textfiles/bbs/FIDONET/JENNINGS/PROGRAMS/FIDOSHEETS/datasht.tex.txt
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\input tex
\twelvepointsanserif
\font\hl=bs0003 scaled\magstep3 % headline font
\def\declare{\begingroup\obeylines\parindent=1em\parskip=0pt}
\def\enddeclare{\endgroup} % end of ...
\def\program#1{{\bf #1}\quad} % PROGRAMs stand out
\def\section#1{\bigskip\goodbreak{\hl #1}\vskip4pt\nobreak}
\def\subheading#1{\medskip\goodbreak{\bf #1}\ }
\def\fido{Fido\slash FidoNet} % simplicity
\hyphenation{jennings fido fidonet data-base data-bases}
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
\vskip.25in
\declare
\leftskip=4.5in
Tom Jennings
Fido Software\hfill June 1991
Box 77731
San Francisco
CA 94107 USA
bbs: (415)-863-2739
FidoNet: 1:125/111
Internet: tom.jennings@fidosw.fidonet.org
\enddeclare
\vskip.25in
\bar
\fido\ is a software package for DOS based Personal Computers that<61>
contains a complete Bulletin Board System plus a fully automatic<69>
Electronic Mail system.
Fido is the most popular Bulletin Board system in the world because of<6F>
its flexibility, reliability, and features; FidoNet is the software<72>
that defined the FidoNet protocol now in use around the world. The<68>
worlds largest privately-owned computer network is based upon the<68>
FidoNet communications protocol.
\bar
\begindoublecolumns
Fido\trademark\ Bulletin Board System:
\declare
\item{\blob}Absolute security
\item{\blob}Complete caller access controls
\item{\blob}Multiple-language and graphical interfaces
\item{\blob}200 independent message \& file areas
\item{\blob}Complete Email and message commands
\item{\blob}Fully error correcting file transfer protocols
\item{\blob}Supports all DOS/MSDOS Personal Computers
\enddeclare
Fido is a full-featured Computer Bulletin Board System. Callers,<2C>
commands, message and file areas can all have separate privilege<67>
levels and Locks \& Keys applied to them; these let you limit callers'<27>
access to any part of the Fido system to fit your needs.
\goodbreak
FidoNet\trademark\ Electronic Mail Network:
\declare
\item{\blob}Completely automatic Electronic Mail
\item{\blob}Full error correction protocol
\item{\blob}Extensive time-of-day event scheduling
\item{\blob}Powerful message routing language
\item{\blob}Automatic message routing
\enddeclare
FidoNet is an automatic ``store-and-forward'' mail system that<61>
transfers messages and files with other Fido\-Net-equipped computers.<2E>
It is completely integrated with Fido, and completely transparent in<69>
operation, and if you don't use it, you won't even know it's there.
\enddoublecolumns
\bar
\section{System Description}
\subheading{\fido} is extremely easy to use, and is compatible with<74>
just about any users terminal program or computer. The user interface<63>
does not get in the way of communicating; there are only two levels of<6F>
menus. Users see only what they need; novices find an easy to<74>
understand selection of simple commands, and experts can choose a<>
brief prompt. Context sensitive help is available at all decision<6F>
points. You can have up to 16 different languages or graphical<61>
interfaces installed at once.
\subheading{Reliability:} \fido\ is designed first and foremost for<6F>
reliability, meaning it will run 24 hours a day for months at a time<6D>
with no human intervention. (Obviously this doesn't include responding<6E>
to callers questions or other such things.) Tools are provided that<61>
handle all routine maintenance tasks automatically.
\subheading{Performance:} \fido\ makes excellent use of ordinary<72>
computers; with a high-performance modem such as a US Robotics Courier<65>
Dual Standard, you will get kilobyte/second throughput on a so-called<65>
``turbo'' PC XT.
\subheading{More than one modem:} While \fido\ supports only one<6E>
modem, you can run more than one copy of \fido\ per computer using a<>
multitasker program. \fido\ prevents file and message ``collisions''<27>
when more multiple users are accessing the same messages and files.<2E>
Performance degradation is negligible. See ``Supported Operating<6E>
Systems'' for the current list of supported multitaskers.
\subheading{Low disk space overhead:} A 20 Megabyte hard disk is<69>
essentially unlimited space; room for thousands of messages, files, a<>
10,000+ node FidoNet network, with plenty of disk space left over.
