



                ¿
                Ŵ
                       T.A.G. Bulletin Board System      
                 Copyright (C) 1986-1993 The T.A.G. Team 
                Ŵ
                





   /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
  /\/\/\/                   [>> Welcome to <<]                     \/\/\/\
 |   /\/    ______________        ______          ___________       \/\   |
 |  / /    /             /|      /     /|        /          /\       \ \  |
 | / /     TTTTTTTTTTTTTT/       AAAAAA /|       GGGGGGGGGGG\/|       \ \ |
 |/\/ /\         TT |           AA|___AA /|      GG |      GG/      /\ \/\|
 |-< <  >        TT |          AA/     AA /|     GG |   _____      <  > >-|
 |\/\ \/         TT |         AAAAAAAAAAAA |     GG |  /     /|     \/ /\/|
 | \ \           TT |         AA |      AA |     GG |__GGGGGG |       / / |
 |  \ \          TT |         AA |      AA |     GG/       GG |      / /  |
 |   \/\         TT/   <>     AA/       AA/  <>   GGGGGGGGGGG/  <>  /\/   |
  \/\/\/\                                                          /\/\/\/
   \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/




                                  /===============\
                                 < Acknowledgements >
                                  \===============/
      

     T.A.G. has been a team effort since its inception. The  current T.A.G. Team
     members are:

        Victor Capton  (1:120/120)
        Randy Goebel   (1:120/36)
        Paul Williams  (1:2410/116)

     T.A.G.  has also  been  built on  the  efforts of  two  former T.A.G.  Team
     members, who have moved on to other  pursuits.  We thank, and recognize the
     contributions of:

        Paul Loeber
        Robert Numerick

     We also acknowledge and appreciate  the hard work, and testing done  by our
     Beta team. Their diligent efforts, bug reports, and suggestions help ensure
     a high quality, high reliability BBS system.

     Finally,  the sysops who run T.A.G.  BBS.  Their comments, suggestions, and
     ideas form the basis for each new revision.


      *************************************************************************
                 Special thanks to Wayne Bell for his original ideas
                          for a user-friendly BBS interface
      *************************************************************************

     Also, our appreciation to  Martin Pollard for converting the  T.A.G. Pascal
     structures to C for this release.

                              /========================\
                             < Purpose and Requirements >
                              \========================/

     T.A.G.  is founded in  the belief in  the Shareware  marketing concept that
     encourages low cost, high quality software.

     T.A.G.  was  written on  the  premise  of being  used  in  the private  BBS
     environment.   This  product was  designed to  be used  with the  following
     minimum system configuration:

          -    IBM Personal Computer (or true compatible)
          -    Hard Disk drive (10 Megabytes recommended minimum)
          -    Asynchronous communications (serial port) adapter
          -    Intelligent Modem (100% Hayes compatible recommended)
          -    512K (minimum) RAM
          -    80 column monochrome or color monitor
          -    Voice-grade telephone connection for the modem
          -    PC-DOS or MS-DOS, version 3.1 or later





                                  /================\
                                 < Updated Releases >
                                  \================/

     Alpha  and  Beta sites  will have  the  latest standard  release,  and will
     distribute it at  no cost (other  than the telephone  call to download  the
     program).  Updates will be released on a regular basis, approximately twice
     a year, but we are unable to give a firm schedule.

                                /===================\
                               < Commercial Releases >
                                \===================/

     No commercial release  is generally  available.  Special  requests will  be
     considered on an individual basis.

                                  /===============\
                                 < The Source Code >
                                  \===============/

     The source code for T.A.G., written in Borland Pascal 7.0, is not available
     to the public.

                                      /========\
                                     < Warranty >
                                      \========/

     The  T.A.G. Team hereby disclaims all warranties relating to this software,
     whether  express  or  implied,  including without  limitation  any  implied
     warranties of merchantability  or fitness  for a particular  purpose.   The
     T.A.G.  Team will not be liable for any special, incidental, consequential,
     indirect or similar damages  due to loss of data or  any other reason, even
     if The T.A.G. Team or  an agent of The T.A.G. Team has been  advised of the
     possibility of such damages.  In no event shall The T.A.G. Team's liability
     for any damages  ever exceed  the price  paid for  the license  to use  the
     software, regardless  of the  form  of the  claim.   The  person using  the
     software bears all risk as to the quality and performance of the software.






















                                /=====================\
                              < Copyright and License >
                                \=====================/

     T.A.G. is not public domain software; it is copyrighted by The T.A.G. Team.

