Copyright: Copyright ® 1993-1994 Roger Heath


Contents
excalibur terminal help utility ver. 1.00

General Use Tips

Accessing the Internet!

Excalibur Internet Utilities!

Special Online Functions!

Capturing Messages Online

Using WAV files online!

Troubleshooting Tips

What are ZIP files anyway?

What are GIF files anyway?

Modem Terminology

Resource Information

Sysop Support Services

Exit Excalibur Terminal Help

windows techknow(tm) Excalibur

CHICAGO'S LARGEST AND BEST- FULL INTERNET ACCESS

Just north of Chicago in Glenview, Illinois is one of the nation's largest and best Windows oriented online systems, windows techknow(tm) at 708-729-2902. This system is operated by Roger Heath who now has over 30 patents issued in his name in the biomedical engineering field. Over 300,000 files (24 Gig) are available for MS-Windows, Medical Technology, and studio grade ADULT graphics files!

Introduction:

You've just loaded MS-Windows first full true GUI online terminal software! This is the very first multitasking system for MS-Windows! That means you can upload, download, chat, read messages, and add to your download 'que' ALL AT THE SAME TIME in a true Windows Graphical Environment! In addition to E-mail, Excalibur also enables you to preview GIF graphics files online and view them as they are downloaded! All with the simplicity of Windows! This new object driven highspeed packet driven software runs faster than any conventional ANSI, ASCII, or RIP online software system!

Downloading Free Terminal Upgrades:

You can call almost any Excalibur BBS with an old terminal version or your regular modem program and download the latest version. If you call using an older version of Excalibur Terminal it will be detected automatically and you will be prompted to download the latest version free. This file is commonly called EXCALTRM.EXE. It can be important to use this particular file because sometimes this utility will install additional files needed for proper operation of this great program! After you download the upgrade you will need to run it using File Manager or Program Manager and install the new upgrade files right over your old files in their DIRectory!

Credits and Trademarks:

Excalibur is a trademark of Excalibur Communications. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. windows techknow(tm) is a trademark by roger lee heath.

This help utility is a product of windows techknow(tm) and not Excalibur Communications and thus represents recommendations put forth by windows techknow(tm) and not Excalibur Communications

(C)opyright 1994 and 1995, by Roger Lee Heath - All rights reserved.

Inquiries and Updates:

Look for regular updates of this help hypertext utility on windows techknow(tm) at 708-729-2902. It's FREE for the downloading! We welcome your suggestions on expanding this utility to meet your specific needs.

All inquiries to Roger Lee Heath     rheath@mcs.net

windows techknow(tm) tel: 708-729-2902   tcp/ip: @204.137.229.58

If you're not in, you're out!

Version 1.00 issued 12/31/1995


General Use Tips

The following subjects appear under your Excalibur 'System' drop down menu:

Init Modem...

This command delivers your full modem programming strings completely reprogramming or 'initializing'  your modem.. Note, you must have already properly selected your modem type. See below... You will need to initialize your modem the first time you run Excalibur Terminal!

Reset Modem:

Delivers the modem reset string to your modem, usually 'ATZ'...  If you do not initialize your modem to NVRAM settings you may need to initialize your modem again after a reset. When selecting a modem (see below) it is wise to use the NVRAM choice so that a modem reset will always return to the right settings...

Dialing Directory:

Enter your BBS phone numbers here... Be sure to edit each entry with a different password. Write down your passwords seperately...if you erase or loose the data file you will not be able to properly logon to your BBSs without your passwords! If you are dialing using a conventional telephone line then just enter the phone number. If you are connected to the Internet you can dialup Excalibur systems on the Internet by entering a '@' character followed by the IP (Internet Protocol) address of that system. For the 'IP' of windows techknow(tm), for example, you would enter @204.137.229.58

CAUTION: A simple word of caution regarding using your dialing directory. When you first load up Excalibur Terminal you must fill in your User Information (name, address, phone, etc.). Afterwards the Dialing Directory will pickup some of this information. However you must remain consistant with your Dialing Directory enteries in particular because this is precisely what the Excalibur your are contacting expects to see. If you change your middle initial or name, for example, you cannot logon to your original account on that system. It is often a good idea to not only backup your files but to write down this important name and password information.

The Excalibur Addressbook:

In the Addressbook you may prestore names of users you write to regularly in 'Address Entry' to speedup your online communications. You may even keep seperate addressbooks for seperate online systems under 'BBS Name:' This way you can quickly access the exact name of the person you wish to leave mail for on that system. Always remember the default name of the SYStem OPerator (SYSOP) on most systems is 'Sysop'... That is usually the person to write if you encounter any problems of need any help.

Hangup:

This command enables you to manually disconnect from the BBS. Often the best way to disconnect is to use the 'Logoff' button in the main system menu.

Modem:

After opening you modem setup dialogue box use the 'MODEMS' button to select your modem model and type and then select 'OK' twice to install the correct initialization strings for your particular modem... You may then select the System 'Init' or 'initialize' command to properly program your modem before making calls. If you do not see your modem, then select a modem that is closest to yours... Before using your Excalibur Terminal for the first time you may need to 'initialize' your modem. (see above) Most computer modems are located on either COM1 or COM2 ports. If one doesn't work, try the other....

NVRAM MODEM CHOICE: When you select a modem using the 'Modems...' button aboveit is wise to select the NVRAM setup for initializing your modem... This will write the setup of your modem into the modem chip so that a reset will always return you to the proper settings...

CALL WAITING TIP: If you have call waiting and this will interrupt your communications if someone calls you may disable call waiting in most instances by inserting a '*70' into the dialing string. In other words the most comon change to make is the ATDT in 'Dial Prefix' above. It can be changed to ATDT*70 and this will dial the *70 for you to assure an uninterrupted call. After you disconnect then call waiting is reactivated by your phone company automatically!

Dialing Substitution Codes:

 Do you ever need to dial a particular Prefix or Suffix? For example, maybe you need to dial a particular area code alot. Well Excalibur has 'dial codes' that enable you to preenter the series of numbers for Prefixs and Suffixs you use most. Then just enter the letter into your dialing sequency in you Dialing dir.. directory.

For example, if you need to dial 9 first to get out of your office enter in Dialing Code 'A' a "9,," (leave out the quotes). Then when you enter the BBS number into the Dialing dir.. put an 'A' as the first letter in the string before the number. and Excalibur Terminal will add it to the dialing sequence..!  The two commas shown above produce a delay before proceeding to dial the BBS number... This feature can also be used to add a Suffix string, e.g. for dialing long distance using a 'PIN'..

Preferences:

Here you may select how your downloading and uploading of files occurs. Select beep or alert box for the end of file transfers. You may also select to overwrite or rename downloaded files. Renaming will permit you to rename a file to a different name instead of overwriting a file with the same name already on your disk. If you wish to view GIF graphics files select 'Show images while downloading'. Finally you may enter the directories you wish your uploads and downloads to be routed to on your disk drive.


Internet
Accessing the Internet using Excalibur!

Now you may access the Internet through Excalibur and WITH Excalibur Terminal!

Using FlipSock FULL INTERNET ACCESS!

With the advent of a new utilities called Flipsock and Portico one may now access the Internet through Excalibur online systems! These unique utilities load on your computer and then you call an Excalibur connected to the Internet allowing you to use The Information SuperHighway everyone is talking about!

Excalibur Internet Utilities

What are the types of Internet Access?

windows techknow(tm) offers users full internet access! But what does this really mean?

INTERNET E-MAIL ACCESS:

PRIVATE E-MAIL INTERNET ACCESS: This first consists simply of being able to send e-mail over the internet once you know someone else's internet mail box or 'e-mail address'!  You may usually find this out from the person that you wish to communicate with or some publications list internet e-mail addresses... windows techknow(tm) utilizes special SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) to deliver e-mail messages immediately! This means that when you send your letter or e-mail message on the internet it is delivered worldwide in just seconds! No longer does mail have to take days to get there, no matter where it is going on the globe. All you need is a windows techknow(tm) personal mailbox or internet e-mail address for yourself and then the address to write to, and you are ready to begin using internet mail communications delivered in seconds, not days!

USENET NEWSGROUPS E-MAIL ACCESS:

USENET NEWS INTERNET ACCESS: The second biggest feature of internet e-mail access is the ability to join UseNET NewsGroups or public discussion groups. These are e-mail 'groups' or public clubs on the internet that discuss a major common topic, like particular issues in politics, art, or science, for example. NewsGroups that you may 'join', just like you join a club, on the internet, exchange hundreds of messages a day called 'News', thus the term NewsGroups (could be called NewsClubs...). This is one of the very best ways you may remain informed on a day to day basis about a particular topic and you can actually make new friends or acquaintances regarding important issues to you!

