Source: SPITFIRE.DOCEdition: searchable Web reading editionPresentation: historical wording retained
11.0 - FILE SECTION EXPLAINED
-----------------------------
It is from the File Menu that all file related activity is
accessed. The File Menu may be selected from either the Main
Menu or the Message Menu with the <F>...File Section command option.
The Sysop has the ability to control which features are available to
the callers by adjusting the security level within the SFFILE.MNU.
(Refer to the section - SPITFIRE Menu Files - for further information
regarding setting security levels for accessing each menu feature.)
For the purpose of discussion, each menu displayed will be as if
the Sysop (with the highest security level and access to each menu
feature) were viewing it. In this case, the File Menu would look like
this:
11.1 - FILE MENU EXAMPLE
------------------------
>>>>>>>>> FILE MENU <<<<<<<<<<C>......... Change File Area <L>.. List Files In This Area
<E>............. Erase A File <G>........ Goodbye & Log Off
<D>.......... Download A File <U>............ Upload A File
<H>.. Help On Upload/Download <P>........... Page The Sysop
<M>.......... Message Section <Q>........ Quit To MAIN MENU
<S>............ Shuffle Files <N>................ New Files
<T>.. Text Search Description <F>.............. Find A File
<X>........ Xpert Mode Toggle <?>....... HELP With Commands
<K>..... File Menu Extension <@>.......... Sysop Utilities
<V>...... View A File Archive <R>......... Read A Text File
FILE MENU - <C L E G D U H P M Q S N T F X ? K @ V R>?
11.2 - FILE MENU EXPLANATION
----------------------------
<C>.... Change File Area
This feature allows a caller to change to a different File
Area. If <Q>uit is selected, the caller remains in the
current File Area. If the ENTER key is pressed, SPITFIRE
will list the File Areas available to the caller.
<L>.... List Files In This Area
This displays the file listing (SFFILES.BBS) in the current
File Area that are available for the caller to download.
When listing files, SPITFIRE offers file tagging for ease
of downloading. SPITFIRE precedes each file in the list
with a tag character. As each screen completes displaying,
the caller is prompted to enter the tag character(s) that are
associated with the file(s) to be downloaded. When the file
download transfer process begins, SPITFIRE will automatically
insert the name of the file(s) tagged for downloading.
When a file is marked as OFFLINE in the SFFILES.BBS or if the
file can not be found in the download directory, SPITFIRE
will treat any such tagged files as file requests. File
requests are recorded to the SFILEREQ.LOG in the SPITFIRE
Work File Path. Refer to the section - SPITFIRE FILE
CLARIFICATIONS - of this manual for additional information
regarding SPITFIRE's file request feature.
<E>.... Erase A File
This feature allows callers to erase a file from a File Area.
Normally this feature is only available to callers with Sysop
security. When erasing a file from the file menu, SPITFIRE
prompts you as to whether the file should be added to
SFNOUP.DAT. Responding with a Y for Yes adds the erased
file's name to SFNOUP.DAT. SPITFIRE's file tagging feature
can be used when erasing a file(s). If no files have been
tagged, you must enter the name of the file to be erased.
Before the file is deleted you will be asked to verify that
the file is to be erased. If files have been tagged for
erasing, the name will default in automatically but SPITFIRE
still prompts you to verify each file before it is erased.
This process will continue until all tagged files are
processed. When erasing a file, information regarding the
file is removed from SFFILES.BBS.
<G>.... Goodbye & Log Off
This feature simply allows a caller to log off the BBS.
<D>.... Download A File
This feature allows a caller to download a file, provided the
caller hasn't exceeded the maximum daily download limit and
the caller has enough time left to perform the download. The
caller does not have to be in any specific File Area to
perform a download. If the caller starts a download while in
a File Area marked as a CD-ROM File Area and the file to be
downloaded isn't found in that area, SPITFIRE asks the caller
whether to search the other File Areas. On a single file
transfer, SPITFIRE allows the caller to automatically log off
after the completion of the download by placing a backslash
"\" after the name of the file to be downloaded. On a batch
file transfer, the caller is prompted as to whether SPITFIRE
should automatically log the caller off the BBS when the file
transfer is completed. After completing the download,
SPITFIRE notifies the caller of the number of downloads
he/she has remaining for the day.
