USERS MANUAL for Pascal Integrated Communications System (PICS) Version 1.0 August 1,1986 Les Archambault PICS.PAS and the associated support files (including this documentation file) are Copyright (c) 1986 by Les Archambault. Non- commercial, public distribution and use of this system is permitted. All commercial rights are reserved. Distribution of PICS should include this documentation. The following briefly describes the features of PICS, a completely integrated message and file transfer system. USER FUNCTIONS AVAILABLE * Send and receive public and private messages in multiple message areas. * Can access multiple file areas and libraries. * File directory is sorted with selectable file sizes or transfer time. * Send and receive files using Xmodem protocol (checksum and CRC, regular or 1K block sizes, single file or batch modes.) * Send text files with automatic processing of "squeezed" files. * List special bulletins, system information, BBS lists, etc. * Chat with sysop. * Change user parameters including page and line length, prompt bell, etc. * List names of other users on system. Before I get into the explanation of the way that PICS is organized, it is important to learn about the prompts that the system gives you when it is waiting for you to type in a command (at subsystem menus). Following that I will try and explain file name wildcards. SYSTEM PROMPTS The system prompt is the line that you see whenever the system is waiting for an input from you at one of the sub-system menus. Prompts consist of several components: A. YOUR TIME REMAINING ON THE BBS. B. CURRENT SUBSYSTEM (Message, Files, or Utilities) C. CURRENT MESSAGE AREA OR FILE SECTION. D. LIBRARY NAME (if a library is active under Files subsystem) For example: 32-Files NEWIN [press "?" for menu]> ^ ^ ^ A. B. C. The above line indicates that you have 32 minutes remaining on the system, are currently in the files subsystem, and are logged into the NEWIN area. Should you enter a library, your prompt might look something like the following: 13-Files NEWIN [VECTOR.LBR]> ^ ^ ^ ^ A. B. C. D. When you are not at one of the subsystem command prompts and the system is expecting you to type in one of several possible commands, you will see something like: Enter your command > Here the possible commands are the letters contained inside the <> symbols. Enter one of these, then a carriage return, and the command will execute. Generally, whenever you see a the Q may be used to Quit the command presently being executed and return to the previous menu. Using the ? will display an additional line of help for the single letter commands, then re-prompt you for an answer. COMMAND LINE ENTRIES A command line entry is what you type in at the command prompt. A general rule is most commands require a single letter followed by a carriage return (CR) or Enter. The exception is where names are required. For example: 32-Message PC [press "?" for menu]> C;POST;R;S;C |____________| The above string will: CHANGE AREA; POST AREA; READ MESSAGES; SINCE LAST ON; CONTINUOUSLY The delimiter used above was a semi-colon, however a space or a comma is also accepted. (ie. C POST R S C or C,POST,R,S,C will both work). The user may ask for help by typing "?" at any prompt. The commands available for that particular area and their meanings will be displayed. All commands are executed when the letter displayed on the menus in angle brackets ("<>") is entered followed by a carriage return (CR). Usually, a second prompt will be displayed which will indicate what further information is required to complete the operation. During most system display operations, PICS will respond to Xon/Xoff control, i.e. when ^S (Xoff) is entered, the display will pause until another key is pressed. Usually this will be ^Q (Xon), but any key except ^C (ETX) or ^S will continue the listing. ^C will stop the listing completely and usually return you to the command prompt. FILENAME WILDCARDS The use of wildcards in file searchs or selections allows you to use special characters to represent one or more wildcard characters when entering filenames that will be searched for by a program or routine. The position of the special character in the file name determines how many wildcard characters will be represented. The "*" means any letter or group of letters allowed. The "?" means any single letter in this position only. In general, a * entered to the left of the . in the filename will represent up to 8 ? special characters in the name and will match with any characters in the name. A * on the right of the . in the filename will represent up to 3 ? special characters in the name extent. Here is a sample list of filenames to be searched using wildcards. NAMES: FOO1.TXT FOO2.TXT FOO3.COM FRED.TXT DEAD.COM We enter: Response to special character(s): --------- --------------------------------- *.* expands to ????????.??? and finds ALL file names: FOO1.TXT FOO2.TXT FOO3.COM FRED.TXT DEAD.COM FOO?.* expands to FOO?.??? and finds file names: FOO1.TXT FOO2.TXT FOO3.COM FOO*.* expands to FOO?????.??? and finds file names: FOO1.TXT FOO2.TXT FOO3.COM FOO?.TXT FOO1.TXT FOO2.TXT *.COM expands to ????????.COM and finds file names: FOO3.COM DEAD.COM ?EAD.