°±²Û Allfix Setup for Telegard FAQ Û²±° * FAQ Overview This document details how to setup Allfix software so it works with Telegard. The primary scope of this document is to help assist on the basic setup and processing of allfix. This document will not go into detail on many features of allfix that is left up for the reader to investigate by reading allfix.doc or using the online help. * Why use Allfix? Have you ever been on a bbs and come across a echo that has alot of weird looking echomail like the following: -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Today, Monday 21-04-97, XYZ BBS received the following files. Area : DFN_RPG Comment : DFN: Role Playing Games ----------------------------------------------------------------------- AB2V102A.ZIP 447,360 >>---> ARROWBRIDGE II <---<< Arrowbridge II - The Guardians of Darkness, is a D&D style door. It has active combat routines, built- in com routines up to 115,000bps & supports multinode systems. ...........and more file description.... ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 447,360 bytes in 1 file(s) Total of 447,360 in 1 file(s) File requests are welcome 23 hrs per day, not during Zone Mail Hour FREQ FILES for an allfiles listing from this system. Files are held in Holding directories for a few days then moved. Thanks, The Sysop (Using ALLFIX v4.33 build 6, "Simply the Best") ... Information deteriorates upward through bureaucracies. --- * Origin: Some BBS --------------------------------------------------------------------- Have you ever been on a bbs that gets a ton of files but the sysop or users aren't in the 'uploaded by ..' field? But some weird name like the above Echo Tag DFN_RPG is? Well then that bbs is likely connected to what is called the Filebone. The filebone is just a term for a network system that spreads or hatches files out to various bbses from one source. It is similar to the Fidonet Backbone but instead of echomail its files. IF you want to join such a FileBone or just one file echo that someone you know has then Allfix is the best choice. Why use allfix? Well there are other programs out there like TICK or such but allfix is in my opinion the best overall and most user friendly. It completely automates the process for you. It will receive files from your uplink (where you get the files from) to your system then upload directly to your bbs so users can download them immediately. This FAQ will show you how to setup Allfix to work with Telegard and process such file activities as auto uploading of new files to the bbs and file annoucements. Advanced topics like FileFind and such are beyond the scope of this document. The new (recent not really new) feature of the built in Request Processor is another feature not covered here at this time. * Needed Materials: This document assumes you are using the following: o Telegard v3.02 (Dos version is assumed) o Gecho Tosser program using JAM bases for Telegard. o Frontdoor Front end mailer o Allfix v4.41 - Filename Afix_441.zip I am currently using 4.33 for Allfix at this time with Telegard v3.02 (multi-line setup). I'm using Dos 6.22, so any OS/2 questions for Allfix are beyond the scope of this document but should be the same thing overall. I'm using Desqview for my multi-tasker. I have yet to upgrade my allfix to v4.41 but it is the same overall. This document does not guarrentee a complete setup with your system. I only do this FAQ to outline the setup of Telegard that *I* have for my system as an outline to follow for your system. If any doubts backup your files. I am setting up this new v4.41 version on a test copy of Telegard that I run on another computer so that I can follow the steps myself on setup to ensure it is proper (since I've not setup Allfix on my bbs in a few years ago). If you are using Squish or some other tosser then I'm sorry. This document is using info for and about the above data. * Allfix Setup You will see commands given in this manner like Asetup -> System Data. That means within the Asetup program (asetup.exe) you go to the System Data Option. There are advanced topics I will touch on like if you wish to be a hub. But for this document it won't be covered as extensive as the basic setup for Telegard. I will only 'touch' on it so more advanced users can get an outline of an example setup. For starting users only wishing to setup allfix for getting files then you can ignore those options. Those items for advanced users will have ** near them. First a minor note of terminology. Throughout the doc you will see the term Tick file or *.tic file. Back when file distribution was just a baby the program called TICK was it. Basically a TICK file is a file of parameter info that allfix reads and helps it process it. Take a look at one or two when you get them. It won't hurt you. But basically it tells allfix what file is being processed, what echo it belongs to, any description and many other technical info. For any shown directories or files mentioned it is assumed you will make those directories or files. 