TERMINOLOGY: Thus the terms above of e-mail and news internet access, are where 'e-mail' refers primarily to individual E-MAIL on the PRIVATE level, and 'NEWS' that refers to PUBLIC e-mail discussion forums....! which have to be 'joined' like a club.... The utility on windows techknow(tm) which enables you to participate in both private E-MAIL and USENET NEWS GROUPS is called PORTICO. You may load Portico and it's help file by simply clicking a button here and beginning to send mail, join newsgroups, and reading and exchanging world wide internet mail and news!

REAL-TIME INTERNET ACCESS:

Yet another level of 'Internet Access' on windows techknow(tm) begins with both WORLD WIDE WEB and FTP Access through a seperate utility called FlipSock!

WORLD WIDE WEB (WWW) refers to an exciting real time access of the internet where you are connected directly to the Internet 'real time' and then 'browse' to read various information or screen documents on the internet all over the world! Here you may actually go see pictures and read information on the internet like it was one big book! This can be incredibly fun!

FTP (FILE TRANSFER PROTOCOL) refers to using a special utility (similar to Windows File Manager) to go retrieve files on the Internet 'real time'. With an FTP utility you may transfer files off of other systems located all over the world. All you need is the FTP 'address' where the files are on the Internet! Then you can download them right onto your hard disk for use!

IRC CHAT refers to a way to 'talk' to Internet public 'chat forums'  'real time'. In other words, if you are connected to the Internet through windows techknow(tm) you may log onto or connect to public chats forums for realtime 'chatting' with many others using your keyboard. you may type messages back and forth and carry on a realtime discussion! Again, special chat 'channels' or addresses exist where you can go to instantly chat on special subjects or interests, just like the newsgroups or clubs mentioned above!

windows techknow(tm) enables all realtime popular Internet utilities to be used so you may access the Internet 24 hours a day and have tremendous fun and full access to amazing amounts of information and entertainment!

Why use Internet Access?

Once you have established an Internet address and access you are then able to communicate with anyone who's electronic e-mail address you have on the network no matter where they might be and ALL WITH JUST A LOCAL TELEPHONE CALL!  It's actually much less costly than the postal service or a long distance telephone call! Once mastered, Internet e-mail may be your most powerful communication tool! Often, your e-mail is 'delivered' in a matter of hours not days radically speeding up your productivity and communications.

When the unique capabilities of Excalibur technology and Internet capabilities are combined you have the state-of-the-art software tools for Windows e-mail and file and data exchange!

Our files area for the Internet includes many useful e-mail addresses you may send mail to. You may even send e-mail to the President or Rush Limbaugh, or any one who has a network address!

Where did the Internet come from anyway?

Today's Internet is a global resource connecting millions of users that began as an experiment over 20 years ago by the U.S. Department of Defense. While the networks that make up the Internet are based on a standard set of protocols (a mutually agreed upon method of    communication between parties), the Internet also has gateways to networks and services that are based on other protocols.

The Internet was born about 20 years ago, trying to connect together a U.S. Defense Department network called the ARPAnet and various other radio and satellite networks. The ARPAnet was an experimental network designed to support military research--in particular, research about how to build networks that could withstand partial outages (like bomb attacks) and still function.

After growing over a number years this system was made available to private as well as military and university or educational institutions. Today the Internet is growing over 100% annually in users and services and is the world's largest centralized computers network with over 20 million computer users in over 70 countries worldwide. Recently it was reported there are over 30,000 networks now connected to the Internet worldwide!

Who pays for the Internet?

The Internet is paid for by both Private and Government entities that keep their own parts of the 'NET' setup and operating. Even what are called major 'backbones' or lines of the Internet are setup and maintained by these entities. Sometimes there are complications, although the Internet does work very well indeed for most operations. Sometimes these interruptions will slow operations to a snail's pace or service will be interrupted totally for a while, but this is not very often, just during very busy, or maintenance periods. Because the NET is growing so rapidly these slowups are occuring more often as it expands worldwide...  Overall the Internet is an extremely reliable and fast system...generally.


Internet Techknow
Internet ala Techknow Spider!

You've seen the WEB but what about the Spider?

A spider is fast, agile, and a master of the WEB, and only windows techknow(tm) has the Spider!

Accessing the Internet!

Accessing Excaliburs over the Internet!

Using Excalibur Internet Utilities!

PORTICO(tm) INTERNET E-MAIL AND USENET NEWS:

windows techknow(tm) uses the utility Portico to enable the reading and replying of Internet e-mail and UseNET News Groups. First, in Portico, you may setup your Signature, Addresbook of Internet e-mail addresses you normally use the most, and your local (techknow) internet world wide personal e-mail address! You may get help while online in Portico by clicking the '?' button in Portico to load up the Portico Help File.  E-mail stands for 'electronic mail'...

1.  Setup Your Own Local Internet Worldwide E-Mail Address:

windows techknow(tm) offers Internet E-Mail capabilities! To send Internet mail world-wide first go to the
Internet screen click the 'personal internet e-mail address' button and enter your private Internet address. This is one of the few systems designed so that you may do this yourself. You should mention this address in every Internet message you send so that receivers of your messages will know the message 'return address' and be able to write you back. When entering your local address use a unique name and not just your first or last name only... DO NOT use uppercase letters and DO NOT use any spaces in your local address.

Typical Internet addresses usually appear like:      first.last@domain.com

Where,
first = your first name
last= your last name    (first and last names are your local address...)
domain.com = the mail address of the system you are sending mail from or domain address..

NOTE:   The domain address for windows techknow(tm) is:     techknow.com

When you go to enter your local Internet E-Mail address (Local Net ID) on the system, only enter your 'first' and 'last' name string! Use lower case letters and DO NOT leave any spaces in your local address. DO NOT enter the @techknow.com, the system will do that automatically!   Of course you can make a unique name if you want.... but you cannot alter the techknow.com..

2. Setup your AddressBook and Signature:

Click on the 'read/reply to internet mail and news' button to load Portico and click on Address Book. Click on Enter New Address. Enter the Internet e-mail address the person you want to write in the first area and then put his/her real name in the second field. Click ok.... then enter addresses of all the people you want to write regularly in the same way. This builds your personal internet addressbook!

Now you may enter your Signature! This is the short few lines that will appear at the end of every message. Normally this is about three or four lines with your name, you return internet address and maybe something describing who you are and what you do... it can be anything that you want....

It can be important to include in your signature a note indicating your 'return address' for your e-mail, so the person may write you back, e.g.   john.doe@techknow.com  (where john.doe is your local e-mail address...you entered or specified on the system...  the best way to do this is to setup your Signature to show the address on every message!

3. Entering and Using Internet Mail:

To prepare to send Internet E-Mail just click the 'read/send internet e-mail' button in the screen.

In the 'FROM' field  you will see your name and local address...
In the 'TO' field use the drop down menu to select an address from your online addressbook
          (to setup addressbook see Setup above)
In the SUBJECT'  field type the subject of the message.
In the MESSAGE are type youyr message...

Then just send the message and the rest is automatic. Note that you must be a subscribing Internet user
on windows techknow(tm) to utilize this feature. It enables you to send mail to America Online, Compuserve, AT&T, and over 2,000,000 people or businesses world-wide all at just the cost of a local phone call! Address lists for the Internet are available in the files area for the Internet on Windows techknow(tm)!

4. Sending Mail to Compuserve or America Online Users:

If you wish to send e-mail from this system to your friends on Compuserve or America Online using the Internet you can do it and here's how!

Use following method for CIS:        77777.777@compuserve.com

Where 7777.777 = the user's Compuserve user number
and 'compuserve.com' = the compuserve Internet domain address

Use the following method for America Online:    name@aol.com

Where name = the user's America Online name and
alo.com = the America Online Internet domain name.

5. Using Internet NewsGroups in Portico:

News Groups are public conference forums where users of the Internet can exchange ideas and opinions worldwide! There are over 11,000 such groups available discussing publically almost every subject under the sun! You can 'join' NewsGroups and exchange ideas with people of the same interests all over the globe. We now permit you to read and post to News Groups! Once you are an Internet subscriber on windows techknow, you may download a list of the most current discussion groups in the Main Internet Screen.