When the caller is prompted for the name of the file to
download, if the file name and period is input, SPITFIRE
automatically adds the ZIP extension. If, for example,
SF35. is entered, SPITFIRE initiates the download of
SF35.ZIP. If the period is not added, SPITFIRE does
not add the file extension.
Prior to starting the download, SPITFIRE displays to the
caller a list of the files selected for downloaded and the
number of bytes which will be sent.
When using SPITFIRE's internal transfer protocols and a file
transfer is initiated, a window opens on the screen, allowing
the Sysop to monitor the progress of the download. The
information displayed in the window includes: the transfer
protocol selected, file name, total bytes to be sent, bytes
sent, bytes that remain to be sent, consecutive errors, total
errors, a last message field which SPITFIRE uses to display
the calculated characters per second transfer rate when there
is no other message, and a graph depicting the progress of
the transfer.
When the Download a File option is selected by a caller who
is logged on locally, the IMPORT/EXPORT Menu is displayed.
The RIP/ANSI/non-ANSI screen for this menu, SFIMPEXP.[BCR],
is displayed if found. Otherwise, the following default
SPITFIRE menu is displayed:
>>>> IMPORT/EXPORT MENU <<<<<I>...... Import A File <E>............ Export A File
<R>...... Remove A File <T>.. Text Search Description
<F>........ Find A File <L>... List Files (This Area)
<C>... Change File Area <Q>........ Quit To File Menu
<G>... Goodbye & Log Off
ENTER COMMAND <I E R T F L C Q G ?><I>... Import A File
Allows a file to be added by copying it from another
drive and/or directory to the configured upload path
for the current SPITFIRE file area. SPITFIRE prompts
the caller to enter the path name of the file to be
copied and also prompts for a description of the file
being copied. The file name, size, date, as well as
the description of the file being copied is added to
the SFFILES.BBS in the upload directory of the File
Area in which file is being copied to.
<E>... Export A File
Allows a file from a SPITFIRE file area to be copied
to a drive and/or directory not set up as a SPITFIRE
file area. The caller is prompted for the name of
the file to be copied and the path to which the
file will be copied to.
<R>... Remove A File
Allows a file to be erased from the SPITFIRE file
area and removed from the appropriate SFFILES.BBS.
When a file is removed, the caller is prompted as
to whether the file should be added to SFNOUP.DAT.
<T>... Text Search Description
Allows a caller to search for certain text within
a file description. The caller can search in a
specific File Area or in all File Areas. This
feature ONLY searches the file description and not
the file name, date or size. However, when the
matching text is located, these are displayed. If
the caller is logged on in ANSI or RIP graphics,
and the matching text is found, it is highlighted
when it is displayed to the caller.
<F>... Find A File
Allows a caller to search a specific File Area or
all File Areas for a specific file. Wildcards are
allowed, with the exception of *.*. If a caller
enters a file name without the file extension,
SPITFIRE automatically adds a ".*" to the file name.
If there is a match, the file name, size, date and
description are shown, provided the file is listed
in the SFFILES.BBS.
<L>... List Files (This Area)
Displays the SFFILES.BBS for the current File Area,
listing files that are available for the caller to
download. When listing files, SPITFIRE offers file
tagging for ease of downloading. SPITFIRE precedes
each file in the list with an alphabetical character.
As each screen completes displaying, the caller is
prompted to enter the alpha character(s) associated
with a file(s) to be downloaded. When the caller
begins the file download process, SPITFIRE will
automatically insert the name of the file(s) the
caller has tagged for downloading.
<C>... Change File Area
Allows a caller to change to a different File Area.
If the caller selects <Q>uit, the caller remains
in the current File Area. If the caller presses the
ENTER key, SPITFIRE lists the File Areas that are
available to the caller.
<Q>... Quit To File Menu
Allows the caller to exit the IMPORT/EXPORT Menu and
return to the File Menu.
<G>... Goodbye & Log Off
Allows the caller to log off the BBS.
<U>.... Upload A File
This feature provides the caller the opportunity to upload
a file. The caller can be compensated additional time on the
BBS for the upload. The amount of the additional time is set
by the Sysop. SPITFIRE allows the caller to automatically
log off after the completion of the upload by placing a
backslash, "\", after the name of the file to be uploaded.
