& Introduction
 
UNICOM is a data communications application specifically designed 
for users of the Microsoft Windows operating environment 
(versions 2 and 3). 

UNICOM can perform data communication tasks in the background 
while other applications are running.  You may switch to another 
Windows application at any time.  

UNICOM Release 1.4 includes the following features:

X/Y/ZMODEM, Kermit, CompuServe B, Quick B and ASCII file 
transfer protocols implemented for full background operation.

Color ANSI-BBS, VT52 and TTY Terminal Emulation supporting user 
selectable terminal fonts that span OEM and ANSI character 
sets.

A 250 Line Terminal Scroll Buffer is provided.

A new Script Language supports more than 35 commands with a 
Trace Mode for debugging.

A Script Scheduler allows pre-programmed execution of up to 
eight script files each at specific days and times.

Directory assisted batch dialing and redialing is supported  
for users with Hayes compatible modems.

An Online Help System allows instant access to general help and 
script command topics.  The user manual is also available for 
direct reference from the online help.

A unique journaling feature lets you record mouse and keyboard  
operations for later playback.

Keyboard macros, File logging, File Paste and Print Screen.

UNICOM provides some unique features that support the Windows 
environment.  You can:

Transfer the contents of a Clipboard from one computer  
directly into the Clipboard of another.  This provides you  
with the ability to transfer many types of Windows-unique data 
formats between computers.  Some of these formats include:

Excel Spreadsheets (SYLK, DIF), Bitmap Images (from Paint), 
Metafile Pictures (from Designer), Text (from Notepad) and any 
format that can be placed on the Clipboard.

Operate your computer in a multi-user mode with UNICOM's host 
mode.  A built-in command processor allows a validated remote 
user to examine or transfer files on a designated disk drive.

This operation is transparent to any user who may be at the 
keyboard directly operating other Window applications.

Operate multiple program instances.  Advanced users with the 
appropriate hardware configuration may initiate simultaneous 
background file transfers with multiple remote systems.

Send a Screen Snapshot directly to the Clipboard. 

& Hardware and Software Requirements

UNICOM requires Microsoft Windows version two or three to be 
installed and properly configured on your computer.  If your 
particular version of UNICOM does not operate properly with 
Windows version 3, contact Data Graphics for information on how 
to obtain a release of UNICOM designed for that version.

Before installing UNICOM on your computer check the following:

1) If a BUS mouse is installed in your computer, make sure the 
mouse interrupt level does not conflict with interrupts reserved 
for serial port operation.  The BUS mouse interrupt is set via a 
jumper on the interface board.  Consult your mouse installation 
manual.

2) Your serial port(s) (COM1 and COM2) should be set for 
interrupt operation using IRQ4 and IRQ3 respectively.  The 
interrupt levels are typically selected via jumpers located on 
your serial interface board or on the motherboard.  Consult your 
computer reference manual. 

3) Microsoft Windows version 2 may contain a BUG in the 
communication port driver.  If your version of Windows is dated 
before April 1989, you should obtain a replacement communication 
port driver (named COMM.DRV) from Microsoft and reinstall Windows 
using this replacement file.

4) A Hayes compatible modem must be present to support UNICOM's 
directory assisted dialing and call hang-up features.

The modem dip switch settings should be set to the manufacturers 
DEFAULT positions.  The modem must be configured to return 
VERBOSE responses.

Also, please note that certain operations such as Clipboard to 
Clipboard transfers require enough temporary memory and disk 
storage to hold the data being transferred.  This storage is 
released after the transfer operation is completed.


& Installing UNICOM

The UNICOM 1.4 distribution disk should contain the following 
files:  
      File                 Description
  UNICOM.EXE   -  The UNICOM executable program.
  UCLIB.EXE    -  UNICOM Runtime Support library.
  UNICOM.DIR   -  A sample dialing directory.
  UNICOM.CFG   -  A default program configuration file.
  UNICOM.WRI   -  The UNICOM Online Manual.
  UNICOM.HLP   -  Online Help Text File.
  UCSCRIPT.HLP -  Script Online Help Text File.
  UC-READ.ME   -  UNICOM release notes.
  CSERVE.SCR   -  An example UNICOM login script file

To install UNICOM, 

1) UNICOM requires that Microsoft Windows 2.x or 3.x be 
installed and working on your computer.