1) Step One - Basic Setup: If you haven't yet download and obtain the allfix archive. I suggest you then unzip it into its own directory like c:\allfix. Its a good thing to add this directory to your Path statement in Autoexec.bat. Note: If you have limited environment space and a long path statement use something shorter that you will know. For example use c:\all instead if it helps in every little bit of optimization. Once you have unzipped the archive you will need to read the Readme.1st file inside. Without doing so your lost. Since there is a critical part in there (a password for the archive unzipping) in the file. 2) Step Two - Get to know the files (optional) Yes, we could just jump right in and get to work but I suggest that you spend some time looking over the programs and files. Skim the documentation. This is a benefit in the long run since there will be sections of the setup program refered here and it will help you in the long run with pre-knowledge of those areas or key terms. 3) Step Three - Basic Setup At this point you should start a basic setup of the program. I would review the allfix.doc file to see what is needed on the basic setup. The basic setup program is asetup.exe. The first time you enter it will make you the setup config file for it. At this point your ready to configure Allfix to your liking. At this point I assume you have configured some basic stuff already but if you haven't that's fine. I only have this setup for more advanced people who like to jump ahead. 4) Step Four - Setup At this point all the work is in Asetup.exe 1. System Data -> Address Maintenence -> Network Addresses If you are reading this echo (TG_SUP on Fidonet) I assume you probably are in fidonet. I would enter as the Main address your fidonet number. Then if you are in any other networks you should give each aka slot the other addresses. For example, for myself I enter Main->1:112/91 Aka 1-> 33:409/1 (AdventureNet), etc. Without this info allfix doesn't know how to process anything. 2. System Data -> Address Maintenance -> Site Information Allfix is the basic user interface as that of Gecho and Frontdoor. If you are used to those products this program should be a breeze. You will notice this group of items needs to be filled out. The bbs name and other info should be given. This is just like Gecho and Frontdoor's Site Information areas. This is info used in file annoucements or templates (advanced topic). 3. System Data -> Address Maintenance -> Aka Matching This can be skipped as its not required for Telegard setup. But This is a feature you can read up on and return to at a later time. 4. System Data -> Address Maintenance -> Domain Names ** Same as 3 above. 5. System Data -> Address Maintenance -> Uplink Manager ** This is used if you are a major file hub and YOU have an uplink that you send requests for new file areas or such from YOUR downlinks. This FAQ assumes that you are on the bottom level (a common node who is only getting files) and not a hub. Therefore treat as 3 above. 6. System Data -> Pathnames (part 1) The program has got to know where things are so this is where we supply it the info it needs to work. Again, its very similar to that of Gecho and Frontdoor. -> Msg Base - Skip at this time - not needed for Telegard -> Netmail - Important since it has to know where your netmail file attach messages are and such. If your using the default Frontdoor settings then this would be c:\fd\netmail\. -> Netmail out - this is usually the same as Netmail. -> Inbound - This is vital because it tells where incoming files and *.tic files are located so allfix can process them. In this example setup we'll use c:\newfiles\. You should use the same inbound directory that gecho and frontdoor points to. For example c:\newfiles\. -> Secure Inbound ** - usually the same as inbound unless you are needing extra security precautions (advanced not covered here). -> Outbound, Pkt In and Pkt Out not needed here - skip. -> Tic path ** - this is where outgoing *.tic files are placed. But this is if you want to be a Hub and have downlinks get files. But for this document you can skip it. For myself I use c:\all\tick\. -> Queue path ** - This is where pass through files are stored until they are sent to downlinks. For this document skip it. For myself (and for those who might want to start as a hub) I use c:\all\queue\. 7. System Data -> Pathnames (part 2) -> List path ** - this is for CD-roms. Since I do not have such here online I suggest skipping it. -> Rcvd Path - If a file is bad (lights went out during a transfer in FD and didn't complete coming across) or it is a orphan (ie doesn't have a *.tic file with it) then allfix can move it to a directory for later viewing or checking. I suggest you have 2 holding directories for this particular function. I use c:\all\tick\hold\ for any such files and it will move them here. Of course its a good idea to check this directory to make sure things aren't cluttered if you use this method. -> Bad tics - This is the second directory I suggest. But this and the previous one are not required. They only help you out in allfix organization. I use c:\all\tick\bad\ myself. This directory will hold any bad ticks. Well for example if a file and a *.tic file comes in that you do not have IN allfix then allfix can't do much but move it here. So then at a later time when you do add that file echo to allfix you can reprocess allfix using a parameter (run allfix by itself to see the possible parameters) to re-process those files. In the echomail area this would be like a bad_msgs area for Frontdoor or gecho. -> Dupe path - optional item but I leave mine blank so it will move duplicate files (say you are connected to two filebone nets and get the same file twice) to the Bad Tics holding directory. -> Auto add ** - advanced feature. Suffice