By using a forward slash, "/", at the beginning of the file
description, a caller can upload a file for Sysop only. When
a file is uploaded for Sysop only, it is not added to the
SFFILES.BBS but the Sysop is notified in the HEYSYSOP.LOG.
After the name of the file to be uploaded is entered,
SPITFIRE prompts the caller to stand by while it checks to
see if the file already exists. While checking for the file,
SPITFIRE checks for the same file with a different extension.
For example, if a caller attempts to upload SF351.ARJ and
SF351.ZIP is found, the caller is notified of the existing
file and is questioned as to whether the upload should be
continued. If the Sysop has toggled the Comprehensive Upload
Search to On (ALT+T configuration), during the search,
SPITFIRE removes any trailing digits from the file name. If
a caller attempts to upload SF34.ZIP and SF351.ZIP was found,
the caller is notified of the existing file and questioned as
to whether the upload should continue.
When using SPITFIRE's internal transfer protocols and a file
transfer is initiated, a window opens on the screen, allowing
the Sysop to monitor the progress of the upload. Information
displayed in the window includes: transfer protocol selected,
file name, total bytes to be sent, bytes sent, bytes that
remain to be sent, consecutive errors, total errors, a last
message field which SPITFIRE uses to display the calculated
characters per second transfer rate when there is no other
message, and a graph depicting the progress of the transfer.
When a caller uploads a file which was not expected (no
file name or description was provided by the caller),
at the conclusion of the upload when the file is found,
SPITFIRE checks to see if the file already exists. File
Areas with the Search File Area option set to No will not be
searched. If the file is not found, SPITFIRE then prompts
the caller to enter a description of the file.
When the Upload A File option is selected by a caller who
is logged on locally, the IMPORT/EXPORT Menu is displayed.
The RIP/ANSI/non-ANSI screen for this menu, SFIMPEXP.[BCR],
is displayed if found. Otherwise, the following default
SPITFIRE menu is displayed:
>>>> IMPORT/EXPORT MENU <<<<<I>...... Import A File <E>............ Export A File
<R>...... Remove A File <T>.. Text Search Description
<F>........ Find A File <L>... List Files (This Area)
<C>... Change File Area <Q>........ Quit To File Menu
<G>... Goodbye & Log Off
ENTER COMMAND <I E R T F L C Q G ?><I>... Import A File
Allows a file to be added by copying it from another
drive and/or directory to the configured upload path
for the current SPITFIRE file area. SPITFIRE prompts
the caller to enter the path name of the file to be
copied and also prompts for a description of the file
being copied. The file name, size, date, as well as
the description of the file being copied is added to
the SFFILES.BBS in the upload directory of the File
Area in which file is being copied to.
<E>... Export A File
Allows a file from a SPITFIRE file area to be copied
to a drive and/or directory not set up as a SPITFIRE
file area. The caller is prompted for the name of
the file to be copied and the path to which the
file will be copied to.
<R>... Remove A File
Allows a file to be erased from the SPITFIRE file
area and removed from the appropriate SFFILES.BBS.
When a file is removed, the caller is prompted as
to whether the file should be added to SFNOUP.DAT.
<T>... Text Search Description
Allows a caller to search for certain text within
a file description. The caller can search in a
specific File Area or in all File Areas. This
feature ONLY searches the file description and not
the file name, date or size. However, when the
matching text is located, these are displayed. If
the caller is logged on in ANSI or RIP graphics,
and the matching text is found, it is highlighted
when it is displayed to the caller.
<F>... Find A File
Allows a caller to search a specific File Area or
all File Areas for a specific file. Wildcards are
allowed, with the exception of *.*. If a caller
enters a file name without the file extension,
SPITFIRE automatically adds a ".*" to the file name.
If there is a match, the file name, size, date and
description are shown, provided the file is listed
in the SFFILES.BBS.
<L>... List Files (This Area)
Displays the SFFILES.BBS for the current File Area,
listing files that are available for the caller to
download. When listing files, SPITFIRE offers file
tagging for ease of downloading. SPITFIRE precedes
each file in the list with an alphabetical character.
As each screen completes displaying, the caller is
prompted to enter the alpha character(s) associated
with a file(s) to be downloaded. When the caller
begins the file download process, SPITFIRE will
automatically insert the name of the file(s) the
caller has tagged for downloading.
