What is Areafix, and How do I use it ?
                  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Areafix is a program used by host or hub systems in a network to let
nodes change their configuration by themselves.  By sending netmail to the
program, using a specific format, you can connect or disconnect areas,
change your compression format, request lists of areas you can connect to,
and more.

    Now : the format of an areafix mesage.  Fairly simple really.  Address
the message to Areafix at your hub's address.  On the subject line, put
your password (if any).  All other commands go into the body of the message.  Close
the message with a tearline ( "---", no quotes ) to be safe.  The commands
you can put in the body of the message are :

[+]<areaname>         Connect an area
-<areaname>           Disconnect an area
%HELP                 Request this message
%LIST                 Request a list of areas available to you
%QUERY                Request a list of areas to which you are connected
%UNLINKED             Request a list of areas to which you are not connected
%COMPRESSION <type>   Change the compression type
%PASSWORD <password>  Change your AreaMgr password
%PKTPWD <password>    Change your packet password
%RESCAN               Request a rescan of new added areas
%ACTIVE               Reconnect all temporary disconnected areas
%PASSIVE              Temporary disconnect all connected areas
%NOTIFY <ON|OFF>      Enable/disable notify messages
%+*                   Connect all available areas
%-*                   Disconnect all areas


    For example :

    From: John Doe, The NoName System (88:88/50)
      To: Areafix, Eternal Heaven BBS (88:88/0)
      Re: AREAFIXISCOOL
      St: Pvt
    --------------------------------------------------
    +GENERAL
    %COMPRESSION ARJ
    -SUPPORT
    %LIST


    The above message would connect you to GENERAL, disconnect SUPPORT, plus
change your compression to ARJ and provide a list of the echos you are
allowed to connect to.  When you write an areafix message, Areafix will
reply back with an areafix receipt telling you what has been done.  If you
put the wrong password, you'll also be told.

    As you can see, there is also a %HELP message to tell you what commands
are available.  When you include this, areafix will send you back a message
with the same help as you see above.  If you are not sure about areafix,
try it out by writing a message with %LIST and %HELP in it.  This message
will not change anything in your configuration, but it will help you get
used to using Areafix.


If you have any questions about this or anything else please contact your
hub.