him with “Happy Birthday!”...
  • Page 31 The number of user accounts being used on your system (including deleted accounts). Check marked if the ‘more?’ mode is enabled. Check marked if the user has selected Commodore graphics. Check marked if the user has selected Novice experience; an ‘!’ appears if the user has selected full expert mode.
  • Page 32 If a user has used a Control-S or the clear/home key to pause the screen, then the word ‘PAUSE’ at the top of the screen will flash to show that the screen has been paused. 5.5.2 THE SYSTEM ACTIVITY MONITOR (S.A.M.) While waiting for a call, the text output window will be filled with the System Monitor screen.
  • Page 33 When someone has called either remotely or locally, the program detects connect and then attempts to configure the correct graphics mode by prompting the caller to depress certain keys. A Commodore caller should press his/her INS/DEL while all others would press their ESCAPE key. If a...
  • Page 34 RETURN key, then the board defaults to ASCII. analyzing the character that is received here, C-NET is able to determine whether the caller is using a Commodore Color & Graphics translation, a straight ASCII translation or an IBM ANSI translation.
  • Page 35 (LO) LOCAL MODE Activate this function from the ‘waiting for call’ screen to log on to the system in local mode. Activating this function while a user is remotely on the system will cause the system to enter local mode, disabling his terminal completely, until you deactivate the function.
  • Page 36 6.11 UPLOAD CREDITS At times it may be convenient to add or subtract from the number of credits a user on-line has (this appears in the lower left corner of the status box labeled ‘U:’). For instance, if a user is allowed to download 10 blocks for each block uploaded, and has overextended that ratio, and you wish to increase his ‘credit’...
  • Page 37 Up arrow toggle option on/off - COMMANDS AVAILABLE AT ALL LEVELS - COMMANDS AVAILABLE AT ALL LEVELS There are several commands which are available to a user no matter which command level (main, bulletin board, electronic mail, system news, general text files, file transfer, program files, or system maintenance, etc.) he is currently at.
  • Page 38 available through the help utility. The ‘H’ or ‘HELP’ command is used to enter the help utility from any command level. There are several topics that the system can offer help with. After each help file has been displayed, the user is prompted for another topic. If the help topic is already known, the help command may be entered in the form HELP TOPIC.
  • Page 39 Color/graphics mode allows users of Commodore computers using color/graphic capable terminal packages to see text and the Commodore keyboard graphic characters in all 16 colors available for text on the Commodore computers. Color/graphics mode was initially selected at login by the pressing of the backspace key.
  • Page 40 The user can use the ‘CR’ command to check his credits for messages that the user has sent, calls, downloads and uploads, as well as how many minutes on his present call and daily calls. The user will get his credit info totals set for today, limit, credits left and total.
  • Page 41 They are the following: CONTROL S - may be used to pause the output from C-NET. In local mode, and when using many Commodore terminal packages, the CLR/HOME key may be used instead. Any key may be used to re- start the output.
  • Page 42 to begin from a blank line. To abort many messages, either the SPACE BAR or the ‘/’ character may be used. - THE MAIN COMMAND LEVEL - THE MAIN COMMAND LEVEL The main command level is the ‘central point’ of the system. From here, a user may branch to any of the many other system command levels.
  • Page 43 PROGRAM FILES The ‘P’ command from the main level will take the user to the program file system (on-line games). See chapter 11 for program file system details. SYSTEM MAINTENANCE The ‘SM’ command from the main level will take a user (with proper access group having system maintenance access) to the system maintenance system.
  • Page 44 not have the file ‘prg.vote’ on your p-files disk or RAM expander. 8.12 BBS LISTING SYSTEM A full featured BBS listing system is available to users by using the ‘L’ command from the main level prompt. This program uses a B-tree data structure, which should allow more than 20,000 BBS listings to be entered, stored in numerical order, edited, deleted, and searched for.
