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USER.DOC
SPORT
WIDE AREA INFORMATION TRANSFER SYSTEM
REMOTE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
USERS GUIDE
Version 1.50
September 1, 1992
Documentation:
(c) 1989, 1992 Augustine Associates,
All Rights Reserved
Software:
(c) 1989, 1992 Satore Center Software
All Rights Reserved
Welcome to the SPORT Wide Area Information Transfer
System. It is our purpose to provide a sophisticated,
automated and low cost method of communication to
people and organizations that need to easily access and
share information using personal computers.
"Our own success, to be real, must contribute to
the successes of others." Eleanor Roosevelt
[I] TABLE OF CONTENTS
=================
[I] TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
[II] OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
[III] ABOUT W.A.I.T.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
[IV] SUMMARY OF SPORT FUNCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
[V] REGISTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
[VI] SUPPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
[VII] CUSTOM SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
[VIII] LEGAL NOTICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
[1] GETTING STARTED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
[1.1] SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
[1.2] SYSTEM ENVIRONMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
[1.3] SECURITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
[2] INSTALLING SPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
[2.1] INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
[2.2] RUNNING SPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
[2.3] PORTS AND MODEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
[2.4] COMMAND LINE ARGUMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
[2.5] PHONE INDEX LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
[2.6] ADVANCED CONFIGURATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
[3] SENDING MAIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
[3.1] THE MAIL MENU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
[3.2] CREATING MAIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
[3.3] THE FULL SCREEN EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
[3.4] CUSTOMIZED MESSAGE HEADER . . . . . . . . . . . 18
[3.5] ENTERING A MESSAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
[3.6] ATTACHING FILES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
[3.7] APPENDING MESSAGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
[3.8] POLLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
[3.9] DELETING OUTGOING MESSAGES . . . . . . . . . . . 19
[3.10] THE PERSONAL MEMO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
[4] RECEIVING MAIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
[4.1] RECEIVING MESSAGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
[4.2] RECEIVING FILES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
[4.3] THE LIBRARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
[4.4] READING MESSAGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
[4.5] LIBRARY ARCHIVING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
[4.6] MULTI-MEDIA MESSAGING . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
SPORT - Introduction Page 3
[4.7] BULLETIN BOARD PACKAGES . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
[5] SPORT UTILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
[5.1] THE UTILITIES MENU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
[5.2] FILE REQUESTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
[5.3] MAIL UTILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
[5.4] EXTENDED MAIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
[5.5] COMPRESSING MAIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
[6] OPERATING SPORT AS A TERMINAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
[6.1] THE TERMINAL MENU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
[6.2] DIALING A NUMBER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
[6.3] UP AND DOWNLOADING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
[6.4] SCRIPTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
[6.5] MACROS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
[7] BEING A HOST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
[7.1] REMOTE MAIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
[7.2] REMOTE SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
[7.3] SUBSYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
[7.4] REMOTE ACCESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
[8] MANAGING YOUR SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
[8.1] THE SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
[8.2] GRAPHIC SYSTEM REPORTING . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
[8.3] POSTMAIL PROCESSING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
[8.4] CREATING EVENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
[8.5] ROUTING MAIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
[8.6] CONFERENCING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
[8.7] SPECIAL SESSION INTERFACE SUPPORT . . . . . . . 37
[8.8] INTERMITTENT COMMAND PROCESSING . . . . . . . . 37
[9] MORE USEFUL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
[9.1] DEFINITIONS OF FILE EXTENSIONS . . . . . . . . . 37
[9.2] MORE ON ADDRESSING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
[9.3] PORT AND MODEM PROBLEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
[9.4] MODEM INSTALLATION CHECKLIST . . . . . . . . . . 42
[10] TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
[10.1] INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
[10.2] THE FULL-SCREEN EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
[10.3] MAIL AND MESSAGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
[10.4] TERMINAL MODE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
[10.5] TSR's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
[10.6] SPORT AND DESQVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
SPORT - Introduction Page 4
[II] OVERVIEW
========
The SPORT software package is designed to serve people who
interact collaboratively in more than one location.
SPORT is a Wide Area Information Transfer and Remote Resource
Management System which provides instantaneous, unattended direct
transmission of messages, files and instructions between Personal
Computers via modems and phone lines.
SPORT may be run in the background under Windows 3.1 and other
Multi-Tasking Programs.
SPORT includes both mail and terminal capabilities, as well as an
enhanced capacity to remotely manage computer system resources.
You can use SPORT almost immediately and, as you become more
experienced, you can enjoy its many advanced features.
SPORT is designed to be configured by users to reflect their
needs. The program support files are written in ASCII, a
universal text format, which means they can be edited by any text
editor and most word processors.
The documentation is divided into a Users Guide and an Operators
Manual, so you can easily set up and use SPORT, and later
customize its features as you need them. The Users Guide contains
information for getting started and understanding SPORT. With it,
you can get SPORT up and running and be able to explore and
experiment with the program. You will get a sense of what it can
do for your organization. You will be able to set up your private
network.
The Operators Manual is available to registered users and
contains more complete and technical information, which will help
users and Systems Operators take full advantage of the
capabilities of SPORT. It is assumed that you have a functional
SPORT system and you need to know how to set up and use its many
features.
The manual will help users who are in charge of a SPORT network
and want help in efficiently setting up, fine tuning and
enhancing the whole system, both on site and remotely. It
contains information about interfacing SPORT with an existing or
proposed LAN system.
SPORT - Introduction Page 5
[III] ABOUT W.A.I.T.S.
================
"WAITS programs use PC's to move files economically and
efficiently between PC's and LANs.
Automated, unattended operation is key to the WAITS concept.
PCs running WAITS software contact each other and move
information at scheduled times...or simply move files when
they are ready. They connect over dial-up telephone lines
because they don't need high data rates, but they can use
any interconnecting circuits.
WAITS products can solve...communications problems for many
people who only need to move files between (PC's and)
networks and don't need more sophisticated computing tasks
involving multiple layers of protocols. These products are
inexpensive to install and invisible to the people who
benefit from receiving the latest updated data with very
little fuss or recurring expense."
Derfler, Frank J., Jr. PC Magazine Guide to Connectivity, P.333
Ziff-Davis Press, 1992
SPORT - Introduction Page 6
[IV] SUMMARY OF SPORT FUNCTIONS
==========================
Mail - Messages to one or many recipients.
Mail with File(s) Attached - Any kind of files may be sent.
Automatic File Requesting - A line within a message that causes
files to be received from the target system in the same session.
Mass Mail - Have one or many lists for mass mailings.
Routing - Ability to automatically route incoming mail.
Mail Compression - Ability to automatically pack and unpack files
before sending and after receipt.
SPORT News - Ability to have important information displayed on
the screen of receiving systems.
Remote Programming - A line within a message triggers activities
on the target system.
Event Scheduling - Ability to designate multiple daily or weekly
SPORT or DOS events.
Conferencing - Ability to design automatic conferences so mail is
circulated according to planned topography.
Library Management - Ability to maintain a number of separate
mail libraries. Send messages to specific libraries on target
system.
Mail Special Session Interface Support - Ability to receive and
send mail to/from other mail programs.
Intermittent Command Processing - Ability to process commands in
the background.
Subsystems - Allow callers access to one or two subsystems.
LAN Compatibility - Interfaces with Local Area Networks.
Remote Mail - Ability to access mail functions on a remote
system.
Remote Services - Pre-programmed remote services for callers.
Special Session Interface Support - Ability to use passwords to
access various levels and functions.
Remote BBS - Ability to send entire package of information and
executable files programmed for a target system.
SPORT - Introduction Page 7
[V] REGISTRATION
============
The distribution version of the SPORT program has a registration
number 0000000. This version is fully operational and full
featured and will exchange mail with ANY other SPORT system, as
well as function as a terminal. Upon quitting the program, a
screen is displayed requesting that you register.
We will provide registered keys for SPORT that will have a unique
registration number and will not have the screen.
Any uniquely registered SPORT system will exchange mail with any
other SPORT system except one with the same registration number.
An initial registration package contains two keys, and a printed
and bound Users Guide and Operators Manual. This package costs
$60. Additional keys are $8. Additional Users Guides are $12,
additional Operators Manuals are $18.
Send registration requests to Augustine Associates, 67 Wool
Street, San Francisco, CA 94110. You may obtain as many keys as
you need. A registration request for 10 keys, for example, would
be $60 for the initial package and $64 for eight extra keys.
With your request please provide:
Name, Address, City, State, Zip and Phone Number.
Additional information or comments would be appreciated.
When we have all the required information we will mail you a 5
1/4" disk (or a 3 1/2" disk if requested) with your personal keys
and the documentation. You may request the Operators Manual also
in ASCII format file if that is helpful to you.
Keys are contained in a small program in the form of a self-
extracting archive. EACH KEY IS UNIQUE. Once the key has been
applied to your copy of SPORT becomes registered. You only need
to do this once. Any updated versions of SPORT that you may
obtain will be automatically registered.
Let us know if you are interested in being in touch with other
SPORT users. Distribution arrangements and site licenses are
available.
SPORT - Introduction Page 8
[VI] SUPPORT
=======
Installation and general support by SPORT Mail is available for
registered users from Augustine Associates. Net/Node 5210/10 in
415 Area Code or 5210/20 outside the 415 area code. The data line
phone number is (415) 648-8120. If you are requesting a response,
you should poll back in two or three days to receive your answer.
Voice support will be provided Mondays, Wednesday and Thursdays 7
to 10 PM and on Saturdays 10AM to 1 PM (Pacific Standard Time).
You may also contact Bob Ernstthal of Augustine Associates on
CompuServe, 70323,3003.