For a sample ``small scale'' system, with only two 360K floppies and<6E>
256K of memory, there is room for all of the basic \fido\ system<65>
utilities plus your text editor and other tools, over 200 messages,<2C>
and close to 100K bytes free. The same system with a 1,600 node<64>
FidoNet Network can have approximately 80 messages, would be<62>
considered very ``tight''.
\subheading{Modem Handling:} \fido\ achieves extremely high<67>
reliability with ordinary modems. During idle periods, \fido\ ``talks<6B>
to'' the modem to make sure it is ready and working. (While of course<73>
modems are not supposed to misbehave, in real life they can get<65>
confused by callers' strange and incompatible modems, improper<65>
operation, bad phone lines, and bad modem design, and newer-model<65>
modems frequently have firmware bugs. \fido\ takes care of these<73>
things automatically. Almost all problems reported are modem-related<65>
problems!)
Incoming callers' baud rate is determined automatically; callers do<64>
not have to hit the ``ENTER'' key to get the systems attention.<2E>
Outgoing calls made by FidoNet (if so enabled) can take advantage of<6F>
busy detect, no-dial-tone, and other features if provided by the<68>
modem.
\subheading{Caller DataBase:} Each caller to the system has a record<72>
in a database that maintains each callers name, password,
terminal-specific settings, language selection, privilege levels and<6E>
controls, and various statistics. Tools provided manipulate these<73>
records both manually and automatically. There can be up to 65,535<33>
callers in the database.
\subheading{System Messages and Bulletins:} \fido\ uses ordinary text<78>
files for system messages and bulletins, which are meant to be<62>
customized by you. When displaying and entering text, the Fido takes<65>
into account each callers terminal settings, such as screen width and<6E>
length, and performs on-screen formatting for a clean display.
\subheading{Access Controls:} There are six privilege levels that<61>
callers can be assigned. You can specify minimum privilege levels<6C>
needed to access commands and message and file areas.
In addition to privilege levels, there are 32 ``locks'' with matching<6E>
``keys''. Locks are be applied to things such as commands and message<67>
and file areas; callers may be given any number of keys. Callers can<61>
access only those things for which they have all of the matching keys,<2C>
plus meet the privilege level requirements. For example, if the {\tt<74>
E)nter-Message} command has lock \#20 applied, only callers that have<76>
Key \#20, plus any necessary minimum privilege levels, can use, see or<6F>
get help with that command.
Limits can be placed on each callers' connect-time on the system
per-call and per-24-hour period, and on file downloads.
\subheading{Context-Sensitive Help System:} Help is
context-sensitive, taking into account what commands the caller has<61>
access to because of privilege levels or locks and keys. Help is<69>
available on every command in the system. The Help files are text<78>
files that can be customized to fit your specific needs.
\subheading{Message Areas:} There can be up to 200 separate message<67>
areas, each with access controls as described above. There can be up<75>
to 65,535 messages in each area. Callers can enter new messages,<2C>
modify existing saved messages, search for messages by keyword or as<61>
addressed to or from them, and perform many other operations upon<6F>
messages. (Command availability depending on privilege levels and<6E>
locks of course.) Help is available at all decision points.
\subheading{File Areas:} There can be up to 200 independent file<6C>
areas, with access controls as described earlier. There are a number<65>
of ways in which to make files available (or not) to callers. Commands<64>
and functions have been added to make remote maintenance of file areas<61>
and other parts of the disk easier for the system operator. Files can<61>
be uploaded and downloaded in ASCII, ZMODEM, XMODEM, Telink, ``MODEM<45>
BATCH'' or Kermit protocols. XMODEM is nearly universal, and can<61>
handle binary files; ZMODEM has performance to match high-performance<63>
modems; Kermit and ASCII are used between otherwise-incompatible<6C>
computers.
My ``FidoTerm'' program works well with \fido\ or any other modem<65>
based system.
\subheading{Programmed events:} There can be up to 100 ``Events'',<2C>
scheduled to run at any time of the day and any day of the week.<2E>
Events allow \fido\ to run FidoNet network mail, execute external<61>
programs via DOS Batch Files, and other events for various special<61>
purposes. The events system can handle simultaneous and/or overlapping<6E>
events, special ``optional'' events, and combinations of events and<6E>
special characteristics. (``Optional'' events can be used, for<6F>
example, to execute ``background'' FidoNet network activity while no<6E>
caller is otherwise occupying the system.)