   If you are upgrading from a previous version of UNICOM, do 
not mix your old UNICOM.CFG with that of a new UNICOM release.  
UNICOM configuration files are not compatible across releases.

2) Insert the distribution disk in your floppy disk drive.

3) Copy the files to any directory on the destination drive 
where you wish to store UNICOM.  You will need to remember this 
directory path and enter it into the UNICOM file path window 
from within the program setup menu.  

The support file: UCLIB.EXE must be placed in a directory 
listed in your search path as defined by your MS-DOS PATH 
environment variable.  This PATH environment variable is set in 
the MS-DOS AUTOEXEC.BAT file.  Consult your DOS operating 
manual for more information about the DOS PATH environment 
variable.

 4) Before running UNICOM, it is a good idea to check the items 
listed in the previous Hardware and Software Requirements 
section.

 5) Activate UNICOM and enter your license number by pressing 
the ENTER LICENSE NO. button that appears on an opening start-
up screen.  The license number is printed on your receipt and 
should be saved for future reference should the program need to 
be re-installed.  Licensing disables the opening startup 
screens and prevents their return during program operation.

Should UNICOM be moved to another computer or modify the 
Windows WIN.INI file, it may be necessary to enter the license 
number again to disable the built-in nagware screens should 
they reappear. 

& Running UNICOM

UNICOM may be activated from DOS using the following syntax:

UNICOM [configfile]

By omitting the optional [configfile] parameter, UNICOM will 
look for a default configuration file named UNICOM.CFG.

From DOS, type the command (depending upon your windows version):

     WIN UNICOM 
-or- WIN386 UNICOM 

To activate UNICOM from the Microsoft Executive or File System, 
doubleclick (using a mouse) on the file: UNICOM.EXE.

When invoked without a configuration file parameter, additional 
UNICOM instances will attempt to access a configuration file 
named UNICOM2.CFG.  If this file cannot be located, the port 
settings will default to COM2, 1200, N, 8, 1.

When UNICOM is activated for the first time, a file path setup 
window will appear  prompting you to enter a UNICOM files,
upload and download directory.

The files directory should be set to the drive and directory 
where UNICOM has been installed.  The download directory should 
be set to the drive and directory where files received from 
data transfers are to be stored.  The upload directory should 
be set to the drive and directory where UNICOM will first look 
to locate files for upload selection. 

Enter the pathnames into the edit fields within the dialog box.  
Paths defined here are valid only for the current UNICOM 
session.  To make the paths permanent, activate the SAVE SETUP 
option from within the SETUP menu.  Paths are stored in your 
Windows WIN.INI file.

An error message will be displayed if any of the path fields 
contain an invalid directory or if UNICOM could not locate its 
executable files in the directory specified in the FILES 
DIRECTORY field.

At the start of each program run, the configuration file 
'UNICOM.CFG' is accessed (from the file path set previously) to 
determine what communication port will be used and other 
operating parameters.  If UNICOM cannot locate this file, the 
port will default to COM2, 1200 baud, No Parity, 8 data bits 
and 1 stop bit.

Should a communication port fail to open, UNICOM will display a 
message box to indicate the failure.  The port configuration 
dialog window will be displayed automatically.  A valid 
communication port should be selected.

When a communication port is successfully opened, UNICOM will 
try to initialize the Hayes compatible modem if the port was 
configured for a modem connection.  Should the message "Modem 
Not Responding" appear, this means UNICOM could not get the 
modem's attention.  Make sure the communicatons port and modem 
are configured properly.  Ensure that the modem is set to 
return VERBOSE responses.