it to say you should read up on this it could be useful (G). There is a program by the current filename called AAdd120b.zip which supports Telegard and will do nifty features like adding auto-added areas to allfix and TG. Something to let you do some research on (G). Homework and a quiz will be given later. -> Tag path ** - skip unless you want to be a file hub. -> Tmp Path - I have c:\all\temp\ for mine. This is an area in which allfix can covert files say from zip to arj. While I do not handle that via allfix some might. However, it is also used as a temp directory for processing files for incoming and outgoing as well. -> Template - This is where your files that are contained in template.zip are located. The suggested I belive is c:\allfix\template but myself I place them in the main allfix directory (c:\all\). Templates are just a way to give flavor and spice to file reports and annoucements. -> Billing and Old Bills ** - Skip for this document not needed. 8. System Data -> FileNames -> Alias ** - This is a file like c:\fd\files.lst which contain a list of files that people can file request (FREQ) from your system. For this document you can skip it. -> Logfile - This is any record of allfix activity. You should place it and name it as you see fit (for example c:\fd\allfix.log). -> Mgr Log ** - if your to be a hob this is any activity that is caused by running the areamanger like Allfix Mgr command. -> Echotoss - If you are using a file annoucement area that will go out through a local net or whatever this is useful. It should point your echomail.jam file. For example, c:\tg\echomail.jam. However, if you are not using that particular feature of Telegard skip it. This basically will add the new message (file annoucement post) to this file so when Gecho runs next it will send it out. -> Unwanted and Wanted ** - These files are for registered setups of allix. It is an advanced feature so you can skip it. -> Semaphore - This is the semaphore file to affect if outgoing mail is created (ie file annoucements). This is optional and may be skipped if you wish. I use c:\fd\fdrescan.now for my setup. 9. System Data -> Origin Lines ** If you are to setup a file annoucement system for your bbs or network then this should be given info. IT is basically info to add to the origin line of the mail. It can be skipped as its advanced. 10. System Data -> External Programs ** The default setup here should be kept and not modified. Simply, this area is used to add archiver or converter programs. You will notice Scan is one item. It is a registered feature of allfix where you can let Allfix Virus scan the files before uploading them to the bbs. 11. System Data -> External Programs -> Options -> Swapping method : Depending on your setup you should give it the best method of swapping out. For example if you use XMS more you ought to give XMS priority over EMS. -> Redirect output - I personally have this set at Yes while the default is No. Use the online help to see what it does. Experiemnt to fit what you like best. But it has no bearing overall to the setup. -> Virus Errorlevel, files to scan, EAC ** - The rest of the options here can be ignored for this setup as they are advanced. 12. System Data -> Global Options -> Log Style - You should tell it what format you wish to use. -> Mailer Mode - Give it the mailer you are using. -> Date Format - optional, experiment. -> Msg Compability - Fido is usually used here. -> Local requests ** - Advanced - can skip. -> Replace Extension ** - Advanced - can skip. -> Other options of this area - You can ignore or experiment they are not crucial to the TG setup. But are added spice to help you. 12. System Data -> Miscellaneous -> Log Options - You should go in here and set what you feel is useful to log. The more info the bigger the log file. It is useful to have it all on for debugging the initial setup. -> Areamgr options ** - If you are to be a hub this will be the heart of your operation. You should read about it for more details. -> Edit Days, Months - No need to go here default is fine. -> Exclude files ** - Advanced. But Basically the jist of this option is say you wanted not to show that XXX*.gif is uploaded here you can do that for file annoucements. Ignore for basic setup. -> Asetup colors - Obviously this is so you can have a better interface of colors. Its not required to enter but if you wish different colors then by all means play with them. Now the easy part is over. Now we tackle the hard part. 13. [Main Menu] FileFind System ** This is an advanced section and will not be covered by the scope of this document. I would suggest reading on it if interested. At this point I'm going to skip around the main menu. 14. [Main Menu] Utilities ** IF you wish to edit the sample templates (used in file reports) you can do that here. This section also allows you to export or import data to let others see what your setup is for debugging. 