------------------------------ {COMMAC}.TXT version A (Beta) ------------------------------ July 13, 1995 Table of Contents ----------------- Mission Statement Copyright Notice {COMMAC} Collection Snippet Function Wish-list {COMMO} Macro Writers Directory List of {COMMO} Macro Suites and Related Programs {COMMO} Utility Tutorial Host mode BBS front end Automation Macro Logon and Mail Run Door & Game Playing Miscellaneous / Novelty {COMMO} Resource Libraries {COMMO} Networks, Mail-lists, Online help Appendix A Submitting and Judging of Snippets Appendix B {COMMAC} Technical Organization Appendix C {COMMAC} Maintenance Mission Statement ----------------- We want to make it easy for you to enjoy the full power of {COMMO} with a collection that will help you in your everyday communicating with {COMMO}. From all inclusive "kitchen sink" macro suites, to specialized tools and snippets that you can plug into COMMO.MAC yourself, we aim to meet your needs! Thanks to the many organizers, programmers, and reviewers for their contributions to this collection of {COMMO} macro programs. A special thank-you to Fred Brucker for {COMMO} and for his ongoing support of {COMMO}. Truly "A New Standard in Telecommunications". Copyright Information --------------------- Copyright (c) 1995 The current {COMMAC} Collection owner is Chuck Seyboldt. The {COMMAC} Collection contains the work of many individuals. We strive to give accurate and complete attribution although errors and ommissions may have been made inadvertantly. "The {COMMAC} Collection" may be freely distributed without changes. "The {COMMAC} Collection" (COMMACxx.ZIP) comprises the following files: {COMMAC}.MAC Macro engine {COMMAC}.DAT Macro snippets by various authors {COMMAC}.TXT {COMMO} resource list The .DAT and .TXT files may be independently updated and released by their respective "keepers". Suggested names for the distribution of these files files are; CMMACDxx.ZIP {COMMAC}.DAT alone CMMACTxx.ZIP {COMMAC}.TXT alone Distribution of {COMMAC}.MAC without the supporting .DAT and .TXT files is prohibited. When {COMMAC}.MAC is updated, or when keepership of any of the three {COMMAC} Collection (TXT/DAT/MAC) files changes, a new COMMACxx.ZIP will be prepared including the most recent .DAT and .TXT files. Version levels between the three files will not necessarily match. ---------------------------------------------- *-*-*-* {COMMAC} Collection Snippet Function Wish-list ---------------------------------------------- This is a list of macro functions that {COMMO} users have asked for at one time or another. Macro snippets that satisfy these functions would be considered for addition to {COMMAC}.DAT. . Macro driven addition to .FON (Brucker/Bishop added to COMMO.MAC) pine/vt keyboard emulation in a snap (Brucker/Bishop added to COMMO.MAC) Command recall often used commands Alternate to ASCII upload built in function Alternate built-in capture file open/close Random number generator Random tagline selector View and change {COMMO} variables Address book Telephone dialer from address book (for voice connection) File upload manager Strew files from dl directory to desired final destination dirs Automatic macro compiling and renaming Move cursor with mouse change dl path -- change ul directory Large Print Clock Julian date <-> Gregorian date conversions FAX program integration automate a game door (game not specified) File download database w/automated downloads Macro "debug" mode to single step through a macro file ------------------------------- *-*-*-* {COMMO} Macro Writers Directory ------------------------------- These people are outspoken supporters of {COMMO}. If you have a macro wish or question, these people are an available resource. Inclusion in this directory is only done with an individual's expressed permission. cboldt@nlbbs.com Seyboldt, Chuck programmer ---------------------------- List of {COMMO} Macro Suites ---------------------------- Title: {COMMO} Production release Filename: COMMO642.ZIP 03/18/95 193999 Sitelist: demod*,foxhole*,ordata*,ginger,masbbs,blink Category: {COMMO} Author: Fred Brucker Support: {COMMO} is small in size, loads rapidly and performs all functions with great speed. The powerful Macro Language allows you to: o Write macro "scripts" to automate many common operations such as logging in, reading messages, uploading/downloading. {COMMO} will perform these tasks in the middle of the night while you sleep. o Assign Function Keys, Alt Keys, Keypad Keys, etc., to: - Send a string to the modem - Execute any DOS command - Start any