& UNICOM and Windows 3.0
  
  This product will be supported for the Windows
  version 3 environment when it becomes available.

  Should this version of UNICOM fail to operate under
  Windows 3.0, contact Data Graphics for information 
  on how to obtain a Windows 3 specific version.

  Registered users may upgrade free of charge.  

& How to Obtain Additional Help
  Technical support is available for registered users 
  of this product.  
  
  Free technical support is available to new (unregistered)
  users who require first time help in setting up the program 
  for evaluation.  Please call (206) 932-8871 during
  technical support hours only (6pm-10pm Pacific time).

  If you have difficulty using UNICOM or have a general 
  question, please contact David Gan at Data Graphics.

  He can be reached via CompuServe EASYPLEX Email 
  at 71631,464

   -or- phone (206) 932-8871 during Technical Support
  hours between 6p.m. and 10p.m. Pacific time Monday-Thursday.


& HOW TO REGISTER THIS COPY OF UNICOM
  Registration of this product will allow you to disable the
  built-in 'nagware' screens and support additional 
  enhancements of this product (which you can receive free!).

  UNICOM can be ordered :

     By Mail:  Please send the enclosed order form with 
               payment to:

               Data Graphics
               7735 46th S.W.
               Seattle, WA  98136

     By Phone: Call (206) 932-8871 between 9am and 9p.m. 
               Pacific time if you wish to use your VISA
               or MasterCard.  A license number will be
               issued to you over the phone.
          
     By Email: Credit card orders can be accepted 
               via CompuServe EASYPLEX electronic mail. 
               Send your electronic mail order to:
               71631,464 and your license number will
               be sent to you via return email. 


& NEW FEATURES IN UNICOM 1.4
  ANSI-BBS Color Terminal Emulation is now included.  
     
  Terminal Scroll-back operation of 250 lines.

  A New Script Language has been include that supports 
  more than 35 statements and commands.  

  Script Tracing has been added to allow viewing of each
  command as it is executed.  This feature will assist 
  you when debugging script command files.  

  An Online Script Language Help System is provided as a
  quick reference to the many new script language commands.
 
  Terminal Fonts are now User Selectable and Sizeable that
  span ANSI and OEM character sets.

  Eight Script files may be programmed for scheduled
  execution using a new Script Scheduler.  

  The Modem Init String can now be user-provided or 
  selected from the modem setup window.

  A User Defined Dialing Prefix is supported to support
  extended phone numbers for special dialing. Systems
  to be dialed using a prefix are identified using an 
  asterisk in the first column of directory system name.

  Directory entries can be dialed with a double mouse click.
  The dialing directory will remember your selections.
  
  An Error Report Disable option has been added to disable
  reporting of selected communication errors should they
  occur.

  Windows Control Panel, Notepad, and additional UNICOM
  instances can be activated from a menu.  There is no
  need to leave UNICOM to invoke these utility programs. 
       
& Transferring Files

A powerful feature of UNICOM is the ability to exchange
information between computers.  The protocols provided with this
software will allow you to transfer files between many different
computers.  UNICOM performs this transfer task in the background,
so you may switch to other running applications.

                       Downloading Files

To download a file into your computer, start the download
procedure on the remote system and select the DOWNLOAD FILE
option from the Control menu.  The PgDn key or the DOWNLOAD
screen button may also be used.  UNICOM will then prompt you to
select a protocol from a dialog box.  You may choose from XMODEM,
YMODEM, ZMODEM, Kermit, ASCII, CompuServe B and Quick B protocols.

After a selection has been made, UNICOM will prompt you for
a filename in which to store the file.  You are not prompted for
this information for ZMODEM, CompuServe B and Kermit transfers
since the name is provided by the remote.

NOTE: The communication port is switched to 8-N-1 automatically
for all transfer protocols (except ASCII).  The port is switched
back to the previous settings after the transfer is completed. 