     However, we  grant you the right to  make and distribute as  many copies of
     the Standard  released version as you wish,  using any acceptable medium of
     exchange, with the following provisions:

     1. Only distribute Standard release versions.
     2. Only  distribute  the program  in  its original  form, with  all  of its
        related files, addendum files, and documentation.
     3. Do not alter the program in any manner.
     4. The Standard  Released versions may not be used in any commercial manner
        without the express consent of The T.A.G. Team.

                        /===================================\
                       < Installation of a New T.A.G. System >
                        \===================================/

     A start  up package is distributed  under the name of  TAGG*.ZIP, where "*"
     indicates  the version number in  question.  This  compressed file contains
     complete  documentation concerning  the  setup of  a  new system.  It  also
     contains a complete menu driven setup program.

                                 /==================\
                                < T.A.G. Alpha Sites >
                                 \==================/

     System Name      Number       Baud/Modem  Node #   SysOp  
     -------------- ------------   ----------- -------- ------------
     *A*R*T*H*U*R*  313-879-2318   14.4 HST/DS  120/120 Victor Capton
     The Black Hole 313-879-7387   14.4 HST     120/36  Randy Goebel  
     John Galt      313-582-2528   14.4 HST/DS 2410/144 Paul Williams 
     CRIMP          313-582-6671   16.8 HST/DS 2410/116 Paul Williams

                           /==============================\
                          < Additional Information or Help >
                           \==============================/

     For information contact one of the Alpha or Beta sites or send mail to:

                                   The T.A.G. Team
                                    P.O. Box 4214
                                 Troy, MI 48099-4214

     If you do put up a T.A.G. system, please let us know. We would like to keep
     an updated list  of boards compiled and frankly, we  are also interested in
     what people have done with  our system. Suggestions?? By all means.  We are
     always  interested in  new ideas.  And, as  always, we  thank you  for your
     support.
                                   The T.A.G. Team






                                /===================\
                               < System Requirements >
                                \===================/

     ANSI.SYS
        T.A.G.  has a complete internal  ANSI driver. ANSI.SYS  or other similar
        ANSI drivers are  no longer required to run T.A.G.   This eliminates the
        possible use of ANSI  redefinition codes from within T.A.G.  itself (any
        external programs you run are outside of T.A.G.'s control).

        If  you  run  external  programs  (doors)  which  require  ANSI,  it  is
        recommended that you use  an ANSI driver which prevents  redefinition of
        keys,  or  an  add-in   TSR  (PKSFANSI.COM)  which  intercepts  keyboard
        redefinition.

        NOTE: In order for  the Sysop  to see some  ANSI screens completely  the
              SysOp  window must be closed. The Sysops screen may become garbled
              at the bottom of  the display if to top window is  not closed. The
              users display is NOT affected.

     BUFFERS
        The value for BUFFERS in your CONFIG.SYS is dependant on your hard disk,
        disk caching  programs, and software configuration.  For systems without
        disk caching, a value of BUFFERS=20 is generally sufficient.   With disk
        caching programs,  the value for  BUFFERS should  generally be  lowered.
        Consult the documentation for your specific disk caching program.

     FILES
        The recommended value for FILES in your CONFIG.SYS is a MINIMUM of 20.

     MEMORY MANAGERS
        T.A.G. has been  tested with QEMM386, EMM386,  and 386MAX.   No problems
        have been  noted.  T.A.G. supports,  but does not require,  XMS.  T.A.G.
        supports,   but  does  not  require,  EMS  that  meets  the  L.I.M.  4.0
        specification.

     DISK CACHING PROGRAMS
        T.A.G. has been tested using Norton Disk Cache, Hyperdisk, and LanCache.
        No problems have been noted.  Use of a disk cache is highly recommended,
        and can significantly increase the performance of T.A.G.  

     MULTI-TASKERS
        T.A.G. has  been tested under  DesqView, DoubleDOS,  OS/2, and  Windows.
        T.A.G. is DesqView, DoubleDOS, and OS/2 aware, meaning only that it will
        give  up  time slices  to  the  multi-tasker  when  appropriate.  T.A.G.
        currently is not Windows aware.

     NETWORKS
        T.A.G. has been tested  under Lantastic, Novell, and  PC-Net.  No  known
        incompatibilities have been found.

     FOSSILS
        T.A.G. has  been tested using X00,  BNU, and SIO (under  OS/2). No known
        incompatibilities have been found.