\subheading{Other Features \& Enhancements:} You can sign in to the<68>
system from the local keyboard, as if you had called in remotely with<74>
a modem, without ``taking down'' the system. Upcoming events can be<62>
listed, and previously-run events can be reenabled from the local<61>
keyboard.
Fido works with external ``shell'' programs to allow programmers and<6E>
``aftermarket'' add-on programs to work with \fido. Technical<61>
information is available in the manual. (External ``shell'' support<72>
programs are not supplied by me.)
\section{FidoNet}
Using Fido, you enter messages, choosing the destination computer(s)<29>
from a list; later, FidoNet automatically transfers those messages to<74>
the destination computers. You can ``attach'' files to a message to<74>
transfer files of any kind, and \fido\ will transfer hten along with<74>
the messages. \fido\ will inform you when the message (and files, if<69>
any) has been successfully sent. There can be any number of<6F>
messages\slash files pending to any number of destination computers.<2E>
FidoNet's routing language and other resources let you control exactly<6C>
how and when FidoNet messages are sent. All transfers use error<6F>
correction for absolute reliability\footnote*{Fido supports both the<68>
original and universal FidoNet protocol, as well as the WaZoo<6F>
protocol, developed by Wynn Wagner.}.
FidoNet networks can be organized into ``Nets'' and<6E>
``Regions''\footnote{**}{FidoNet also has ``Zones'', groups of Nets<74>
and Regions, that handle the problems of intercontinental traffic;<3B>
differences in time zones, incompatible modems, outgoing ``gateways''<27>
for lowest cost, and so on.}, each of which can contain any number of<6F>
computers running the \fido\ software, or compatibles, one of which is<69>
designated Host for the Net. A Host receives mail for the entire Net,<2C>
and distributes the mail to its local FidoNet computers. FidoNet is<69>
intelligent enough to send all messages for a given net in one phone<6E>
call; you can get further efficiency with the routing language.
FidoNet networks can be as small as two or three computers, or as<61>
large or larger than the hobbiest FidoNet network, which is up to<74>
10,000 systems as of March 1991.
\subheading{Incoming FidoNet mail at any time:} \fido\ can receive<76>
mail from other \fido\ systems at any time a caller is not occupying<6E>
the system, not just during scheduled FidoNet events. Optionally,<2C>
\fido\ can execute external programs via a DOS Batch File to do<64>
special processing of unscheduled Incoming Mail.
\section{Customization}
\fido\ parameters, lists of events, command names, and message and<6E>
file area definitions are contained in text files you can change with<74>
your own text editor program. All message and file areas are defined<65>
in one text file; the \fido\ system takes care of creating and<6E>
verifying the actual DOS subdirectories used. Commands are in their<69>
own text file, along with any privilege levels and locks. You can<61>
change command names to any single word you choose.
\subheading{Multiple Languages:} \fido\ supports up to 16 languages<65>
and/or graphical interfaces. Interfaces accomodate both ANSI/color<6F>
variations of one language (eg. all english, but color, monochrome,<2C>
standard Fido interface) or multiple languages (English, German,<2C>
Dutch, Spanish, etc) or any combination.
When a caller selects a language, the any or all parts of the<68>
interface can be changed; all runtime messages, command names, help<6C>
files, system bulletins. (For example, when running ANSI/color<6F>
variations of one language, the command names should not change; when<65>
changing languages changing command names may be part of the goal.)
The following interfaces are available at this time:
\smallskip
\begindoublecolumns
\declare
\item{\blob} American English
\item{\blob} American English Color \#1
\item{\blob} American English Color \#2
\item{\blob} ANSI Monochrome
\item{\blob} Bahasa Malay
\item{\blob} Chinese BIG-5
\item{\blob} Danish
\item{\blob} Dutch
\item{\blob} Dutch color
\item{\blob} German
\item{\blob} German color
\item{\blob} Spanish
\enddeclare
\enddoublecolumns
Chinese BIG-5 requires a special BIG-5 CODE ROM and programs, not<6F>
available from me. The master American language files are available<6C>
for custom translations; please contact me for details.
\section{Programs Supplied with \fido}
The following are some of the programs supplied as part of the<68>
standard \fido\ system package. In addition, there are many<6E>
``aftermarket'' programs from other authors that make using and<6E>
maintaining \fido\ easier and more powerful.
You can schedule Events in \fido\ to execute these or other programs<6D>
at any time, using an MSDOS Batch File you create to make your system<65>
completely or partially automatic.
