Express ZModem Receive(EZRECV) Program July 1, 1992 Version 1.0 EZRECV is a DOS program which was developed for the purpose of providing an easy automatic receive capability for the transfer of computer information using modems. The driving concept was that belief that computer to computer data communications should be as easy as FAX transmissions. EZRECV provides an automatic background ZModem file transfer capability. The program waits for a computer to call, receives a file from the other computer, and then terminates the connection. The files are stored in a subdirectory off of the program directory called "INBOX". EZRECV addresses two issues which have limited the spread of easy computer to computer information transfer. The first is the lack of background file transfer capability. Ordinary communications programs offer host mode operation, however the programs run in the foreground. Even in cases where the user can allocate a PC to the function the program must be stopped in order to do anything with the received files. By operating in the background, EZRECV allows users to access the received files while transfers are occuring. The second issue is protocol. Some proprietary file transfer programs are available to send and receive files in the background. However they typically use a proprietary protocol to perform the transfer. The user must buy and install software for both machines to use these programs. Because no one vendor has developed a standard accepted by the industry it is impossible to provide widespread transfer capability. By using ZModem transfer protocols, EZRECV allows most computers to send files to the receiving computer using their existing modem communications software. This limits the expense and guarantees almost universal access. Use of another protocol such as XModem would have provided even broader access, however XMODEM suffers from several technical issues which limit its utility in a general purpose transfer program. EZRECV is a shareware program. The user is allowed to try out the program before registering. If the user continues to use the program, it must be registered. Registration entitles the user to the latest version of the software, technical support, access to the Express BBS, and notification of future product upgrades. Future upgrades could address areas such as support for higher speed modems, host identification, multiple file transmission capability, and reduced program size. Registration will drive the addition of these features. Additionally other related programs will be introduced to provide better management of the received files. Installation This distribution consists of two programs. EESETUP is used to define the basic system configuration for EZRECV. EZRECV is the background file transfer program. Installation of the software consists of the following steps. The commands assume that the software will be installed on the C: drive, and that the software is distributed on a floppy disk in the A: drive. If this is not the case, modify the following statements to handle your configuration. Step 1: Create a directory for the program. C:\>MD EE Step 2: Change to the new directory. C:\>CD EE Step 3: Copy the files to the new directory. C:\EE>COPY A:*.* Step 4: Create the directory for incoming files. C:\EE>MD INBOX Step 5: Configure the program for your system by running EESETUP. C:\EE>EESETUP A: Specify the COM port used for the modem. Valid choices are 1 and 2 for COM1 and COM2 respectively. B: Specify the incoming phone number, including area code. C: Specify the modem reset string. Default is 'Z'. D: Specify the modem initialization string. This is important. The information needed for this string is usually contained in the modem user manual. Step 6: Run EZRECV. This must be executed from within the program directory. C:\EE>EZRECV That's all there is to it. If you want to remove EZRECV from memory, type EZRECV -r at the command prompt. Note that this only works if no background programs were loaded into memory after EZRECV was installed. Transferring a file to a machine with EZRECV is easy. After receiving an incoming call, EZRECV is awaiting a file transfer. The transmitting system will only see some spurious characters which is part of the ZMODEM protocol. The transmitting system should begin transfer immediately. At the completion of the transfer, EZRECV disconnects and waits for the next call. Disclaimer Users of EZRECV agree to the following discaimer of warranty before useing the software. EZRECV is provided as is. The author disclaims all warranties, expressed of implied, including without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose. The author assumes no liability for damages, direct or consequential, which may result from the use of EZRECV. Ordering Express ZModem Receive(EZRECV) version 1.0 is a shareware program. You may use it for a period of up to 30 days to evaluate its usefulness to you. If you wish to continue using it you must register it. Registration entitles you to the latest version of the software, access to the Express BBS, and free technical support. The software may be shipped, or at your request transmitted directly to you at your EZRECV phone number. The registration fee is $29. This includes shipping, but does not include sales tax. California residents must include 8.25% sales tax. Corporate multi-site licences are also available. Send checks to: Express Consulting 4960 Hamilton Ave. Suite 211 San Jose, CA 95130 Contacts For sales and technical inquiries call (408)374-7992, or FAX (408)374-3115. Questions on EZRECV can also be addressed to user 73530,2267 on CompuServe, or by calling the Express BBS at (408)378-5215. Shareware You may freely distribute this unregistered shareware version of EZRECV in unmodified form, including uploading it to Bulletin Board systems. You may not sell, alter or offer this software as part of another system. Registered versions of this software may be used on only one system at a time unless a site or multi-site license has been purchased. Copyright This software is copyrighted by Express Consulting, who retains all rights with the exceptions as stated above. Custom Products & Services Express Consulting offers hardware and software product development services for the communications industry. If you have a special requirement give us a call. *** We make communications easy ***