15. [Main Menu] Node Manager Since I'm assuimg you wish to get files from a uplink then you will need to enter here next. This area will contain master info on your uplinks (or downlinks if your a hub). I'm going to give you an example of my file hub. I get files from 1:112/101 (for Fidonet Filebone related files). Enter the node manager and lets insert your file uplink. It is assumed you at this point KNOW your hub. If you do not then find one since you can't get files from thin air (G). -> System - This is the network address of your uplink (or if you are to be a hub downlink). For me its 1:112/101. -> Sysop - the name of the sysop. Its more a info to you and for information on allfix request reports. -> Route Via - Rarely used so you can skip it. -> Holding directory ** - Advanced but a nifty feature (G). -> Authorized groups - This is like Gecho. It tells what group (see later on group manager) the node can have access to. For this case lets say Group 1 is Fidonet. It is not defined at this point so we can come back to it but REMEBER to come back. -> Fileecho and areamgr passwords - are for security and you can read on which pw protects what feature of allfix if you want them. -> Use Aka - Keep the default here "Setup/aka matching" this seems to work best for this field. It basically allows allfix to figure out which network the node belongs to (in this case uses setup info). -> File Attach status and Other mail status - If your to be just a node getting files then you can keep this at default. However, if you are to be a hub and send files out you might which to assign CRASH or HOLD or other status bits to the mail. In other words for a hub this allows you to CRASH (send files out asap) or hold (so they are picked up by a system calling in or for Long distance boards). -> Tic File Mode ** - The default is fine but if you wish to have an advanced setup (for hubs mainly) read up on this option. -> Packing mode ** - This is the same as Tic File Mode. -> Compression Type - Zip is default. This tells allfix which compression type the files coming in for THIS node are. So it can then test, scan, convert or whatever other process it might need easilly. -> Advanced Options ** - These options can be skipped and are mainly used for HUBS not nodes just getting files. -> Cost sharing options ** - For hubs who which to have bills and a Cost recovery program (CRP) system setup for files. You can skip. At this point you should have your uplink in allfix or should. 16. [Main Menu] Request Processor ** This feature is for those who wish to have a built in FREQ (file request) processor for their bbses instead of say Frontdoor's built in ability. Please note this is in 4.41 if using an earlier allfix you may not see this and other features listed in the FAQ. 17. [Main Menu] Allfiles lists ** This is the same as 16 and is an advanced feature so you can skip #16 and #17 for this basic setup. At this point you have most of the setup complete however we now need to get to the hard part of the setup and heart of the operation. 4) Step Four - Fcomp We must tell Allfix at this point what file bases you currently have online on your bbs. This is so when we get to the next step and we know where files should go we can tell allfix the right data. Whenever you create new file bases you should run Fcomp.exe. It comes with the allfix and fully supports Telegard v3.02+. To run it yuo type Fcomp 19 (Data directory) - Where 19 tells it for telegard and the Data directory is where your fareas.dat is located like c:\tg\data\. This information is also used in later steps as well as the next one. 5) Step Five - File Echos File Echos are just like Message echos but instead of echomail they use files for the medium of exchange. 1. [Main Menu] File echo system We now need to enter this series of menu items from the main menu to start adding file echos to your setup. A File echo is just like a message echomail area but instead of messages its files that are used. -> File Echo manager - We'll cover this in a minute. -> Hatch Manager & Magic FileNames ** - Are advanced options and are made for hubs mainly or file requesting. Study them if interested. -> Group manager -This is the editor that allows you to add groups to allfix. Just like Gecho's group manager a group allows you to categorize sections. For example if you are getting files from fidonet filebone then create a group for each fileecho group. When you join a file distribution network you will get a list of file echos like filebone.na for fidonet. You will notice there are groups (in most organized networks at least) like AD is a group for Author direct files which might have a handful of file echos in it. Another group is TG_SUP which has only one file echo TG_SUP for this fine bbs software! This allows you to do things at a faster pace and organize things. It allows you to make changes faster without worrying about conflicts. Let's assume for this FAQ you are in Fidonet and getting files from the Filebone: Let's jump in and create a group while I explain the Group Manager itself. 2. [File Echo System Menu] Group Manager -> Group - This is the slot that is used for group defaults. It ranges from 0-255. Lets say we use slot 1 for Fidonet. -> Name: This is the name of the File Echo group. For example TG_SUP or DDSDOORS or PDN. Good way to use is to list the name with the group tag and a short description like PDN: Programmer's Distribution Network. Here is a HINT to help things out. If you have the filebone.na or a similar formated file from a file hub you can import your areas from that file INTO allfix. This will save you time and speed things up. You should edit out any file groups or file echos you do not like from the file and then using the Asetup -> Utilities -> Import Data you can import using the Filebone.na feature! Let's use TG_SUP for our example Group name. -> Mask ** - This field is basically an advanced feature that