<C>... Change File Area
Allows a caller to change to a different File Area.
If the caller selects <Q>uit, the caller remains
in the current File Area. If the caller presses the
ENTER key, SPITFIRE lists the File Areas that are
available to the caller.
<Q>... Quit To File Menu
Allows the caller to exit the IMPORT/EXPORT Menu and
return to the File Menu.
<G>... Goodbye & Log Off
Allows the caller to log off the BBS.
<H>.... Help On Upload/Download
This feature describes the various file transfer
protocols available to the caller. The help information
comes from SFPROTCO.HLP and may be edited using your
favorite text editor, provided it saves in ASCII format.
<P>.... Page The Sysop
This feature notifies the Sysop that a caller has a question
or problem to chat about. If the Sysop is not available to
answer the page, SFUNANS.[BCR] is displayed to the caller.
If a caller attempts to page the Sysop a second time, and
SFPAGED.[BCR] is found, SFPAGED.[BCR] is displayed to
the caller and the Sysop is not paged a second time. If
SFPAGED.[BCR] is not found, the caller may page the Sysop
multiple times. If the Sysop has the page feature turned
off and a caller attempts to page the Sysop, SFPGOFF.[BCR]
is displayed to the caller.
<M>.... Message Section
This feature takes a caller from the FILE Section of SPITFIRE
to the MESSAGE Section.
<Q>.... Quit To Main Menu
This feature takes a caller from the FILE Section of SPITFIRE
to the MAIN Section.
<S>.... Shuffle Files
This feature allows files to be moved from one File Area to
another. Security should be set for this option so it is not
available to most callers. When a file is moved, the file
name, file size, file date and file description from the
original SFFILES.BBS is moved and appended to the SFFILES.BBS
of the File Area to which the file is being moved.
Files may be tagged for shuffling from one File Area to
another. Upon selecting this feature, you are prompted
to enter the name(s) of the file(s) you wish to move.
If you have tagged files prior to selecting this feature,
when prompted for the file name, it will default in
automatically. SPITFIRE then prompts for the File Area
you wish to move the file to. Pressing Enter will list the
file areas or you may opt to quit. This continues until
all tagged files are processed and no file name is entered
for moving.
If no files have been tagged and you select the Shuffle Files
option, you will be prompted to enter the file name. Next,
you will be asked to enter the File Area to which you wish to
move the file. Pressing enter will list the available file
areas or you may opt to Quit. This process will continue
until no file name is entered for moving.
When Shuffling files, SPITFIRE tests to see if the file to be
moved exists in the target File Area and if it exists, then
the operation is aborted with a message.
<N>.... New Files
This feature allows a caller to search a specific File Area
or all File Areas since a specific date or since the last
time the caller searched for new files. In addition to
listing the new files, a file statistics message is
displayed to the caller with the number of new files
received since last checked, the total number of files
available for download on the BBS and the number of bytes
of downloadable files which exist on the BBS. If any File
Area is configured as a CD Rom File Area, SPITFIRE will not
report statistics on the number of files and bytes available
for download since the statistics are not accurate due to
omitting CD ROM File Area(s) in the search for new files.
When listing new files, SPITFIRE offers file tagging for ease
of downloading. SPITFIRE precedes each file in the list with
a tag character (with the exception of S which is used to
Stop the file display). As each screen completes displaying,
the caller is prompted to enter the tag character(s) that are
associated with a file(s) to be downloaded. When the caller
begins the file transfer process, SPITFIRE automatically
inserts the name of the file(s) the caller has tagged for
downloading.
<T>.... Text Search Description
This feature allows a caller to search for certain text
within a file description. SPITFIRE supports multi-word text
searches and allows up to 6 key words to be searched for at
one time. The caller can search a specific File Area or all
File Areas. Please note that this feature searches ONLY the
file description and not the file name, date or size. These
are displayed, however, when the matching text is located.
If the caller is logged on in ANSI or RIP graphics, when
matching text is found, it will be highlighted when it is
displayed to the caller.
<F>.... Find A File
This feature allows a caller to search a specific File Area
or all File Areas for a certain file. Wildcards are allowed,
with the exception of *.*. If a caller enters a file name
without the file extension, SPITFIRE automatically adds a
".*" to the file name. If there is a match, the file name,
size, date and description are shown, provided the file
is listed in the SFFILES.BBS.