macro - Initiate any {COMMO} function. o Create pop-up menus with "hot keys" to start any macro. o Edit all macros without exiting {COMMO}, using the Internal Editor. Macros become effective immediately. o Call your computer from a remote location using {COMMO}'s convenient Host Mode, written in {COMMO}'s macro language. The free-form Dialing Directory has space for hundreds of entries. Multi Number Dialing is supported from the command line. AutoBaud detect adjusts to the speed of the connection. A macro may be linked to each directory entry. Multi-tasking support. {COMMO} is fully DESQview aware, operates in far less memory than comparable programs. Also supports OS/2, Windows, OmniView, DoubleDOS and others. Swap to disk is optional when shelling to DOS or executing external programs. The resident program kernel occupies less than 2k of memory. Built-in ANSI-BBS and VT102 emulation. Supports ANSI editing functions, scrolling region, 132 column mode, graphics character set, tab set/clear, printing, modes, reports, etc. Complete auto-switching VT102 keyboard support via Macros. ENQ/ACK terminal protocol support. Built-in file transfer protocols include Ymodem Batch, Ymodem-G Batch, Xmodem-1k, Xmodem-1k-G and Xmodem. Upload file selection macro. ASCII Upload to send messages and text files. Features line pacing and blank line expansion. The Setup File, Dialing Directory and Macro File are plain text files and may be edited with the full-function Internal Editor, or with any external editor. Any file up to 64k in size may be edited within {COMMO} using the Internal Editor. String search is available in all support file windows. {COMMO} supports all text display modes, including 132 column screens. Character Translate Tables for both sending and receiving. Tables can be modified dynamically via macros. Split-screen Chat Mode for communicating with another computer which is also running a terminal program. All program features are available while in Chat Mode. Doorway Mode lets you operate remote applications with full use of your screen and keyboard. {COMMO}'s Auto Receive feature lets you configure any 16 strings to automatically trigger any 16 macros. Thus any protocol with a "signature" can be set to start automatically. Zmodem and HS/Link are pre-configured. Support for any four serial ports. Port addresses and IRQ's are configurable (including IRQ 8 to 15). Port speeds up to 115,200 bps (hardware dependent). Automatic support for NS16550A (or AF) buffered UART chip. Serial port signal lights may be displayed on the Status Line, including send and receive. Very useful with internal modems. Scrollback buffer up to 64k bytes gives instant replay of the text that has scrolled off the screen. Capture Log saves all text from the screen to a disk file. Three different capture modes are available. Screen Image Save writes the current screen to a disk file. Print Log writes all text from the screen to the printer. Usage Log records date, time, length of call and other information about each call. Date of last call can be saved in the Dialing Directory. Date and time formats used in logs and displays are configurable for use in any country. Support for visually impaired users with {COMMO}'s configurable Speech Friendly Interface (using the "/b" command line switch or setting {sfi=yes} in COMMO.SET). Extensive context-related Online Help. And {COMMO} is elegant, easy to learn and fun to use! Title: {COMMO} Public Beta release Filename: CMMO642I.ZIP 65353 Sitelist: demod*,foxhole*,ordata*,ginger,masbbs,blink Category: {COMMO} Author: Fred Brucker Support: Public Beta releases of {COMMO} are made available at the following BBS sites ...... BlinkLink phone numbers listed Charlie's Foxhole elsewhere in this file Demodulator Ginger's Port MAS BBS Title: The {COMMAC} Collection Filename: COMMAC-A.ZIP 07/13/95 44000 Sitelist: demod,foxhole Category: Utility Author: Various Support: Various The {COMMAC} Collection is a set of three correlated files. A Macro engine, this {COMMAC}.TXT file and a {COMMAC}.DAT file. The {COMMAC} Collection contains a comprehensive list of {COMMO} macros and resources .... you are looking at that file now. The {COMMAC} Collection also contains {COMMAC}.DAT, a collection of macro snippets that have passed the scrutiny of a panel of volunteer judges, making this a sort of "best-of" collection. This is an unfinished Beta release. Title: HydraMac Filename: HYD_MAC.ZIP 3757 Sitelist: demod Category: Utility Author: Jim Bennett Support: Demodulator 520-290-2807 Modified COMMO.MAC with Hydracom