  • Page 45 or if users are allowed to hold multiple accounts. A user must belong to an access group with access to the relogon command (one of the several 0 or 1 settings) in order to be able to use it. 8.17 ACCOUNT SUMMARY One feature that ‘CR’...
  • Page 46 All BASIC I/O, however, is still routed through C-NET’s ML, allowing CONTROL-S pausing, SPACEBAR aborting of text output, etc. C-NET runs in COMPLETE and total Commodore screen emulation, allowing cursor movement, quote mode, insert mode, and everything else. C-Term has been adapted to do the same (using the CG+ mode).
  • Page 47 For each minute connected to the system For each minute using the P-files section For each minute using the G-files section For each line of post in the bulletin board system For each line of response in the BBS For each 20 lines read in the bulletin board system For each line of private e-mail sent For each 20 lines of e-mail received For each block downloaded...
  • Page 48 If you are charging a user for access to your system (per minute access is not 0), access time to the system will be restricted if the user doesn’t have enough money in his account. In addition, before a user is able to perform any function with a CHARGE attached to it, his balance will be examined.
  • Page 49 C-NET 128 V7 electronic mail uses a mailbox scheme for storing and organizing a user’s mail. Each user is allocated an In-Box as a receptacle for new messages, a Sent Mail folder to save messages for future forwarding and an Archive to store messages received for later reference. There are various options depending on which mailbox you are currently in.
  • Page 50 text system makes it unnecessary to return the whole message with a reply. 10.7.2 FORWARDING A MESSAGE To forward a message you have just read, use the ‘F’ command. You will follow the steps of composing a new message as outline in section 10.8. When your message is sent, the body of the message you composed will appear on top, separated from the message you are forwarding on the bottom.
  • Page 51 folder. If you answer “Yes” an exact copy of your message is saved to your Sent Mail folder for later review or forwarding. Otherwise, you are returned to the main level of the current mailbox. 10.9 SENDING A FILE The flow of Sending a File is basically the same as Composing a message except after you are prompted for a Return Receipt you are then placed into upload mode.
  • Page 52 Allow/Deny Net Mail Can users send mail over the network? 10.11.2 PACKUP E-MAIL To pack up the mail, means to redo the relative file that the e-mail is stored in. As users write e-mail and delete the mail, sections of the relative file become empty.
  • Page 53 at a prompt “List handles & ID’s only?”. This type of searching and listing is generally much faster than a normal search because only the handle of each account is read from the disk and displayed. If search restrictions are set for the search, the quick list’s speed benefits are lost, however, because C-NET must again examine entire user records to see if restrictions are satisfied.
  • Page 54 birthdate are displayed. If the user performing the search is not a system operator, and a user whose account is being displayed has selected that he is private, the phone number will only display the area code, and the real name and birthdate will not be displayed at all.
  • Page 55 prompted when the log has been completely read back to a user with G- file/P-file maintenance privileges. Edit the entry file for the current area, or subdirectory of an area. The entry files are displayed to users as they enter the area, unless their help levels are set to “expert”.
  • Page 56 that item to a network order list. To enter an item for the On-Line Store to process, you must first have an entry in the G-files, explaining about your product. To have the On-Line Store process each order, it must reside in the same directory as your product.
  • Page 57 news subsystem. Only news files that you have access to will appear as part of the news subsystem. If you are not a system operator, and there are no accessible system news files, you will be told “the news subsystem is empty”...
  • Page 58 13.4 KILLING NEWS FILES To remove a system news file, use the ‘K’ command followed by the news file number. Only system operators may remove files. 13.5 EDITING NEWS FILES By using the ‘E’ command followed by the news file number, a system operator is able to change anything about an existing news file.
  • Page 59 Most of the commands listed below are available from this prompt (About, Download, etc.) in addition to several others, namely: Leave a private message for the author of response #n (just entering ‘P’ will allow you to post a message only). Respond to the item.
