Quick Tips and Fixes
Copyright (c) 1994, Joe DeRouen
All rights reserved


[Originally published in COMPUTER CURRENTS magazine]


QUICK TIPS AND FIXES
by Joe DeRouen


Each month, I'll try to answer at least a few of the many questions that
find their way into my mailbox.  While all questions will receive
answers when appropriate, we can't promise to print all questions.
But keep those cards and letters coming, folks!


Q: I just upgraded to a 14.4k modem.  I changed my baud rates in my
   Procomm Plus dialing directory, but it still won't work.  What did I
   do wrong? 

A: We'll assume you're running a legal version of PcPlus and just
   couldn't find the answer in your manual.  If this isn't the case,
   erase it immediately and download a shareware program like Telix
   or QModem test version and give one of those a try.  As Jay Gaines
   might say; "Pirating software is illegal.  Don't try this in your
   own home."

   But I try never to assume the worst of people, so . .. 

   You need to run PCINSTAL.EXE and choose a new modem.  Preferably
   your exact make and model.  If the program doesn't contain your
   modem, you may need to dial up DataStorm's (the creators of Procomm
   Plus) BBS and download a new version of the file MODEMS.DAT. 
   MODEMS.DAT contains information that PCINSTAL.EXE needs to set up the
   correct initialization string for your modem. 

   DataStorms BBS is (314) 875-0476.  If you can't afford the long
   distance call, I try to keep a current MODEMS.DAT file on my BBS.
   Call and download; the file is free. 

   If your modem still isn't listed, try selecting other 14.4k modems
   that look as generic (ie: Hayes compatible) as possible.  You may
   very well get lucky and hit upon the right one.  If all else fails,
   call DataStorm voice and ask them for the proper initialization
   string for your modem. 


Q: I've been hearing an awfully lot about something called a "Mud."  
   What exactly is a Mud and how do I play one?

A: First of all, MUD stands for (depending upon who you ask) either 
   "Multi-User Dungeon", "Multi-User Dimension", or "Multi-User Domain."
   Dungeon seems to fit better as most of the MUDs are Dungeons and
   Dragons-type orientated role-playing games.

   MUDs are generally all-text games, though a few have rudimentary
   ASCII or ANSI graphics.  The object of most of the games are very
   similar to D&D: kill monsters, accumulate treasure, and gain 
   experience levels.  Some of the better MUDs have complicated mazes,
   traps, and tricks you must find your way through in order to gain
   levels.  Or, in some cases, simply survive.  

   You accomplish this by moving (or, more aptly, moving your avatar
   or character) around a digital world where you interact with 
   sometimes hundreds of other players just like you.  You can 
   role-play magic users, thieves, warriors, priests, and even 
   martial artists.  On some MUDs, you can even design your own 
   description that other players "see" when they examine you.

   MUDs are generally found on the Internet, though other on-line RPG   
   (Role-Playing Games) on non-internet systems can be found as well.

   How do you access MUDs?  Through Telnetting via the Internet.  The
   first thing to do is find a list of MUDs.  (Download MUDLIST.ZIP from
   STTS BBS if nothing else.)  Each mode will have a access node and a
   port number.  (Something like FARSIDE.ATINC.COM 3000)  When the node
   you're using asks where you want to telnet, enter the required
   information and off you go.  Call up your favorite full-access
   internet node, and telnet the night away! 


Q: I'm trying to set up a batch file to execute several other batch
   files and then load up Windows.  After it executes the first 
   batch file (a reminder program) it stops.  I don't understand what
   the problem is.

A: This one's easy.  All you need to do is put the command CALL 
   before each of the batch (.BAT) files you want to execute 
   within your primary batch file.  

   If you don't use CALL, DOS just leaps from the primary batch file to
   the first one you have nested and never goes back.  By doing it this
   way your computer "remembers" that it needs to continue executing the
   original batch file.  You can use the CALL command on as many nested
   batch files as you need. 

   Here's a brief example:

     @ECHO OFF
     PROMPT $P$G
     PATH C:\DOS;D:\QEMM;C:\;F:\SD;C:\TURBO;D:\NORTON;F:\QUOTES
     CALL C:\CALENDAR\CAL.BAT
     CALL C:\DICT\DICT.BAT
     C:\WINDOWS\WIN.EXE   

   In this example, two batch file - CAL.BAT and DICT.BAT - are 
   executed, all without losing the thread of the primary batch
   file.  After those programs run, the batch file will conclude
   by running WIN.EXE and load Windows.            

   As long as you use the CALL command, your nested batch files will 
   work just fine.


Are you having a problem with your computer?  Write to Joe via Sunlight
Through The Shadows BBS at 214/620-8793, through the internet at
Joe.DeRouen@Chrysalis.ORG, or CompuServe at 73654,1732.  Joe can also be
reached at any of the other points listed in Contact Points, elsewhere
in this issue.