Throughout the course of the file transfer, an information
window is displayed so that you may easily monitor the transfer
operation.  This window provides the following information: the
name of the file, number of bytes transferred, current block
number, error count and any messages generated from the use of
the selected protocol.  A bar graph display has been added to
give you a visual read-out as to the amount of data received
or transmitted.

To abort a transfer in progress, mouse users may select the
ABORT button from the information window.  Keyboard users must
press the ESC key.

                    Uploading Files

To upload a file to the remote system, instruct the remote
computer to receive a file from you.  Initiate the file upload on
your computer by selecting UPLOAD FILE from the Transfer menu.
The PgUp key or the UPLOAD screen button may also be used.  An
upload file selection window will appear that will allow you to
search your disk for the file to be selected.  The file to be
uploaded may be entered by name or selected from the listbox
containing directory entries.

The upload file directory listbox may be set to display
files from a different drive.  Just enter the drive letter and
terminating colon (example D:) in the edit box then press return.
The listbox will be directed to display the directory on that
drive.

For ZMODEM file transfers, a Batch Upload File Selection box
will appear containing two listboxes.  The listbox on the left
displays the current directory of files from which to select. The
listbox on the right contains the selected files for transfer.
Batch selections are made by double clicking the mouse on a
selected file.  Keyboard users must highlight the selection and
use the tab key to activate the ADD button.  Once this is done,
the file is added to the right listbox containing selected files.
Use the ADD button from this window to make batch selections.

When you are finished, select GO! to initiate the ZMODEM upload.


& Clipboard Transfers

The contents of the Clipboard may be transferred between two
computers equipped with UNICOM software.   Using this feature,
many types of Clipboard formats may be exchanged.  Some of these
formats include:  Bitmaps, Metafile Pictures, Text, User Defined
Formats, SYLK, TIFF and more...

To send a Clipboard format to a remote UNICOM, the user on each
end must agree to the transfer operation by using the keyboard
to communicate the request.  This transfer must be coordinated 
by both parties so that both UNICOM's can be commanded at
the same time - one to receive, the other to transmit.

A Clipboard format is transferred as a temporary file
between two UNICOM systems.  This requires sufficient temporary
disk and memory space on both computers to hold the format.

& Dialing from the Directory
To use the automatic dialing feature built-in to UNICOM, the
dialing directory must be populated with entries each
containing a name, phone number and communication parameters.  

The directory maintenance buttons located on the lower right
corner of the dialing directory allow the directory to be
edited and saved.  Once you have created your directory, 
UNICOM can establish a phone connection for you.
Just highlight the desired directory entry using the mouse
or keyboard then select the DIAL button.  UNICOM will set
the communication parameters and begin dialing.

Hayes compatible modems require that commands be issued 
using specific communication settings.  If the communication
parameters for the entry being dialed are different from the
table below, the modem may not respond properly when 
UNICOM sends a command to dial.

           BAUD     Word Size   Parity    Stop Bits
          0 - 300    7 or 8      Even      1 or 2
                     7 or 8      Odd       1 or 2
                     7 or 8      None      1 or 2
          1200 or      7         Even      1 or 2
         greater       7         Odd       1 or 2
                       8         None      1 or 2

& Journaling
Journaling is a feature used to record a UNICOM session for
later playback.  Keyboard and mouse interaction with UNICOM
can be recorded and played back exactly as it was recorded. 

This can be useful for demonstrating the use of the program
or to completely automate an interaction with a remote computer.
Journaling has some built in Microsoft limitations:  Some dialog
windows will only respond to actual input during a journal play-
back.

& Pasting Clipboard Text 
Clipboard text may be pasted (transmitted) to the remote
host computer.  This operation is equivalent to uploading an
ASCII file.

An ASCII file can be copied to the Clipboard using
a program such as Notepad.  The text can then be pasted
(uploaded) to the remote host by selecting PASTE from the Edit
menu.