  • Page 60 Download an item’s file. If an item has an attached file (in the case of a files only area, they probably all do), this will allow a user to request to download a particular file. Such a request may be denied for MANY reasons, including not enough time, not enough credits according to either the byte ratio or the file ratio,...
  • Page 61 ‘path’ of subdirectories you chose to arrive where you are now. B/UD If you are in the UD Base, UD will simply read the subboard information (see the maintenance section below). If you are in the message base, UD will transport you to the UD Base directly, bypassing MAIN.
  • Page 62 Clear selection list resets the selection list. Note that selecting to Download a single file using the ‘D’ command, or uploading will automatically reset the selection list. 14.4 OTHER COMMANDS ED n Edit the contents of a Post in the message base. This command is equivalent to the Read command with the exception that only New responses will be displayed.
  • Page 63 14.5 MAINTENANCE COMMANDS Add a subboard to the current list of subboards. Note that it is necessary that you NOT be “within” a subboard at the time you use this command. You MUST either be at the BASE or UD BASE prompt, or just have entered a subdirectory.
  • Page 64 messages only, “static” meaning that no one can post or upload, or RPG, and NET (see chapter 18). Password. If you select a password for your subboard, a user must supply the password each time he wishes to enter. System operators will have the password displayed to them when they enter the subboard.
  • Page 65 To add to the number of maxlines, hit ‘Y’ at the “change maxlines?” prompt. *NOTE: Max lines for network bases should be set to only 100 lines. This is so C-NET can connect to Commodore 64 based software. Reorganize text. While you are inside a subboard, you may elect to have C-NET ‘pack’...
  • Page 66 - 66 - - THE MESSAGE AND FILE BASES - 13.6 THE DIRECT DISK EXCHANGE MODE C-NET provides a way for you to operate a subboard which requires no special “adopting” of files in order for them to be used. If you run this subboard on a floppy disk, you are able to directly swap disks in and out while users are on-line, and possibly “trade”...
  • Page 67 key). Outside of the editor system, this key may not be used. Within the editor system, only users with access groups configured to use MCI may hit this key. Only high level access groups and system operators should be given access to the MCI as it is easily over used and misused. These commands can be placed anywhere in the text.
  • Page 68 itself, there will be a direct jump without a test. See the ‘#tn” command for the different tests which trigger a jump. Print a number of blank lines/carriage returns. Toggle the flash mode on or off (1=on 2=off). This only works with true 128 graphics terms.
  • Page 69 Last call date and time the user was on-line. Handle of the user on-line. Real name of the user on-line. Phone number of the user on-line. The variable a$. Use in programming mode only. The variable b$. Use in programming mode only. The variable an$ when used as the last ‘#g1’...
  • Page 70 personal statement, up to 30 lines of text may be entered. For feedback, news files and entry files, 100 lines may be used. For the electronic mail and message subboards, the maximum number of lines is set according to the amount of free disk and file space.
  • Page 71 line is printed, and the user may type the line over, and/or use the CONTROL-U key sequence to re-type the character that is directly above the cursor. If RETURN or backspace is hit at the beginning of an editing line, no change will be made. To abort a range of edited lines, press the period key at the first column to display “>>Exit”...
  • Page 72 right, center, expand, and pack. After ‘.J’ is used, ‘L’ must be hit to left justify text (move to the left border), ‘R’ must be hit to right justify text (move to the right border), ‘C’ must be used to center justify text ( move to the center of the screen), ‘P’...
  • Page 73 If you are in the editor, you may append to text already in the editor by using the following dot command: ‘.G +sys.start’ This command would get your file sys.start off your system drive, and APPEND it to the end of the text already in your editor. When saving your work as a temporary file, you may use this command structure to append the text you would like to save as well as the text of the original file you wish to append to:...
  • Page 74 2,7;9,14 groups 2 through 7 and 9 through 14 4;9;10;15 groups 4, 9, 10 and 15 only 17.2 SYSTEM COMMANDS 17.2.1 View System Activity Graph (AG) This feature monitors usage compared to non-usage of the system over the course of the day, broken into 72 20-minute periods. When displayed with percentage along the ‘Y’...