* expands to ?EAD.??? and finds file names: FRED.TXT DEAD.COM So if you wanted to search for all .APP (Application) files you would enter "*.APP" which means allow anything for the name as long as the extension is APP. you could also have entered "????????.APP". Note that when you use ?'s each one is good for one character only. Now the organization of PICS. ==================================================================== COMMAND SYSTEMS Approximately 40 commands are available to users of PICS to enter and read messages, display directories, transfer files, and control the system configuration. These commands are grouped into three command subsystems. Within each subsystem is a Menu of commands available. Subsystem Primary Use -------- ----------- Message Subsystem Enter and read messages to/from other users Files Subsystem Send and Receive files Utilities Subsystem Miscellaneous functions Here is a detailed explanation of each subsystem: MESSAGE SUBSYSTEM This is the Message Subsystem menu. A detailed explanation of each command follows the menu. Remember that the commands are represented in the menu by the notation where the command is the letter inside the <> symbols. PICS - Message Subsystem Menu ======= Functions ======== ==== Other Menus ================ rticles to read ile transfer Subsystem ulletin tilities Subsystem hange message area nter a message nformation for new users ther systems list uick-scan messages ead messages can messages oodbye (logoff) ========================================================================= rticles to read Will display a menu of Sysop selected articles and allow you to make selections for viewing. ulletin This command redisplays the Bulletins that are displayed auto- matically during each caller login. hange message area PICS supports multiple message areas, i.e. messages are filed in groups by topic. This effectively shortens the message file for any particular user and makes finding a particular message easier. After typing "C", enter the name of the desired message area or enter "?" and to get a menu of the message areas available. If the entry cannot be found, a short version of the menu will be displayed and the system will once again prompt for the message area. nter a message Until you are validated, this command will automatically enter all messages to the sysop. Use this command to send a message to another user, the sysop, or to all users (like posting a message on a bulletin board). If you enter only a in response to the "FIRST name" prompt, the message will go to all users. If you send to a particular person, the system will verify the recipient name. If the system cannot find the addressee, you will be informed and given the opportunity to try again. At the completion of message entry PICS will ask you if you want the message to be Public (available for all validated users to read) or Private (just addressee [and sysop] can read). When you leave PICS with the G command, you will be asked if you want to leave a comment (message) to the sysop. If you answer Yes, you will be able to leave a private message addressed to the Sysop before leaving PICS. If you have trouble entering your password during login, after the maximum number of tries allowed PICS will enter the message editor and address a message to the Sysop for you with the subject 'Password Problem'. You can then enter the message and explain what problems you were having. Otherwise, to send a message to the sysop, enter "SYSOP" as the first name. You will not be prompted for a last name. During message entry, hitting a Return (carriage return) on a blank line (that is, at the beginning of a line) will activate the message editor. This is the way to end messages or stop during the message to correct mistakes. The following commands are then available (can be displayed by typing "?" at the Message Editor "Command>" prompt): == Message Entry Commands == ============== Editing controls ============== ontinue message entry Backspace Delete previous character elete line RUB (DEL) Delete previous character dit a selected line TAB Space to next multiple of 5 column nsert line RETURN Complete line entry ist current message CTRL-X Delete line to left of cursor ave message to disk CTRL-A Move cursor to beginning of line uit DON'T save message CTRL-S Move cursor one character left CTRL-D Move cursor one character right CTRL-F Update line and move cursor to end CTRL-G Delete character at cursor position For speed, the edit line is not visibly updated until requested by CTRL-F. ============================================================================ After using the message editor you will be returned to the subsystem command prompt. Remember, if you want the message recorded, use the command instead of the command. All other commands will return you to the message editor prompt for further editing. That completes the explanation for entering messages. Now to return to the rest of the commands available in the Messages subsystem. nformation for new users This short description of the system is displayed the first time you logged in. This command displays it again. ther systems list This is a list of other public Bulletin Board Systems (BBS's) in the local area. uick-scan messages After typing "Q", the system will prompt for