on protocol menu Title: JBTUTOR Filename: JBTUTOR.ZIP 45625 Sitelist: demod* Category: Tutorial Author: Jim Bennett Support: Demodulator BBS 520-290-2807 JBTUTOR: Not a macro, rather a "how to" set of tutorials on using the {COMMO} macro language to write a mailrun or logon script (Freeware). Title: Ringback Filename: RGBACK11.ZIP 9535 Sitelist: demod Category: Host Mode Author: Jim Bennett Support: Demodulator 520-290-2807 RINGBACK: Selectively load MOSTHOST on a remote PC by dialing in, allowing phone to ring once, then dialing back in. RINGBACK watches phone line waiting for just one ring. If phone rings more than once, RINGBACK ignores that call. RINGBACK goes back in to "watch" mode after the call into MOSTHOST is terminated. (Freeware) Title: JB Callback Verifier Filename: JBCB641.ZIP 35136 Sitelist: demod*,foxhole*,ordata* Category: BBS Front End Author: Jim Bennett Support: Demodulator 520-290-2807 JBCBxxx: A callback verifier for sysops who run TriBBS, SpitFire, WildCat, MacroBBS systems. Or for sysops who run any other BBSware that offers an external BBSware util that can be run from a batch file, and which raises/lowers user security levels. (Shareware. It's a compiled macro.) Title: TriMail MAILRUN Filename: MLRN40A.ZIP 37110 Sitelist: demod* Category: Logon and Mail Run Author: Jim Bennett Support: Demodulator 520-290-2807 MALRNxxx: Automates mailruns with TriBBS systems using either/or TriMail/TriHub. Supports multiple protocols (ZModem, HSLink, HydraCom) and multiple ZModem versions (internal, DSZ/GSZ, VZ, FWZModem, CEXYZ, etc.). Logging function, session capture, has its own install routine. (Freeware) Title: Commo Master Control Filename: CMC53A.ZIP 24480 Sitelist: demod Category: Automation Macro Author: Don Garrett Support: Session Manager, Logons, Mailruns, File collecting. Title: ALCOMMO (PCBoard, WC! Mailruns) Filename: ALCOMMO.ZIP 4851 Sitelist: demod,ginger Category: Logon and Mail Run Author: Al Werner Support: Ginger's Port Limited 614-855-8504 There is another called ALCOMMO (latest version 3.2.) It will do mail runs for Wildcat and PCB. It's very easy to set up. You should be able to find it on Ginger's Port Limited (one of the beta sights) or I can E-Mail it to you. Title: Power Macros for Trade Wars Filename: PMAC312S.ZIP 50322 Sitelist: demod Category: Door & Game Playing Author: Frederick Polli Support: Power Macros for Trade Wars Title: Cmusic Music Player Filename: CMUSIC92.ZIP 4925 Sitelist: demod Category: Miscellaneous / Novelty Author: Jason J Meddaugh Support: Title: MacroBBS BBS Ware Filename: MBBS35.ZIP 367699 Sitelist: demod*,foxhole*,ordata* Category: Host Mode Author: Jeff Oberlee Support: Charlie's Foxhole 517-323-3405 MacroBBS is a powerful set of macrofiles--a virtual BBS written in {COMMO} script. Many features to rival commercial BBS software include DIZ extracting, file tagging, batch ul/dls and duplicate file renaming. External Script Files and menus allow almost endless customization, Multi-node and high-speed modem support, EASY set-up, and features its own built-in network (MacroNET(tm)) facilities: netmail, echomail, automated file transfers, attaches, requests, and lots more! A must-see for {COMMO} fans. Other nets have a {COMMO} echo; MacroNET has a {COMMO} engine. Title: Large Print Clock Filename: CLOCK11.ZIP 1708 Sitelist: demod,foxhole* Category: Miscellaneous / Novelty Author: Jeff Oberlee Support: Charlie's Foxhole 517-323-3405 This is a macro which will display the current time in large-print digits on your whole screen (or in a window if you use a multi-tasker). Title: CS-MAC Mail Run & More Filename: CSMAC13A.ZIP 179845 Sitelist: demod*,foxhole*,ordata* Category: Logon and Mail Run Author: Chuck Seyboldt Support: Northern Lights BBS 207 761-4782 CS-MAC is a full-featured mail run, file fetch, and online convenience series of macros. It includes many nifty macro snippets in its own right. CS-MAC supports logon to over a dozen BBS types and mailruns to almost two dozen mail door types. CS-MAC is designed for the ambitious beginner, it includes menu driven configuration, extensive help, menu driven external protocol addition ... too many features to list. Title: CS-PILOT Autopilot Filename: CSMAC13A.ZIP 179845 Sitelist: previously defined Category: Automation Macro Author: Chuck Seyboldt Support: Northern Lights BBS 207 761-4782 CS-PILOT.CSM is a compiled macro that makes designing an event schedule a snap. While managing an event schedule, CS-PILOT watches the phone for rings, logs those rings to a file, and on a certain pattern