  • Page 75 17.2.8 Change System Font (SS(n)) Will select an alternative character font. There are four provided on your original disk. 17.2.9 View feedback (VF) This will let you read the feedback that users left using the ‘F’ command. After the file has been read, you have the option to delete the file. 17.3 USER COMMANDS 17.3.1...
  • Page 76 Use of the g-files (on-line text files) system User list command MCI level 1 (most commands) MCI level 2 (sysop or privileged access commands) Ability to re-logon to the system Ability to edit personal data (the ‘Z’ command) System maintenance (sysop) Bypass of U/D ratios Bypass of calls per day...
  • Page 77 available: Again. Re-read the message Reply. To write a message to the user in e-mail Send. To send the message to any user’s e-mail account (your account included) Edit. To edit the user’s entire account (to delete it, change his handle, etc.) Keep.
  • Page 78 Used instant logoff (O!) Normal sign-off Informational entry to the log 17.4.4 Auto-Backup Log (LF) Reads log generated by the auto-backup utility. 17.4.5 P/G-File Log (LG) Log of G-file and P-file activity. Each time a user accesses a G-file or P- file, it is noted in this log.
  • Page 79 your text. When you use the ‘WF’ command, you are placed into the editor system to type in your text, so all editor commands are used here for editing, saving, etc. 17.7 DOS INTERFACE 17.7.1 Execute DOS Command (@) Commands to the floppy drive or hard drive are communicated this way. the command has spaces in it, then you MUST add quote (“”) marks to it to ensure that it is issued correctly.
  • Page 80 SM (8,0); rf prg.maint +p /p This command line will allow you to read the PRoGram file prg.maint as an ASCII dump to your screen, and will also simultaneously list it to your printer. 17.10 MANUAL USER WEED PROGRAM The program prg.weed has been added to the files. This should be set up in the sysop utilities section of your P-files.
  • Page 81 Display and delete the feedback. Display and delete the new user information. Display and delete the main file transfer log. Display and delete the P-file/G-file reader log. (10) Validate (COLLECT) a series of disk drives. If your printer is connected (and powered on), C-NET will print everything that you have chosen to be displayed.
  • Page 82 Screen Blanking on/off You can tell C-NET whether to turn on screen blanking at all times (upon bootup) with this option. Default color change You may select a new color without having to take the BBS down to change it in the setup utility.
  • Page 83 to another for using the Auto-Backup utility. It for some reason does not like to do this. When you have finished with the autocopy configuration utility, enter quit, which will prompt the software to ask if you want to save your work in this area.
  • Page 84 MAIN command level. Restart e-mail is no longer a valid option for v6.*. It will still do everything it says it will, but, your e-mail system will NOT be restarted due to a difference in file structures. 18.6 CALL-BACK VALIDATION CONFIGURATION Once your C-NET is fully functioning and operational, you may elect to have C-NET help you with validating accounts by calling back your users assigned to the New User access level.
  • Page 85 messages are posted and responded to in the usual way with C-NET, without the user having to know what system to send it to, or execute a separate P- file, or any other difficult (or awkward) commands. 19.2 NETWORK MAPPING Using a mapping routine similar to several IBM-style network systems, Multi- Net uses a multiple-branching system of mapping messages throughout its network.
  • Page 86 To activate your networking, you must turn on the flag from your MACS screen. Once that is done, use the ‘Commodore Key N’ to force a network routine. The “Nacti.LLLL/ **” file will make the...
  • Page 87 extra files that Multi-Net needs in order to operate. It would be foolish to think that every one can have the network and not have a long distance connection. There simply aren’t enough C-NET BBS systems in North America to support that idea. When you consider having the network on your system, it would be prudent for you to consider the probability of your having a long distance connection.
