Greetings :

First off I would like to thank those who have registered and grown with
FastTerm (I and II). It's been a real learning task for me and I hope you
are enjoying the program.

I have been asked why I haven't put out new shareware versions as the
registered versions change. Mostly due to the fact that many users are quite
content with the shareware version and never choose to register to obtain the
full manual and fully working version. Remember the shareware version was
simply a demonstration version. It was not intended to be used to avoid
registering the product. The last release of a shareware version was 3.28.
It had a few bugs but since it was only "supposed" to be a demo version I
wasn't too worried about it. Imagine my surprise when I get letters and calls
advising me of problems. Add that to the fact that "most" of the callers
and letters wanted me to fix the shareware version first. Never mind the fact
that the registered versions where light years beyond this. Anyways enough
complaints. For those who register the product, support is only a call or
letter away. For those that don't, you got what you paid for. Nuff said.

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This version is a fully working version, except for the ymodem batch. It has
been disabled and will not work. Much has been changed in FastTerm II to the
point that a list would be longer than the manual that comes with it. The
scripting language has been added to, modified so it works much better, and
new commands added. Existing commands have been redefined so that they follow
a more command format of syntax (like all literal text is enclosed in quotes).

When downloading to floppies, it was pointed out that floppies on the Model 4
are simply too slow when writing large blocks. Hence the block write size was
cut in half if you're using floppies (you don't even have to tell it, FT II
knows where you are writing the file). If you have a RAM disk or HD no changes
are made.

There have been comments made that Zmodem is a faster protocol than 1Kymodem.
Yep it's true. But not near as true as you might think. Use a local BBS which
is not on a network like CIS or GEnie and 1K protocols are very fast. Use
a network and due to the switching of packets involved and 1K is about 78%
efficient. Zmodem on the other hand works out to about 92% (and it only
sends 512 byte packets at a time). The problem with zmodem is that you have to
be able to write the incoming to disk and keep receiving. To date I have not
been able to get the Model 4 to do this. Characters are always lost so I doubt
that Zmodem under LSDOS is a viable solution to networks.

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To use FastTerm II, press F1 to call up the windows, use the LEFT or RIGHT
arrow to move the selection window to the right or left and press the letter
within the <> signs to select that function. In the SCRIPTS window the
entry line MUST contain a filename if you are using scripts.

Want to test a script file? Press CLEAR SHIFT Q and enter the name of the
script file to test. It will run it directly from disk without having to
dial a number first through the dial window.

CLEAR SHIFT A will abort a script
CLEAR SHIFT C will cause a "STUCK" script to continue
CLEAR SHIFT W will list the vocabulary in the script processor

Vt100 codes have been added to, but considering everyone is going to ANSI,
 ZANSI, and FANCI (or whatever they're using this week), I've been tempted
to drop the entire VT100 code section. I am taking a vote on this. If enough
people want the memory back that the emulation section uses, write-call and
if enough, it's toast!

Register, will get you a couple of versions on disk in the event you only have
a 64K machine (which will allow them a larger buffer). Which reminds me the
buffer has been fixed to work better with the XLR8er board memory, and any
other memory add ons that use the standard @BANK calls. Megamem has not be
added yet since its very "non-standard". When sufficient information about
certain programming considerations for it are received, it may be added at
that time. To date, only a bare part of the information required has been
received. If anyone who has programmed the megamem board knows the in's and
out's of the board, you are welcome to contact me with the information. There
are only about 4 or 5 specific questions I have about it.

To registered users, you can update your version of FastTerm II by simply
calling me and asking for it. I'll leave you a copy on the BBS (604) 574-2072
and you can download the new release (fully working). If you need a new manual
which has a number of changes, especially to the scripting sections, it's
a minimal charge to cover copying and mailing. If you want to send a disk for
the new version, include a buck for return postage.

To new users, if you want to register the program and receive some additional
script files, a printed manual and a fully working version, it's still only
$15.00. Send a check or money order, no purchase orders pls, to :

Mel Patrick, 8056 - 164A Street, Surrey, B.C., Canada, V3S 7S7
BBS - (604) 574-2072 : 3/12/24