goes into host mode with many options (answer, callback, callback w/password). If host mode isn't "used", CS-PILOT returns to managing the event schedule. Besides unattended convenience, CS-PILOT has a hot-key menu that can launch any {COMMO} macro that you specify. CS-PILOT runs with COMMO.MAC or CS-COMMO. CS-PILOT is shareware, an unattended event has a chance of requiring a keypress to continue. Registration removes this chance. Title: JBHOST Host Mode Filename: JBHST51B.ARJ 9998 Sitelist: demod Category: Host Mode Author: Jeff Bishop Support: Title: JBLEARN Macro Recorder Filename: JBL-12.ZIP 41112 Sitelist: demod*,foxhole*,ordata* Category: Utility Author: Jeff Bishop Support: Title: M4SELECT File upload selector Filename: M4SELECT.ZIP 4258 Sitelist: demod Category: Utility Author: Alan Bowhill Support: Alternative file selector Title: M4 BBS Front-End Filename: M4GAMMA.ZIP Sitelist: foxhole* Category: BBS Front End Author: Alan Bowhill Support: A full featured BBS front end. Title: MostHost Filename: MH642.ZIP 12014 Sitelist: demod,foxhole Category: Host Mode Author: Fred Brucker / Shad Muegge Support: Title: Moo Goo Menu Maker Filename: MOOGOO15.ZIP 32447 Sitelist: demod,foxhole,ordata* Category: Utility Author: Nick Scott Support: A macro suite with a unique approach to making {COMMO} menus, keyboard definition, and editing. Includes a screen saver and file manager. Title: BronkMac Filename: BRONKMAC.ZIP 7158 Sitelist: demod Category: Utility Author: Ray Bronk Support: Ray Bronk's customized COMMO.MAC Title: Trunc v 1.3 Filename: TRUNC13.ZIP 29587 Sitelist: demod Category: Utility Author: Jim Goodenough Support: Directory Assistance BBS 707 823-9516 Facilitates on-line quoting with any BBSware Title: Update System Clock to NBS Filename: TIME14.ZIP 9807 Sitelist: demod Category: Utility Author: Carl Morris Support: A macro to update your time with the national time clock in Colorado. {TIME} 1.4 a {COMMO} macro file to use your modem to keep your clock on time! Has numerous options relating to how often it is to call, what time offset you're in, and whether daylight savings is used in your area. Title: Autocomm logon and mailrun Filename: AUTOCM10.ZIP Sitelist: ordata* Category: Logon and Mail Run Author: Support: Automated download/script macro written for version 4.32 Title: {COMMO} Point-n-Shoot File Selector Filename: PNS52.ZIP 26775 Sitelist: demod Category: Utility Author: Support: Commo Point 'n Shoot alternate upload macro. This is an .EXE file that produces a file list. Title: Call Log Analyzer Filename: ANALG131.ZIP 30050 Sitelist: demod Category: Utility Author: Support: {COMMO} Call Log Analyzer Title: Logictec Mouse moves Cursor Filename: LOGICOMO.ZIP 5085 Sitelist: demod Category: Miscellaneous / Novelty Author: Support: A menu for the Logitech mouse Title: Task scheduler Filename: TASK.ZIP 11098 Sitelist: demod Category: Automation Macro Author: Support: Launch OS programs at certain time of the day/week Title: COMMO.FON sorter Filename: CDM_V15.ZIP 85042 Sitelist: demod Category: Utility Author: Support: Sorts COMMO.FON alphabetically Title: Convert to COMMO.FON Filename: COMMOCV4.ARJ 8891 Sitelist: demod Category: Utility Author: Support: Converts dialing directories from other terminal programs into COMMO.FON format Title: Logon macro samples Filename: COMM1205.ZIP 54251 Sitelist: demod Category: Logon and Mail Run Author: Support: Multiple .MAC file samples for logging onto various BBSware and doing mail downloads Title: Call Log Trimmer Filename: TRMLOG12.ZIP 3343 Sitelist: demod* Category: Utility Author: Jim Bennett Support: Demodulator 520-290-2807 Operate {COMMO} to do a Log file trim. - - -------------------------- *-*-*-* {COMMO} Resource Libraries -------------------------- Demodulator 520-290-2807 Jim Bennett demod Charlie's Foxhole 517-323-3405 Jeff Oberlee foxhole Blink Link 412-766-0732 William Wilson blink Ginger's Port 614-855-8504 Phill Terry ginger MAS BBS 718-444-4555 masbbs ordata.com ordata.com David Klindt ordata ----------------------------------------- {COMMO} Networks, Mail-lists, Online Help ----------------------------------------- RIME Fido Moderated by Tim Spofford (1:343/261) Ilink Moderated by Fred Brucker and Chuck Seyboldt UN'I Hosted by Chuck Seyboldt WME MacroNet Intellec COMMO MAILING LIST Commo, the highly-efficient, small, and flexible term program from New Standard software has a mailing list on the Internet. It will announce changes and updates to the program as well as utilities and macros written by various individuals. Discussion about