[VII] CUSTOM SERVICE
==============
SPORT is designed to interconnect people and to be easy to set up
and run. Like any networking system, setting up maintaining and
enhancing your network can be a daunting task. Since we believe
that much computer knowlege is part of an oral tradition,
Augustine Associates offers custom installations and maintenance,
either on-site or remotely. We also offer training sessions for
your work group. Please call (415) 285-7064 for further
information.
[VIII] LEGAL NOTICE
============
The SPORT Wide Area Information Transfer System (c) and its
utilities from Satore Center Software are provided as is, with no
warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied.
Under no circumstances will Satore Center Software, or Augustine
Associates, be liable to you or anyone else for any damages, lost
profits, savings or data in any form or for any other incidental
or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to
use this program and system.
All Satore Center Software, and Augustine Associates products are
copywritten. SPORT is neither in the Public Domain nor Freeware,
but is Shareware, and we ask users to register.
SPORT - Introduction Page 9
[1] GETTING STARTED
[1.1] SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
===================
An IBM compatible computer with 384K RAM.
A hard disk.
A modem with the Hayes compatible instruction set and a
true modem cable.
SPORT supports a wide variety of display systems.
[1.2] SYSTEM ENVIRONMENT
==================
The Path
--------
The SPORT installation process will automatically create three
subdirectories: \SPORT, \SPORT\INCOMING and \SPORT\DOCS. We
recommend that the \SPORT subdirectory should be on your PATH.
The path is declared in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. See your DOS
manual.
The CONFIG.SYS file
-------------------
SPORT requires at least 20 files designated by the line
FILES=20
in your CONFIG.SYS file.
Buffers should be set at least
BUFFERS=8
in your CONFIG.SYS file.
Disk Caching
------------
If your are using a CACHE it should be set for 256, 320,
384...the bigger your cache, the better for SPORT to run.
SPORT - Getting Started Page 10
WINDOWS 3.1
-----------
SPORT works well in the Multi-Tasking environment of Windows 3.1.
This allows you to be online at all times while using other
applications. The set up is simple and straightforward.
Choose Text; KB Required 384; Execution - Background; Display
Usage - Windowed; Background Priority - 50; Foreground Priority -
100.
Check Detect Idle Time; Use High Memory Area; Emulate Text Mode.
The other selections are not critical; you can use the defaults.
TSR's
-----
Be alert to the possibility that TSR's (RAM resident programs),
may not get along well with communications programs. If you
should experience any system problems, remove all TSR's and try
running SPORT again. You may then add each TSR in turn until you
can identify which one is causing the problem. The guilty TSR
should be eliminated when you are running SPORT.
[1.3] SECURITY
========
When SPORT running, your computer is connected to the outside
world via your modem. The program provides a selection of
security options that will help make your system secure.
For example, to prevent unauthorized outgoing calls, you may lock
the Mailer Menu with Ctl L. The password for this options is the
one declared for the Password for Remote Access (REMOTEPASS in
your configuration file). Know your password before you use Ctl
L!
If you set your system for "CLOSEDSYSTEM", only mail from the
systems that are included in your Phone Index List will be
accepted.
You may easily run the "anti-virus" utility of your choice on
incoming material as part of your postmail processing procedures.
[See Page 35].
Many other security features are covered in more detail in the
Operators Manual.
SPORT - Getting Started Page 11
[2] INSTALLING SPORT
[2.1] INSTALLATION
============
If you have obtained SPORT as a single self-extracting archive on
a single high density disk, place SPORTnnn.EXE (nnn is the
version number) in the root directory of the drive on which you
want to install SPORT, type SPORTnnn and follow the instructions.
If you have obtained SPORT in a three or four disk set, place
disk #1 in drive A: and follow the instructions in the
"README.DOC" file.
If you have obtained SPORT in a three or four compressed files,
unpack the files into a subdirectory named \SPORT and and follow
the instructions in the "README.DOC" file.
As a service to users who are upgrading from previous SPORT
versions. During reinstallation, all configuration, batch and
control files will be saved and you will be asked if you want to
restore them.
The SPORT installation process explains your choices as it
proceeds. Don't be too concerned about making the correct choices
for every item, all choices may be modified at any time.
[2.2] RUNNING SPORT
=============
After you have installed SPORT, you will have a batch file made
for you called "RUNSPORT.BAT". Type
RUNSPORT
at the prompt and you are ready to go. You may use command line
arguments if you wish. [See Page 14]. Use Alt H for help.
A log file, called SPORT.LOG will record your SPORT activity. You
may view the log by using Ctl E from the Mailer Menu. At midnight
every day, or when you run the Housekeeping function, a new log
will be started and the old log saved and named for the date. The
end of the log will provide a summary of the days' activity.
You will have to manage or delete old log files because they will
accumulate on your system.
You can edit the RUNSPORT batch file to add a variety of
functions to customize and enhance your system. They are
described more fully in the file itself and in the Operators
Manual.
SPORT - Installation Page 12
[2.3] PORTS AND MODEMS
================
Most users install SPORT, then run and see a stable Main Screen.
They can then begin to set up their Phone Index List [See Page
14], try the Terminal Mode, make and send mail, etc.
However, if your system does not initialize right away, and drops
back to DOS with an error message, you are probably having port
or modem initialization problems. You should invoke SPORT in the
test mode using
RUNSPORT X
This will run SPORT in the test mode without accessing the port
or modem and allow you to edit the configuration file. When you
want to try the program "online", don't use the X anymore. In the
program, use U)tility ConfiGure to edit the configuration file.
All SPORT activity is recorded in an ASCII file called SPORT.LOG.
This is where you will find information about what has occured on
your system, and hints as to what may be going wrong. You can
read it using Ctl E or the DOS "TYPE" command.
PORT PROBLEMS
-------------
During the first part of the installation process you will be
asked which port your modem is connected to. If you don't know,
you can guess, but if SPORT cannot find the modem on the
designated port, it will be unable to run. You will have to
choose another port. Port problems are explained more on fully at
the end of this Users Guide. [See Page 45].
MODEM PROBLEMS
--------------
During the last part of the the installation process, you will be
asked to select the modem you are using. If the exact model that
you have does not appear on the list, first try choosing a "Hayes
type" with the appropriate baud rate and if this is not
satisfactory, choose the SPORT default.
Programs that use communications in an unattended mode need
to have modems respond to the software very exactly and
reliably. There are a wide variety of modems and many have
unique requirements. We have made every effort to cover as
many brands of modems as we could. If you have a true Hayes
compatible modem, you should not need to do more than the
installation procedure to have it configured to run with
SPORT.
SPORT - Installation Page 13
A majority of systems will have no modem problems with SPORT.
There is alot more information about modem installation later in
this guide. [See Page 40].
[2.4] COMMAND LINE ARGUMENTS
======================
During installation, a batch file called RUNSPORT.BAT is created
for you. To run the program, type RUNSPORT at the system prompt.
You may use command line arguments (also known as command line
parameters or switches; they are letters, numbers or symbols
typed one space after RUNSPORT that change the monitor type,
display characteristics and functioning of the program. You may
edit RUNSPORT.BAT to add arguments permanently. Where and how to
do this is indicated in the file.
SPORT uses a variety of command line arguments, for example, you
may use RUNSPORT X as mentioned above, to run the program without
accessing the modem (this is very handy during set up); or use
RUNSPORT B to run the program with screen blanking on, (this is a
justifiably popular feature) or use RUNSPORT W to display an
abbreviated 6 line informational window. A detailed listing of
the command line arguments is provided in the Operators Manual.
[2.5] PHONE INDEX LIST
================
You should set up your Phone Index List using U)tilities X Edit
Phone List or U)tilities U)tility Menu IndeX Manager from the
Main Screen. The utility (called SPORTID) that helps you build
your list will offer you a series of questions relating to each
system you wish to contact.
[Note: If you are updating from an earlier version of SPORT, run
SPORTID C
from the SPORT prompt one time only.]
When adding to your Phone Index List, there are only three
choices which you MUST make. One is the "Target System Name":
this is the Net/Node number or Alias for the system you are
contacting. This can be the phone number or any other number or
name that the target system calls itself. You must also enter the
phone number and the baud rate of the receiving system. If you
are not sure, you might choose 2400, which is very common. You
may want to enter something as a comment, to help reference the
number for you.
All other entries are for special services or functions, such as
SPORT - Installation Page 14
cost reporting, you may just leave as they are and modify them at
a later time.
The SPORT addressing system is designed for utmost flexibility.
You may have a interconnected system using names only. This
subject is covered in the Operators Manual.
There is more information on addressing in this guide. [See Page
38].
[2.6] ADVANCED CONFIGURATION
======================
You may change and add options to your set-up at any time by
choosing the Edit CFG (ConfiGuration file) option from the
U)tilities Menu.
You will be editing a file called SFLASH.RAW and is the basis of
your system configuration.
There are many functions of SPORT which may be used by
uncommenting, or editing out the ! in the left margin next to
keywords in this file. It is the characters after the keywords
that the program looks for as it operates.
You may modify the designation of your FKeys (function keys),
aliases you would like to use, change and add passwords and many
other system functions. As you use SPORT, you will certainly
customize this file. A full explanation of the custom options is
included in the file itself and in the Operators Manual.
If you choose to use your own text editor from DOS to modify the
SFLASH.RAW Configuration file, be sure to run SPREP to make these
changes permanent and available to SPORT.
The function of SPREP is to automatically make the ASCII file
SFLASH.RAW become the encrypted file SFLASH.CFG.
The encrypting is done for security purposes. You may save the
readable configuration file SFLASH.RAW containing passwords away
from your system. The system itself reads the encrytped
SFLASH.CFG file.
SPORT - Installation Page 15
[3] SENDING MAIL
[3.1] THE MAIL MENU
=============
When SPORT is online, the Main Screen is displayed, and your
system is active, ready to send and receive mail or calls from
other systems. (Unless you have indicated that SPORT should never
answer the phone. In this case, only outbound calls will be
made.)