The ASCII upload settings apply to this operation.
Select the 'ASCII Xfer' menu selection from the Setup menu to 
view (or change) the ASCII transfer settings.

& Host Mode Operation
Host mode allows remote password protected access to the
files within all directories on a designated drive.  The password
and assigned drive are set by selecting the HOST option from the
Setup menu.

To toggle host mode ON or OFF, select HOST MODE from the
Control Menu.  Once enabled, UNICOM monitors the port for a
remote user login.

A remote user MUST TRANSMIT TWO CONSECUTIVE CARRIAGE RETURNS
to cause UNICOM to display the HOST IDENTIFICATION STRING and
prompt the user for a login name.  Once a login name is entered,
the user is prompted for a password.  Should the password be
accepted, the remote user is granted access and presented with an
option menu.  Passwords are case sensitive and should be entered
by the remote user exactly as it appears in your host
configuration screen.

& HELP!: Solving Communication Errors
--------------------------------------------------------------
                UNICOM and Error Reporting
--------------------------------------------------------------
     UNICOM uses the Microsoft Communication port driver 
     built into Windows to communicate to the outside world.
     
     Communication errors are detected by the Windows port
     driver.  UNICOM reports errors in the form of PORT STATE
     messages anytime the driver encounters an error.

     Unlike many other communication programs, UNICOM is not
     in low level control of your hardware.  When an error
     occurs in communication, it is detected by the driver
     then reported by UNICOM.

     In other words, to correct communication errors, the
     solution must be to the satisfaction of the Microsoft
     Port driver built into Windows. 

     It is through UNICOM by which you instruct how 
     communication is to be set.  If UNICOM complains,
     it does so on behalf of the Microsoft driver.

-------------------------------------------------------------
               Identifying Communication Errors
-------------------------------------------------------------

     The first step in solving a communication difficulty is 
     to identify the cause.   The three most common causes
     are listed as follows.

     1) A mismatch in port settings may exist between your PC
        and the remote system that you are connected to.
        Make sure that UNICOM and the remote system are set
        to communicate using the same baud rate, parity,
        stop bits and wordsize.

     2) Your PC hardware may be configured improperly and
        thus preventing proper operation of the port.
        The hardware settings to be aware of include:
 
        * A BUS Mouse Interrupt Level jumper setting
          (located on the bus mouse interface card) should
          be set to an interrupt level that does not conflict
          with an interrupt reserved for your serial port.
          Consult your mouse installation manual.

        * Check the interrupt settings for you serial port(s).
          COM1 should be set for IRQ4. COM2 should be set for
          IRQ3.

          Interrupt settings are typically selected via a
          jumper on your serial card or motherboard. 
          Consult your computer reference manual.

      3) Your version of Windows may contain a bug in the
         communication port driver provided by Microsoft.

         A bug exists in Windows 2.0 - 2.1 dated before
         April 1989.  You should obtain a file called COMM.DRV
         (or COMMDR.ARC ) from Microsoft and re-install Windows
         using this replacement file.  This file should be
         available on CompuServe in the MS-APP area in 
         library 1 or 2.                  

--------------------------------------------------------------
                Solving Communication Errors         
--------------------------------------------------------------
   
       Correcting problems is often accomplished through a 
       process of elimination.  If the problem you are having
       is cause 1 (above), it cannot be addressed until 
       causes 2 and 3 are checked and corrected (if necessary).    

       At this point it is assumed that you have verified your
       hardware configuration and have re-installed Windows
       using the replacement communication driver.
 
       If the problem still persists, it is very likely a
       mismatch in communication settings between your
       PC and the remote host computer.

       See 'HELP with CompuServe' for troubleshooting 
       communication difficulties with this service.
              
               Setting Communication Parameters    
     
       Setting communication parameters involves determining
       the baud, parity, wordsize and the number of stop
       bits required for the computer you wish to connect
       with.  It then becomes a matter of setting your PC
       to match the parameters of the remote computer using
       UNICOM's Comm Port setup option.