\program{MSGMGR.EXE} (the Message Manager) performs routine<6E>
maintenance on messages within \fido\ Message Areas, such as purging<6E>
messages by age, and renumbering messages so they are sequential.<2E>
MSGMGR has it's own text file of commands that tells it what to do.
\program{SYSOP.EXE} is a database-like tool for managing the caller<65>
database that contains the names, passwords and statistics and other<65>
information on each caller. You can enter new callers, delete existing<6E>
callers one by one or by time since last logged in; set caller<65>
privilege level and assign Keys; force callers into specific message<67>
and file areas; and many more functions. There is also an ``undo''<27>
feature and context sensitive help.
\program{FIDOMAIL.EXE} lets you create FidoNet network messages with<74>
your own text editor or word processor. For example, during the day<61>
you can create text files destined for other FidoNet network nodes,<2C>
and via an Event, have FidoMail put them into the FidoNet message<67>
system.
\program{TWIX.EXE} prints FidoNet network mail newly received on your<75>
printer or in a disk file you specify.
\newpage
\section{Requirements and Specifications}
\subheading{Computers:} \fido\ works on all<6C>
IBM\trademark\footnote*{``IBM'' is a trademark of IBM Corp.} Personal<61>
Computers; PC, XT, AT, all PS/2 models, and all compatible ``clones'',<2C>
whether 8088, 8086, 80286, 80386. (A ``FOSSIL'' version is available<6C>
for other non-compatible MSDOS computers.)
\smallskip
Your computer must have at least the following:
\declare
\item{\blob}192K available memory
\item{\blob}At least 700K of disk storage
\item{\blob}One Serial Port (or internal modem)
\item{\blob}Modem as described below
\enddeclare
It is strongly recommended that you have a hard disk, and an internal<61>
clock.
\subheading{Modems:} The following are explicitly supported by \fido.<2E>
Though models not listed below are not guaranteed to work, no one has<61>
come up with a Hayes-type modem that can't be made to work properly my<6D>
simply entering the necessary initialization commands into Fido's<>
initialization file.
\declare
\item{\blob}U.S. Robotics Courier HST and Dual Standard
\item{\blob}Telebit TrailBlazer series
\item{\blob}U.S. Robotics Courier 2400
\item{\blob}Hayes SmartModem V-series
\item{\blob}Hayes SmartModem 1200
\item{\blob}Everex Internal \& External models
\item{\blob}Multi-Tech 2400
\item{\blob}Nearly all ``Hayes compatible'' modems
\item{\blob}``Dumb'' modems$^*$
\item{\blob}Direct connect to PBX or special serial device$^*$
\enddeclare
%
% To avoid having the footnote take on characteristics if the \item
% above, we've fudged it.
\footnote{\ }{However, FidoNet cannot originate calls without an
auto-dial modem.}
\subheading{Operating Systems Supported:} MSDOS\slash PCDOS versions<6E>
2.00 and up, with most Local Area Networks (ViaNet, Novell Netware,<2C>
etc) most multitasker programs (DoubleDOS, DESQView, Multilink, etc)<29>
and multiprocessor hardware products (Alloy Computer Products' Slave<76>
Cards); please contact the manufacturers of those products for<6F>
details.
\fido\ is specifically DoubleDOS and DESQView aware.
\newpage
\section{Software Policy}
This is the software policy for the \fido\ package. Please read it<69>
carefully.
First:
Hobbyists run Bulletin Boards for their own personal reasons. Their<69>
Bulletin Board is not associated with their employer or any business.<2E>
How they run their Bulletin Board is none of my business, ie. private,<2C>
public, subscription or chattel slavery.
Commercial users are companies, corporations, proprietorships or any<6E>
other business entities that run a BBS, either publicly or privately,<2C>
associated with their business. ``Non-profit'' and ``not for profit''<27>
organizations are included in this category.
And here's the deal:
\subheading{Hobbyists and Individuals:} \fido\ is shareware; the<68>
latest version of the software, minus documentation, can always be<62>
found on the Fido Software BBS. There is no downloadable<6C>
documentation. (If you thought the version 11 docs were unwieldy\dots)<29>
You must register the software for \$39.95; in return you will receive<76>
the latest version on diskette plus printed and bound documentation.<2E>
If you later desire updates via diskette instead of download, send<6E>
\$15 plus the original diskettes or other proof of purchase.