The Main Screen displays the mail in your library, its source and
date and whether it has been read or not. The bar across the top
of this screen contains pull-down menus. You may select letters
on the keyboard or a use a mouse to pull down the Mail, System or
Utilities Menus. To return from the menus to the Main Screen, use
Q,Alt Q or the right mouse button.
You may choose a pull down menu from the top bar, or, if you are
using a mouse, you may click on a message and read that message
immediately.
The Main Screen provides options in four areas; MAIL, SYSTEM,
UTILITIES and QUIT.
The lowest line on the screen will show a short definition of the
option that is selected on any of the pull-down menus.
Hitting Enter brings up a pop-up menu that shows you the
"Immediate Commands" available.
You may use a question mark to view the complete status of your
system.
To access Mail Options, use M)ail. A System Status Screen is
available using "=" to show you an overview of your system
status. This will show you all outgoing messages, how many times
SPORT has attempted to send them, messages on hold and that have
gone BAD (have failed to synch with the target for any reason),
as well as the contents of your incoming subdirectory.
At the Main Screen, you may type Alt H for SPORT Online Help. For
the sake of saving memory, help is a separate module,
SPORTHLP.EXE. You may therefore access help from the DOS prompt.
[3.2] CREATING MAIL
=============
To create mail, use M)ail E)nter Message from the Main Screen.
SPORT - Installation Page 16
Messages are referred to as "Flash" messages because they were
designed to be like cover letters, either conveying reasonably
short amounts of information and/or describing the attached
material. A Flash Message created by the built-in editor is
limited to 100 lines of text, including the header.
Flash Messages are always created in flat ASCII, a standard text
format, which allows for maximum flexibility. Any text editor and
most word processors will create ASCII files. You may use your
favorite text editor with SPORT by using the keyword "EDITOR" and
its full path and filename in the Configuration file.
SPORT cycles through all outgoing mail and sends it on a constant
basis every few minutes. If a piece of mail cannot be
transmitted, SPORT will send another piece of mail, until all
mail has been sent. SPORT creates this automatic schedule on its
own, without interaction with the user. Mail can also be sent
immediately by using M)ail I)mmediately.
The user may create his own schedule. Scheduled mail will be sent
in the order defined by the user. See the Operators Manual for
more information on scheduling.
[3.3] THE FULL SCREEN EDITOR
======================
During installation, the full-screen text editor SPORTEDT is
placed in the SPORT default directory and becomes the default
editor.
However, there is flexibility in your choice of editors. If an
external editor is declared in your Configuration File, the
external editor will be used. If you do not select an external
editor, and SPORTEDT.EXE is present in the SPORT subdirectory it
will be used to make messages. If SPORTEDT is NOT present, the
SPORT line editor will be used.
There is a 100 line limit to the editor. However, you can also
use this editor to edit most of the control files. If you want to
edit SPORTEX.CTL, for example, simply type
SPORTEDT SPORTEX.CTL
from the SPORT system prompt.
The header and footer of messages are automatically created by
SPORT and should not be edited in any way. The receiving system
needs to have this information in a certain precise format.
SPORT - Sending Mail Page 17
[3.4] CUSTOMIZED MESSAGE HEADER
=========================
Your installation creates the file SFLASH.HDR for you. It will
appear at the top of any message you write. You may wish to edit
this file to give your messages a more customized look. This may
be done from the system prompt typing
SPORTEDT SFLASH.HDR
[3.5] ENTERING A MESSAGE
==================
When you use E)nter Mail from the SPORT Mail Options Menu to
create mail, the first prompt you will see as you begin to enter
a message is:
To:
This can be ANYONE or ANYTHING. The "address" part of the message
comes later. However if you type in "ALL", SPORT will expect this
to be a "Mass Mail" message which is discussed in the Operators
Manual.
Next you will be asked for the subject, for informational and
indexing purposes. If you are using the default editor, you will
be asked if you want to read a text file into the message. You
may read any ASCII document into the message. If you answer
[Return] or N, you will start to write the body of the message.
Now you may type in your message. Your words will wrap to the
next line automatically. When you are finished entering your
message, use Alt Q (Quit and Save). If you are using your own
text editor you have to save it now.
After you have saved your message, you will be asked if you want
to structure the text. This command allows you reformat your
message. All lines that do not begin with a colon (:), a bar (|)
or a preceding carat (>) which denotes a quotation will be
reformated. You will then be asked for the address to which you
want to send the message.
If you enter a question mark, you will access your Phone Index
List to obtain the address. You may either select the address
using "Q", or type the Net/Node or Alias/ as the address for the
message.
SPORT - Sending Mail Page 18
[3.6] ATTACHING FILES
===============
Any kind of files can be "attached" to a Flash Message. You are
prompted for the path and name of each of the file(s) to be
attached after you address the message. Wildcards are accepted,
but SPORT will automatically limit the number of attached files
to 50.
You may enter a question mark at the prompt and select a file to
attach from the display of the list of files on your system.
[3.7] APPENDING MESSAGES
==================
Flash Messages may be appended, one to another. When creating a
Flash Message to a system which already has a message waiting for
it, you are asked if the new message should O)verwrite (replace)
the waiting message or if the new message should be A)ppended to
the waiting message, or if the old message should be preserved
and the new one be S)kipped. If you elect to append the message,
the system will send both messages.
Once received, a combined message will be unappended
automatically by the receiving system.
[3.8] POLLS
=====
Polls are inquiries sent to a target system, asking "are there
any messages or files waiting for me?" If there is anything
waiting for you, it will be picked up. Polls will pick up pending
messages, messages on hold and messages which have failed to
synch, along with any attached files which are addressed to your
Net/Node.
You can initiate a Poll from the Mail Options Menu using P)oll or
from the Utilities Menu using C)reate Poll. Simply enter the
address of the system you want to poll. SPORT will do the rest.
[3.9] DELETING OUTGOING MESSAGES
==========================
It was a conscious design decision not to have a built-in
deletion function within SPORT. However, this may easily be done
from DOS, through a batch file designated on a function key, or
any other method that the user wishes.
To delete an outgoing message to 521010, for example, the
commands would be
SPORT - Sending Mail Page 19
DEL 521010.FLS
DEL 521010.FLO
To delete an outgoing message on hold to 521010, the commands
would be
DEL 521010.HLO
DEL 521010.FLO
To delete a message to 521010 that had gone BAD [See Page 38],
the commands would be
DEL 521010.BAD
DEL 521010.FLB
[3.10] THE PERSONAL MEMO
=================
Using Ctl O from the Mailer Screen, you can make a message to
yourself that will be automatically placed in the Library. Once
in the Library, the memo may be handled like any other piece of
mail.
[4] RECEIVING MAIL
[4.1] RECEIVING MESSAGES
==================
You do NOT have to be present to receive mail. You can leave the
system on for as long as you want, automatically accepting mail,
then read through all the messages that have accumulated.
If incoming Flash Messages are correctly addressed, that is
addressed to your Net/Node number or to an alias you have
declared, they will automatically be moved into your Library.
Messages will be filed in the order received.
If incoming Flash messages are incorrectly addressed, they will
remain in your incoming area.
SPORT has the ability to provide a wide variety of optional,
user-defined automatic processes. As part of receiving incoming
material, SPORT checks for any special instructions and for any
routing directions which you have established. You may also run
virus checks and any number of processes that you wish. You may
look over the RUNSPORT.BAT file to see how to insert these
commands. A variety of "postmail" processing instructions are
described in detail in the Operators Manual.
SPORT - Receiving Mail Page 20
[4.2] RECEIVING FILES
===============
Often mail comes with attached files. These files are treated
differently than the mail.
Files will arrive in the incoming area, and will stay there until
you do something with them. When the default ZModem transmission
is used, they will NOT be overwritten by a new incoming file with
the same name. Files with the same name will be renamed up to 10
times. For example, if a file VERSION.TXT is in your incoming
area, the next file that comes in with the same name will be
renamed VERSION.TX0, VERSION.TX1, VERSION.TX3...etc, by SPORT.
If there are certain files you expect to receive on a regular
basis, you may want to use postmail processing to move them to a
subdirectory where they CAN be overwritten.
If the sender selects YModem transmission, incoming files WILL be
overwritten in the incoming area.
The exception to overwriting is the special SPORTNWS.TXT file,
which is displayed teletype style on the receiving system. This
file can be created using Ctl W from the Mailer Menu.
SPORTNWS.TXT will be overwritten in the incoming area. See the
Operators Manual for an explanation of this interesting feature.
[4.3] THE LIBRARY
===========
The Library is the repository of messages received. The Library
is accessed by using M)ail L)ibrary from the Main Screen.
Just as "Flash" Messages were designed as a kind of electronic
cover letter, so the SFlash Library was designed as an in-basket,
and not to become a permanent repository of mail. It is designed
to keep a maximum of 100 messages. If more than 96 messages
arrive in your Library, all messages will automatically be saved
to a file called OVERFLOW.LIB.
You just have to use the SPORTLIB R utility to retrieve these
saved messages. There are ways to keep your Library cleaned out.
The SPORTLIB(rary) and SPORTARC(hiving) utilities that are
provided with SPORT should take care of most of your Library
maintenance needs.
You will find that periodic cleaning of the Library is something
you will want to do. You can directly access SPORTLIB using the
S)ave or G)etlib command directly from the Library, or from the
Utilities Menu. You can also send messages with flags in them
that will cause them to be copied to a specific library on the
SPORT - Receiving Mail Page 21
target system. There is more information on using SPORTLIB in the
control file SPORTLIB.CTL and in the Operators Manual.
[4.4] READING MESSAGES
================
When using the Library mode, the last message read will be
accessed first.
The Library screen tells you how many messages you have in your
Library and tells you which message you are currently reading.