To begin using NewsGroups in Portico just click on 'UseNET NewsGroups' button. You will be shown a list of Internet NewsGroups. We have all the major Windows based discussion groups! This means you can get help with Windows right away. NewsGroups are available for almost every subject. If you need a complete list click the 'download newsgroups list' button in the main Internet screen... Groups always begin with a three letter designation, like 'alt', 'sci', 'bio', 'misc' that starts their subject matter... 'sci' groups, for example stand for SCIence subject forums!  To join a particular group in Portico highlight the group and join it by moving it to the left of the dialogue box. This is the first step....

Second, to receive messages from this group, just double-click it once it is in the left dialogue box as a group you have 'joined'. Watch your status line in Excalibur Terminal and you will see the numbers mount as the messages are downloaded into your computer. Important Note: This may take a while when you first join a group, so please be patient! If there are a lot of messages they will take time to download onto your disk! However, the next time you download new messages will only be downloaded and this will not take long at all! You may then read, delete, and reply to news messages privately or publically using Portico!

6. Reading Portico Internet Private E-Mail and News Offline:

If you wish you may read these news messages offline now with any conventional text editor! You will find them in a subdirectory of your Excalibur Terminal where you can read and delete the ones you don't wish to keep...  The files have a '.NWS' file extension. An offline reader is available to read private e-mail that you download already. In the main Internet screen just click the button 'download offline reader' and a utility called BROWSER.EXE will be sent to you. Just put Browser into your Excalibur Terminal disk directory and run it, and you may read, print, and delete mail offline!

After reading mail offline, you may then just call back to reply to mail using Portico online! We are working on a full offline mail system for portico and this should be available before long FREE to fully automate your mail and news activities soon!

Realtime FULL INTERNET ACCESS with Flipsock!

On the weekend of October 20, 1995 windows techknow(tm) became a FULL INTERNET ACCESS
PROVIDER!  We installed FlipSock, a very special Excalibur utility which enables you to access
World Wide Web (WWW) and FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

This actually works quite simply. First you download and install on your computer the popular internet utilities you wish to use. Here are the best ones that we highly recommend:

Netscape Web Bowser	- for browsing the World Wide Web!
CuteFTP	- for doing FTP file transfers over the Internet!
mIRC Chat	- for doing IRC Chat over the Internet!

If you have any questions on how to best setup these utilities, there is a button in the main Internet Screen that will send you an e-mail message (in regular Excalibur e-mail) explaining your exact custom setup of these utilities!

How to utilize REAL TIME INTERNET Access:

1. Once you have installed the utilities above call windows techknow(tm).
2. Goto the main Internet Screen and click the 'browse world wide web or ftp' button.
3. Download FlipSock the Excalibur software Internet Utility.
4. Minimize your Excalibur Terminal and load and use the internet utility you wish to
    use like the ones mentioned above.  You may now browse the WEB, FTP, do
    IRCChat, or any 'WinSock' based utility right on the internet and right
   through windows techknow(tm)!!!


TCPIP
Excalibur Terminal TCP/IP (telnet)

Now you may contact other Excalibur BBS online systems that are connected to the Internet!

Now you can call Excalibur systems, including windows techknow(tm), on the Internet. Here is the current list of new system on the NET you can call using a local dialup PPP or SLIP Internet access ccount.

To connect to these system just dialup and connect to the Internet through your local internet provider. This is usually done with Trumpet or in NT, RAS. Then load the Excalibur Terminal. Instead of using a telephone number enter the IP (Internet) address listed above! Be sure to put an '@' sign before the address. This tells Excalibur Terminal to dial the Internet method.
If you don't have an internet hookup, skip this paragraph:

You must have some kind of TCP/IP connection to the internet (via a program like Trumpet, Chameleon, Windows NT RAS with TCP/IP or Windows 95 Dialup Networking With TCP/IP).  Secondly, enter the internet address instead of a phone number and use an @ sign in front of the address.  (The @ is how Excalibur knows it is an internet address, not a phone number.)  You can also enter an IP number the same way.  For example, you can use @excaliburbbs.excalbbs.com or @204.96.206.54 to connect to the Excalibur BBS headquarters.

Local users may connect to these systems above through FlipSock in windows techknow(tm)! Just load a 'second' instance of Excalibur terminal after loading FlipSock and dial...!

windows techknow(tm) Excalibur Internet Sites miniFAQ:
by Roger Heath - December 1995

(send requests for updates and changes to:    rheath@mcs.net )
(direct updates may now be entered remotely via tcp/ip on WT!)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Excalibur Online Systems Available via TCP/IP (SLIP/PPP):
(using the free Excalibur Terminal)

3D Basen                     - @bbs.enthed.se        (24 hours)
Ace Communications           - @198.53.24.250        (24 hours)
Anarchy                      - @205.242.26.129       (testing )
Boots Board*                 - @194.193.178.11       (24 hours)
capcom.net                   - @204.97.213.140       (testing )
Cascade Connection           - @204.245.208.2        (24 hours)
Centerpoint Systems          - @206.43.36.204        (24 hours)
Chicago's Amateur Erotica    - @205.164.6.169        (24 hours)
CyberMALL                    - @MALLCITY.COM         (24 hours)
Cyberspace HQ                - @oz.cyberhq.com       (24 hours)
Cybertek North               - @204.181.4.7          (24 hours)
CyberTek South               - @204.181.13.183       (24 hours)
DataZone*                    - @204.251.82.217       (24 hours)
Digital City                 - @204.94.237.49        (24 hours)
Digital Reality              - @204.73.77.18         (testing )
Dragon's Breath              - @www.speed.net:10001  (24 hours)
                             - @www.speed.net:10085  (24 hours)
Excalibur HQ (Sysops)        - @204.96.206.54:1962   (24 hours)
Excalibur HQ (New Users)     - @204.96.206.54        (24 hours)
Excalibur HQ Canada          - @204.191.120.24       (24 hours)
Excalibur HQ Germany         - @excalibur.globe.de   (24 hours)
Excalibur HQ Italy           - @151.99.152.2	     (24 hours)
Excalibur Support Centre     - @internet:1962        (testing )
 (Benelux,Fr,Spain)
Excalibur's Web              - @204.244.108.24       (24 hours)
Express BBS (Australia)      - @203.14.57.140        (24 hours)
Fresh Air Adventures         - @breath-of.com        (24 hours)
Gateway East                 - @205.242.20.1         (24 hours)
GEONET ONLINE INFOSERV       - @204.96.40.19 (:1961) (24 hours)
Hawkenet                     - @hawke.hawkenet.com   (testing )
Hell's Kitchen Anime Network - @206.26.131.46        (24 hours)
Hilliard Online Magazine*    - @trckrat.netset.com   (24 hours)
The Hotel California BBS     - @204.71.95.165        (24 hours)
Interact                     - @198.53.165.201:1962  (24 hours)
                             - @198.53.165.201:1961  (24 hours)
LiverGulch                   - @ken.pls.sf.net       (testing )
Macomb Online                - @205.199.80.98        (24 hours)
Megazine, Wesa               - @194.179.39.225       (24 hours)
Mindcrime                    - @204.248.40.203       (24 hours)
MORTIMER Online (16 lines)   - @bbs.mortimer.com     (24 hours)
Moterheads                   - @204.186.19.10:1962   (24 hours)
Netline                      - @199.250.207.142      (24 hours)
Pandemonium*                 - @panbbs.goodnet.com   (24 hours)
PIRS On-Line (tm)            - @198.102.68.73        (9a5pmMST)
Pleasure Net                 - @205.246.99.161       (24 hours)
Power Windows                - @204.191.120.21       (24 hours)
Pendragon U.S.A              - @Pendragonbbs.com     (24 hours)
Pendragon Australia          - @203.16.232.65        (24 hours)
Psyber Net Online*           - @netcom4.netcom.com   (24 hours)
SomewhereOverTheRainbow(GAY) - @sotrbbs.com          (24 hours)
StarGazer                    - @199.190.120.10       (testing )
Sunrise Realty and Sales     - @sunrise-realty.com   (24 hours)
Tec-Write                    - @205.216.210.2        (24 hours)
The Dog House On-Line        - @152.160.145.1        (24 hours)
The Ebony Shack BBS          - @205.148.211.3        (24 hours)
The Friendly Giant BBS       - @203.7.198.206        (testing )
The Great White Northerner   - @205.138.53.99:1961   (24 hours)
The Mosh Pit                 - @mosh.ic.net          (24 hours)
The Ruby Network             - @199.172.44.221       (24 hours)
The UniverCity BBS           - @149.159.43.42        (24 hours)
The Wild Side*               - @204.181.112.82       (24 hours)
Virtual Access               - @202.36.174.105:1961  (testing )
Vortex Milwaukee             - @198.137.186.35	     (24 hours)
Voyager BBS                  - @204.94.161.239       (24 hours)
What's Brewing Melbourne AU  - @203.12.238.26        (24 hours)
Window Shopper Australia     - @bbs.winshop.com.au   (24 hours)
windows techknow(tm)         - @204.137.229.58       (24 hours)
WinServe Excalibur Spanish HQ- @194.106.1.178        (testing )
                               @194.30.23.65         (testing )
Woftam Australia Excal       - @203.8.14.102         (testing )
Yellow Turtle Network*       - @194.185.49.2         (24 hours)
ZedSoft Online               - @zedsoft.net          (testing )
Zephyr - The CyberExpress    - @zephyrbbs.com        (24 hours)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
ISDN Direct Dial Online Systems:

