 
    >>>>>>>>>>>>  SPITFIRE FILE TRANSFER TUTORIAL <<<<<<<<<<<<

The "Files Section" of SPITFIRE allows callers to transfer files between
their system and SPITFIRE.  Downloading is the process of moving files
from a SPITFIRE BBS to your computer and uploading is moving files from 
your computer to a SPITFIRE BBS.

File transfers can be done in a number of ways in SPITFIRE.  New error
checking protocols are being added on a regular basis, but the most common
transfer method is XMODEM. XMODEM protocol was originally developed by
Ward Christensen, a pioneer in micro communications.  XMODEM is included
in most communications programs.  Before talking any more about specific
protocols, lets review the general method of locating a file or program
to download on a SPITFIRE system.

The explanation which follows assumes the SYSOP has adopted the standard
SPITFIRE FILES MENU and is using the recommended prompts. Since SPITFIRE
allows the option of changing the wording on each MENU, you may find some
slight variation in the menu prompts which will perform the same functions.

SPITFIRE allows storing files in different file areas, each of which is
devoted to different types of files or programs. The status line directly
above the Files Menu Prompt tells you which File Area is active.  File
areas usually have names like GAMES, UTILITIES, etc., and likewise contain
those types of files. To view a list of the specific programs available
IN THE CURRENT FILE AREA, select the "<L>... List Files In This Area" 
command.  The complete names of the files will be listed along with file 
size, file date and a short description of each file.

After reviewing the files in the CURRENT FILE AREA, you may change to
another area using the <C>... Change File Area command.  Pressing C will
bring up a prompt asking which file area you wish to change to. If you
are familiar with the particular system you are calling you can enter the
NUMBER corresponding to the area you wish to change to. If you don't know
the areas available you may simply press <ENTER> for a complete file area
list.   After indicating the change you wish to make you may, SPITFIRE
will change to the file area you specified and ask whether you wish to
view the list of files from the new area.

When listing files, a tag character precedes the file name.  By selecting
the associated tag character(s), SPITFIRE will automatically default in the 
name of the tagged file(s) when you are prompted to enter file name to be
downloaded.

SPITFIRE TRANSFER PROTOCOLS...

SPITFIRE supports three variations of the XMODEM protocol.  These include
XMODEM, XMODEM/CRC and 1K-MODEM.  In addition, SPITFIRE offers TELINK and 
SEALINK Derived transfer protocols as well.  One of these protocols should
be used if you intend to transfer files with extensions of EXE, OBJ, COM, 
ARC, LBR, ZIP, ARJ, etc.  Files containing the IBM PC special ASCII 
characters (ones with ASCII values above 128) should also be transferred 
using one of these protocols.  Such files cannot be transferred in ASCII
mode since the ASCII transfer is only 7 bit and these types of files require
the full 8 bit transfer of the data with no translation of the contents of 
the file.

XMODEM also offers the advantage of error checking on a block by block basis
to assure that the data sent contains no errors. It does this by adding a
checksum byte to the end of each block of data; the receiver calculates its
own checksum and compares it to the one received. If an error is detected in
the transmission, XMODEM will request that SPITFIRE retransmit the block of
data.

DOWNLOADS ONLY...
SPITFIRE also supports YMODEM BATCH, YMODEM-g BATCH and SEAlink BATCH for 
downloads but not on uploads.  The YMODEM-g protocols are only available 
if the system you are calling uses an error checking modem and if you are 
calling with an error checking modem.  However, the YMODEM BATCH and the
SEAlink BATCH is available to all callers.  YMODEM BATCH and SEAlink 
BATCH allows you to load a Batch Queue with a series of files and then 
perform a continuous download.

EXTERNAL PROTOCOLS...
The Sysop may optionally choose to offer external file transfer protocols.
External protocols are those which the Sysop adds to the BBS since these
protocols are written by other programmers and, therefore not included in 
SPITFIRE.  Some of the most popular external protocols include ZMODEM, 
JMODEM, LYNX, etc.  Depending on the external protocol(s) the Sysop has
added, files may be transferred individually or in batch.  In most cases,
if the Sysop offers external protocols on the BBS, the external protocols 
will be available to the caller both when downloading and when uploading 
files to the BBS.

BI-DIRECTIONAL PROTOCOLS...
Bi-directional file transfer protocols are a special type of external
protocol which the Sysop may elect to make available.  Bi-directional 
protocols allow the caller to send and receive files at the same time.
By simultaneously performing an upload and download, less log-on time
is required.  These protocols are especially useful to long distance 
callers.  HSLINK and BIMODEM are examples of bi-directional file 
transfer protocols.  

To download a file, you will follow the below listed procedure...

1. Select <D>... Download from the FILES MENU

2. Select the transfer protocol you want to use by entering the number which
   corresponds to it, (i.e. <3> for XMODEM/CRC.  If an external protocol
   is to be used, enter the letter which corresponds to the protocol you
   will use for the download.

3. If you have tagged files, SPITFIRE will automatically enter the file name
   for you.  Otherwise, you must enter the COMPLETE file name. SPITFIRE will 
   notify you if the file you selected is not available to download.

4. SPITFIRE will indicate how many blocks are to be sent and the approximate
   time it will take to download the file.  You then have 45 seconds to 
   start the download.

5. The file will be transferred automatically block by block under XMODEM
   until the entire file has been sent. You may abnormally abort the
   transfer by sending SPITFIRE an ASCII CAN code (CTRL-X).

6. Please be certain to select and use matching protocol types for accurate
   data interchange.

FILE UPLOADING

File uploading to SPITFIRE is very similar to downloading.

Before SPITFIRE will allow you to upload a file, SPITFIRE checks the amount
of available disk space on the upload drive.  When configuring the BBS, the
Sysop sets the minimum amount which must be available before uploads are
allowed.  If the amount of disk is insufficient, SPITFIRE will notify you
that the upload is not allowed at this time.

UPLOAD GROUND RULES

You are encouraged to donate programs to this system. Any type of program or
document is welcome, however, a few ground rules are in order. The files
donated must be in the public domain or Shareware.  No commercial programs
should be placed on this system. The SYSOP is not responsible for any of the
data that is shared on this system.

To upload a file, you should follow the following procedure:

1. Select <U>... Upload from the FILES MENU

2. Select the transfer protocol you want to use by entering the number which
   corresponds to it, (i.e. <3> for XMODEM/CRC.  If an external protocol
   is to be used, enter the letter which corresponds to the protocol you
   will use for the upload.

3. SPITFIRE will prompt you to enter the name of the file and a brief
   description of the file(s) to be uploaded.

4. SPITFIRE will notify you to begin the upload process.  At this time
   you will need to initiate the file transfer from your communications
   program.
   
5. Please be certain to select and use matching protocol types for accurate
   data interchange.