After reading the message, you may press Enter to go to the next
message.
The available commands in the Library mode are:
V = The VERBOSE Mode which shows the entire message,
page by page.
I = The INDEX Mode shows you the headings and the
first lines of a message. [This is the default.]
T = Table of Contents. This will show you the Table of
Contents of all messages in the Library, with all
the standard information fields ( From, Date,
Subj...etc ) referenced.
<^>Home End The Up Arrow and the HOME key will bring you to
the first message in your Library.
The Down Arrow and the END key will bring you to
the highest numbered message in your Library.
The Left Arrow will bring you to the next lowest
message and the Right Arrow will you to the next
highest message.
D)elete Delete this message.
E)cho Send an "Echoback" message. This functions like a
receipt. A message is automatically created for
the sending system, indicating that their message
has been received.
F)rwd This command will allow you to "forward" a copy of
this message to another destination.
G)etLib Get messages from another library which has been
SPORT - Receiving Mail Page 22
created by SPORTLIB. [See Page 21]
N)ew Enter a new message.
P)rint Print this message to LPT1.
R)eply If you want to reply to a message, using R brings
you to the Enter a Message Mode. The subject is
automatically entered as a reply to the original
message and you will be asked if you want to quote
the original message in your reply.
M)od Modify an existing message.
S)ave Moves the message from the default Library to
another Library created by the SPORTLIB Utility.
[See Page 21].
O)pSys This is not shown, but exists for the DOS shell.
Type "EXIT" to return to the program.
#) Go to message number "n".
Q)uit This will bring you back to the Mail Menu.
Every time you change the Library, a new table of contents
["TOC"] file will be written and the messages will be reordered.
[4.5] LIBRARY ARCHIVING
=================
The library archiving utility, SPORTARC(hive), may be run as an
item from the SPORT Personal Menu or from DOS.
Running SPORTARC will automatically MOVE all messages marked
[READ] out of the main Library. It will renumber the messages as
1.MSG, 2.MSG...and place them in a \SPORT\ARCHIVE subdirectory.
Thus you may have a secondary library with virtually unlimited
capacity.
Running SPORTARC R will do the same as SPORTARC, but will allow
you to review, delete and export archived messages back to the
primary Library. There are various ways of moving about among
the archived messages.
Running in SPORTARC L, spawns SPORT in the Library mode so that
you have all regular SPORT message functions available.
SPORT - Receiving Mail Page 23
[4.6] MULTI-MEDIA MESSAGING
=====================
The SPORTMM (Multi Media) utility creates and reads Multi-Media
Messages using SPORT. With this utility and SPORTPAC (the SPORT
PACking utility) and the compression utility LHA.EXE(c), a widely
available compression utility, users may send more than a text
message to convey information to the receiving system. You may
send text files, messages, view screens or just about any other
type of information you choose so long as it is capable of being
displayed on the receiver's system.
Creating and sending such messages are handled from within SPORT
by attaching files. SPORTPAC, using a special flag, will compress
the Multi-Media Message using LHA.EXE and it will be sent on its
way in the usual manner.
[See Page 28]. How to set up this function is detailed in the
Operators Manual.
[4.7] BULLETIN BOARD PACKAGES
=======================
The SPORT user has the ability to prepare and receive complete
magazine like Bulletin Board informational packages. The packages
have the file extension "SOS". Running SPORTBBS from the
operating system turns the SPORT system into a kind remote
Bulletin Board, capable of displaying information, messages and
files.
This topic is covered in the Operators Manual.
[5] SPORT UTILITIES
Utilities may be thought of as small programs which enhance the
use of the main program. For example, you could simply use a text
editor to create your event file, if you knew the proper format.
You don't need to know the format that because the utility
SPORTEVT.EXE helps you make your event file. SPORT contains many
such utilities and can make use of many other utilities you may
have or obtain, such as LIST and WHERE. The easiest way to use
utilities is to designate an FKey for their use. [See Page 15].
[5.1] THE UTILITIES MENU
==================
This mode is accessed by pressing U)tility U)tility Menu from the
Main Screen.
SPORT - Receiving Mail Page 24
From the Utility Menu you can perform several mail and operating
system utility functions, use the FKeys, and make notes directly
into your log file.
The options are:
-) Hold ALL mail. Allows you to put ALL outgoing mail on hold
to be picked up by the target systems, or sent at a later
time.
+) Unholds ALL mail. Allows you to put all mail already on
hold into a ready-to-send state.
R) Causes all undeliverable Flash Messages to be prepared for
resending.
This has the effect of causing all messages which have gone
"BAD", that is, have not been able to synch properly with
their intended target, to be reset to sendable mail. Be sure
to watch and/or know why the systems were not synching.
D) Display all outgoing Flash Messages.
U) Runs SPORTU Utilities. [See Page 27].
L) Runs SPORTLIB Library Utilities. See the Operators Manual
and the SPORTLIB.CTL file. This is different than the
SPORTARC(chive) utility. [See Page 21].
O) This is a DOS shell function.
E) Runs SPORTEVT Event Manager Utility. [See Page 36].
X) Edit your Phone Index List file. [See Page 14].
G) Edit your Configuration file. [See Page 15].
C) Create a poll. [See Page 19].
P) Delete all polls from the Library.
N) This will enter a note into your SPORT.LOG file.
AltH)Help.
Q) Quit will return to the Menu from which you called the
Utilities Menu.
SPORT - Utilities Page 25
[5.2] FILE REQUESTING
===============
There are several ways to retrieve files from a remote system
using SPORT. File requesting causes the file, if allowed by the
target system, to be sent back from the target system during your
call. Other methods of retrieving files are explained in detail
in the Operators Manual.
The simplest method to file request is to put the line
REQUESTFILE [filename]
against the left margin of a message. The filename is simply the
name of the file you wish to receive. A file request will be
created automatically by SPORT and sent along with the message.
Remember that if the word REQUESTFILE is on the left margin of
any message it will create a file request, even if you are
F)orwarding a message. In a case like this, be sure to use R)eply
instead.
Another method is to create an ASCII file with the extension .REQ
and the filename. This can be done automatically from the
Utilities Menu using Utilities, using SPORTU G [address].
When you file request, SPORT will automatically return the file
[NET/NODE].INF to you with the status of your request, e.g.
whether the requested file was located or not located. In this
way the caller can track failed file requests. The host system
need do nothing to implement this process. This file will be in
your inbound area.
Files which you allow to be requested from your system are
designated as follows.
For a file to be available, the host system must have the
following entries in its CFG file.
FILELIST [path\filename]
MAXREQUEST n (how many files are allowed to be requested at one
time).
The file indicated after the keyword FILELIST as [path\filename]
must be an ASCII file that lists the subdirectories which are
available for requesting, ending in a backslash.
For example the entry in the Configuration File might be
FILELIST C:\SPORT\OKFILE.LST
This file called OKFILE.LST and may contain one or two parts. One
is a list of subdirectories from which files may be requested and
SPORT - Utilities Page 26
two is the optional name of a ASCII file which contains a list of
all available from your system.
For example, OKFILE.LST may look like this:
C:\WP\DOCS\ <--area from which requesting allowed.
C:\WP\INFO\ <--area from which requesting allowed.
FILES C:\WP\AVAIL.LST <--your list of available files.
The last entry allows for a system to send a file request simply
called FILES and the file C:\WP\AVAIL.LST will be returned to
them. This ASCII file can contain whatever you want you consider
appropriate. It can contain information on your system, what is
available for requesting and/or any data you wish to publish.
[5.3] MAIL UTILITIES
==============
The main mail utility is called SPORTU, as in SPORT Utility. You
may invoke the SPORTU Utility by entering U from the Utilities
Menu, by designating SPORTU on a FKey, or by typing SPORTU at
your system prompt. The choices marked with an asterisk may be as
events in the unattended mode with your events if desired.
SPORTU A [FLS filename] ... add to an FLS/FLO file.
This is a way to add text to an
outgoing message AND add attached
files.
* SPORTU B [n] ... sound bell for [n] seconds.
* SPORTU D [n] ... delay for [n] seconds.
* SPORTU E POLL ... delete polls from Library.
* SPORTU F [filename] ... show files, wildcards OK.
* SPORTU G [address] ... create a poll (w/file request).
* SPORTU K [days_old] ... delete messages [days_old].
* SPORTU M ... calculate call costs from SPORT.LOG
* SPORTU P [address] (fn) ... to create a poll (w/file attach)
* SPORTU U [filename] ... unappend an appended Flash Message.
* SPORTU - [address] ... unsend a waiting Flash Message.
(may be "All").
* SPORTU + [address] ... resend waiting Flash Message.
(may be "All").
* SPORTU S CHECK ... system check, can be piped (using
>> filename).
* SPORTU R [address] [to_name] [textfilename] for ROBOT Utility.
SPORT - Utilities Page 27
[5.4] EXTENDED MAIL
=============
The SPORTEX utility allows you to distinguish between different
callers and treat them differently. It allows for Remote
Programming and is one of the most powerful features of SPORT. It
is outlined in the SPORTEX.CTL control file and explained in the
Operators Manual.
[5.5] COMPRESSING MAIL
================
The SPORTPAC Utility will be run if you add it in the appropriate
place in your RUNSPORT.BAT file and have the control file
SPORTPAC.CTL in your default directory. You must have one or all
of four popular compression utilities on your path. They are
PKZIP(c), LHARC(c) ARJ(c) and ARC(c). This utility allows you to
pack and unpack pre-determined pieces of incoming and outgoing
mail and attached files. This will cut down the size and
therefore the time it takes to send and receive transmissions.
See SPORTPAC.CTL file and the Operators Manual for more
information.