Excalibur HQ Germany         - +49-251-484747
Win-dy City Windows(tm)	     - 708-595-0118
windows techknow(tm)	     - 708-729-0135

---------------------------------------------------------------------
World Wide Web addresses:

Beemail              http://beemail.com
Centerpoint Systems  http://www.netwest.com/~centerpt/sysops.htm
Chad Wolett          http://gn2.getnet.com/~aquanaut/
Chamber of 32 Doors* http://www.telepath.com/chamber/
Cascade Connection   http://casconn.com
Chicago's AmErotica  http://www.mcs.net/~caebbs
Common Destiny       http://tahoma.cwu.edu:2000/~rulej/cd.html
Common Destiny       http://tahoma.cwu.edu:2000/~rulej/sysops.html
ComTech              http://gn2.getnet.com/~aquanaut/COMTech/
Cyberspace HQ        http://www.cyberhq.com
CyberworldNetwork    http://www.ios.com/~dmiao/cybworld.html
Dave Holohan         ftp://ftp.xmission.com/pub/users/s/stealth/excal_sysops
David Schmidt        http://www-bprc.MPS.ohio-state.edu/cgi-bin/hpp/quark.html
Dragon's Breath BBS  http://www.speed.net/~punisher
Excalibur HQ         http://www.excalbbs.com
Excalibur HQ Germany http://www.globe.de
Excalibur's Web      http://www.pricehunter.com
Flying Piggy's BBS   http://www.islandnet.com/~rdowney/welcome.html
Genisoft GEX         http://www.algonet.se/~sik/index.html
Gettysburg           http://gn2.getnet.com/~aquanaut/GETTYSBURG/
HawkNet              http://www.hawkenet.com
i-connect            http://www.indirect.com/www/rmuller/
Mortimer Flipsock    http://www.mortimer.com/flipsock/
Night Vision BBS     http://www.n-vision.com
Northwest Access     http://gn2.getnet.com/~aquanaut/NorthWest_Access/
Pendragon Australia  http://pendragon.brisnet.org.au
PIRS On-Line (tm)    http://biz.rtd.com/insa
Pleasure Net         http://home.mcom.com/home/welcome.html
Power Windows        http://www.powerwindows.ca
Sonic Software       http://www.webcom.com/~sonic/sonic.htm  (Frontline)
Sunrise Realty       http://www.win.net/~sunmail/
Tangent Thought      http://www.tthought.com
The Great White Nort http://gwn.org/
THE JUNK YARD!       http://www.cyberspy.com/~bigdog/
The Ruby Network     http://www.rubynet.com/
Tim Robinson         http://www.ionet.net/~timtroyr/
TMascot ExcalBBS Listhttp://www.mimer.no/market/tmascot/exblist.html
TMascot Software Listhttp://www.mimer.no/market/tmascot/3rdparty.htm
TMascot TCP/IP List  http://www.mimer.no/market/tmascot/tcplist.htm
TMascot WWW List     http://www.mimer.no/market/tmascot/wwwlist.htm
TMascot FTP List     http://www.mimer.no/market/tmascot/ftplist.htm
Video Effects        http://www.tyrell.net/~video/effects.html
VR Software Labs     http://www.telepath.com/lemmings
Wade Bee - Genesis   http://obl.com/bbsworld.htm
What's Brewing BBS   http://beer.apana.org.au
Windows Shopper*     http://www.winshop.com.au/
WinServe HQBBS Spain http://194.30.23.65
windows techknow(tm) http://204.137.229.58/techknow.html
WOFTAM Australia     http://www.woftam.aus.net/
ZedSoft              http://zedsoft.net
Zephyr               http://zephyrbbs.com

Excalibur Related FTP file sites:

BeeMail           ftp beemail.com
Cyberspace HQ     bedrock.cyberhq.com  /pub
Dave Holohan's    ftp ftp.xmission.com /pub/users/s/stealth/excal_sysops
Excalibur HQ      ftp 204.96.206.50    Must Be A Paying Consumer
HawkeNet          ftp.hawkenet.com     /pub/excal
i-connect         ftp.indirect.com/www/rmuller/ftp
Sonic Software    ftp ftp.webcom.com   /pub/sonic/ Permission Denied
VR Software Labs  ftp.telepath.com     /pub/people/lemmings
windows techknow  ftp 204.137.229.58
ZedSoft/Portico   ftp.zedsoft.net      /pub/portico
                  (requests e-mail to FTP_accounts@zedsoft.net Include:
                   username, password, BBS name, Portico registration
                   number)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
ListServer Interactive Lists:

Cyberspace HQ     e-mail address  : listserver@cyberhq.com
                  msg text to join: subscribe cyblist <name>
                  send e-mail to  : cyblist@cyberhq.com

Power List        e-mail address  : listserver@powerwindows.ca
                  msg text to join: subscribe powerlist yourfullname

windows techknow  e-mail address  : majordomo@lists.win.net
                  msg text to join: subscribe techknow-L
                  send e-mail to  : techknow-L@lists.win.net

ZedSoft/Portico   e-mail address  : listserver@zedsoft.net
                  msg text to join: subscribe portico username
                                    (user name is real name not sysop)
                  send e-mail to  : portico@zedsoft.net
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Internet IRCChat Channels:

irc-2.mit.edu     #excalibur or #excal.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
*indicates new system just listed or recently updated...

An update of the above miniFAQ may be obtained by anyone at any time
by sending an internet e-mail message to majordomo@lists.win.net and
the text of the message should read 'info techknow-L'(without quotes).

Call windows techknow(tm) tcp/ip @204.137.229.58 or 708-729-2902
to list your addresses directly into this miniFAQ!

(C)opyright 1995 by R. Heath All rights reserved. May be distributed
 freely in unaltered or unchanged form to anyone. windows techknow
 is a trademark of Roger Heath.


Special Online Functions

Excalibur has special features you can use!

What do the icons do?

After you have logged on to an Excalibur BBS you will be presented with a host of icons to speed you through each function. If you are confused about what each icon does, just put your mouse cursor over the icon in question and you will see a description of its function in the lower left corner of your Terminal window! You only need to click an icon once to activate its function.

Chatting Online with Others!

You can 'chat' online with Excalibur BBS systems. Usually you will find a button in the main menu that is labeled 'Page Sysop'. This button will alert the BBS SYStem OPerator that you wish to talk to him. If he responds you will be presented with a window in which you can type messages to the Sysop and he can then type messages to you both which appear in the window.

If the BBS happens to have multiple callers or telephone lines, or nodes, connected you can chat with other callers using the 'Who's Online' button on most systems! Just highlight the caller's name you wish to page and click the 'Hotline' button. If the caller wants to chat with you he will activate the chat button presented by your page request!

'CHAT ROOMs' for the Internet!

windows techknow(tm) excalibur maintains chat rooms. These are individual chat areas for private online chat. With the advent of Excalibur TCP/IP Internet capabilities provides the means to eliminate the costs of long distance telephone costs!!! This is accomplished by communicating over the Internet with others who have only the cost of a local dialup connections to the Internet!

For example, if you have a relative in Alaska he or she can call windows techknow(tm) over the Internet and go into a chat room... You call windows techknow(tm) and go into the same chat room. Then both of you can type messages or chat with each other over the Internet with no long distance telephone charges.

For more information about this feature click:

Excalibur TCP/IP Internet connections


Capturing Messages Online

Yes, you can capture messages to your Windows Clipboard!

You may save messages to your disk in Excalibur Terminal by using the pull-down 'System' menu at the top of your Terminal. Just click on 'System' and then 'Save' and Terminal will prompt you for a text file name and let you browse to a DIRectory on your disk drive to save it to....