the starting message number. If the message number cannot be found, the system will start with next sequential message unless the requested number is outside the range displayed in brackets. In that case, the system will start the scan with the next message after the highest message read the last time you logged in. For example, if you call on Saturday and the highest message you read was 342, when you call in on Tuesday and enter a in response to the "Start" prompt, the system will start the display with the next available message after 342. The message number and topic of messages from the starting number until the last message will then be displayed. If the message is addressed to you privately, a "*" will be displayed. If the message is public, a ":" will be displayed between the number and the topic. ead messages After entering "R", this command will prompt for the following information about which messages to read. All commands are just for the Message Area you are currently in. Read Search Option [press "?" for menu]> The options translate as follows: ll messages in this area rom you previously entered messages o you umeric similar to ALL but you are prompted for the starting number ince your last call PICS remembers the number of the last message you read. uit return to subsystem command prompt without reading any messages. After entering "A, F, T, N, or S" the system will respond by displaying the header of the first requested message and then prompt you with: Read

[press "?" for menu]> These commands translate as follows: es display text of message o skip to next message ontinuous displays all messages from here on with no pauses uit end message reading and return to subsystem menu prompt. eply to current message even if not addressed to you

revious backup to last message If you are the addressee of a message the system will ask you if you wish to reply. Respond with either "Y" or "N". If you reply with "Y" the system will put you into message entry mode with the author and addressee reversed and the subject line will be the same except that the words "Reply to-" will be added. After completion of the message you will be returned to the message read mode where you left off. Whether you replied or not, you will be asked if you wish to delete the message addressed to you. If you are the author of the message or the receiver of a privately addressed message, the system will ask if you want to delete it. Respond with either "Y" to delete the message or with "N" to retain the message on the system. If the message is not the last message, the system will ask if you want to read the next sequential message on file. Respond "Y" to continue with the reading, or with "N" to skip the message. can messages This command is similar to quick-scan. In addition to the number and topic, the sender and receiver will be displayed. oodbye (logoff) This command is available in all subsystems. It is used to terminate the remote session. You will be given the opportunity to enter any comments or questions to the sysop. When this is done, the system will disconnect. iles Subsystem This command transfers you to the Files subsystem and gives you the command prompt for that subsystem. tilities Subsystem This command transfers you to the Utilities subsystem and gives you the command prompt for that subsystem. FILES SUBSYSTEM The following menu lists the commands available in the files subsystem. Subsequent paragraphs describe each command in more detail. PICS - File Transfer Subsystem Menu ==================== Functions ===================== === Other Menus === hange file area ibrary entry/exit essage Subsystem irectory of files ewin list tilities Subsystem ind File(s) Filesize/Time display oodbye (logoff) eceive file using Xmodem protocol (you --> PICS) (upload) (with automatic 1k protocol checking by PICS) Receive Batch (more than 1 file. requires 1K protocol.) end file using Xmodem protocol-regular (PICS --> you) (download) Send Xmodem 1K protocol (PICS --> you) Send Batch (more than 1 file. requires 1K protocol.) ype ASCII or squeezed file (Xon/Xoff supported) ============================================================================= hange file section When you first log in, you will be placed in the "LOGIN" files section. (In the Message subsystem, there were Message Areas; here we switch the terminology to Sections.) To access other files sections in the system, use this command. After typing "C", enter the name of the desired file section or enter "?" to get a menu of the file sections available. If the section name cannot be found, you will be shown a list of the section names available and the system will once again prompt for the section name. If you are in a library file (see next description) when this command is entered, the library will be closed before the system prompts for the new section. irectory of files This command alphabetically displays the directory of files for the current section. If you are in a library, only those files in the library will be displayed; otherwise, the Section directory will be displayed. The file size will also be displayed according to the current filesize mode (see filesize description). ind File(s) This command allows you to search through all