[6] OPERATING SPORT AS A TERMINAL
Terminal emulation allows your PC to call and connect with the
world of telecommunications. Online services such as CompuServe,
world-wide networks such as Internet and local bulletin boards
may all be accessed using the SPORT terminal mode.
[6.1] THE TERMINAL MENU
=================
The Terminal facility of SPORT allows your computer to emulate an
ANSI terminal. It allows you to get files from other systems
(Downloading) and to send files to other systems (Uploading).
Note for Compuserve users: When you up or download using the X or
YModem protocols, SPORT will set your parameters to 8/N/1.
Therefore, the parameters on Compuserve should be 8/N/1. You may
see the initial logon questions in binary but that will clear up.
You may also use 7/E/1 and temporarily change them for up or
downloading.
Use S)ystem T)erminal from the Main Screen to go to the Terminal
Menu.
At the top of the screen are the various Terminal commands and
SPORT - Utilities Page 28
the keys to use them, divided into three areas; UTILITIES,
COMMUNICATIONS and OPTIONS. These are explained in detail in the
Operators Manual.
You can redisplay the Terminal Menu anytime you are using the
Terminal Mode by hitting Alt T.
Below the command list is a line describing "Current Settings:"
The first data on the information line is:
1/2400/n/8/1
which represents:
port/baud rate/parity/word size/stop bits
These may be changed at any time by using the ALT P command.
The second item is:
"Echo ON" or "Echo OFF"
This can be switched on and off using Alt E from the Terminal
Menu.
If you make a call and see everything double, turn Echo OFF.
The third item is:
"Capture is ON" or "Capture is OFF"
A "Capture" file is a file in which is saved the activity of your
call for later examination, archiving or sending along to others.
Chat sessions may also be saved to a file. [See Page 31]. When
you turn the Capture file on, you will be asked to provide a name
for the file. You may turn a Capture file on (Alt C) or off (Alt
F) anytime during a call. The Capture file retains both text and
ANSI graphics representation.
In the Terminal Mode, you may use Alternate FKey assignments for
FKeys 1 through 9. This feature allows you to write small
"scripts" to log on to boards and services with a single
keystroke.
They may be listed in up to 9 lines, in a file named
SPORTERM.KEY. in the SPORT default directory. The contents of the
respective lines will be sent to the modem. The limit on the line
is 128 characters, and the tilde (~) will represent a one second
SPORT - Terminal Mode Page 29
delay, and the bar (|) will represent a carriage return.
[6.2] DIALING A NUMBER
================
To connect to a number in your Phone Index List, go to the
Terminal Menu and use Alt D to start the dialing process.
First you will be asked for the interval at which you want to
redial in case you are not connected the first time. If there is
no connection made the first time, SPORT will keep dialing at the
designated interval. When it connects, the console bell will
sound, to alert you to the connection.
To dial a number not in your Phone Index List, turn the Echo On
and send the appropriate commands directly to your modem.
[6.3] UP AND DOWNLOADING
==================
When you access a remote system, you will often want to up and
download files.
Downloading means transfering files FROM the remote system TO
your system. Uploading means transfering files TO the remote
system FROM your system.
SPORT uses a ZModem protocol as well as XModem and two varieties
of YModem. You must always use matching protocols on the sending
and receiving systems. To UPLOAD use the PgUP key. To DOWNLOAD,
use the PgDowm key. You may integrate other protocols into your
SPORT system if you want to. This is discussed in the Operators
Manual.
[6.4] SCRIPTS
=======
Scripts are used to perform repetitive communications functions
like logging on to online services or Bulletin Boards. They can
be quite simple, or quite complex. Using a certain command
structure, you create a file which contains a series of commands
which will execute when invoked.
Once you know the sequence of required keystrokes, you can write
your own scripts relatively simply. Scripts are fun to experiment
with.
Script files are flat ASCII and must reside in the SPORT default
directory. You may name them anything you want, however, the
default extension is .SCT. If you always use the default
extension then you won't have to specify the extension when using
SPORT - Terminal Mode Page 30
Alt S (Run Script command) from the Terminal Menu or Shift @ from
the Mail Menu.
Scripting commands and detailed information is available in the
Operators Manual.
[6.5] MACROS
======
Similar to the SPORT Scripts, SPORT supports macros. Macros can
be called up in two ways: by using CONTROL-R from the Mailer
Menu or by writing a special macro file called STARTUP.MAC in the
SPORT directory. If this latter file exists in the SPORT
directory, SPORT will run the macro before any other processes.
If a macro is requested from the keyboard you will be prompted
for the file name of the macro. Each macro must bear a file name
of nnnnnnnn.MAC (the ".MAC" is required). The macro file is
comprised of single lines of ASCII macro keywords,some of which
stand alone, others which allow arguments.
The keywords and the parameters of "macro making" are covered in
the Operators Manual.
[7] BEING A HOST
When a caller at a terminal calls your system, SPORT will
recognize the call as a human caller, not mail, and will greet
the caller with the SPORT.BAN(ner) file.
All callers will first see the file SPORT.BAN. If the caller asks
to Chat, the file SCHAT.BAN is displayed.
A default SPORT.BAN and SCHAT.BAN are created for you when you
run the SPORT Installation utility.
You may want to edit these banner files personalize your system,
but keep it short and simple, without graphics.
SPORT also provides callers the opportunity to leave a note. This
is saved for you in a file called "SPORT.NOT". You may prevent
callers from leaving notes by using the keyword "NOTEOFF" in your
CFG file.
The ability for a caller to "Chat" with you is protected by a
user-defined password and operates only between the hours
designated as "BELLON" and "BELLOFF" in your CFG file.
Chatting is a cross between making a phone call and sending a
SPORT - Terminal Mode Page 31
letter. Two systems are connected and each person sees what the
other person is typing. Chat sessions may be saved to a capture
file and reviewed offline.
The ability to use any SPORT remote capability is optional and
password protected, as is the ability to "drop" to another
subsystem program like a Bulletin Board. [See Page 33] and the
Operators Manual.
[7.1] REMOTE MAIL
===========
The SPORTRM Utility allows you to log in to your personal
computer from a remote computer, using any communications
program, and both read and send mail from your own system.
SPORTRM provides two modes of operation: PUBLIC and PRIVATE. The
PUBLIC mode of operation provides a way for callers to use SPORT
Mail via SPORTRM without the system operator's concern for damage
to his/her message library.
[Note: For installations earlier than 1.40, you will need to
modify your RUNSPORT.BAT file to use the public and private
access modes.]
An example of the difference between public and private use is
that the public user may NOT read a message beyond any line which
contains the flag "[NOREMOTE]" in it. This allows the system
operator to make private an entire message or portions of a
message.
If you call in and type the "MAILPASS" password you have declared
in your CFG file for remote mail, you will access the SPORTRM
menu in either the public or password protected private mode. It
will allow limited or unlimited access to read your through your
library, and send mail and forward mail, as well as attach files
that are on your system. See the Operators Manual for a more
detailed explanation of the set up and use of SPORT Remote Mail.
[7.2] REMOTE SERVICES
===============
The Sport Remote Services Utility is defined by the Operator, who
edits or creates the file SPORTR.CTL, in the default SPORT
directory, which allows up to twenty separate PRE-DEFINED
operations to be performed.
If the caller enters the "REMOTEPASS" password correctly, the
SPORT - Terminal Mode Page 32
remote access submenu is displayed. This submenu is automatically
generated by SPORT from the contents of SPORTR.CTL.
In the command lines of the SPORTR.CTL file, you may enter any
command or any batch process that DOES NOT require human
intervention. If you want to have automatic up and downloading
you need an external protocol.
There is more information in the SPORTR.CTL file and in the
Operators Manual.
[7.3] SUBSYSTEMS
==========
This is a sketch of a complex subject which is covered in detail
in the Operators Manual.
Subsystems, typically Bulletin Boards, may be spawned or batched.
Batching is the default mode for running sub-systems.
If you want to run one or two sub-systems, in the batch mode, use
these keywords in your CFG file:
BBSBAT <-- for 1st Subsystem
and
ALTBAT <-- for 2nd Subsystem.
RUNSPORT.BAT uses an errorlevel of 5 for the first sub-system,
and an errorlevel of 4 for the secondary sub-system.
This option is password protected with the passwords declared
after the keywords "SYSTEMPASS" and "ALTERNATEPASS" in your CFG
file. When a caller correctly enters the subsystem password (any
case) SPORT will automatically create the batch file named
SPTSPAWN.BAT which will contain the following information:
SPTCHILD [baud rate] [port] [time to next event in min]
where the "baud rate" is the baud rate of the calling system and
"port" is the port in use on the receiving system. After this
file has been written, SPORT passes control to the batch file
called SPTCHILD.BAT.
This is a user defined batch file which should pass control to a
subsystem using the replaceable parameters according to DOS
procedures. This batch file (SPTCHILD) should make provision to
return to SPORT upon completion.
If you are using SPORTRA (SPORT Remote Access [See Page 34]) as a
subsystem your SPTCHILD.BAT may look something like this:
:START
SPORT - Terminal Mode Page 33
sportra %1 %2 password
if errorlevel 10 goto RMAIL
GOTO FINIS
:RMAIL
sportrm %1 %2 x x
goto START
:FINIS
cd\sport
runsport
Technical Note for BBS users
----------------------------
If a user is going to run a subsystem (BBS) which requires a
Fossil Driver such as the X00 series, it is important to note
that the vector capture should be TURNED OFF before running SPORT
and TURNED ON before running the BBS.
The important thing to note is that SPORT does not recognize the
Fossil and wants to deal directly with the same things that the
Fossil does. Therefore it needs to be moved out of the way
before SPORT and back in the way before the subsytem.
[7.4] REMOTE ACCESS
=============
SPORTRA is the built-in SPORT Remote Access Module. This utility
has been designed to help the SPORT system operator manage
his/her system remotely. It supports a variety of functions which
may be needed when working remotely and has been designed to be
installed and work as a subsystem to SPORT. SPORTRA is also
linked to SPORTRM for Remote Mail functions.