the program is also highly encouraged. List submissions go to commo@yak.net. Subscribe and unsubscribe requests go to majordomo@yak.net and are of the form subscribe commo my-email@address unsubscribe commo my-email@address The address can be omitted, and majordomo will use the address from the e-mail. Other concerns go to commo-owner@yak.net. Please note that this list is not run by the author of Commo and is completely independent of it. ------------------------------------------ Appendix A Snippet Submitting and Judging ------------------------------------------ Please do not confuse "snippets" with "suites". If you have composed a macro suite or an extensive macro, it can be listed in {COMMAC}.TXT simply by providing a listing to the {COMMAC}.TXT keeper (name listed in the opening and Help screen of the {COMMAC} macro engine). If you have programmed a {COMMO} macro and would like to have it considered for addition to the {COMMAC}.DAT snippet collection, send your submission to the snippet judge coordinator (name listed in the opening and Help screen of the {COMMAC} macro engine). Please make your submission in conformance with the simple standard format that is described in Appendix B. Judges rules: + At least 3 formal judges must approve of the snippet + Any registered {COMMO} user is eligible to be listed as a formal judge. + Snippets shall be evaluated on the basis of: - conformance to COMMAC format (required). - working as advertised ... reliability - clarity or intuitiveness of instruction and operation - readability of source code (neatness and comments) + A formal judge should feel free to make suggestions to improve the snippet and to withold his "include" vote for good cause (doesn't meet COMMAC format, doesn't work). + A given function will have only one example in {COMMAC}.DAT. Macro composers will compete for entry. + A function may be removed or replaced at the judges discretion. -------------- Snippet Judges -------------- Nick Debord Chuck Seyboldt (confirmed) Sam Bushman Jim Bennett Nick Scott Jason Meddaugh Jeff Oberlee (confirmed) Keven Pittsinger Phill Terry (confirmed) Jeff Bishop ------------------------------------------- Appendix B {COMMAC} Technical Organization ------------------------------------------- {COMMAC}.TXT This text file listing {COMMO} resources. The macro engine that reads {COMMAC}.TXT expects to find very specific strings to delimit and identify certain areas for screen-by-screen display and macro organization. The general format of a suite listing is apparant by inspection and is moderately flexible. Macro Suite Listing ------------------- Category: Miscellaneous / Novelty {COMMAC}.MAC reads {COMMAC}.TXT to dynamically build a list of categories. After completing the read for category names, a second read is made to index each listed macro suite to a category. NOTE! {COMMAC}.MAC only supports display of 20 Categories. Be careful to match categories exactly, or additional Categories will appear on the menu Filename: WHATEVER.EXT mm/dd/yy xxxxx ^ ^ column 27 column 42 For a neat display of filenames, the "Filename: " field of each listed macro suite should include a file date that begins in column 27 and a filesize that ends in column 42 ... if a Suite title is not listed as available at any library (Sitelist is NUL), this protocol does not matter. It is only during the filtering by Library that the filename/filedate/filesize information is displayed. Sitelist: demod,foxhole,ordata*,blink If the library code has an asterisk appended (e.i., demod vs. demod*), that file will be flagged as available for anonymous download from that library site. Otherwise, it will not have the anon download flag set when displayed as available from that library site. See "Library List Building/Indexing" below for how to establish a library code for a new macro suite library. Category List Building ---------------------- For display of macro suite Categories and macro suite Titles, the string ": " (colon followed by three spaces) preceeds the Title of the macro suite. After that line, but any number of lines following, the string "y: ÿ" (colon followed by two spaces) preceeds the Category of that macro suite. Display of an individual suite's description starts with the Category line. Display ends when the macro reads two consecutive blank lines. The macro stops scanning {COMMAC}.TXT suite list when it encounters "- -" (dash space dash) beginning in column one with nothing else on the line. The minimizes scanning of {COMMAC}.TXT at startup and at "Suite by Library" filtering. Library