       If you are not sure of the communication parameters
       required by the remote computer contact the
       operator of the system or refer to the following
       table.

       System Type           Typical Settings
       -----------------------------------------------
       Bulletin Boards        8-N-1
       TYMNET                 7-E-1
       TELENET                7-E-1         
       CompuServe             7-E-1 (and/or 8-N-1)

       Some network services or data links impose 
       their own communication operating parameters when
       connecting your PC with a remote host computer.
       If you are sure of the operating parameters
       required by the remote host and are still experiencing
       difficulty, the data link may be the cause.  If this 
       is the case, an alternate (or more direct) method of
       connection may be required.

       If you have exhausted all the above possibilities and
       just can't solve the problem, feel free to contact
       Data Graphics - See 'How to Obtain Additional Help'.

& HELP with CompuServe 
PROBLEM:

   After dialing into CompuServe, characters appear
  'garbled' before and/or after entering my USERID number.
   
ANSWER:

  CompuServe requires that you be aware of 3 communication
  settings:
          1) The CompuServe access port settings. 
             The Access port prompts you for the system,
             user id and password.  
             Settings are either 7E1 or 8N1.

          2) The CompuServe online TERMINAL settings. 
             After entering your USERID during login
             at your access port, CompuServe will switch
             to ONLINE settings.  These online settings
             can be viewed or changed by typing 
             GO TERMINAL from the CompuServe prompt.

          3) Your PC Communication Port Settings set by
             UNICOM using the Comm Port menu selection
             from the Setup menu. 

          Should your PC Communication settings differ 
          from 1 or 2 above at any time, UNICOM may
          report a PORT STATE RX-PARITY message and  
          characters received can be lost.

    When you first call into CompuServe via an access port,
    your PC communication settings must match those of the
    access port. 

   There are two types of settings with CompuServe:

      8 Data Bits, No Parity and 1 Stop Bit,
                     or
      7 Data Bits, EVEN Parity and 1 Stop Bit

DO THIS:
   1) Determine the Parity and Word Size (or Data Bit Size)
      settings for the CompuServe access port that you dial
      into.  You may need to contact customer service at
      800-848-8990 for this info.

   2) Log into CompuServe and change your TERMINAL SETTINGS 
      to match the parity and word size of your dial-in 
      access port.  Type GO TERMINAL at the CompuServe
      ! prompt.  Make this setting permanent when asked to 
      make the change for the session only or permanent
      (for all future sessions).
    
   3) Set UNICOM to match the parity and wordsize for 
      CompuServe in the Dialing Directory using the 
      Change option.

     
& HELP!: Directory ADD, CHANGE and EDIT PREFIX buttons
PROBLEM:  
   The ADD, CHANGE and Edit Prefix buttons in UNICOM's dialing
   directory do not activate the directory editor using
   Windows 386.

ANSWER
 
   A low memory condition (conventional memory) may (at times)
   prevent these edit windows from appearing when activated.
   
   The following steps are recommended:

   1) Upgrade to a newer version of Microsoft Windows.

   2) After placing the following line in your config.sys,
      reboot your computer.
			
      BUFFERS=30
   
   3) Operate UNICOM without executive replacement programs.
      (i.e. remove Command Post)

   4) If all else fails, contact Data Graphics.
					       
   Any one or more of the above steps should be tried to
   eliminate the problem.


& NOTE: UNICOM, Windows and COM3
QUESTION

UNICOM provides a COM3 option in the port configuration
Window but I can't access this port - I do have the
hardware.  What's wrong?

ANSWER

UNICOM depends upon the capability of the Microsoft 
communication port driver built into Windows from which to
communicate with the outside world.  Unlike most other
comm programs, UNICOM does not control or talk directly
to your serial I/O ports.  All communication is done via
the Microsoft serial port driver provided with Windows.

Windows 2 supports COM1 and COM2 only.
Support for COM3 will be provided in a future version of 
Windows.   