is used with auto-adding of file echos. For example say a group tends to have all its file echos with WIN_* well you can give it that very mask and when a new file echo say Win_New is added it will add it using this group's pre-set info. For now however, we'll leave it blank. -> Unique, Add BBS and BBS Mask ** - Are advanced features used in conjuction with auto-added areas. You should skip it. The bottom of the manager says for defaults of auto-added areas. While this is true we should use this area as well since any echo you add manually to allfix will use the defaults for THAT group slot you pick. This will help in saving time for alot of the information. -> File Echo Description - Actually it should say Group description. Here you might say "AD: Author Direct files -" and leave the rest blank. This is so you could add in a specific echo description after the dash. For example "- Windows software". The "AD:.." part is a good technique to show which group it belongs to for viewing ease. -> Dest - This tells (the group default - for more specific areas for EACH file echo you can specify that in the file echo manager) where to have allfix place the files after processing them from your inbound area (c:\newfiles in my example above). Allfix will create the directory if it doesn't exist. -> Use FDB - If you do not see this you have not used the Fcomp utility as directed, please redo step four. Assuming you have and allfix knows what directories TG is using for files then we can figure out this item. To be honest I'm using 4.33 and this toggle is not there. But if you select yes allfix will update TG data files and show the file has been uploaded. So I would toggle this yes. -> Use FDBS - This will either update (when a file comes in) files.bbs with the new files or not. If you have programs using this file then you might want it yes otherwise no real need for it. -> Keep # - This is just a feature used if you wish to delete files that are overlly abundent in quantity. But leaving it at default should be sufficient with any setup unless you are hurt for space. -> Template - If you select this item and you see no files listed you should unzip template.zip where you told allfix to look for them. This allows you to assign (if you want) a file for netmails or bbs file annoucement echos. Typically reports is the template most use for file annoucement echos and such. This is a moderately advanced feature and only mess with it if you wish to do such activities. -> Banner - This is a report or just a simple banner (see banner.apl for example) that can be added to archives coming into your bbs (like a bbs ad or a 'this file is virus scanned' message). But it is a registered only feature. -> Use Aka - This tells allfix which network address to use (ie which network basically) this group is used for. -> LongDesc - If you see files that come in with short descriptions when you know they have longer ones this might be the cause. You can toggle what you want to be shown in the data base (TG/allfix). I find that the toggle 'File_id.diz/Ldesc' works the best since the FULL file_id.diz is uploaded into TG for you. -> Cost ** - Skip unless you want to charge downlinks. -> Max Days - This is the max days to keep a file in this group. I find the default 0 (unlimited) to be the best solution. -> Max Size and Max Files - Is just like max days but tells if the size or # of files should be limited. Again 0 works the best here. -> Systems -This field allows you to edit system connections. If you have an uplink or a downlink here is where you add them (or if they use allfix requests its done automatically). -> Advanced Options [Menu] -> Convert - If you wish to have files converted to a preferred format say *.Rar here is how. -> Convert all, inc ** - Advanced conversion features. -> Pass through - This is for systems who allow people to get files (downlinks) from them but they themselves do not carry that file echo online so it passes through their system only. This is the toggle. -> Allow replace - If you wish to have files replaced like when new fidonet.na files come out then this feature allows it. -> Announce ** - If you are using file reports then this is how you can include areas in those reports by this toggle. -> Add File_id.diz (!!!) - This is a super feature. If the archive does not have one it will add one based on the *.tic file that it comes in with (assuming that tic file has a basic description). -> Virus scan - Reg only feature. You can scan files that come in and then do various actions with them. -> Check dupes - If you have duplicate files this will either tell allfix to act on those or not. -> Visible, Tiny SB, no touch ** - Advanced hub features. -> Security - Just a toggle that will verify things in *.tic files are correct for this group. -> Send original ** - Advanced hub feature - skip. -> Add pic specs - If you have gifs and wish to add the resolution and such info to the TG descriptions this will do so! -> Update magic ** - Magic aliases are used in the file request abilities and should be read up on if you want such features. -> Touch AV - If you wish Allfix to affect (ie add a file to it or whatnot) AV files (those with security envelopes). 