======== ====== ======= == == == === == == === === == == == === == ====== ======= ======================================= The DeAdZoNe Utilities for RemoteAccess ======================================= NeXt Sysop Next Utility for RemoteAccess Version 2.30 January 8, 1993 (C) Copyright Victor Magdic 1991-93 All Rights Reserved Description ----------- NeXt is a utility for RemoteAccess which allows you to toggle the status of the "sysop next" flag even though the user is outside of the BBS (i.e. he/she is running a door or some other external program). NeXt works by toggling the sysop next flag in the user's EXITINFO.BBS (which is generated whenever RA calls a door). When the user returns from the door, RA reads in the EXITINFO.BBS and sets the internal "sysop next" flag to whatever the setting in EXITINFO.BBS is. NeXt is written for RA 1.10/1.11. It is not gauranteed to work with future versions. Note: In order for RA's "sysop next" feature to work, you need to have a registered version of RemoteAccess. NeXt will toggle the flag even if your version of RA is unregistered, however; RA will just ignore it. How much does it cost? ---------------------- This utility is FREE! If you like it you can continue to use it for as long as you like free of charge! If you do decide to use it, I would be excited to hear from you !! I encourage you to send me a postcard at the address listed below (see the end of this text file), or a message via netmail. It will cost you practically nothing, and will let me know you're enjoying the program. It will also give me incentive to keep improving the program and make it even better! Or course donations are graciously accepted . See the address listed at the end of this document if you want to send a donation. How to Use NeXt --------------- NeXt can be used in two different ways, depending on whether you are running your sytem under a multitasker or not. Both methods are explained below. NeXt looks in the current directory for EXITINFO.BBS. So you can easily use NeXt on a multinode system by putting NEXT.EXE somewhere in your path and executing it from the appropriate Node directory. Note: NeXt simply *toggles* the status of the sysop next flag. In other words, if the sysop next flag is OFF when you run NeXt, it will be turned ON, and vice versa. Using NeXt without a Multitasker -------------------------------- Using NeXt without a multitasker is quite simple, and just requires a little preparation. If you want to toggle the sysop-next flag while a user is in a door, simply turn ON Scroll-Lock. When the user exits the door, NeXt will check to see if the Scroll-Lock is ON, and if it is, then the sysop-next flag will be toggled. If Scroll-Lock is OFF when NeXt is executed, then the status of the sysop-next flag will not be changed. In order for NeXt to do its job it must be called sometime between when a door is exited, and before RA reloads. So if you were running a type 7 exit for TW2002, you would call NeXt as follows: REM batch file for TW2002 -game one @echo off cd \ra\doors\tw2002 tw2002 -qbbs cd \ra next Notice how the door (tw2002) is run first, and after the user quits the door control passes back to the batch file, at which point NeXt is executed. If you are using a type 15 exit, the idea is the same. Remember: When NeXt is called in this manner, it will check to see if the SCROLL-LOCK is ON. If it is ON, then the sysop-next flag will be toggled. If the SCROLL-LOCK is OFF when NeXt is called, then the sysop next flag will not be changed. Note: After NeXt toggles the sysop-next flag, it will automatically turn Scroll-Lock OFF. This is necessary, because otherwise if the user went into another door then the sysop-next flag would be toggled again, and you would be right back where you started! Using NeXt with a Multitasker ----------------------------- Using NeXt with a multitasker is very simple. Essentially what you do is open another window (while the user is online and in a door), and run NEXT.EXE with the /M command line switch, then just close the window. You can setup up your window to automate the whole process. NeXt requires approximately 22k to run, so the window does not have to be large. For Multitasker use: NEXT /M Note: When using NeXt with the /M switch, the status of the Scroll-Lock is ignored. So it does not matter whether it is on or off. Writing a Semaphore File ------------------------ If you run NeXt with the /S switch, it will write a file called NEXT.NOW in the main RA directory (as pointed to by the RA environment variable). You can check for this in your batch file and act on it accordingly. Legal Stuff and Disclaimer -------------------------- "NeXt" refers to the executables and documentation in the original distribution archive. NeXt is copyrighted material by the author, Victor Magdic. All rights are reserved. The author grants you a licence to use this software free of charge. The program is provided "as is", without warranty or guarantee of any kind, either expressed or implied, as to its quality or performance. The author will not be held liable to you or anyone for any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages, including but not limited to any lost profits, or lost savings which may result from the use or inability to use this program. The author is in no way obligated to provide future versions of this software. Your use of the program constitutes your agreement to these terms and to this disclaimer. All mentioned products are copyrighted by and trademarks of their respective holders. Updates ------- Please see the enclosed file DEADZONE.TXT for information on how to obtain the latest version of NeXt. Suggestions always welcome! --------------------------- If you have any suggestions for improvement or wish to report any bugs, you can reach me via netmail: The DeAdZoNe Victor Magdic FidoNet: 1:259/427 TeleNet Canada: 20:22/104 or by writing to: Victor Magdic 424 Camden Circle Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 2P4 CANADA ------------------------------------------------------------------ end