available file sections to locate a particular file or file group. Standard CP/M wildcards are accepted. Filesize/Time display Initially, the file sizes in the directory display will be shown in "k" (1024 bytes). The system can also display file sizes in minutes and seconds of transfer time (based on the current modem speed). Each time this command is entered, the system will alternate between these two methods. eceive file using Xmodem protocol (you --> PICS) (UPLOAD) This command allows PICS to receive a file from your computer. The system will automatically respond to both CRC and checksum error detection methods. Also PICS now supports the 1k protocol and will test to see if you are using it to send the file. Files will be received in a private area for Sysop approval before being released for others to download (PICS sending) to their computers. If you are enrolled in a conference section, PICS will write files that you send to the conference section directly. They will be visible immediately for other conference members to download. PICS will tell you where the file will be written before you send it. To use this command you should first give the command and then the file name as requested. PICS will tell you how much disk space is available and that it is Ready to Receive. If there isn't enough for the file that you are sending, type Control X until PICS aborts the receive mode and returns to the command mode. If everything is OK at the "Ready To Receive" prompt you should start the send process. After the file transfer has completed successfully, PICS will ask for a Section designation and short description of the file. This description will be shown by the ewin command after the sysop reviews the file. Uploads are always welcome. If there is a need to stop the transfer you may enter Control X commands from your computer and PICS will abort. Receive Batch - Multiple files - automatic naming This command is essentially the same as the command with the following differences. The system will receive a group of files automatically without your entering each file name. To use this command your computer must have YMODEM or KMD batch sending protocol. The system will receive all files until termination or completion of the batch operation and will then ask for Section designations and short descriptions for all files received. NOTE: Some versions of Modem 7xx programs and all versions of MEX programs have an old batch protocol that will not work with PICS. end file using Xmodem protocol-regular (PICS --> you) (download) The Xmodem protocol is an essentially error free file transfer method that allows two computers to "check" each block of characters that are sent to insure accurate transfer. Most terminal communications programs (that you are using on your computer) have the capability of using this protocol. If you also have the capability of receiving 1K blocks, PICS can be told to send the file(s) that way (using the SK command). Use this command to send single files from PICS to your computer. After entering "S", you will be prompted to enter the file name of the program you want sent to your computer. If the system can find the file in the current area, it will display the transfer time and then the message "Ready to send..." PICS will attempt to send the file using the CRC method of error checking. If this fails after a number of tries, PICS will switch over to the Checksum method and try again. When the file transfer is complete, the system will return to the Files subsystem prompt. Send Xmodem 1K protocol (PICS --> you) This command works exactly like the command with the following differences. Normal XMODEM file transfers send 128 bytes per block. In order to speed up the transfer process some systems support a 1024 bytes (1k) block format known by various names such as Ymodem, KMD or just 1K. This protocol works well and saves time, but when a bad phone line forces a block to be sent over again due to an error, the efficiency decreases fast. PICS will automatically switch back to standard 128 byte blocks if too many errors are detected. Your computer will also automatically respond to the switch. Send Batch - Automatic multiple file transfer. Using this command requires that your communications program support Ymodem or KMD batch and 1K block size protocol and CRC error detection. The SB command is the reverse of the RB command in that it will send multiple files from the BBS to your computer. However in order to use this you must have a YMODEM (batch receive) protocol on your computer. To use this command, enter it and when the system asks for the filenames, type the names separated by a semicolon, a comma, or a space. This command also supports CP/M style WILDCARDS. Read the section on wildcards for more information. ype ASCII or squeezed file (Xon/Xoff supported) An ASCII,Text (squeezed or not) file is one that contains readable characters rather than machine code. This command may be used to display the contents of these files. PICS will ask you if you want page breaks which will pause the display at the number of lines per page as set in your user parameters. Xon/Xoff may also be used as described in the Key Entries section to pause the display. NOTE: This command may