<X>.... Xpert Mode Toggle
This feature changes a caller's status from a novice to an
expert or vice versa. If a caller is set as a novice, then
the menu descriptions scroll by after each command. If
a caller is set as an expert, then only the command letters
scroll by after each command.
<?>.... HELP With Commands
This feature displays help for each command available
from the FILE MENU. This feature is augmented with
SFHELP.EXE, which creates separate help screens for each
individual command. For more information on SFHELP.EXE,
consult the documentation accompanying it. This program is
available for download on Buffalo Creek's BBS.
<K>.... File Menu Extension
This command can be used to run third party programs which
are configured by the Sysop. It is set up by including the
necessary commands to execute the desired option within the
SFFILE.BAT file. It should be noted that Sysops need to
use the SFHELP.EXE utility to modify the SPITFIRE.HLP file
so it properly explains the added option. When this
option is selected, SPITFIRE creates the file, SFFILE.DAT
and places it in the SPITFIRE home directory. SFFILE.DAT
contains caller information which is often required by the
third party program. SPITFIRE then shells from memory during
the execution of the third party program. When the caller
exits the third party program and control is returned to
SPITFIRE, SFFILE.DAT is automatically erased.
<@>.... Sysop Utilities
This feature takes a caller from the FILE Section to the
SYSOP Section. The BBS is maintained from the SYSOP Section.
This feature is not normally available to most callers.
<V>.... View A File Archive
This feature allows a caller to view the contents of a ZIP
file. The caller sees the file name, file size and file
date of each file within the compressed ZIP file. The caller
does not have to be in a specific file area to utilize this
feature.
<R>.... Read A Text File
This feature allows a caller to read a text file available
for download. The caller may want to use this feature and
simply capture the text rather than download the file. The
caller does not have to be in a specific File Area to utilize
this feature.
11.3 - UPLOAD/DOWNLOAD PROTOCOLS
--------------------------------
The following is a list of Upload and Download protocols available
within SPITFIRE:
1) Ascii
2) Xmodem Checksum
3) Xmodem CRC
4) 1K-Xmodem
5) Ymodem (Batch)
6) Zmodem (Batch)
7) 1K-Xmodem-g
8) Ymodem-g (Batch)
9) Telink
SPITFIRE does not allow a caller to download files with a .COM,
.EXE, .ARC, .ARJ, ZIP, or PAK extension when using the ASCII transfer
protocol.
Batch transfers using the External Protocol drivers are supported
by SPITFIRE. (For more information refer to the section - EXTERNAL
FILE TRANSFER PROTOCOLS - of this manual.)
11.4 - BATCH DOWNLOAD MENU
--------------------------
In order for the Batch Download Menu to be displayed, the caller
must have selected to download a file from the File Menu and then
selected a file transfer protocol that is capable of doing batch
downloads. It is possible for a caller to do a batch download without
ever having the Batch Download Menu displayed to them. The Batch
Download Menu is displayed if, after filling their batch queue, the
caller responds with a "N" when prompted as to whether to begin the
batch transfer now or if the batch queue is empty and the caller
presses the Enter key when asked to enter the name of the file to be
downloaded.
The SPITFIRE default Download Batch Menu looks like this:
>>>> BATCH DOWNLOAD MENU <<<<<A>...... Add To Batch Queue <V>..View Tagged/Queued List
<B>..... Begin File Transfer <R>... Remove File From List
<S>... Start New Batch Queue <L>.. List Files (This Area)
<C>........ Change File Area <Q>....... Quit To File Menu
<?>.................... Help <G>....... Goodbye & Log Off
BATCH MENU - [A V D R S L C Q ? G]?
<A>... Add To Batch Queue
This feature allows the caller to enter the name of the
files(s) to be added to the batch queue. SPITFIRE does not
allow the caller to exceed their daily download limit or time
limit.
<V>... View Tagged/Queued List
This feature allows the caller to review the file(s) they have
tagged or added to the batch queue. SPITFIRE also informs the
caller of the approximate time required for the file transfer
of each file, as well as the total approximate time to transfer
the entire batch queue.
<B>... Begin File Transfer
This feature simply starts the batch download provided the
caller has files to download listed in the batch queue. Before
the download(s) is started, the caller is prompted as to
whether they wish to log off when the transfer is finished. If
the answer is Yes, SPITFIRE automatically logs the caller
off after the download(s) is completed.