T.A.G. BBS Version 2.7 -  Update Documentation - Page 1


                    T.A.G. Version 2.7 Update Documentation
                               By: Victor Capton

                              *******************
                              ** Major Changes **
                              *******************

                  ** Remote Imaging Protocol (RIP) Support **

Remote Imaging Protocol (RIP) is now supported throughout the system.

o     Auto RIP  detection is available  during the  logon process just  as for
      ANSI.   This can  be  control through  a new  option  on the  optionally
      flagged functions screen  in the  system configuration.   User's do  not
      have  a RIP/NoRIP setting similar to the ANSI  flag due to the fact that
      they may not be calling using a RIP terminal program on a regular basis.
      Auto RIP detected is  supported almost universally by terminal  programs
      unlike ANSI detection.  

o     Built in  auto RIP ICON update  checking.  After RIP  is detected T.A.G.
      will  query the  remote  system  to insure  all  ICONs are  present  and
      updated.  If not, the system will automatically update the remote user's
      ICON directory or  allow them to download an archive  containing the new
      ICONs.   T.A.G. stores the ICONS and remotely displayed RIP scripts in a
      RIP ICON  directory defined in the system  configuration.  All ICONs and
      remotely  displayed RIP  scripts  should be  placed  in this  directory.
      Standard  RIP  scripts  displayed by  T.A.G.  should  be  placed in  the
      alternate text file directory.  

      o     T.A.G. requires a list of ICONs for which it must query the remote
            system  for.  This is generated by running the FINDRIP.EXE program
            in your main BBS directory with the RIP screens and ICONs in their
            correct  locations.  A file called RIPFILES.TXT will be created in
            your RIP ICON directory with the necessary information.

      o     In order to automatically update  the user's remote ICON directory
            the  file RIPSEND.BAT must be  present in the  main BBS directory.
            If you do not use the DSZ protocol engine, this batch file must be
            modified accordingly.

      o     In order  for T.A.G.  to give  the user an  option to  download an
            archive of the  needed ICONs,  TAGARC.BAT must be  present in  the
            main BBS directory (this is the same file used in QWK downloads).

o     Any display  file in T.A.G. which supports both *.MSG and *.CLR now also
      supports  a *.RIP flavor.   Files which  are directly  printed by T.A.G.
      should go  in the  standard  alternate text  file directory.   ICONs  or
      remotely display RIP scripts should go in the new RIP ICON directory.







            T.A.G. BBS Version 2.7 -  Update Documentation - Page 2


o     Two new  programmable string  files "MSTRRIP.TXT" and  "TSTRRIP.TXT" are
      now  also supported.   During  a RIP  session T.A.G.  will automatically
      check for  a RIP version of a string/file first before defaulting to the
      normal ANSI/ASCII selection process.

o     All  Control-P colors are stripped  from SDR codes  when being displayed
      within a  RIP screen.   This allows  them to be  used to enhance  screen
      displays.

o     The menu structure has been enhanced to allow clearing the screen before
      a  RIP menu, clearing the screen before  a command executes, and pausing
      after the command is complete.  See the section on menu enhancements for
      more information.

o     A new  menu command allows the user  to turn RIP graphics  on or off for
      that  call  only.   This  will  allow user's  to  try  out  RIP if  they
      originally logged on with it inactive, or to turn it off if they wish to
      continue in  ANSI/ASCII mode.   The program  key and data  for this  new
      command is as follows:

            PKey        "D"
            PData       "44"







            T.A.G. BBS Version 2.7 -  Update Documentation - Page 3


                         ** JAM Message Base Format **

T.A.G. now  supports the  new  JAM message  base format  developed by  Joaquim
Homrighausen,  Andrew Milner, Mats Birch, and Mats  Wallin.  It is intended to
eventually replace  both the  Fido and  Hudson message base  styles.   We have
every indication that this will happen given time.  

o     Each message section in JAM format requires four key files as apposed to
      separate files for each message (Fido) or one big file for many sections
      (Hudson).  These files are  named uniquely such that multiple  JAM areas
      can exist in the same directory with no difficulties.

o     When  selecting JAM as a message base  format, the system requests a JAM
      message base name to be used for naming the four key files.

o     Complete  file  sharing  and   locking  requirements  are  following  in
      accordance to the specifications.   File locking requires that  SHARE be
      loaded.

o     Several JAM  flags not  yet implemented in  the JAM  standard cannot  be
      selected  from within  T.A.G. due to  space limitations.   These will be
      implemented at a later date if necessary.

o     JAM shifts into a "speed" mode during section scans similar to RA/Hudson
      style bases (e.g. QWK, word searches, etc).

o     JAM echomail  bases create both  ECHOTOSS.LOG and ECHOMAIL.JAM  files to
      facilitate tossing.  ECHOTOSS.LOG  is exactly like the file  created for
      Fido bases (one line per echo  tag for each section messages were posted
      in).   ECHOMAIL.JAM contains  the full path  and key file  name for each
      section messages were  posted in.   Both files are  located in the  main
      data files directory.

o     Full display of  the header  sub-fields is possible  using the  original
      (K)ludge command (renamed to "Message Notes" in the display).