This utility will allow callers to your system to look through
and pick up files, and several other very rudimentary Bulletin
Board type functions. It has one password protected "sysop" level
and other features which are described in the Operators Manual.
[8] MANAGING YOUR SYSTEM
[2.7] PERSONAL MENU
=============
The installation will create a default Personal Menu which can be
accessed using Ctl P. You are free to experiment with these
functions. Be aware that #1 and #2 will archive the messages that
have already been read and that #8 allows you to modify all your
SPORT - Terminal Mode Page 34
configuration files.
This menu is easily customizable using the file SPORT.MNU (the
menu of choices that you see) and appropriate entries in the
RUNSPORT.BAT file. This handy function allows you to have SPORT
display a menu from which you can select other programs you use
on your system, and when you are finished with them recall SPORT
automatically.
The number of the choice designated in the SPORT.MNU file PLUS
100 is the errorlevel drop in the RUNSPORT.BAT file. This is not
as complex as it sounds, and is an extremely useful SPORT
feature.
Look at both files. It is easy to see the relationship between
them. Experiment with changing them to suit your applications.
Using the Personal Menu will make it easy to keep SPORT on line
alot of the time.
This is explained more fully in the Operators Manual.
[8.1] THE SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR
========================
The SPORTADM System Administration Utility can be accessed from
the Personal Menu or from DOS. It provides a method of
configuring the various control files used by SPORT. This utility
is designed to assist the knowleable user in designing the
various functions of his or her system. Since it cannot replace
the knowlege of what the control files do, and since it can
reconfigure these files, it should be used by the novice with
some caution. Refer to the Operators Manual for more detailed
information.
[8.2] GRAPHIC SYSTEM REPORTING
========================
SPORTRPT is a utility which will display a series of graphic
screens representing SPORT activity since the midnight
housekeeping event. You may run SPORTRPT without command line
arguments for a list of options. This utility may also be used
from with SPORT on an FKey or from the Personal Menu.
[8.3] POSTMAIL PROCESSING
===================
The default installation uses the EXITAFTER option and postmail
processing is be accomplished by entering the desired postmail
commands in the appropriate place in your RUNSPORT.BAT file.
SPORT - System Management Page ^N
Looking at the file will show you where postmail commands may be
inserted. If EXITAFTER is not used, postmail commands are
accomplished by a batch file called POSTMAIL.BAT. See the
Operators Manual.
[8.4] CREATING EVENTS
===============
SPORT supports the ability to exercise unattended, regular events
which may be needed by a user to accomplish routine mail and
maintenance functions.
Events may be the running of SPORT Utilities, batch files,
errorlevel numbers or scripts. Errorlevel drops are indicated by
the number in square brackets and script names are enclosed in
curly braces.
To program Events, use E from the Utility Menu. This invokes the
utility SPORTEVT. It will help you write your event file, and
will automatically sort the commands by time, help you to insert,
change or delete events. Events are listed in the file SPORT.EVT.
With Version 1.45 and later, you may designate daily events or
weekly events. Events are contained in the following files:
SPORT.EVT for Daily events
SPORTEVT.MON for Monday events
SPORTEVT.TUE for Tuesday events
SPORTEVT.WED for Wednesday events
SPORTEVT.THU for Thursday events
SPORTEVT.FRI for Friday events
SPORTEVT.SAT for Saturday events
SPORTEVT.SUN for Sunday events
SPORT looks for a file named SPORT.EVT in the default SPORT
directory. If there is one, this file tells SPORT there are daily
events of which it should be aware. If there is a file for any
particular day of the week, SPORT will use that file on the
appropriate day.
[8.5] ROUTING MAIL
============
SPORT supports the ability to route mail to one or many
destinations. If you have SPORTRTE.EXE in your SPORT
subdirectory, and run it as part of your postmail processing, and
have put your routing instructions in the SPORTRTE.CTL file, you
can cause incoming mail to be automatically distributed to others
on your Phone Index List. See the SPORTRTE.CTL file and the
Operators Manual for details.
SPORT - System Management Page 36
[8.6] CONFERENCING
============
Using the SPORTCON utility and the SPORTCON.CTL control file you
may set up a variety of conferences which allow you to discuss
subjects with a defined list of participants. How to set this up
is discussed in the control file and in the Operators Manual.
[8.7] SPECIAL SESSION INTERFACE SUPPORT
=================================
The Special Session Interface Support capability of SPORT allows
the user to customize his system to accommodate special mail
protocols, special password access, scripting and other
sophisticated methods of accessing and/or managing and/or
exchanging information with other types of mail systems.
This subject is covered in the Operators Manual.
[8.8] INTERMITTENT COMMAND PROCESSING
===============================
SPORT allows the user to run batch files in the background while
it is online. How this is accomplished is explained in the
Operators Manual.
[9] MORE USEFUL INFORMATION
[9.1] DEFINITIONS OF FILE EXTENSIONS
==============================
The SPORT program is contained in the files SPORT.EXE(executable)
and SPORT.OVR(overlay). There are also many EXE files which
comprise the various utility functions.
SPORT interfaces with the user via a collection of RAW and CTL
(ConTroL) and BAT (BATch) files. Some of these files are
interrelated.
The program must know how your system is configured. The
configuration file is called SFLASH.RAW and is basically
constructed for you during installation. But you may edit it to
change or enhance your set up using the CFG option from the
Utilities Menu.
You must be able to enter the phone numbers ("addresses") of the
systems with which you wish to be in contact. The Phone Index
List is called SFLASH.IDX. You may build it using the IDX option
from the Utilities Menu.
SPORT - System Management Page 37
This is how SPORT works: All outgoing messages always consist of
TWO files, not one.
First is the message - the ADDRESS.FLS file.
Second is the "flow" file, in which is declared what material is
to be transmitted to this address - the ADDRESS.FLO file.
If the material is put on hold, these files become
First - ADDRESS.HLO
Second - ADDRESS.FLO (remains the same).
If the material does not synch properly with the target system,
to prevent endless connection with no transmission the files are
renamed
First - ADDRESS.BAD
Second - ADDRESS.FLB
[9.2] MORE ON ADDRESSING
==================
The utility SPORTID is used to create and manage your Phone Index
List. It will make it easy for you to make this file.
Addresses are INDEXED in the IDX file to the phone number of the
system to which you are sending mail.
This is how a "Target System Name" also called an "address" is
indexed to a phone number in a line in the IDX file:
8219556.FLS,8219556;2400 Bill at Acme
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
[1] This is the address. This is the net/node "821/9556" - in
this case the same as the phone number.
[2] The FLS message extension. (Required and inserted
automatically).
[3] The actual phone number (including the area code if
necessary).
[4] The baud rate.
[5] Comment
Here are two examples showing a line in the Phone Index List for
two types of addresses for Bill at Acme Metal Spinning.
SPORT - More Useful Information Page 38
Example #1
----------
The Index Line is:
8219556.FLS,2038219556;2400 Bill at Acme
THUS THE TARGET SYSTEM NAME or ADDRESS FOR THE MESSAGE IS:
821/9556
The Phone Number which will be called is:
203-821-9556
The Baud Rate of his system is:
2400
Net/Node numbers are the same as the Prefix/Suffix concept of
telephone numbers. They can be THE SAME or DIFFERENT than the
phone number. If you are using Net/Node numbers, there can be a
maximum of four numbers on either side of the slash (/).
Example #2
----------
The Index Line is:
BILL.FLS,2038219556;2400 Bill at Acme
Thus the "target system name" or address for the message is:
BILL/
The Phone Number which will be called is:
203-821-9556
The Baud Rate of his system is:
2400
Addressing by alias refers to addressing by name. In this case,
you can have up to eight characters before the slash (/).
You must put the slash (/) after any alias to let SPORT know that
there is a Net number or alias name but no Node number. Because
of this, you may have addresses like 15/ or 6/ or A/. This gives
you maximum flexibility in addressing.
THE ADDRESS IS THE PART OF THE INDEX LINE BEFORE THE EXTENSION
.FLS.
For Bill to receive BILL.FLS as legitimate mail, he must declare
BILL.FLS to be an acceptable alias, next to the keyword INFILE in
his Configuration File like this:
SPORT - More Useful Information Page 39
INFILE C:\SPORT\INCOMING\BILL.FLS
There are many other options which may be chosen in the Phone
Index List. For example, if you want mail for an address to be
ALWAYS held, designate the first hour available AND the last hour
available to be the SAME number.
[9.3] PORT AND MODEM PROBLEMS
-----------------------
If SPORT fails to initialize, the nature of the problem will be
shown on the screen and in the ASCII file called SPORT.LOG.
If you get the message "Invalid COM port number" or " Unable to
initialize the port specified", you probably have designated the
wrong COM(munications) port to which your modem is attached. Try
another port. [See Page 45].
If you run SPORT and get the message "Unable to Initialize
Modem", and have checked that the modem is connected to the right
port and turned on, perhaps you have selected the modem
incorrectly. You may want to start your investigation by running
SMODEM
from the system prompt. This will rerun the last part of the
installation utility and provide you with a list of known modems,
and will automatically insert the initialization string for the
selected modem in your configuration file. You may have better
results by choosing another modem type.
Once you have selected the correct modem and it is working, you
can enhance your system performance by manipulating the
configuration file to get the software and your modem to work
together in the best possible way.
If you see the message "Trouble Initializing Modem" come up a few
times, then initialize correctly, you may only need to adjust the
MODEMINITSPEED to a slower speed.