<R>... Remove File From List
If the caller changes his/her mind about including a file
in their list of files to download, this feature allows the
caller to remove a file from the list.
<S>... Start New Batch Queue
In the event the caller decides to start over, this feature
allows the caller to clear all file names currently contained
in the batch queue.
<L>... List Files (This Area)
This feature displays the files in the current File Area
which are available for the caller to download. The file's
name, file size, file date and a brief description of the
file are displayed to the caller.
<C>... Change File Area
This feature allows the caller to change to a different File
Area. If the caller selects <Q>uit, the caller remains in
the present File Area. If the caller presses the [ENTER] key,
SPITFIRE lists the File Areas available to the caller. If
a number corresponding to an available File Area is entered,
SPITFIRE makes that File Area the current File Area.
<Q>... Quit To File Menu
This feature takes the caller from the Batch Section of
SPITFIRE to the File Section of SPITFIRE. If this is selected,
the caller's batch queue is cleared.
<?>... Help
This feature offers a brief description of the various
commands available from the Batch Download Menu.
<G>... Goodbye & Log Off
This feature simply allows the caller to log off the BBS.
11.5 - BATCH UPLOAD MENU
------------------------
For the Batch Upload Menu to be displayed, the caller must
select to upload a file from the File Menu and select a file
transfer protocol that is capable of doing batch file transfers.
It is possible for a caller to do a batch upload without ever having
the Batch Upload Menu displayed to them. The Batch Upload Menu is
displayed if, after filling their batch queue, the caller responds
with a "N" when prompted as to whether to begin the batch transfer
or if the batch queue is empty and the caller presses the Enter
key when asked to enter the name of the file to be uploaded.
SPITFIRE's default Upload Batch Menu looks like this:
>>>>> BATCH UPLOAD MENU <<<<<<A>...... Add To Batch Queue <W>... What's In Batch Queue
<B>..... Begin File Transfer <R>.. Remove File From Queue
<S>... Start New Batch Queue <L>.. List Files (This Area)
<C>........ Change File Area <Q>....... Quit To File Menu
<?>.................... Help <G>....... Goodbye & Log Off
BATCH MENU - [A W U R S L C Q ? G]?
<A>... Add To Batch Queue
This feature allows the caller to enter the name of the
files(s) to be added to the batch queue. SPITFIRE prompts
the caller to enter the file name and a description of the
file(s) to be uploaded.
<W>... What's In Batch Queue
This feature allows the caller to review the file(s) that have
been added to the batch queue. SPITFIRE displays the
file name(s) and a brief description of the file(s) currently
contained in the batch queue.
<B>... Begin File Transfer
This feature simply starts the batch upload provided that the
caller has files to upload listed in the batch queue. Before
the upload(s) is started, the caller is prompted as to whether
they wish to log off when the transfer is finished. If he/she
responds with a <Y>es, SPITFIRE automatically logs the caller
off after the upload(s) is completed. If the caller fails to
provide a description for a file in a batch upload, SPITFIRE
provides a default description: "No Description Provided".
<R>... Remove File From Queue
This feature allows a caller to remove a file from the batch
queue if the caller changes his/her mind as to whether a file
should be included.
<S>... Start New Batch Queue
In the event the caller decides to start over, this feature
allows the caller to clear all file names currently contained
in the batch queue.
<L>... List Files (This Area)
This feature displays the files in the current File Area
which are available to the caller. The file's name, file size,
file date and a brief description of the file are displayed
to the caller.
<C>... Change File Area
This feature allows the caller to change to a different File
Area. If the caller selects <Q>uit, the caller remains in
the present File Area. If the caller presses the Enter key,
SPITFIRE lists the File Areas available to the caller. If
a number corresponding to an available File Area is entered,
SPITFIRE makes that File Area the current File Area.
<Q>... Quit To File Menu
This feature takes the caller from the Batch Section of
SPITFIRE to the File Section of SPITFIRE. If this is selected,
the caller's batch queue is cleared.
<?>... Help
This feature offers a brief description of the various
commands available from the Batch Upload Menu.
<G>... Goodbye & Log Off
This feature simply allows the caller to log off the BBS.