            T.A.G. BBS Version 2.7 -  Update Documentation - Page 4


o     Two new commands exist on read message  type menus.  These are to handle
      the differing link fields in JAM sections.

            PKey  "+"
            PData "1"

            This  jumps to the first message that  is a reply to this message.
            This starts  a new reply  chain which can  be traversed  using the
            standard next message in reply chain.

            Suggested menu command:
            (<)Follow link to original message for which this is a reply to
            (<)Original Msg

            PKey  "-"
            PData "T"

            This jumps to  the original message that  this message is a  reply
            to.

            Suggested menu command:
            (>)Follow link for first reply to this message
            (>)First reply







            T.A.G. BBS Version 2.7 -  Update Documentation - Page 5


                    ** IEMSI Handshake Protocol Support **

IEMSI logon support is now  integrated into T.A.G.'s logon process.   There is
nothing to enable or configure, everything is handled automatically by T.A.G. 

o     User's  with   terminal  programs   which  support  this   protocol  can
      automatically logon (assuming things are setup correctly on their  end).
      The user's  name, password, and phone  number are passed as  part of the
      normal packet.

o     Remote  SysOp's which  require entry  of the  first system  password may
      place the password in the  real name field of the IEMSI  packet preceded
      with "***".  T.A.G. will recognize this and use it accordingly.

o     As a note, the last 7 digits of the telephone number  are checked during
      an  IEMSI  logon   instead  of  just  4   (if  enabled  in   the  system
      configuration).

o     Logon  status  screens  are  present  to   display  session  and  packet
      information.

o     During  new  user logon's,  IEMSI  packet information  is  used whenever
      possible to speed the logon process along.

o     The  new SysOp command Alt-I will bring  up the IEMSI information of the
      current user.







            T.A.G. BBS Version 2.7 -  Update Documentation - Page 6


                        ** Menu System Enhancements **

T.A.G.'s  menu structure  has changed to  accommodate the  support of  RIP and
better support  for ANSI/ASCII.  In  the process the menu  security system was
updated  also.   No  we did  not  add everything  in  the world,  but  several
significate  changes have been made.   This should due  for now, as a security
system overhaul is planned for the next release.  

      o     Both menus and commands  now allow a SL, DSL, and  26 AR flags for
            access settings.

      o     At  the menu  level, flags  have been  added to  clear the  screen
            before displaying the menu for ASCII/ANSI/RIP.

      o     At  the command  level, flags  have been added  to both  clear the
            screen before executing the command and pause after the command is
            complete.    Setting  for   each  can  be  set  individually   for
            ASCII/ANSI/RIP.

      o     Several of  the strings  are now longer  to allow  for more  color
            codes to be imbedded in them.







            T.A.G. BBS Version 2.7 -  Update Documentation - Page 7


                              *******************
                              ** Other Changes **
                              *******************

o     QWK pointers are now updated after a packet has been downloaded.  T.A.G.
      will  now ask the user  after the download if  they wish to update their
      last read pointers.

o     Messages with files  attached are no longer marked  received if the user
      reads them.  This caused trouble with some front end mailers who refused
      to send "received" messages.

o     The [PAUSE] while using wait screen commands now works correctly follows
      the [PAUSE] setting of the new user record.

o     The  welcome screen pause setting in the system configuration should now
      work as advertised (who knows how long this has been broke).

o     T.A.G.'s naming of SWAP files have been reworked a bit  to prevent SHARE
      violations  when the system crashes and  is restarted without rebooting.
      The new format is significantly random to eliminate this problem:

            XXXYYYYY.TAG
               ^^^^^ -------> Last 5 digits of the current unix time stamp.
            ^^^ ------------> Node number of board.

o     After a QWK upload, the new batch file QWKTEST.BAT is now called instead
      of FILETEST.BAT if it exists.

o     Control-F10 now  calls CHATDOOR.BAT.  Time spent in the chat door is not
      counted  against the user.   Both DOOR.SYS and  DORINFO?.DEF are created
      and standard generic calling parameters are used.

o     When reading a message from a "failed logon" user, pressing Control-U to
      go into  the user  editor will  now bring  up the  failed user  based on
      whatever name they attempted to use last (if T.A.G. is able to find it).

o     T.A.G. now closes all *.DIR files before performing ANY shell.

o     In Mini-DOS, "ERASE" is now allowed for those anti-"DEL" individuals out
      there.

o     A new SDR code Control-S "L" exists to display the  Current Connect Rate
      as defined from the modem result codes.

o     RA/Hudson  "speed"  mode  is  now  used during  other  message  scanning
      operations (e.g. word searches, etc).

o     The  system  now   defaults  to  YES  to   save  the  message   after  a
      reply/forward/etc.  Everyone needs to retrain themselves!  Several other
      minor defaults have been changed in the system.