Modem Issues in the Configuration File
--------------------------------------
SPORT reads every line in the configuration file that does not
have an exclamation point on the left margin. The standard
pattern is:
!KEYWORD [Command] or [Option]
Therefore you "uncomment" a keyword to use it by deleting the
SPORT - More Useful Information Page 40
exclamation point; you "comment out" to not use a keyword by
inserting an exclamation point.
SPORT provides four main keywords in the Configuration File to
deal with your modem.
One is the keyword "MODEMINIT" which is followed by the
Modem Initialization string.
Second, there is the keyword "FASTMODEM", which is
specifically for modems which will accept commands at high
speed.
Third, there are five "MODEMINITSPEED" settings to control
the speed at which the software talks to the modem.
Fourth, there is the keyword "NOMODEMRESET" which speeds
operation if you have a modem that consistently and
automatically resets itself to a known state.
Note that you can only use FASTMODEM OR ONE AND ONLY ONE of the
MODEMINITSPEED options. Should you use FASTMODEM as well as one
of the MODEMINITSPEED options, FASTMODEM will take precedence. If
you use more than one MODEMINITSPEED option, the last one in your
configuration file will be the one used by SPORT.
Modem Installation Summary
--------------------------
General Operation
- - - - - - - - -
You >Select your modem during installation.
SPORT >Enters an initialization string after the keyword
MODEMINIT in the Configuration file.
>Enters MODEMINITSPEED MEDIUM.
High Performance Operation
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
You >Select your modem during installation.
>Check the initialization string in the CFG file
after the keyword MODEMINIT and make sure it has a
complete command set that will reset the modem.
>Use the keyword "NOMODEMRESET" and make sure you
are using "MODEMINITSPEED MEDIUM".
SPORT - More Useful Information Page 41
Fastest Operation
- - - - - - - - -
You >Select your modem during installation.
>Check the initialization string after the keyword
MODEMINIT and make sure it has a complete command
set that will reset the modem.
>Use the keyword "NOMODEMRESET", comment out
"MODEMINITSPEED MEDIUM" and uncomment the keyword
"FASTMODEM".
If you are having difficulties, please see the checklist below
for a further discussion of installing your modem.
[9.4] MODEM INSTALLATION CHECKLIST
============================
This section is designed to help you install and optimize the use
of your modem with SPORT. Following this checklist will provide
you with the most effective match between your modem and SPORT.
Remember, if you cannot initialize your modem properly, use
RUNSPORT X to run the program in the test mode while you try are
configuring your system.
General Operation
-----------------
1. Use U)tilities Confi(G)uration from the Main Screen to check
your Configuration File and be sure that you are NOT using any of
the following keywords. Check each keyword to make sure it is
"commented out" by placing an "!" before the keyword. Keywords to
be commented out or eliminated are these:
FASTMODEM
MODEMINITSPEED VERYSLOW
MODEMINITSPEED SLOW
MODEMINITSPEED MEDIUM
MODEMINITSPEED FAST
MODEMINITSPEED VERYFAST
NOMODEMRESET
2. While you are editing the CFG file, check the "MODEMINIT"
line. Check your modem documentation to see if all the characters
represent valid commands. Your string cannot be longer than 40
characters.
SPORT - More Useful Information Page 42
3. Save the edited file. (This automatically runs the utility
SPREP to prepare SFLASH.RAW for use with SPORT.)
4. Type RUNSPORT at the DOS prompt. If your modem initializes
correctly go to step 6.
5. If you are at this step than your modem did not initialize
correctly when you ran SPORT. There are two possible causes.
First, your modem initialization string is incorrect (most
likely) or, second, your modem is incapable of accepting
characters at the default rate of SPORT (least likely).
If none of the SMODEM choices works, you may assume that you will
need a custom modem initialization string for SPORT. In building
your string bear in mind that SPORT does not require the
preceding "AT", the final Carriage Return or a selected dialing
mode for your modem initialization string. All SPORT requires is
the actual sequence of commands preceded by "MODEMINIT " in your
SFLASH.RAW file.
With your modem manual, build your modem initialization string
using these guidelines:
- SPORT requires a modem that supports a true Hayes command set.
- SPORT requires that Carrier Detect not be forced high or low.
- SPORT requires that Data Terminal Ready (DTR) not be forced.
- SPORT requires that Auto_Answer be OFF.
- SPORT requires that modem responses be in English.
- SPORT requires that modem responses be verbose.
Most importantly, be aware that SPORT automatically sends the
command set
"Q0E0V1&C1S7=30S0=0"
to your modem IF YOU ARE NOT USING AN INITIALIZATION STRING. The
reason for this is that SPORT needs VERBOSE results.
Now, if you DO USE a customized initialization string, you should
include the command set "Q0E0V1&C1S7=30S0=0" in the string
because SPORT WILL NOT USE ITS DEFAULT STRING IF YOU SPECIFY ONE.
Remember, you cannot use more than 40 characters.
For example, if you use this in your SFLASH.RAW file:
MODEMINIT Q0E0V1&C1S7=30S0=0
you are doing EXACTLY THE SAME THING as if you did not even have
a string declared. However, if you want anything beyond
"Q0E0V1&C1S7=30S0=0"
then you must include "Q0E0V1&C1S7=30S0=0" in your MODEMINIT
SPORT - Modem Installation Checklist Page 43
command.
Build your modem string with these requirements in mind and enter
that string in your SFLASH.RAW file like this:
MODEMINIT command_sequence
where "command_sequence" is the string you will be using WITHOUT
the preceding "AT" or the following "|" command. An example of
this is:
MODEMINIT &F&D2Q0E0V1&C1S7=30S0=0
High Performance Operation
--------------------------
6. If you have reached this step it is assumed that you have
SPORT operational with a correct modem initialization string and
now want to optimize its performance. First we will try to
optimize the way SPORT answers incoming calls. SPORT supports two
ways to answer a call. The first is by sensing the "Ring
Indicator" or "Ring Detect" line on your modem and acting
immediately upon it. The second way is by waiting for the word
"RING" to be sent from your modem to SPORT. The first way is the
fastest but will only operate with modems capable of
sending/receiving characters at a high rate of speed. To try this
first method use the following keyword in your SFLASH.RAW:
FASTMODEM
Now save the edited file. If you are already running SPORT, use
S)ystem R)einitialize to reinitialize the modem with the new
configuration. If your modem initializes properly you have a high
speed modem and SPORT will automatically talk to your modem at
the maximum speed available.
If your modem does not initialize properly or fails to answer
incoming calls properly, you cannot use the "FASTMODEM" option.
Go on to the next step.
Modems must go back to known states after use. Some modems will
do this automatically, some will not. SPORT will normally reset
the modem periodically. However, this take time. If your modem
resets itself, or you have characters in the initialization
string which do this, you may use the keyword "NOMODEMRESET" in
your configuration. This will speed operation. If you use this
option, what SPORT will do is try to initialize the modem 3
times, if it cannot, it will override the NOMODEMRESET option,
and try to reset and initialize 3 more times. If this does not
work, SPORT will drop to DOS.
7. If you reach this step than you have a modem which cannot
SPORT - Modem Installation Checklist Page 44
always rely JUST upon the "Ring Detect" function of your modem
for SPORT to answer incoming calls. You will need to instruct
SPORT to use the word "RING" received from your modem when it
senses an incoming call. You can still optimize your system by
varying the speed at which SPORT receives responses from your
modem. This is a simple process using the key-phrase
"MODEMINITSPEED " and a modifier.
Here are the modifiers you can use. They range from the slowest
modem response time (first item) to the fastest (last item):
MODEMINTISPEED VERYSLOW
MODEMINITSPEED SLOW
MODEMINITSPEED MEDIUM <--Recommended
MODEMINITSPEED FAST
MODEMINITSPEED VERYFAST
Remember to use ONLY ONE of these options at a time and not
FASTMODEM. If you should forget and use two or more, only the
last one encountered by SPORT in your SFLASH.RAW file will be
used.
To optimize the speed of your modem just try each of these in the
order presented until your modem fails to initialize properly.
You will notice a considerable increase in speed with each
successive item. You should use the one which sends characters to
the modem in the shortest possible time yet still initializes
your modem correctly.
More detailed information about the required settings for SPORT
are in the Operators Manual. You may have to consult your modem
manual for any special characters that it may need.
Experimentation is the key.
[10] TROUBLESHOOTING
[10.1] INSTALLATION
============
* WHEN I INVOKE SPORT I GET THIS MESSAGE:
"Invalid COM port number" or " Unable to initialize the port
specified".
This means you have not designated the correct COM port, or
the COM port has a non-standard address or interrupt level. If
you have the right port, you may designate a non-standard address
and interrupt level by using the keywords "COM" [Address_In_Hex]
and "INT" [Interrupt_Level] in your configuration file. To get
this information, look in the documentation that came with your
SPORT - Modem Installation Checklist Page 45
I/O board.
* WHEN I INVOKE SPORT I GET THIS MESSAGE:
"Unable to find CFG file" OR I DROP BACK TO DOS.
Check that \SPORT and \SPORT\INCOMING subdirectories are on
the path. Check that all SPORT files are in \SPORT.
[10.2] THE FULL-SCREEN EDITOR
======================
* WHEN USING THE SPORT FULL SCREEN EDITOR (SPORTEDT) FOR EDITING
MY CFG (CONFIGURATION) FILE, THE EDITOR WILL SOMETIMES TRUNCATE
A PART OF THE LINE I HAVE CREATED.
SPORTEDT is designed primarily for creating Flash
Messages and only secondarily for use to edit the CFG file (using
the G command from the Utility Menu). Because of this, SPORTEDT
will force a certain line length to ensure that Flash Messages
remain consistent from system to system. This line length is
generally sufficient for most purposes, including editing the CFG
file. If, however, you find that you must create a line longer
than SPORTEDT permits, you should use your favorite external
text editor. Since all of the SPORT control and support files
are in flat ASCII, you may use the editor of your choice.