3. [File Echo System Menu] File Echo Manager -> Options Let's cover the options menu for the file echos first before we add any file echos. These options cover all the file echos and are vital for some operations. -> Keep original file date - This toggle is for those who might wish to make 'old' files 'new' ones (G). Say a 1984 file coming in with this toggled yes will add the CURRENT date (ie 1997) to it. -> Download counters - Another way of cheating. Say you want a echo to seem active in downloads. This allows you to add a download counter say 12 for EVERY file echo file that comes in. This could be dangerous so use it wisely. Default is perfect as well. -> Update descript.ion - If using 4dos you should use this item otherwise for non-4dos systems default is fine. -> Max # of systems ** - Advanced hub feature - skip. -> Inv. ?lo files - I have no idea on this feature sorry. -> Dupe checking - This toggle allows you to tell allfix by which method you wish to have allfix check for duplicates. -> Min HD space to import - For those limited with space allows you to set a limit for allifix on imports. -> Max tic file archive size - Rarely is *.tic files over a few kilobytes but in case they are you can limit it. -> max files to pack ** - Advanced tic packing feature - skip. -> Sort file echo - Allows sorting by groups or not. -> Tic archive specs ** - Advacned tic operations - skip. -> Longdesc character - The default works most of the time but if for some reason your long descriptions aren't importing it could be the character that starts the description is different. -> Longdesc width - Say you wish only a 10 character wide file description for each file. This is how! -> Spaces to indent - Default works the best. -> Filter Ansi, Longdesc - if your descriptions are showing up oddly you might toggle these yes. Otherwise the default works best. -> one line longdesc - If you wish only one line file descriptions this it your toggle! -> max length of longdesc - Same as width but allows you to limit the number of lines shown for that file. -> Add tag - This is a nice feature as well. If you wish to show the users that a file came from TG_sup you could toggle it to Uploader and it will add the tag to that file. -> Filter String - Say you wish to omit profanity or such words from descriptions this allows it. 4. [File Echo System Menu] File Echo Manager The first time you enter the file echo manager to add or change file echos it will ask for which group the file echo is to belong to. This is why we covered groups first. For our example lets use the group we just setup. This is the true heart of the program. Alot of the items below are the same for the Group manager but are for that individual file echo and not for a group. -> Tag - This is your file echo tag. For example say you are in the Group TG_SUP that group has the echo TG_SUP (yes same tag) for Telegard related support from fidonet. This is where it goes. -> Description - The new echo is using the group description so you could edit it (unless you imported file echos from the Import Data section of Utilities) to your liking. If imported its already here. -> Dest - The directory for this file echo to place files in. This is just like the group manager and uses its default. However, if you wish to make it even more specfic say c:\dls\tg for the group you could have c:\doors\tg\scripts for just scripts. However, seeing as TG_SUP only has one echo this example is of no use but there are plenty of groups that do have specific setups like that. -> Use FDB, Use FDBS - Same as group manager info above. -> Group - Tells which group this file echo belongs to. If you do not wish to use the one selected then you can change it. -> Keep #, Template, Banner, Advanced options, Use Aka, LongDesc, Cost, Max Days, Max Size, Max Files and Systems are all identical information as above for group manager but are for the specific file echo shown. This allows you to customize each file echo if you wish to diverge from the group defaults. Say for example you could use a different template and keep this file echo limits on max size if you wish to do so. The group defaults would be given here but these sections are here for you to make your personal choices on setup. 6) Step Six - Are we done yet?! Well yes. At this point you should know so much about allfix to teach a class in it. At least I hope so. There is online help for each item by pressing F1 at any time in the program. So while my descriptions got intense the docs might just show more details that I have or less details. In the conclusion of this FAQ we have some last few sections to help those who wish more advanced setups and lastly some hints and batch file material of the more important areas as a general outline for you to follow. If at this point you are ready to go then you do not need to read on. However, there might be things more for you to learn that will give that extra edge of working with allfix. I will only touch on certain things here and will rely on the reader to investigate the documentation for further details. 