be used to transfer readable files even though your computer does not support the Xmodem protocol. If your machine has a feature to 'Capture' what is printed on your screen, you can use it to get the file transfered. ibrary entry/exit Libraries are used to place a group of related files in a single file known as a Library file. For example, a single library might contain source code, object or executable code, and documentation for a particular system. Such a library is actually a single file which contains an invisible "directory" followed by the files. The "directory" is used to keep track of the files inside the library. In order to simplify library usage on this system, the "L" command may be used to "enter" a library. When this is done, the system will prompt for the library file name and then attempt to open the library for use. If successful, all subsequent Files subsystem commands will relate to the files within the library. The other files in the present File Section will not be accessible. If not, an appropriate error message will be issued. If you are already in a library, entering "L" will cause the system to close the library and return to normal display of the files in the present File Section. ewin list This command displays, from the newest to the oldest, files that have been uploaded to this system. The three line format is as follows: 1. FILENAME.EXT FILE SECTION UPLOAD DATE NAME OF UPLOADER 2. TIMES DOWNLOADED LAST DOWNLOAD DATE 3. [----------------75 CHARACTER DESCRIPTION OF FILE----------------] The File Section name is entered by the sender to tell the sysop where the file should eventually be stored. If a file is listed as "TELECOM SECTION", after upload it will stay in the NEWIN section for a while and then be moved to the GAMES section. (The Section names here are only an example, and may not exist on all systems.) If you are presently in the NEWIN file section, all uploaded file entries (all sections) will be displayed for you. However, if you change to a different file section and use the ewin command, only the uploaded files marked for that file section will be displayed. All other sections will be ignored. This is so you don't have to wade through all the other section files just to see the one you're interested in. However if you are actually in the NEWIN section and use the ewin command you will see all files uploaded regardless of their section designation. Additionally, there is a file search option in the ewin list command. This will keep you from having to scan the entire newin list just to get a description of a particular file. This search option supports wildcards but will stop searching at the first entry that matches the search arguments. oodbye (logoff) This command is available in all subsystems. It is used to terminate the remote session. You will be given the opportunity to enter any comments or questions to the sysop. When this is done, the system will disconnect. tilities Subsystem This command transfers you to the Utilities subsystem. essage Subsystem This command transfers you to the Messages subsystem. UTILITIES SUBSYSTEM The following menu lists the commands available in the utilities subsystem. Subsequent paragraphs describe each command in more detail. PICS - Utility Subsystem Menu ================== Functions ================== ==== Other Menus ======== lter user parameters ime and date ile Transfer Subsystem hat with sysop ser list essage Subsystem ystem use statistics our statistics oodbye (logoff) ============================================================================= lter user parameters This command allows you to set several parameters as listed in the following menu. Subsequent paragraphs describe each command. Alter User Parameter Menu ============================================================================= ell after prompt on/off ines per page

assword change ulls sent after C/R hift lock uit All changes you make will be recorded in your user record and retained. ============================================================================= ell after prompt on/off This command turns on and off the bell (or beep) used to indicate that the system is ready for your input. ines per page To improve the readability of long displays, PICS will pause after a specified number of lines, waiting for a key to be pressed before proceeding. Use this parameter to match the number of lines displayed to your screen size. If you specify "99" as the line count, PICS will not pause. At this setting, the normal pause between messages is also suppressed and PICS will continue until all messages are displayed or stopped by CONTROL-S (XOFF) OR CONTROL-C (ABORT). ulls sent after C/R Nulls are sent after a carriage return to allow time for your machine to catch up before any printable characters are sent. Normally this value is set to "0" for CRT (display) terminals, and from 0-9 (try 2) for hardcopy printing terminals. If your display loses characters at the beginning of the line, try increasing this parameter. When you first logged in, you were asked for the number of nulls you needed and whether or not your system could display lower case. If your system changes or you need to change this value for any other reason, use this command.