You can use Windows Clipboard to capture messages online. Just highlight the text you wish to 'capture' and press Control-Insert keys simultaneously. The text will be transferred into your Clipboard. To deliver a message from Clipboard to online first put you message in Clipboard using your editor's (Notepad) Edit, Copy command sequence. Then, when online, place your cursor at the beginning of the message area and press Shift-Insert keys simultaneously. This will instantly transfer your message onto the BBS!


Using WAV Sounds

Yes, you can play sounds online!

Many Excalibur BBSs have put together their own Windows '.WAV' sounds that will play on your PC while you are online. First download the .WAV files using the designated button on the system. Then simply place these WAV sound recording files in your Windows directory, e.g. C:\WINDOWS or C:\WIN.

If you do not have a sound board in your PC then you can install a PC speaker driver from Microsoft. Just download the file SPEAKER.EXE from most BBS systems and follow the instructions in installing this driver! While this is not as good as a sound board, it will enable you to hear some of these sounds.

Keep in mind that WAV files do take time to 'play', so this feature may slow down your computer when online. To eliminate this feature simply move or delete the related WAV files in your Windows directory. CAUTION: Be certain not to erase your usual 'system' WAV files used for normal offline use. You can test and view these files using your Windows Control Panel - 'Sounds' icon...

This is potentially an exciting feature of Excalibur, as it is anticipated that soon many Excalibur systems may have soon have online games that 'play' sounds while you play a game!


Troubleshoot
Troubleshooting Tips

Here are a few tips on troubleshooting your Terminal setup:

MODEM TIPS:

High-speed modem communications can sometimes prove a real challange.
.. particularly if you just installed a new modem.

Be certain you are initializing your modem properly after installing
Excalibur Terminal. This is done by clicking 'System' and then 'Modem
Init..'.. Be sure to first select the proper modem or use the 'Hayes'
or default settings if you modem is not listed.

Here is a short list of other suggestions that should help you make
and keep a good connection.

(1) If you are running Windows for Workgroups 3.11, there is a bug
    in your Serial.386 driver that seriously hampers high-speed
    communications under Windows.  In the Excalibur Support library
    is the new Microsoft Driver. (SERIAL.EXE)

(2) If you are using a computer with AMI BIOS dated 11-92 or earlier,
    there is a bug in the BIOS when using high-speed modems on COM3
    or higher.  There is a fix for this as well in Excalibur Support.
    (AMIFIX.ZIP)

(3) If you are using a modem with a 16550 chip (use MSD.EXE in your
    Windows DIRectory to check) then you need to replace the COMM.DRV
    in your SYSTEM.INI with CYBERCOM.DRV.  It allows high speed
    communications under Windows.  It is also located in the Support
    Library, and it works on ALL Windows ver3.1 & up.  (CYBER.ZIP)
    The 16550 port utilizes special buffers to significantly improve
    hispeed communications.

(4) And, because of the way that Windows multitasks, it is possible
    that it is ignoring your modem just enough to force you to drop
    carrier.  Check your modems manual for exact register (some are
    different), but I have found that by setting S10=60 or higher I
    have VERY reliable communications, even at 28.8K. The S10
    Register on my modem is the "Delay between carrier loss and hang
    up".  If you make the equivalent adjustment to your modems INIT
    string, you will see similar results under Windows (I hope!)

(5) Also, be sure that "Baud Rate Fallback" is NOT checked in the
    Excalibur Term under SYSTEM - SETTINGS - MODEM.

(6) One other thing in the Term, do NOT set it to 115,200 baud.
    This is not yet supported and may cause problems.

(7) Some have reported better connections by setting Windows Control
    Panel, Ports Setup (Advanced) to 'Hardware' hand-shaking as
    opposed to the Windows default of 'XON/XOFF' software hand-
    shaking, the Windows default.. be very careful not to alter the
    memory values in advanced setup. &K3 in your modem string is
    supposed to do this, but it's good to use both...

(8) One of the most common sources of line noise is never addressed.
    Bad cables and jacks oxidized for years can be a major source of
    noise. In addition tangled power cords and phone lines can cause
    low frequency noise to be induced into telephone line cables, so
    it's always a good idea to seperate your power cables from signal
    cables... low frequency 'hum' (60 Hertz or cycle) is in the same
    audio range of audio circuits.

(9) If you are using call-waiting the 'click' will always disconnect
    you! Add to your dialing string or to the beginning of every
    number in your dialing directory '*70\P' (no quote marks) and
    this will temporarily turn off call-waiting. (in Ameritech or
    Illinois areas) (\P is a pause, do not use commas in Excalibur
    Terminal)

(10)Normally your modem terminal string should include Carrier Detect
    by DCD. This should be done in your modem initialization string
    by &C1 and &D2 normally.

Note: With Excalibur Terminal you will not see phone line noise...
      all this happens invisibly in the background... so if you get
      disconnected or have slow file transfers, this may be the real
      reason. Ask your Excalibur sysop to briefly watch your file
      transfers and connections. Sometimes he can observe 'resends'
      and 'ack' errors on Excalibur's host program, 'Camelot' as
      evidence of noise.

      Ameritech in Illinois offers 'Line Backer' service to assure
      quality phone lines. If you pick up your telephone receiver
      and listen and hear static or background voices, that's a
      problem. The line should be 'quiet', have your telephone
      company troubleshoot your line!

      The above driver upgrades are available fast online. Just
      click the 'Modem' button in the opening screen, and then the
      appropriate button to get the free driver upgrades from windows
      techknow(tm). We'll do all we can to make quality
      connections with your modem and to our system!

      If you have run out of possibilities in finding a problem,
      always remember you may have a corrupt terminal installation
      file... if this is the case you need to download the latest
      EXCALTRM.EXE file and perform a complete reinstallation of
      Excalibur Terminal... it only takes one wrong bit to mess
      things up and with such a large file the possiblity of a bad
      download is always increased..

EARLY US ROBOTICS SPORTSTERS MODEMS:

Any 28.8 Sportster with firmware prior to 5/95 is defective and
should be called into US Robotics for a new firmware revision.
Specifically, these Sportsters cannot reliably talk to ANY
Rockwell-based V.34 modem.

Windows 3.1, 3.11, and WFW 3.11 Tips: (not for NT or Windows95)

NOTES:
       1. Make a backup copy of CONFIG.SYS, AUTOEXEC.BAT, WIN.INI,
          and SYSTEM.INI BEFORE you make any changes.

       2. Add all new WIN.INI and SYSTEM.INI lines to the end of
          the section.  This will prevent the variable from being
          overwritten later in the INI file.

CONFIG.SYS

       1.      DEVICE=C:\DOS\HIMEM.SYS /TESTMEM:off
               -      The HIMEM.SYS line should be the first line in
                      the CONFIG.SYS file.
               -      This eliminates memory testing on system
                      startup.
       2.      SHELL=C:\DOS\COMMAND.COM C:\DOS\ /e:1024 /p
               Improves DOS application stability under Windows by
               providing more environment space.
       3.      FILES=60
               Improves DOS application stability under Windows.
       4.      BUFFERS=10
               -      Optimally, the buffers should be between 10 and
                      20.
               -      This setting impacts SMARTDrive's performance.
       5.      STACKS=9,256
               -      Not needed if you only run Windows programs.
               -      Helps DOS applications process interrupts.

