Running SPITFIRE with DESQview 386

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SF-DESQ.DOC
                     Running SPITFIRE v3.51 with DESQview 386

                               SPITFIRE - Version 3.51
                     Copyright (C) by Mike Woltz, 1987-1996
                               Buffalo Creek Software

        RUNNING SPITFIRE 3.51 UNDER DESQVIEW 386
        ---------------------------------------

        In order to run SPITFIRE v3.51 under DESQview 386, Sysops need to
        create a .DVP (DESQview Program Information File).  DESQview uses
        DVPs to run DOS applications.  A DVP file tells DESQview the name and
        location of the DOS (non-DESQview application) program being run and
        describes the necessary memory and hardware requirements.  A DVP
        file is required whether running one or multiple nodes.

        To create a DVP file, select Open Window, then Add a Program from the
        popup DESQview menu that appears when the ALT key is tapped.  See below
        for further information.

        Memory Requirements:
        -------------------

        SPITFIRE v3.51 requires 256K of RAM per node. If the BBS includes
        programs that are run from DOS using SFMAIN.BAT, SFMESS.BAT or
        SFFILE.BAT, Sysops need to allocate more memory depending upon the
        size of the application that they are running.  This is necessary
        because SPITFIRE is still in memory at this time.  It is
        therefore recommended that at least two megabytes be installed
        on a system that is to run SPITFIRE in a DESQview environment.
        Since a disk cache dramatically improves performance when
        multitasking, it is recommended that one be used with DESQview.
        A more realistic setup would be 4MB of RAM with a 2MB cache.

        Hardware Requirements:
        ---------------------

        A 386SX or greater is required to run DV in 386 mode.  Doing so
        involves running XDV.COM which places itself in high memory and
        activates the true multitasking capabilities of 386 Protected Mode.

        DVP File Setup:
        --------------

        Below are suggested settings for the DVP file that is needed.
        Settings will vary with different systems.  It is VERY important to
        set Close on exit to [N]; otherwise, the window will disappear after
        EVERY call!  Some items are blank, some are the defaults, and some
        are suggested settings.  Careful comparison and a little thought is
        needed to optimize a system for DESQview.

                                 Change A Program

        Program Name............:SPITFIRE v3.51 Node 1

        Keys to Use on Open Menu:SF                 Memory Size (in K):500

        Program...:SF1D.BAT

        Parameters:

        Directory.: C:\SF
        Options:
                   Writes text directly to screen.......:[Y]
                   Displays graphics information........:[N]
                   Virtualize text/graphics (Y,N,T).....:[T]
                   Uses serial ports (Y,N,1,2)..........:[1]
                   Requires floppy diskette.............:[N]

        Press F1 for advanced options           Press <- when you are DONE
                         Change a Program Advanced Options

        System Memory (in K)........0  Maximum Program Memory Size (in K)

        Script Buffer Size.......1000  Maximum Expanded Memory Size (in K)

        Text Pages: 1  Graphics Pages: 0 Initial Mode: Interrupts:00 to FF
        Window Position:
          Maximum Height: 25     Starting Height:    Starting Row....:
          Maximum Width.: 80     Starting Width.:    Starting Column.:
                                  Shared Program
        Pathname..:
        Data......:
        Close on exit (Y,N,blank)..:[N]  Uses its own colors...........[Y]
        Allow Close Window Command.:[Y]  Runs in background (Y,N,blank)[Y]
        Uses math coprocessor......:[N]  Keyboard conflict (0-F).......[0]
        Share CPU when foreground..:[Y]  Share EGA when foreground/zoom[Y]
        Can be swapped out (Y,N,bl):[N]  Protection level (0-3)........[0]

        Press F1 for standard options           Press <- when you are DONE

        Starting It All Up:
        ------------------

        If ANSI Graphics are featured on the SPITFIRE BBS, Sysops MUST load
        DVANSI.COM, a file that comes with the DESQview software, before
        opening each SPITFIRE window.  To do so, create a batch file such as:

        (SF1D.BAT)

        C:
        CD C:\DV
        DVANSI
        CALL SF1.BAT

        As above, DESQview runs SF1D.BAT, not SF1.BAT directly when it is run
        by the DVP file described.  In order to have DESQview load the SF DVP
        applications immediately, hit SHIFT+ALT when the DESQview Menu is
        displayed.  This will enter Learn mode.  Select Start Script, and then
        select the key that should activate this macro and run the script. Make
        sure that the Script Name begins with an Exclamation point (!).  The
        Script that begins with an ! will be automatically loaded.  Give the
        Script a name like !STARTUP.  Then, hit the exact keystrokes that are
        used to start the "default" startup windows.  When all of the windows
        are on the screen, hit SHIFT+ALT a second time.  The Learn Menu will
        reappear.  Select Finish Script to end this Script Macro recording.
        When exiting DESQview next, tell it to Save Scripts.

        Make sure to have the AUTOEXEC.BAT end with the line "XDV". This will
        enable the system to boot DESQview which will in turn boot the SPITFIRE
        Setup in case  of a power interruption.