assword change When this command is executed, the system will ask for your current password. If it is entered correctly, you will be asked for a new password in a fashion similar to when you first logged into the system. or each 24 hour day (midnight to midnight) you will not be allowed to log in again until the next day. While PICS is waiting for you to type in your response to a prompt, it is watching the time. If you do not type something within a reasonable time PICS will think that you have gone to sleep and will print a message on your screen, ++ Input timed out ++, and will hang up. There are a number of Sysop controlled options in the PICS system, and some that are not optional. I'll try to describe some of them so you will recognize what's happening. PICS constantly watches the amount of disk space free on the Sysop's system. If the disks start to fill up, PICS automatically goes into a more and more restrictive mode of operation as the disks fill up. You will be notified that there is a problem and that is why you are not being allowed to do something that you were previously able to do. If the Sysop doesn't want to be bothered, he has the ability to turn off the Chat function completely. If you are told when requesting a Chat that the function is not available this may be the case. If the system is extemely busy the Sysop has options to limit the number of lines allowed during each message entry (normally not limited). He may also limit 300 baud callers from calling the system during certain extremely busy hours. Most PICS systems will offer additional time online to you if you call during the off peak hours. Typically, 20 to 30 additional minutes are added to your allowed time in off-peak hours. This will show up in the subsystem command prompt. I hope that you enjoy PICS and find it easy to use. This manual was written so that new users could get up to speed quickly and experienced users would have a reference.  was written so that new users could get up to speed quickly and experienced uses Time Today Access Time Total Last On System Time/Date Last High Message High Message Now Downloads Uploads oodbye (logoff) This command is available in all subsystems. It is used to terminate the remote session. You will be given the opportunity to enter any comments or questions to the sysop. When this is done, the system will disconnect. iles Subsystem This command transfers you to the Files subsystem. essage Subsystem This command transfers you to the Messages subsystem. ================================================================== This completes the organization of PICS, the detailed menu and command descriptions. The following is general information for you to understand how PICS works. After the usual name and password verification, you will be logged into the "POST" message area. This is the subsystem and Area that all callers start from. You will be notified of any pending personal mail sent to you in this area and if there are messages waiting in other areas. Messages you sent in this Area which have not been deleted will also be displayed. You may stay in this subsystem and read messages etc. or go to any other subsystem from this point. If you are a new caller and have not yet been validated by the sysop you may find that there are a limited number of Message Areas and File Sections available. Be patient, there are probably many more that will be available when you're validated. While you are on the system, PICS is watching the amount of time that you have left on the system (the first number in all subsystem prompts). If you use all of your allowed time, PICS will notify you two minutes before hanging up. Since the time allowed on the system is for each 24 hour day (midnight to midnight) you will not be allowed to log in again until the next day. While PICS is waiting for you to type in your response to a prompt, it is watching the time. If you do not type something within a reasonable time PICS will think that you have gone to sleep and will print a message on your screen, ++ Input timed out ++, and will hang up. There are a number of Sysop controlled options in the PICS system, and some that are not optional. I'll try to describe some of them so you will recognize what's happening. PICS constantly watches the amount of disk space free on the Sysop's system. If the disks start to fill up, PICS automatically goes into a more and more restrictive mode of operation as the disks fill up. You will be notified that there is a problem and that is why you are not being allowed to do something that you were previously able to do. If the Sysop doesn't want to be bothered, he has the ability to turn off the Chat function completely. If you are told when requesting a Chat that the function is not available this may be the case. If the system is extemely busy the Sysop has options to limit the number of lines allowed during each message entry (normally not limited). He may also limit 300 baud callers from calling the system during certain extremely busy hours. Most PICS systems will offer additional time online to you if you call during the off peak hours. Typically, 20 to 30 additional minutes are added to your allowed time in off-peak hours. This will show up in the subsystem command prompt. I hope that you enjoy PICS and find it easy to use. This manual was written so that new users could get up to speed quickly and experienced users would have a reference.