SYSTEM.INI

       1.      In the [386Enh] section, change NoEmmDriver=ON.
               -      Use this unless you have DOS applications that
                      require expanded memory.
               -      This turns off the expanded memory manager.
               -      Will improve Windows performance.
               -      Do not do if using QEMM 7.xx.
       2.      In the [386Enh] section, add DMABufferSize=64.
               -      This is the communications buffer between
                      hardware and Windows.
               -      The default size is 16K.
               -      This will stabilize sound boards and will also
                      boost tape drive performance.
       3.      In the [386Enh] section, remove CGAxxxx.FON and
                      EGAxxxx.FON. Not useful since you can't run
                      Windows under CGA or EGA.
       4.      Get WINSENSE software.
               -      This software is an encyclopedia of Windows INI
                      files.  It explains all the various switches
                      and settings.
               -      This software will optimize INI files based on
                      a user survey.
       5.      In the [386Enh] section, set WinExclusive=Yes.
                      For Windows applications, gives them nearly
                      100% of the CPU.
       6.      In the [386Enh] section, add XlatBufferSize=128.
               -      This will increase the DOS communication buffer
                      size from the default, 8K, for Windows
                      applications (communications buffer between
                      Windows, DOS, and BIOS).
               -      This may hurt DOS application performance under
                      Windows.
       7.      In the [386Enh] section, set KeyBoostTime=.005.
                      This increases keyboard responsiveness by
                      giving more CPU to the keyboard.
       8.      In the [386Enh] section, set PageOverCommit=1.
               -      This redefines the default swap file
                      recommendation from four times physical memory
                      to one times physical memory.
               -      Useful for technical support and Windows
                      installers.
       9.      In the [386Enh] section, set MinUserDiskSpace=5000.
               -      Changes the default from 500K.
               -      When the user, goes below 5MB of disk space,
                      Windows will warn and prohibit use until disk
                      space is freed up.
       10.     In the [386Enh] section, add PageBuffers=32.
               -      Use this technique, if you have 4MB of RAM or
                      more.
               -      This increases the default size from 4 (which
                      takes 16k) of extended memory.
               -      32 page buffers takes 128K of extended memory.
               -      This improves Windows' performance by
                      eliminating a bottleneck.
       11.     In the [386Enh] section, add MaxBPs=768.
               -      Reduces general protection faults (GPFs),
                      application errors and lockups up to 90%.
               -      Every user should have this!
               -      Increases Windows application breakpoints from
                      the default of 200. Windows itself takes about
                      150 to load.
               -      The default error message when breakpoints
                      exceeded is a GPF.
               -      This technique adds 400 more breakpoints.
       12.     In the [386Enh] section, set Com1Buffer=512.
               -      Changes the default from 128.
               -      This is essential for high-speed modems.
       13.     In the [386Enh] section, set ComBoostTime=20.
               -      Increases default from 2 milliseconds to 20
                      milliseconds.
               -      Stabilizes transfer rate on high speed
                      communications (9600+).
       14.     In the [386Enh] section, set Com1AutoAssign=-1.
               -      Prompts user before another application is
                      allowed to use the same port.
       15.     In the [386Enh] section, set FileSysChange=Off.
               -      This prevents updates being sent to the file
                      manager every time a file is added, changed,
                      or deleted.
               -      Use F5 key to update the File Manager window.
       16.     In the [386Enh] section, set ScreenLines=50.
               -      Increases the number of lines visible in the
                      DOS application.

WIN.INI
       1.      Clean up unused sections.
               -      This is usually a major problem for Windows'
                      users.
               -      A smaller, condensed WIN.INI will improve
                      Windows performance.
               -      The WIN.INI file is limited to 64K - all else
                      is truncated!
       2.      Reduce number of True Type fonts.
               -      Every font is initialized when Windows starts.
               -      Fonts consume system resources which may slow
                      system performance.
               -      Excessive True Type fonts contribute to
                      Application Errors.
               -      250 fonts can consume 5-20% of the system
                      resources.
               -      FontMinder software allows you to load and
                      unload fonts as needed.
               -      10 or less fonts are ideal.
               -      Do not remove Arial or Times New Roman fonts
                      - Windows requires these two fonts for
                      operation.
       3.      In the [WINDOWS] section, add DefaultQueueSize=16.
               -      Use this technique if your system has 4MB or
                      more of RAM.
               -      The default size is 8K.
               -      This is a communication queue between Windows
                      and Windows' applications.
               -      Increases throughput, performance.
       4.      To change icon title font characteristics, go to the
               [DESKTOP] section and make these changes.
               -      Add IconTitleFaceName=Arial (San Serif is the
                      default font)
               -      Add IconTitleSize=10
               -      Add IconTitleStyle=1 (1 for bold, 0 for normal)

GENERAL
       1.      Use the semicolon (;) to disable INI file lines during
               testing. This allows you to quickly recover by
               removing the semicolon.
       2.      Reduce the video colors to 16 for performance
               improvement.
       3.      Eliminate complex wallpaper for performance
               improvement.
               -      Windows redraws on every application close.
               -      Fastest wallpaper is plain.
       4.      Eliminate complex screensavers (like After Dark).
               -      Unnecessarily consumes systems resources and
                      clock cycles.
               -      This will improve Windows performance.
       5.      Defrag with /Windows as the first directory.
               -      Moves Windows closer to the FAT and will allow
                      faster loading.
               -      Load your most frequently used applications
                      2nd, 3rd, etc....
       6.      Don't use disk compression (DoubleSpace, DriveSpace,
                      or Stacker).
               -      Use of disk compression can significantly
                      reduce Windows performance.
               -      If you must use disk compression, leave about
                      50MB or more uncompressed.  Load Windows, and
                      your most frequently used applications, on the
                      uncompressed drive.
       7.      Optimum SMARTDrive size depends on the user.
               -      Launch DOS 6.x's SMARTMON.EXE while in Windows.
                      This will monitor the cache hit rate.  The goal
                      is a hit rate of 90% or greater.
               -      Let SMARTMON work for about 4 hours, then look
                      at hit rate.  If the hit rate is less than 90%,
                      increase the Windows cache size and rerun
                      SMARTMON.
               -      1MB is usually ideal.  4MB if dealing with large
                      files.
       8.      Should you replace SMARTDrive?
               -      Adding a third party disk caching program,
                      increases system maintenance complexity.
               -      Some disk caching software can significantly
                      improve Windows performance (e.g., Lightning
                      for Windows).
       9.      Determine if write-behind disk caching is for you
               -      /X parameter passed to SMARTDrive (DOS 6 only),
                      enables it
               -      Affects the File/Save function
               -      Can contribute to FAT and/or file corruption if
                      system is shutdown before writing to the disk
                      is complete
               -      Write-behind caching is a performance boost for
                      files greater than 1MB
       10.     Use the /L parameter with SMARTDrive
               -      By default, SMARTDrive loads itself high (27K),
                      but it steps on video memory areas
               -      /L parameter loads SMARTDrive in conventional
                      memory
               -      This will improve Windows stability
       11.     Determining the optimum swap file settings
               -      Permanent swap file is faster than a temporary
                      swap file.
               -      Ignore the swap file default settings - try
                      1MB.
               -      A smaller swap file is faster.
               -      When two-thirds of physical memory is used,
                      then Windows begins using the swap file.
               -      If the swap file is large, Windows will swap
                      more.
               -      To check out the swap file, click once on a
                      program in the task list.  Then watch the hard
                      disk light.
       12.     Use SCANDISK /ALL /CUSTOM before starting Windows
                      (DOS 6.xx).
               -      Or use CHKDSK /F (DOS 5 or lower).
               -      Gathers lost clusters, eliminates cross-linked
                      files, thereby providing more contiguous disk
                      space.
               -      Helps to reduce GPFs.
       13.     Verify that the /TEMP directory exists and it has
                      space to reduce GPFs.
       14.     Do not select NONE (Do not turn off the swap file).
               -      Turning off the swap file, disables all of
                      Windows memory management, not just the swap
                      file.
       15.     Troubleshooting Tips
               -      For video problems, use the Windows VGA driver.
                      It is the most stable video driver.
               -      Call the video manufacturer to obtain the latest
                      video driver.
               -      General troubleshooting:  try these as needed
                      -       Turn off the 32-bit disk access
                      -       Clean up CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT,
                              enable drivers one by one until problem
                              identified.
                      -       Upgrade to Windows 3.11 (standalone).
                      -       Use WIN /? to determine switch settings
                      -       WIN/D:X  Excludes 640K to 1MB, loads
                              the 16K translation buffer into
                              conventional memory.
                      -       WIN/D:F  Turns off 32-bit disk access
                              for the current session.
                      -       WIN/D:V  For troubleshooting hard
                              drives (to make permanent, add
                              VirtualHDIRQ=Off to the [386Enh]
                              section of SYSTEM.INI.
                      -       WIN/B  Creates a Bootlog.Txt file in
                                      the Windows directory
                              -      Shows status of all Windows'
                                     drivers loaded
                              -      Look for "LOADFAIL" - indicates
                                     the driver is either missing
                                     or corrupted.
                              -      Typically, TrueType fonts will
                                     be corrupted.
                              -      Technical Support should
                                     consider periodically running
                                     this to detect problems before
                                     they occur.
       16.     Printing Tips
               -      Don't use print manager unless sharing printers
                      with other users.
               -      Try LPT1.DOS port, this port is managed by DOS
                       (this solves many printing problems).
               -      Turn off Fast Printing Direct to Port (will
                      increase printing by 50-100%).
               -      Use Adobe Type Manager (ATM) 2.6 or later
       17.     Don't let system resources fall below 20%.
               -      Go to Help About to check system resources
                      available.
               -      System resources is the #1 bottleneck in
                      Windows.
               -      If system resources fall below 20%, GPFs,
                      lock-ups and application errors will
                      dramatically increase.
               -      Manages the graphical resources in Windows.
               -      Two 64K heaps are the limitation (until Win NT
                      or Windows 95).
               -      Close applications when not in use.
               -      Watch for "resource holders" - Excel 4.0 and
                      5.0, CorelDraw.
               -      Exit Windows every night to free up memory and
                      resources.
               -      Use "Super Resource Monitor" software -
                      monitors system resources and generates alarms
                      and warnings at user-defined levels.
               -      Upgrade your software to the latest maintenance
                      release.
               -      Limit the number of active TrueType fonts.
       18.     Windows Startup
               -      To bypass all programs in the startup group,
                      start Windows and hold the SHIFT key until the
                      Program Manager appears.  This will NOT bypass
                      "LOAD=" and "RUN=" lines in the WIN.INI file.
               -      To bypass the Windows logo on startup, create
                      a batch file as follows:
                      -       Type COPY CON nowinlgo.bat [Enter]
                      -       Type WIN and press F7  (you'll see
                              WIN ^@)
                      -       Press F6 to end file creation
       19.     To recreate Windows groups - Main, Games, and
                      Accessories
               -      Type SETUP /P and press Enter.
               -      Information used to recreate the groups is
                      found in the \WINDOWS\SYSTEM directory in the
                      file SETUP.INF.
       20.     Control Panel Settings
               -      To keep items from loading, open the
                      CONTROL.INF file with Notepad (or other text
                      file editor).  Then add a [DON'T LOAD] section
                      to the end of the file.  After the [DON'T LOAD]
                      header, add [ITEM]=1  (e.g., Color=1).
               -      To launch a Control Panel item quickly, create
                      an icon with the command line CONTROL PRINTERS
                      (the item name is as it appears in the Control
                      Panel).
       21.     To prevent users from arranging, moving, or deleting
               icons and groups, change all .GRP files to read only
               (in the \WINDOWS directory).
       22.     PIF Settings
               -      Every DOS application should have a PIF under
                      Windows.
               -      If not, will use the _DEFAULT.PIF settings.
               -      Use the PIF Editor to make changes.
               -      Select Video = Text for faster performance (the
                      program will use low and high graphics if
                      needed).
               -      Set KB Desired to -1 unless other applications
                      need memory (this is useful if you run one DOS
                      application at a time).
               -      Set EMS KB Limit to -1 (requires the EMM386
                      driver to be loaded).
               -      Don't set the XMS KB Limit to -1 (this will
                      degrade Windows performance).
               -      Set the Execution Background to OFF unless you
                      need multitasking.
               -      Set Execution Exclusive to OFF.  Use the
                      Foreground=10000 (provides application with
                      10000 CPU cycles in each time slice).
               -      PIFs Advanced Screen
                      -       Set Uses High Memory to Off, unless
                              your DOS application requires HMA.
                      -       Set Lock Application memory to Off,
                              unless the application crashes.
                      -       Set Monitor Ports - All to Off, unless
                              garbled screen.
                      -       Set Retain Video Memory to Off, unless
                              you run out of memory
                              when switching to graphics mode.
                      -       Set Allow Fast Paste to On, unless
                              pasting doesn't work (to allow pasting
                              between DOS applications and Windows).
                      -       Set Reserve Shortcut Key to On, you
                              may want to reserve the PrintScreen key
                              to allow print screens within
                              applications.
       23.     DOS Applications
               -      Run in full screen mode, Alt + Enter, will be
                      20% faster.
               -      Run Windows in Standard mode for fastest
                      performance (50%).
               -      In the SYSTEM.INI file's [386Enh] section, set
                      FileSysChange=Off.  This prevents updates being
                      sent to the file manager every time a file is
                      added, changed, or deleted.
                      Use F5 key to update the File Manager window.
               -      Change Control Panel's Time Slice in the 386
                      Enhanced Icon to 5.  The default is 20.
       24.     Limit the number of other applications running at the
                      same time.
               -      Each DOS application receives a time slot.
               -      Each Windows application shares a time slot.
               -      This is a significant performance issue - it is
                      preferable to run only one DOS application at
                      a time.
       24.     Using MSD - Microsoft Diagnostics
               -      Useful to determine which memory areas to
                      exclude from Windows' use.