            T.A.G. BBS Version 2.7 -  Update Documentation - Page 8


o     Private  messages are now allowed  in all sections  (including echos) at
      the  SysOp's discretion.   A  new  flag has  been added  to the  message
      section editor indicating whether the system should ask the user whether
      the message should be private in the current section.

o     7  bit filtering is now  available on all message  sections.  A new flag
      has been added to the message section editor.

o     The  system now compares  CRCs of the  last QWK .REP  reply packet users
      have  uploaded and will refuse  to process duplicate  packet uploaded by
      the same user.

o     I believe (yes for the third time) I have fixed the file moving problem.
      When  moving a  listing  entry of  a  file to  a  section which  already
      contains the file, T.A.G. should no longer erase the file.

o     Fixed possible display  problems when  faced with a  line containing  an
      excessive number of colors.

o     Replying to the auto message no longer includes the user number.

o     We  having completely  replaced the  time sharing  code in  T.A.G. under
      multi-tasking environments.   It should  be much less  of a time  hog in
      general.

o     Locking  FOSSIL  drivers  at   unsupported  speeds  no  longer  displays
      misleading message.   T.A.G. will just accept  the fact that  the FOSSIL
      has been locked on the command line.

o     A standard  "MSGINF." is now  created file when shelling  to an external
      message editor.

o     New names with 's will no longer have the "s" capitalized.

o     Added current ASCII/ANSI/RIP protocol mode in the SysOp window.

o     A new version of the MCONFIG program has been included.  More things can
      be changed and the interface has been completely redone.

o     Bases with over 4000  messages will no longer generate a  run-time error
      in T.A.G.

o     Full  support of MSGID/REPLY information  has been added  to all message
      formats.

o     T.A.G. now has a new screen saver instead of  a boring blank screen.  If
      you like boring  blank screens, you can turn off  the wait screen action
      and you'll get it back.







            T.A.G. BBS Version 2.7 -  Update Documentation - Page 9


o     Message Deleting Modification.  User's were originally allowed to delete
      messages which were  TO them in  all cases.   This has been modified  to
      only be allowed in the following three cases:
      -     The message is in board zero 
      -     The message is in a netmail section 
      -     The message is private
      One thing  this affects is  that public echo  messages TO a user  can no
      longer be deleted.

o     Added a (L)ock real rates command to the modem result code configuration
      menu.   With this  the locked baud  rate on  all connect results  can be
      changed all at once.

o     If a  message section contains over 4000  messages, T.A.G. will now read
      the  last 4000 messages in the section.   This may vary between 3951 and
      4000 due to the way it is handled internally.

o     Both  the  HANGUP?.*  and TEXT?.*  files  now  allow  ".CLR" and  ".RIP"
      versions in addition to ".MSG".

o     T.A.G. now  saves the call/time a  user has spent  on-line several times
      during the session.  This should eliminate large chucks of activity from
      being lost if the system should crash before a user logs off.

o     New default  ANSI and  RIP  menus have  been released  with the  startup
      program.  See TAGS27.ZIP for a copy of these.







           T.A.G. BBS Version 2.7 -  Update Documentation - Page 10


                                 *************
                                 ** Credits **
                                 *************

      We  would  like  to  thank  all  the Beta  and  Alpha  sites  for  their
      participation  in this  release.   Many people  have put  a considerable
      about of time into this version.  

      Special thanks to Alan Jurison for his work on the new start-up package,
      MCONFIG,  FINDRIP, IEMSI screens, Default RIP Screens, and many hours of
      debugging.

      Thanks to Alex McNeilly for submitting the winning  ANSI screens used in
      the new start-up package.

      Thanks  to Ruth Lee and Brian Large  for their participation in the ANSI
      screen contest.

      JAM(mbp) -  Copyright   1993   Joaquim   Homrighausen,  Andrew   Milner,
                  Mats Birch, Mats Wallin.  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

      RIP -       Copyright (c) 1992-1993, TeleGrafix Corporation.  
                  All Rights Reserved.