  • Page 88 Net-News Parameters: Occasionally, the Node Administrator will send down a news file, or varying subjects, and this is where you will have access to reading it, and whether or not it is recurring, etc., as in the ‘normal’ news routines. System Tagline: At the present time, this option is not used by this version of...
  • Page 89 recommended to be used by all network nodes. This flag should be turned on. The second flag is to simply turn off that particular node without having to ‘kill’ the connection. If the node is an ‘active’ node (meaning that you will be calling it, or the node will be calling you, then this flag should be turned on.
  • Page 90 day, and as the last hour (LH) you need to use 2400 (or midnight), OTHERWISE, Multi-Net will attempt to call from 6 AM until 11 PM (exactly the opposite). The window you define for each system will need to fit into each day. (RECOMMENDATION: Use 1 AM to 6 AM for your long distance connection windows.
  • Page 91 levels. One note here, is that you can call the message subs anything you wish on your system. For example, you can call the C-NET sub C-net Information. You DO NOT have to call each message sub the same as the network name.
  • Page 92 Source Line: Another name for a tagline. You should put something here to identify that the message came from your system. Another reason for the tagline, is that occasionally, some of the message may get cut off, and if there is a tagline, then only the tagline will get cut off, and not any of the message.
  • Page 93 CommNet. What is CommNet? CommNet is a network of all the different software programs that run on the Commodore 64 and Commodore 128. At the present time, CommNet includes C-NET 128, Image, DS2 and Color 128. CommNet at this time is still going through growing pains, but with luck will be on-line full time.
  • Page 94 these files, is if there is also an ‘Nstrt*’ file, as the two go hand in hand. The ninth step is to look for ‘Nordr*’. This file is for ordering things from network nodes that are commercial nodes. At the present time, this file is not used, as all the nodes are message nodes only.
  • Page 95 expensive to send out from system to system. Remember that one of Multi- Net’s features is its cost-saving ability. Absolutely NO copywritten software will be transferred through the network. This is a violation of Federal Law, and is not THAT difficult to determine where the file originated.
  • Page 96 will be version 2.0. v1.9 is the same as v1.5, however, the coding has been cleaned up so the programs run faster. As well, pauq routines have been included as explained under flags in section 18.8. ****NOTE**** You do not have to run the pauq routines for v1.9 to run properly. The one time that you should use the pauq routines is if you call your connection long distance.
  • Page 97 As other programs are written to assist a sysop in his/her networking, these will be added here. - C-TERMINAL - 20.0 C-TERMINAL For added convenience, the C-NET BBS is equipped with a built-in terminal program. To activate the terminal, you must be at the waiting for a call screen and press the ESC key, which is located in the upper left hand corner of the keyboard.
  • Page 98 changes/cursor movements). Toggles on the download function. Allows downloading of files and programs from another BBS. Hangs up the phone line. 20.2 OTHER PARAMETERS C-Term has other optional parameters (O from the terminal Main Menu) which include: Input Linefeeds. (Required or automatic). This feature applies only to the ASCII/ANSI terminal mode.
  • Page 99 select any files, it will cause C-Term to upload an empty file. 20.5 CAPTURE BUFFER A terminal buffer allows you to capture data to a place in memory for later saving and retrieval. C-Term is able to support approximately 20K of storage (or roughly 20,480 bytes).
  • Page 100 You are also allowed two macros per entry in the list, they are assigned to the F7 and F8 keys. One might be good for your Login ID, while the other could be used for your password. Finally, you will be prompted for a phone number to call the BBS with. it is out of your area code, you do not need to insert a ‘1’...
  • Page 101 Therefore, from the log alone, it is not possible to determine exactly where the infinite loop occurs in the program. 21.2 MEMORY MAP This is how memory is utilized in the Commodore 128 version of C-NET: RAM BANK $0000 - $03FF C-128 usage $0400 - $04EF C-NET ‘m4.0’...