What are ZIP files anyway

Q: What do you mean by ".ZIP" file?
A: If you've logged onto a BBS or online system you've probably noticed file names that have the filename extension (last three letters of standard DOS filenames) of ".ZIP", for example "WINGAME.ZIP".

Q: What is a ".ZIP" file really?
A: "ZIP" files are actually what are called compressed files. It is usually a group of files that are used together, but they have been compacted into a minature single "ZIP" file. The utility used to make these small compacted
groups of files was developed by PKWare of Wisconsin and is PKZIP.EXE.

Q: Why are ".ZIP" files used?
A: Some time ago online BBS computer systems made available many files that you could download and use together. Sometimes you needed to download many files that had to be used together, but if you made a mistake and missed a needed file, then none of the files you obtained might run properly... The solution was to group these essential files into a single file to simplify the downloading procedure and to make sure you don't miss an essential file! Since ".ZIP" files are also compressed into significantly smaller files they also download alot faster saving phone bills!

Q: How do I make a ".ZIP" file usable?
A: PKWare not only makes PKZIP.EXE, the utility used to make ZIPs, but they make a utility called PKUNZIP.EXE, that is used to breakout all the files compacted into a single ".ZIP" file! So after you download a ".ZIP" file from an online system you can use PKUNZIP.EXE to extract the files so you can then use them!

Q: How do I get the PKWare ZIP Utilities?
A: Most online BBS systems have available a single file called PKZIP204G.EXE. Just download this file and run it. It will self-extract all the ZIP management utilities and documentation onto your disk drive. This is the shareware version of PKWare's utilities.

Q: Are there any other file compression utilities?
A: Yes, there are many others even though most of the time ZIP utilities are used to make these files. Here is a list of other DOS compression utilities:

filename.ext (extension)      utility
EXAMPLE.ARJ             ARJ.EXE used to extract files from ".ARJ"
EXAMPLE.LZH             LHA.EXE used to extract files from ".LZH"
EXAMPLE.ARC            UNARC.EXE used to extract files from ".ARC"
EXAMPLE.ZOO             ZOO.EXE used to extract files from ".ZOO"

Q: Is PKZIP easy to use in Windows?
A: Well, no PKZIP and PKUNZIP are really made for use in MS-DOS. You can, after installing PKZIP on your disk use a menu shell for these utilities to greatly simplify 'zipping' or 'unzipping' groups of files. The most popular menu shell for MS-Windows is WinZip(tm). You can download all these utilities from Win-dy City Windows(tm) Excalibur free in Chicago by calling 708-595-1894. Most local BBS systems will also have these available!


What are GIF files
What are GIF files?

What is a GIF?

A GIF file, or a file with the '.GIF' filename extension, is a graphics picture file! Originally this file was developed by Compuserve as a standard "Graphics Interchange Format" (GIF) file format. You can view these picture files when you download them on an Excalibur BBS! Just click the 'View GIF while downloading' in your Terminal setup. After you download these files, you may view them offline with popular shareware utilities. Popular utilities for Windows includes Paint Shop Pro(tm) and for DOS you can use a utility called VPIC.EXE!

Special Excalibur GIF Features!

•	Excalibur enables the viewing of GIFs while you are downloading them! Just click the 'View images while downloading' switch in the Excalibur Terminal System Preferences drop down menu!

•	Excalibur permits you to 'Preview' GIF images online! If you click the 'Eye' icon or the 'Preview' button, you will be presented with a minature (NTSC) black and white image on your screen! This takes a few seconds on the host system, so you will have to wait for the image to appear...

•	Excalibur tells you the image's resolution! If you double-click on the GIF file listing you will be given a detail box showing the resolution of the related image.  VGA= 640x400 SuperVGA=800x600 or 1024x850...

•	Excalibur has thumbnail 'preview' images! If you double-click on the filename the detail box will often present you with a 'thumbnail' size image of the GIF. Note: The SYStem OPerator must 'prebuild' these images, so if this has not been done, you will not see a thumbnail image...

Other Image Filetypes!

Other image type files are .BMP(bitmap), .PCX(Macintosh image), TIF... BMP files are most commonly used as Windows Wallpaper and in Windows PaintBrush files and for Windows Clipboard image transfers, for example into word processor documents..

Utilities for Images!

You can convert and alter the sizes and formats of these image files. We highly recommend the Windows utility PainShopPro(tm) mentioned above for these purposes. This utility is available on most BBS systems as shareware.