\subheading{Commercial Users:} \fido\ is a usual licensable product;<3B>
the license fee is \$199.95. You will receive the latest software<72>
version, complete documentation, and support via the Fido Software<72>
BBS. (This has proved to be more than adequate for over two years.)<29>
Updates can be obtained by downloading, or via diskette for \$25 plus<75>
the original Fido Software diskette or other proof of purchase.
\subheading{BBS System Operators:} Besides being a {\bf Hobbyist} as<61>
defined above, you may have the software available for download, as<61>
you would any other program. Please keep READ.MEs and POLICY files,<2C>
along with the basic files as supplied by me, together as a unit to<74>
avoid confusion frustration for all of us.
\subheading{Shareware Distributors,} clubs, etc: Please order the<68>
complete package as a {\bf Commercial User}; for small hobbyist clubs,<2C>
as a {\bf Hobbyist} or {\bf Individual}. This will assure you the<68>
latest correct and complete version, and the manual will help your<75>
club members get things going easily. Such a deal. Look, I'm not<6F>
getting rich off this (or even breaking even!) so let's scratch each<63>
others backs, OK?
Special arrangements can always be made on a case by case basis. In<49>
all cases, bugs are fixed promptly, as they have been for six years.
\newpage
\section{Ordering}
\declare
\parindent=3.5in
Tom Jennings
Fido Software
Box 77731
San Francisco
CA 94107 USA
bbs: (415)-863-2739
FidoNet: 1:125/111
Internet: tom.jennings@fidosw.fidonet.org
\enddeclare
\medskip
\bar
\def\product#1#2{\medskip\line{{\bf #1} \leaderfill\ {\bf #2}}}
{\parskip=0pt
\product{\fido\ Version 12}{Commercial price: \$199.95}
\line{\hfill\bf Hobbyist price: \$39.95}
}
Complete \fido\ system license, including support programs, diskette,<2C>
manuals, and access to the Fido Software customer support bulletin<69>
board.
\product{\fido\ Version 12 program update}{\$25}
\line{\hfill\bf Hobbyist price: \$15}
When enhancements to \fido\ version 12 are made (bugs fixed, features<65>
added) customers may upgrade their current licensed Version 12<31>
software to the latest revision. Errata sheets are provided as<61>
necessary.
\product{\fido\ upgrade from Version 11 (or earlier)}{\$50}
Customers who purchased any previous version of \fido\ can upgrade to<74>
version 12 for this price; proof of purchase must be returned. NOTE:<3A>
This is not a normal ``program update'', as described above, because<73>
of the new materials that must be provided.
\product{FidoTerm Terminal Program}{\$12}
The FidoTerm program is a simple, powerful and easy to use terminal<61>
program. You can view the last few hundred lines that scrolled off the<68>
top of your screen; supports powerful file transfer protocols (ASCII,<2C>
Xmodem, Zmodem), and has a true script language with true programming<6E>
language constructs: a switch() statement, local variables,<2C>
subroutining and recursion. Comes complete with printed manual.
FidoTerm is well integrated into \fido; it may be invoked from Fido's<>
local console by a single keystroke, and will ``know'' about the<68>
installed modem type and port, and commands let you dial from a<>
FidoNet nodelist.
\medskip
\boxit{1pt}{NOTE: Unless you say otherwise, the integral IBM Async<6E>
driver version of \fido\ and FidoTerm will be shipped. A FOSSIL<49>
version is also available. FOSSIL drivers are not supplied by Fido<64>
Software.\vadjust{\vskip\baselineskip}}
\medskip
\vfill
\subheading{All orders:} The software is available directly from Fido<64>
Software or authorized distributors only. Terms are prepaid with<74>
order, or invoices accepted from rated companies, payment Net 30 days.<2E>
No credit cards accepted.
\subheading{US/Canada:} All orders are shipped U.S. Postal Service<63>
First Class (Priority Mail). Prices listed include shipping and taxes,<2C>
where applicable. For Federal Express next-day service add \$25.
\subheading{Outside US/Canada:} For checks written outside U.S., add<64>
\$20.00 per order; please, only checks ``drawn upon a US bank''. All<6C>
orders shipped Air Mail.
\vfill
\vskip\parskip\tenpointsanserif
Fido\trademark, FidoNet\trademark, and the dog-with-diskette are<72>
registered U.S. trademarks of Tom Jennings. \fido\ and all support<72>
programs are copyright \copyright\ by Tom Jennings 1991
\supereject\end