Remember to run SPREP if you are using an external editor to edit
SFLASH.RAW.
* WHEN I WANT TO EDIT A MESSAGE I GET THE LINE EDITOR RATHER THAN
THE FULL SCREEN EDITOR.
SPORTEDT.EXE is not located in your SPORT default
directory and you have not declared your personal favorite text
editor useing the EDITOR keyword in the Configuration File.
[10.3] MAIL AND MESSAGES
=================
* I GET THE MESSAGE "NO CARRIER" WHEN I TRY TO CONTACT A SYSTEM.
The system is off-line or busy.
* SPORT WILL NOT EXCHANGE MAIL WITH SOME SYSTEMS, BUT WILL DO
SO WITH OTHERS.
You may be attempting to contact a "closed system".
SPORT has the capability of increasing its level of security by
only allowing certain systems to exchange mail. See the
Page 46
SPORT - Troubleshooting
Operators Manual for information on this subject.
* I SEE SOME OUTGOING MESSAGES HAVE BEEN RENAMED WITH A "BAD"
FILE EXTENSION. WHAT IS WRONG?
This is normal and occurs whenever SPORT has tried to
exchange mail with another system but the exchange has failed.
Once the attempted exchange fails, SPORT immediately renames any
FLS (Flash Message) to BAD so that no further mail will be sent
to that system. Check your SPORT log for why the exchange failed.
You may reset BAD files using R)eset from the Utilities Menu.
* MY MAIL SESSIONS ARE INTERRUPTED AND MY LOG REFERS TO BAD LINES
AND DEBRIS ON LINES. WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT THESE POOR PHONE LINES?
SPORT has the ability to adjust to noisy line conditions using
the standard ZModem protocol. This option is activated by the
user by placing the symbol |N| on the Telephone Index Line for
the target system in question. This flag will cause the Zmodem
mail session to use a 256 byte packet in place of the default
1024 byte packet, thus allowing for quicker recovery on noisy
lines. Speed of transmission may be slightly less with this
smaller size but, difficult transmissions which could fail will
oftentimes succeed using this method.
* I WANT TO MAKE MY SYSTEM AS SECURE AS POSSIBLE.
To take full advantage of all of the security provisions
which SPORT allows. Run a virus check on the incoming area in the
postmail section of the RUNSPORT.BAT file. See the Operators
Manual.
[10.4] TERMINAL MODE
=============
* MY MODEM DIALS THE PHONE, BUT THERE IS NO ANSWER.
If the modem reports UNABLE TO CONNECT, then the target
system is off line or it is busy.
* TRANSMISSION IS ERRATIC, OR IS CUT OFF.
There could be line noise or other problems. Try later.
* DURING A TERMINAL MODE CALL, NONE OF MY TYPED CHARACTERS APPEAR
ON THE SCREEN.
Turn the Echo On.
Page 47
SPORT - Troubleshooting
* DURING A TERMINAL MODE CALL, ALL OF THE CHARACTERS I TYPE
APPEAR TWICE.
Turn the Echo Off.
* I CALL A BBS BUT SEE CHARACTERS IN PARENTHESIS INSTEAD OF
GRAPHICS.
ANSI graphics should be on. You need the driver ANSI.SYS in
your CONFIG.SYS file, and on your system.
* DURING A CALL, BINARY CHARACTERS APPEAR ON THE SCREEN.
Parameters are set incorrectly. That is, the 8/n/1 (word
size/parity/stop bits) are different on the system you have
connected with. You can either experiment by changing your
parameters and calling again, or try to determine what their
parameters are. Many Bulletin Board Systems indicate their
settings when they publish their numbers.
[10.5] TSR's
=====
RAM resident programs often are sometimes not good software
neighbors. They can be programs and/or device drivers. If you are
having trouble with SPORT you may try disabling your TSR's
(Terminate and Stay Resident) programs, cold booting (turning
your computer off and on again, and trying again. This will
indicate if any of these programs are interfering with SPORT'S
operation.
[10.6] SPORT AND DESQVIEW
==================
* WHEN RUNNING UNDER DESQVIEW, SPORT WILL SOMETIMES TAKE ALL OF
THE TIME SLICE, BRINGING THE TASK IN THE OTHER WINDOW TO A HALT.
This is normal if you are not using the IGNOREDV option
in your Configuration File. When not using this option SPORT is
very aggressive about time slicing, attempting to ensure that
nothing will interrupt the flow of communications. SPORT will
take the entire time slice during preliminary syncing with
another SPORT and during file transfer sessions. If you find
this to be a problem, add the keyword IGNOREDV to your
Configuration File. This will prevent SPORT from taking more
than the time slice available to the window in which it is
running. If you use this option (IGNOREDV), be sure that you
understand how communications can be affected. You should refer
to the documentation which came with DesqView for details.
Page 48
SPORT - Troubleshooting
* SPORT WILL SOMETIMES HANG IN ITS WINDOW.
This can be caused by a number of things. First check to
be sure that you have given SPORT sufficient memory for the
window in which it is run. We recommend a 384K window for most
purposes. If you are supporting a subsystem in memory, a large
external editor, or making extensive use of SPORT shelling
capabilities, you may need to increase this memory allocation
according to the needs of the programs you are running with
SPORT. Also, remove any TSRs (Terminate and Stay Resident
Programs) and try running SPORT. TSRs can be the cause of many
strange system problems when run with other programs. If you are
using any TSRs, suspect them first and check them out carefully.
* SPORT BLEEDS THROUGH TO MY OTHER WINDOW.
Comment out the keyword FASTSCREEN from your SFLASH.CFG
file. This will eliminate all direct screen writes with the
exception of the Sport Editor (SPORTEDT). None of the SPORT
utilities uses direct screen writes so they will not bleed
through to other multitasking windows.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME SLICE FOR USING SPORT WITH DESQVIEW?
We recommend a 9:6 ratio, with the SPORT window receiving
9.
Page 49
SPORT - Troubleshooting
INDEX
ADDRESSING
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
ADMINSTRATOR
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
ALIAS
Addressing to an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
ALTBAT
For Invoking Sub-System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
ANSI.SYS
For Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
APPENDING
Messages to Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
ATTACHING
Files to Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
BANNERS
You Display to Callers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
BATCH FILES
Running in the background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
BUFFERS
Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
CACHE
Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
COMMAND LINE
Arguments, Parameters, Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
COMMANDS
In Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
COMPUSERVE
Using . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
CONFERENCING
Using SPORTCON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
CONFIG.SYS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
DELETING
Outgoing Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
DIALING
A Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
DOWNLOADING
From Another System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
EVENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
FASTMODEM
How to Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
FLASH
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
FOSSIL DRIVERS
In Subsystems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
GETLIB
In Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
HELP
From Mail Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
From Utilities Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
HOLD
SPORT - Index Page 50
All Mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Mail Always On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
HOST
Being a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
INCOMING
Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
INDEX
Address/Phone Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
INF
File Request Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
INITIALIZATION
Setting up strings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
INSTALLING
SPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
INVOKING
SPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
KEYWORDS
Defining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
LEGAL NOTICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
LIBRARY
Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
LINE NOISE
Debris On Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
LOCKING MAILER
For Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
LOG
SPORT activity recorded in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
MACROS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
MAIL SUMMARY MENU
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
MASS MAILING
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
MENU
Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
MESSAGES
Entering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
MODEM
Guidelines for Intitalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
MODEMINIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
MODEMINITSPEED
How to Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
MODEMS
And SPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
MULTI-MEDIA MESSAGES
SPORTMM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
NOISY
Phone Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
NOMODEMRESET
In Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
OVERFLOW.LIB
For over 100 messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
SPORT - Index Page 51
OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
PATH
SPORT Subdirectories on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
PERSONAL MEMO
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
POLLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
PORT
Problems with . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
POSTMAIL
Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
PRIVATEMAIL
for Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
READING
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
RECEIVING
Messages and Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
REGISTER
How to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Remote Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
REMOTE SERVICES
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
REMOTEPASS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
REQ
File Extension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
REQUESTING
Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
ROUTING
Mail to Other Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
SCHAT.BAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
SCHEDULING
Outgoing Mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
SCREEN
Mailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
SCRIPTS
Using . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
SECURITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
SET-UP
Advanced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
SFLASH
Creating messages with . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Line Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
SFLASH.HDR
Message Header . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
SMODEM
For choosing Init String . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
SPORT
How It Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
SPORT.BAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
SPORT.EVT
Event File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
SPORT - Index Page 52
SPORT.LOG
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
SPORTARC
Library Archive Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
SPORTBBS
Remote BBS Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
SPORTEDT
SPORTEDT Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
SPORTEX
Extended Mail Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
SPORTLIB
Library Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
SPORTNWS.TXT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
SPORTPAC
For Packing/Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
SPORTR.CTL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
SPORTRM
Remote Mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
SPORTRPT
Reporting System Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
SPORTRTE.CTL
Routing Control File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
SPORTU
System Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
SPTCHILD.BAT
With Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
SPTSPAWN.BAT
Using for Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
SUBSYSTEMS
Running with SPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
SYSTEM
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
SYSTEM STATUS SCREEN
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
TARGET SYSTEM NAME
As Address for Mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
TSR's
SPORT and . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
UNHOLD
All Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
UPLOADING
From Another System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Viruses
Checking For . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
W.A.I.T.S.
What It Means . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
WINDOWS
Running SPORT with . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
SPORT - Index Page 53
Directory of PC-SIG Library Disk #3453
Volume in drive A has no label
Directory of A:\
SPORT EXE 168992 9-30-92 8:47a
USER DOC 126652 10-14-92 8:10a
INSTALL BAT 12858 10-14-92 2:49p
DISK1 3 5-01-90 8:56a
README DOC 787 10-13-92 3:47p
GO BAT 38 4-13-93 2:30p
SHOW EXE 2040 9-12-88 10:48a
7 file(s) 311370 bytes
7168 bytes free