1) File Annoucements As shown at the top of this FAQ I showed what a typical file annoucement is. It is a message posted just like a regular echomail message posted say in TG_SUP (Telegard support for fidonet). Instead of a person doing it Allfix posts it to the bbs it is serving on. IF you wish to have such on your board say for a local fidonet echomail base that has such reports here is the section how. You will have to go through the above information and find the various areas I mentioned that a particular option was for file annoucements and then invoke those options. Then we shall go to the main menu section of "New File Reports" and "BBS new file dirs". They are used in conjuction with each other to process new files. It is required that you have already used Fcomp as outlined above to use these features. [Main Menu] -> BBS new File dirs - When you add a new entry. -> File area - When you select this field it will give you a list of directories you currently have online in Telegard (via the Fcomp utility). I would for sake of example since most people have one general upload directory you select that directory. IF you do not have such then select a directory files are placed or held or uploaded to. For me I use the Upload file directory for myself. -> Desc - This is just a short description of that file area if you wish to supply one for allfix (for easy reading). -> Group - Since we've created one already in our examples above lets select that one. This just attaches this feature to a particular group for different reports if you wish. Now that we've done that and assigned at least one new file directory we can continue. What we have done is whenever a new file is uploaded to your bbs by a user and you run allfix File it will scan the upload directory and if a new file is present make a report. This report could be in a local directory or a echomail base for everyone to view. [Main Menu] -> New File Reports -> Groups - This field determines which group the file report should be associated with. Why have this? Well say you have customized an adult file report, via the template editor, with sensitive info like freq info that general users shouldn't see. You could have say just the adult groups have THAT report and the others use a standard report. Then the adult report could be shown only in the adult file annoucement echo while the other is shown to everyone. That is only one example of the features of allfix. -> Msg area - Since this report is going to be posted on your bbs or a network you need to supply it what message area. Selecting this field will allow you to select the various formats. But for myself, I use JAM and give it a name like c:\tg\msgs\fileinf where all local file annoucements go to. It seems squish is not supported. -> Use Aka - This tells which origin address to add to the origin line of the report (ie which network it belongs to if any). -> Origin ** - If you wish to give customized origin lines here is how to do it. These will be at the bottom of the file report. -> Template - The standard file annoucement pre-made template is REPORTS so I would use that unless you make one of your own. -> From - Allows you to tell who "posted" the report. Take for example "BBS X File Reporter". -> To - This is to who it is posted to. Take for example you could say "Everyone on BBS X" or "Everyone in Net 112". -> Subject - Just like from and to, but is the subject line. You could do for example "New Files arrived on BBS X". -> Inactive ** - Just use the default no for now. -> Systems - This tells allfix which nodes (bbses) are connected to receive the file reports (if given through a network). Now you should be able to generate a file report at this point. 2) Utility programs There are a group of associated programs with allfix that help the user in various tasks. Fixutil.exe - This is a allfix maintenance utility that allows you to do various things like make master file lists and such. For example fixutil describe allows you to import data from filebone.na. Hatch.exe - allows you to hatch a file on the fly. This is for downlinks mainly but if you wish to hatch a file out to friends who are connected this is how. 3) Batch files and Miscellaneous One minor last thing that is vital to the allfix operation - the batch file to run it! You should study the commands of allfix for further customization if you wish by simply running allfix by typing "allfix" in the directory it is in. I would suggest placing allfix in your PATH statement for easier processing as well. Since most people will have their files come WITH attached *.tic files then you can simple do the following batch file segment: In the section at the top that runs before FD returns back after say processing events include - If exist c:\inbound\*.tic Goto Allfix Notes: Inbound is the directory where incoming files are stored which was discussed back earlier in the FAQ. Goto could be replaced with a CALL if you wish to run a batch file like allf.bat which I do. This allows you to customize the batch file at will easier. Once the batch file detects tick files it will go to that section and run the next few lines. cd c:\allfix (or the directory where allfix is located) Allifix F S A Complicated huh? Read what each parameter does to see if you need it. For example if your not doing file annoucements A (annouce) is not needed for this line. At this point you should be a fairly good person with allfix. I know this FAQ was extremely long and I'm sorry, I tend to be over technical so I don't have to repeat things later on (G). ************************************************************************** þ Contact Information Fringe BBS - EWOG II (904) 733-1721 Networks : Fidonet 1:112/91, AdventureNet 33:409/1, GamesNet 100:6607/1, MirageNet 90:803/11 and a few others (G) Echomail: TG_Sup fidonet echo frequent reader/poster Internet: longshot@fringe.jax.fidonet.org (BBS email gateway) ----------------------= End of Allfix FAQ =------------------------------