  • Page 102 throughout here! $0B40 - $0B9F C-NET Editor temp string work area $0BA0 - $0BFF C-NET Editor current line color codes $0C00 - $0DFF C-NET RS-232 I/O Buffers $0E00 - $0FFF C-NET ‘m2’ file $1000 - $10FF Function Key Information $1100 - $12FF Graphics/Music Area.
  • Page 103 1304 ..This too, probably the ‘block length’ 1309,10 ..Punter stuff again 1775 Storage for 56577 location (to put modem on-line) 1776 Storage for LD$ (so ML can compare date) (11 bytes) 1787 Modem type (1=1650, 2=Hayes, etc.) 1788 Minutes on-line this call 1789 # of files in the RAM expander 1790...
  • Page 104 ASCII character value to change the password mask character!! 7687 Scrtbl, 256 bytes for screen output translation. 7943 Tratbl, 256 bytes for Commodore to ASCII translation. 8199 Rectbl, 128 bytes for ASCII to Commodore translation. 8410,1 Upload block counter (signed, $ff=-1), and flag for change, after you do ‘on-line credits changing’.
  • Page 105 1027 Restorescreen Go back to 19 line screen 1030 Savecursor Save current cursor position. v4.0 uses the BASIC cursor to draw everything. so must keep track of where it goes back after writing in the status window, etc. 1033 Restorecursor Restore last saved cursor position.
  • Page 106 4906 300BAUD Set baud rate 300. 4909 1200BAUD Set baud rate 1200. 4912 2400BAUD Set baud rate 2400. 4916 Startup Used to load ‘prg.ram’ at program start. 4919 Flush Remove all added variables since 3590. 4922 RAM expander, load SEQ to bank 1. 4925 RAM expander, reset this to bank 0.
  • Page 107 7216 Forty Print enough spaces to align at the column 40 (for two column lists for 80 column users). 7219 Loadmod Load a p-file (see gosub5500). 7222 Loadpro Load a proto file (see gosub881) 7228 Setwindow Set window borders and clear screen.
  • Page 108 proto9: BasicShell proto0: PunterRecv Punter 14342 proto9: GetInfo For BBS list, get a line proto0: PunterSend Punter 14345 proto9: PutInfo For BBS list, put a line proto0: PunterInitRecv Punter 14348 proto7: ClearText Editor proto9: RunBASIC proto0: PunterInitSend Punter 11357 proto7: LineEd Enter the editor (see gosub11060)
  • Page 109 65493 LOAD, A=0, X=>start, Y=<start. 65496 SAVE, A=zpage location of pointer to start of save, X=>end, Y=<end. 21.5 BASIC VARIABLE This section contains a list of the most common BASIC variables that are in use in the stock C-NET 128 version 4.0 through 7.0. Each variable is given along with a description of how it is used throughout the program.
  • Page 110 programming must NOT use these variables. “-” Denotes a variable that is used and/or altered by one or more system subroutines. Depending on which subroutines your modifications make, it may be unsafe to use any of these variables for more than very temporary work.
  • Page 111 Tracks the current position in the ring buffer LC$() for the last 16 commands Total number of system calls Number of public messages posted by the user before his current call Tracks charges for individual system functions, before later being rounded to the penny and added to Z6% Flag for u/d, Email, and subboard systems, if cc%=0 no charges...
  • Page 112 Error channel reading. DT$(20) Temp use. DV%(46) Device numbers. dv%(1)=system disk dv%(2)=email disk dv%(3)=etcetera disk dv%(4)=g-files disk dv%(5)=p-files disk dv%(6)=feedback printer flags bit 0 disk, bit 1 printer dv%(7) to dv%(46) contain subboard device numbers. In subs, logon, the current ‘depth’ in a global transversal of all subboards including directories.