Modem Terminology

This is a glossary of terms commonly used by telecommunications enthusiasts, as well as words specific to offline mail reading and Bulletin Board Systems. We hope you find the information useful.

ARQ - Automatic Repeat Request. A general term for error control protocols featuring hardware detection and retransmission of defective data. This term is used primarily by US Robotics.

ASCII - American Standard Code for Information Exchange.  A 7-bit binary code representation of letters, numbers and special characters. It is universally supported in computer data transfer.

Asynchronous - Data transmission in which the actual data is preceded by a start bit and followed by a stop bit since the time between transmitted characters varies. Compare Synchronous.

Auto Answer -  The modem feature which enables detection of a ring and answering  without assistance from a program.

Baud Rate - The number of discrete signal events per second occurring on a communications channel. It is often referred to as Bits per second (BPS) which is technically inaccurate but widely accepted.

BBS - Bulletin Board System.

Bit - Binary Digit. A single basic computer signal consisting of a value of 0 or 1, off or on.

Buffer - A memory area used for temporary storage during input/output operations.

Bulletin Board System - A host system, into which callers may dial with their modems to read and send electronic mail, upload and download files, and chat online with other callers.

Byte - A group of Bits acted upon as a group, which may have a readable ASCII value as a letter or number or some other coded meaning to the computer. It is commonly used to refer to 8-bit groups. 1 kilobyte = 1,024 bytes; 64K = 65,536 bytes or characters.

Carrier - A continuous frequency capable of being either modulated or impressed with another information-carrying signal. Carriers are generated and maintained by modems via the transmission lines of  the telephone companies.

Conference - An area of public messages on a Bulletin Board System, usually with a particular topic and, often, a conference host or moderator to guide the discussion. Also called Folder, SIG (for "Special Interest Group") or Echo.

CCITT - A French acronym for the International Telephone and Telegraph Consultative Committee. This international organization defines the standards for telephone equipment such as the Bell 212A standard for 1200 baud, CCITT V.22 for 2400 baud and CCITT V.32 for 9600 baud.

CPS - Characters Per Second. A transfer rate estimated from the bit rate and length of each character. If each character is 8 bits long and includes a start and stop bit for Asynchronous transmission, each character needs 10 bits to be sent. At 2400 baud it is transmitted at approximately 240 CPS.

CRC - Cyclical Redundancy Check. An error-detection technique consisting of a cyclic algorithm performed on each "block" of data at the sending and receiving end of the transmission. As each block is received, the CRC value is checked against the CRC value sent along with the block. Many protocols including XMODEM-CRC and ARQ will request a resend until the block is received
correctly.

Download - Receiving a file from a Bulletin Board System, using a terminal program (for example QModem or Excalibur Terminal) and a transfer protocol (for example Zmodem).

DTE - Data Terminal Equipment. The device that is the originator or destination of the data sent by a modem.

DTR - Data Terminal Ready. A signal generated by most modems indicating a connection between the DTE (computer) and the modem. When DTR is "high" the computer is connected.

Data Compression Protocols - Compression of data by the modem allows more information to be  transferred in a shorter time frame. Protocols for data compression include CCITT V.42bis and MNP 5,

Data Transmission Protocols - These are standards for modulation and transmission of data at various speeds. The standards are Bell 103 & V.21 for 300bps, Bell 212A & V.22 for 1200bps, V.22bis for 2400bps, V.32 for         9600bps and V.32 bis for 14,400bps. Proprietary protocols are also used extensively for higher baud rates.

Echomail - Public Message Conferences on a Bulletin Board System which are shared and distributed among other Bulletin Boards as part of an Echomail Network.

Expanded Memory - Extra memory (above 640k) on your XT or AT-compatible computer,  which is installed with an EMS driver, and may be used by some programs to store data.

Extended Memory - Extra memory (above 640k) on your 80286 or 80386 compatible computer. Not normally usable by DOS applications, but may be configured as a virtual drive or a disk cache on an 80286 computer, or as Expanded Memory on an 80386 computer.

Flow Control - A mechanism that compensates for differences in the flow of data to and output from a modem or computer. Either hardware or software can be used for this control to prevent data loss. Hardware flow control using the modem makes use of a buffer to store data to be sent and data received. Flow control is necessary if the Communications port is locked at a higher rate than the connection rate. This is especially important for high speed modems, like 14,400 bps and above, that should almost always be setup for CTS/RTS hardware flow control.

Error Control Protocols - These are various modem-based techniques which check the reliability of characters or blocks of data at a hardware level. Examples include MNP 2-4, V.42

Freeware - Computer software which may be distributed on Bulletin Board Systems, and for which the author requests no license fee or registration fee.

Full Duplex - Signal flow in both directions at the same time. It is sometimes used to refer to the suppression of online LOCAL ECHO and allowing the remote system to provide a REMOTE ECHO.

Half Duplex - Signal flow in both directions, but only one way at a time. It is sometimes used to refer to activation of LOCAL ECHO which causes a copy of sent data to be displayed on the sending display.

Host System - Another name for a Bulletin Board System (BBS)

Internet - A worldwide network of computer systems originally founded for the US Defense Department but is now privatized and in use by some BBS systems for message and file transfers on a global scale.

Local Area Network (LAN) - A group of computers joined with cables and software, allowing hard disks and other devices to be shared among many users.

Mail Door - A subsection of a Bulletin Board System which creates .QWK mail packets for downloading and reading messages offline. Then .REP (reply) packets can be created offline and then uploaded saving online telephone connection costs!

MNP - Microcom Networking Protocol. A set of hardware error protection protocols (MNP levels 1 - 4) and data compression techniques (MNP level 5) developed by Microcom, now in the public domain. It makes use of CRC and retransmission of defective blocks by checking performed within the modem.

Netmail - Private electronic mail which is transmitted by a user calling one Bulletin Board System to another user calling a different Bulletin Board System.

NRAM - Nonvolatile Random Access memory. A user-programmable memory chip whose data is retained when power to the chip is turned off. NRAM is used in many modems to store default settings.

ON/OFF Hook - A descriptive term referring to manually lifting a telephone receiver (taking it OFF Hook) and replacing it (going ON Hook). OFF Hook produces a busy signal on the phone line.

Packer - A program to compress multiple files into a single file, such as PKZIP, ARC or LHARC

Packet - A mail packet (with a .QWK extension) from a host system

Parity - An error detection method used in both communicaions and computer memory checking to determine character validity. Communications now makes use of more efficient "block" checking although parity must still be matched in a communication session for transfer to take place correctly. Host communication in the BBS environment omits parity checking (no parity).

Protocol - A system of rules and procedures governing communications between two devices. File transfer protocols in your communications program refer to a set of rules governing how error checking will be performed on blocks of data.

Public Domain - Computer software on which no copyright exists (usually by a specific statement to that effect by the author), and which may be freely used and distributed.

Remote Echo - A copy of the data being received is returned to the sending system for display on the screen. See Full/Half duplex.

Shareware - Computer software which is distributed on the "Honor System", which may be freely copied and  distributed, but for which a registration fee or payment is required for continued use beyond an initial evaluation period.

SysOp - The SYStem OPerator of a Bulletin Board System. The person responsible for setting up and maintaining the BBS. (CoSysop usually helps the SysOP...)

Thread - A group of BBS messages and replies linked and sorted by topic.

Unpacker - A program to uncompress a file from a Packer like PKUNZIP, UNARC...etc.

Upload - To transfer a file from your computer to another computer, using your terminal program (for example Qmodem) and a transfer protocol (for example Zmodem)

V.21 - CCITT standard for modem communications at 300bps. Modems made in the US follow the Bell 103 standard.

V.22 - CCITT standard for modem communications at 1200bps, compatible with the Bell 212A standard used in the US and Canada.

V.22 bis - CCITT standard for modem communications at 2400bps. It includes automatic fallback to 1200bps and compatibility with Bell 212A and V.22 modems.

V.23 - CCITT standard for modem communications at 1200bps with a 75bps back channel. It is used in the United Kingdom.

V.32 - CCITT standard for modem communications at 4800 and 9600bps. It includes automatic fallback to 4800 when line quality is poor.

V.32 bis - CCITT standard for modem communications at 14400bps with automatic fallback to 12000, 9600, 7200 and 4800bps. As line quality improves communications speed can also be increased to the next higher rate.

V.42 - CCITT standard for modem communications that defines negotiation for LAPM error control. V.42 also includes support for MNP error correction protocol levels 1 - 4.

V.42 bis - CCITT extension of V.42 that adds data compression to the V.42 correction protocols.

end of glossary 4/94 by Heath


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