List building/indexing ------------------------------ For building the library site list, entries begin two lines after the string "* {" (asterisk, 10 spaces, left curley) which is uniquely found in the header ... -------------------------- *-*-*-* {COMMO} Resource Libraries -------------------------- ... and end when the macro reads one empty line. NOTE! {COMMAC}.MAC only supports display of 15 Library sites. Expansion is open for discussion. The library list has a code beginning in column 65 which is the key used to filter the suite list by library. The site name *MUST* be expressed in columns 1 - 23 The phone number used for dialing a library begins on column 25 and must end by column 46. Only 22 characters are supported but the macro allows a user to edit the phone number before dialing. For extracting the "files available" at each library, {COMMAC}.TXT is read again, searching for the string "t: " (letter "t" colon space space) which preceeds the macro suite sitelist. If the library code is matched anywhere on this line, this macro suite filename and title is displayed. Snippet Wish-For List --------------------- For display of the snippet function list, display starts two lines after the string "* {" (asterisk, 6 spaces, left curley) which is uniquely found in the header ..... ---------------------------------------------- *-*-*-* {COMMAC} Collection Snippet Function Wish-list ---------------------------------------------- ... and ends when the macro reads two consecutive blank lines. Programmers Directory --------------------- For display of the macro writers directory, display starts two lines after the string "* {" (asterisk, 12 spaces, left curley) which is uniquely found in the header ------------------------------- *-*-*-* {COMMO} Macro Writers Directory ------------------------------- ... and ends when the macro reads two consecutive blank lines. {COMMAC}.TXT file limitations ----------------------------- Maximum of 20 Macro suite categories Maximum of 15 Library site listings There is no inherent limit to the size of the .TXT file. Lists and descriptions are displayed page by page in 20 line increments. ------------------------------------------------------------------- {COMMAC}.DAT The {COMMAC} collection of macro snippets The macro engine that reads {COMMAC}.DAT expects certain strings to be present to start and end each snippet. In this case, the "*-*-*-*" starting on column one and with nothing else on the line is the START of the snippet. The next line is the title. Lines between the title and the first macro label are introduction and will display 20 lines at a time. The first macro label MUST be the start label for the snippet. It may have any valid label name, it is strongly suggested that the start label be descriptive of the macro's function and that the label {:start} be avoided. To flag a macro snippet as non-launchable from the {COMMAC} engine, embed an ASCII 255 anywhere in the title line. A macro may be worth including in the {COMMAC} Collection snippet list but not lend itself to being launched. In these cases, {COMMAC} would be useful to append the snippet to the user's COMMO.MAC Here are some reasons why a macro would be considered non-executable from the {COMMAC} launch pad ... - call another macro without testing if it exists - rely on variables that are not set - first label is not the startup label - require "excessive" variable space - rely on being online} The {COMMAC}.DAT file must end with the line " - end -" (space dash space 'end' space dash) beginning in column 1 and with nothing else on the line. {COMMAC}.DAT format by example ------------------------------ *-*-*-* Snippet Title by Proud Author description and instruction lines description and instruction ends with the first macro label description/instruction should include "return to menu" instruction {:start_label} ;the first label must be the start label ; any valid label name may be used {macro commands here} {:end_label} {:retu} {retu} ;preferred end is a (return) ; to make snippet callable ------------------------------------------------------------------- {COMMAC}.MAC A {COMMO} macro that accesses the {COMMAC}.DAT snippet collection and the {COMMAC}.TXT resource listing. The macro has a few hidden features ... When at the "Select Append Filename" Menu ----------------------------------------- "D" will display the macro snippet to the screen, aborting the append operation. "R" will run the macro snippet even if it was flagged as non-launchable from {COMMAC}. This can crash when {COMMAC}.MAC is loaded as auxilliary, so the "Run" hidden command is only available when {COMMAC}.MAC is the resident macro. ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿ ³ When {COMMAC}.MAC is the auxiliary macro, {setr } ³ ³ does not reload {COMMAC}.MAC to get to the label ³ ³ {:err_run}. ³ ³ .... ³ ³ {setr err_run,^(commac^).mac} ;set error response ³ ³ {sete-p0 retu} ;in case user aborts macro ³ ³ {call %start_lbl,%tfile} ;command to run snippet ³ ³ {setr} ;clear error response ³ ³ {goto menu_snip} ;snippet done, return to menu ³ ³ ³ ³ {:err_run} ³ ³ {info-d6 Error at ^(call %start_lbl,%tfile^) %_met} ³ ³ {goto menu_snip} ³ ³ .... ³ ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ When told that "Anonymous downloads are supported only ...." ------------------------------------------------------------ "~" (tilde) will get to the "Proceed with dialing [y/N]?" prompt. Dialing still needs to be developed, but I see no reason this feature couldn't be used to dial any site listed in the directory. If the directory "wants to get large", the macro will need to change from {menu} display to {disp} in order to accomodate the sheer number. A large directory would occupy proportionate amounts of variable space. At "Enter a selection # ( returns):" prompt, these commands can be made to operate: --------------------------------------------- ? summary of available hidden commands cf change from {COMMAC}.TMP temp file name {} This command is used to enter a code to unlock further commands. .TXT and .DAT keepers may want to edit and test their files from {COMMAC}. A code will be given to those respective file keepers. ed edit {COMMAC}.DAT et edit {COMMAC}.TXT rs restart. Clears variable space and re-reads .DAT and .TXT files. Use after editing to verify changes have no unintended side effects. /s shell with swap (reloads macros) There is a choice between the internal editor and an external editor defined in %ext_ed. If you have not defined %ext_ed, the macro provides an input window to do so. There is no provision to change %ext_ed once it has been defined. The .MAC keeper further gets these hidden commands upon entry of the correct macro keeper's code. em edit {COMMAC}.SRC (macro source code) /v view and/or change a %variable -------------------------------- Appendix C {COMMAC} Maintenance -------------------------------- Please send updates, corrections, and change requests to one of the {COMMAC} Collection keepers listed in the Top Level F1 help screen. Proposed division of {COMMAC} Collection responsibilities ... {COMMAC}.TXT keeper ------------------- Maintains {COMMAC}.TXT in an up-to-date and complete condition. Strives to make this a complete listing of macro suites and useful {COMMO} resources. Acts on input from any {COMMO} macro author who wishes to have their macro suites listed or updated. Receives input from any librarian, and from any others who have suggestions for adding helpful categories or chapters. Receives input from {COMMO} users regarding additions to the snippet wish list. Keeps wish list pruned in accordance with snippets contained in latest {COMMAC} Collection release. {COMMAC}.DAT keeper ------------------- The keeper of the .DAT is the snippet judge coordinator. Snippets included in the .DAT are to be exemplary of functional, well commented {COMMO} macro code. It is "a high honor" to be in the {COMMAC}.DAT file and judges should be particular about additions. ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿ ³ Prior to non-beta release, the few macros in the snippet ³ ³ list are provided only to illustrate how {COMMAC}.DAT ³ ³ operates. It is expected that a judges panel will be ³ ³ convened and decide on a few snippets to include before ³ ³ the {COMMAC} Collection is ready for non-beta release. ³ ³ None of the included snippets have been approved by a ³ ³ panel of judges. ³ ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ {COMMAC}.MAC keeper ------------------- Responsible to respond to bug reports and to add features to the {COMMAC} Collection macro engine as he sees fit. Responsible to make COMMACxx.ZIP releases when significant changes are made to any of the three {COMMAC} files. No predetermined frequency is proscribed and the .DAT and .TXT files may be released independently by their respective keepers. The macro is distributed in compiled form. .MAC/.DAT/.TXT keeper names are hardcoded into the macro. When "keepership" of any of those files changes, a new version of the macro engine will be released. This approach provides some security against unauthorized releases.