  • Page 113 format; MCI variable 1. Line feeds required (1=yes). Last Caller Screen Active Flag. LK$() Last 10 Callers array. In p/gfiles, number of sub-directories deep (each directory appears in dt$()). User’s line length (22 to 80 columns). Temp use. Gosub40; set LP=1 before a gosub40 to automatically carriage return after a$ is output.
  • Page 114 Number of uploads user has made. Number of user accounts. Used lines in current del file. V7$(10) C-NET v7 variables V7$(01) = HD Type V7$(02) = Real-Time Clock Device V7$(03) = V7$(10) = Serial Number Word wraparound for input flag. Contains system drive numbers.
  • Page 115 see who messages actually wrote) Note that particularly in v6.0, you cannot issue any System Maintenance commands without entering the ID command and successfully entering the system password while at a remote location. There is also a bypass for the idle timer, that is not being used correctly at the time of this writing, connected to the Bypass times flag.
  • Page 116 21.8 BASIC ERROR CODES For reference, here are the error number codes for many of the more frequently encountered BASIC errors: Too many files File open File not open File not found Device not present Not input file Not output file Missing file name Illegal device number Next without for...
  • Page 117 sys.u/d This file can be shown to users that do NOT have access to the UD area. e.subboard These files are the intro files for each subboard available to the on- line user. Note that you may have a different file for each subboard that you have on your system.
  • Page 118 sys.menu 2a The ‘While reading posts’ menu sys.menu 2b The ‘End of Post’ menu sys.mmenu 0 Main menu shown novice users sys.mmenu 1 Main menu shown intermediate users sys.mmenu 2 Main menu shown expert users *NOTE: Users that have logged on as a ‘Superuser’ will not be given any main menu commands shown on the screen.
  • Page 119 to quit; sys.me/setup will be saved onto your system disk before you are returned to the ‘Main” prompt. Then copy txt.me/moves and sys.me/sets files. Press ‘Q’ to quit. NOTE: you may remove txt.me/moves from your game disk after compiling the moves.Next, type ‘SY’ at your ‘Main’ prompt to enter the BASIC shell.
  • Page 120 environment to edit the Npauq.* file will not work. However, if you use Zed-128, then you can read and edit the file. Other than having all the N* files in one file, the only other difference that you will notice, is that there are @@ (reversed) symbols every now and then.
  • Page 121 stays resident in your computer at all times, and calls up which ever other programs are required as they are needed. This is the reason for using the ‘RL’ function from time to time, as the cn file sometimes gets corrupted. prg.amaint This is the program that does the auto-maintenance each and every night.
  • Page 122 downloading based on uploaded blocks. Free blocks: The number of free blocks allowed to be downloaded before the ratio starts. This number may be set to any number. 0 indicates infinite. Messages/call: How many messages may be left per call. 0 indicates infinite.
  • Page 123 Delete own files: This allows the user to delete any files that they have uploaded to the system. User-purge exempt: This exempts the user from being deleted from the system during auto-maintenance if the user purge is activated. Autovalidate files: This allows for the user to validate his own uploaded files to the UD bases.
  • Page 124 APPENDIX B COMMANDS C-NET 128 v6.6s COMMANDS DOS COMMANDS NETWORK COMMANDS send disk command view network log view disk directory edit net connections change drive number set bridge connections blocks free review net dead mail and sortout reset blocks free edit net parameters read file test net programs...
  • Page 125 (1 space)(total number of nodes) ^(up arrow) (up arrow end of file character) (up link connection for node 1) (up link connection for node 2) (up link connection for node 3) (up lind connection for node 4) (node 1 ID) (node 1 city and state/prov - no comma) (node 1 board name) (node 1 phone number)
  • Page 126 Valdar (node 2 sysop handle) EMPR (node 3 ID) WoodridgeNJ (node 3 city and state) Hidden Empire (node 3 board name) 2014607955 (node 3 phone number) (node 3 baud rate) Polish Warrior (node 3 sysop handle) CAVE (node 4 ID) DenverCO (node 4 city and state) Batcave...

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