+==================================+ /==================================/| +==================================+|| | + June 1992 ||| |(O) Volume 1 ||| | + Issue 1 ||| | @@ ||| | @@ @@ @@ @@ @@@@ @ @@ ||| | @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ ||| | @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ ||| | @@ @@@@@@ @@ @@@@ @@ ||| | @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ ||| | @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ ||| | @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ ||| | ||| | @@ @@ @@ ||| | @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ ||| | @@ @@ @@ @@ ||| | @@ @@ @@ @@ @@@ ||| | + @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ ||| |(O) @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ ||+ | + @@@@ @@ @@ |/ +----------------------------------+ The Information Source for GEnie's Commodore *FLAGSHIP* Roundtable (Page 625) -------------------------------------(+)------------------------------------- Producer: Bill Juliani Contributing Editor: John Brown Editor: Mark Dulski Contributing Editor: Howard Herman Contributing Editor: Paul McAleer -------------------------------------(+)------------------------------------- Contents: Page: The Beginning ......................................................... 1 Event Horizon ......................................................... 1 *FLAGSHIP* Software Libraries ......................................... 2 The "DIRECTORY" ....................................................... 6 Wizard Tips .......................................................... 6 In the Public Domain .................................................. 7 PORT of Call .......................................................... 9 Join us Today! ........................................................ 10 COPYRIGHT ............................................................. 10 Ship's Log - Copyright (C) 1992 by the Flagship June 1992 Page 1 +----------------------------------------------------------+ ) *SHIP'S LOG*, The Beginning ( +----------------------------------------------------------+ by Mark Dulski As we enter an era of newer, faster and more costly computers, literally hundreds of thousands of computer users around the world are saying ... "So what? My Commodore 64 (or 128) does all I need it to!" With the Commodore 8 bit computers' ease of use, built in Basic programming language, built in DOS, and an installed user base worldwide, it's no wonder they instead are saying "NO" to more costly alternatives and upgrading their Commodores. Surprisingly in England alone, in 1991, over 100,000 brand new Commodore 64's were sold. There were over 800,000 C-64 computers sold world wide last year! For continued product support when looking to upgrade your Commodore hardware or software, there are numerous 3rd party hardware and software developers for the Commodore 64 and 128. Several of which offer their product support here on GEnie, in the Commodore *FLAGSHIP* Roundtable. To further our online support the Flagship staff has decided to periodi- cally produce the *SHIP'S LOG*. It will be a collection of articles on such subjects as how to make the best use of the various areas of the *FLAGSHIP* Roundtable (which can also be applied to GEnie in general). Highlights of some of the best, little known or unique files from the Flagship Software Libraries, announcements of upcoming events, and whatever else we think you will find useful or interesting. If you have any comments or suggestions about *SHIP'S LOG* feel free to leave email to the FLAGSHIP$, we like to hear what >you< have to say. We may even print some of your letters in the next issue of *SHIP'S LOG* so if you do not wish to have your name or GEmail address published from your e-mail, please tell us. Sit back and have a good read! +----------------------------------------------------------+ ) Event Horizon ( +----------------------------------------------------------+ Regularly scheduled RTC's: Tuesdays 10 PM-11PM Eastern C64/128 Help Night Sundays 10 PM-10PM Eastern GEOS & Chat Night Special events: Sunday June 14th 10PM Eastern The Flagship staff will be hosting a RTC to show you how to become a Star Performer online using Bellterm 64, Dialogue 128 and Wizard. Tuesday June 23rd 10PM Eastern Find out about an Exclusive release of software for the C64 and Flagship members! It may just change the way you think about software. Ship's Log - Copyright (C) 1992 by the Flagship June 1992 Page 2 +----------------------------------------------------------+ ) Commodore *FLAGSHIP* Software Libraries ( +----------------------------------------------------------+ by Mark Dulski Have you at one time or another promised a certain someone you would get them a recipe database, checkbook program or maybe even a video tape log so that >they< would have a use for the computer too? Do you have a need for a particular type of program but don't really want to spend the money on a commercial one? If a commercial one is even available for your needs! Or, do you just like checking out a wide variety of programs? Whatever the reason, with the thousands of public domain and shareware programs in the *FLAGSHIP* Software Libraries, almost any type of program you need can be found online. Including the one you promised to that certain someone, way back when. You will find some that are very close to commercial quality, at a fraction of the cost! Since all the Roundtable Libraries on GEnie have a $6.00 an hour usage fee, what is the best way to get the most for your dollar? (*) UPLOADING A FILE (*) There are no charges while uploading a file! GEnie turns off the billing clock for you. Remember the old saying "It's better to give than to receive"? In this case it is also cheaper. If you have a Commodore 64 or 128 program you found somewhere or one you wrote yourself and would like to literally share it with the world, there is no better place for you to put it than in the *FLAGSHIP* Libraries. Even if you have never uploaded to the *FLAGSHIP* Libraries before it is very easy to do. The *FLAGSHIP* has its files divided into several libraries according to the types of programs each contain. Before you upload a program you must decide which library it belongs in and select #8 from the libraries menu to SET yourself into that library. Sometimes a program just doesn't seem to fit in any one library, but don't worry, just pick the most likely one for your program. If it turns out another library would have been better, one of the sysops will gladly move it for you. Once set into the proper library you're ready to tell GEnie you want to upload a file, #5 in the Library menu. First you will be asked for the filename of your program (easy enough). Next you're asked to give a short description of your file. You are only allowed to use 36 characters for this description so make them count! After that you'll be entering a longer description for your file. This long description can be up to 10 lines long. More than enough room for most descriptions. As a courtesy to anyone downloading the program, in your last line of the long description state how big the file is in disk blocks and whether it's a PRG or SEQ file format. Ship's Log - Copyright (C) 1992 by the Flagship June 1992 Page 3 All text files should be in "straight" ASCII form and not Pet ASCII. When you are finished entering the description use the command '*s' just like in email or the bulletin boards to send/save your description with GEnie. '*x' can be used to exit without saving in case you change your mind and wish to start all over. The last thing you are asked to do is to type in a list of keywords, sep- arated by a comma, that describe the type of program you are uploading. So if you are uploading an interstellar space shoot-'em-up game that runs in the C128 80 column screen you might give a list of keywords like this: "space,spaceship,c128,128,vdc,80,80column,arcade,joystick". All this may seem like an awful lot of typing but don't forget, GEnie has your billing clock turned off the whole time! Now you're ready to tell GEnie what upload protocol you will be using; seven bit text, xmodem or xmodem crc. Even if you are uploading a file that contains only text do NOT use the "seven bit text" option. Important: Be sure to wait until GEnie says "READY FOR INPUT", then and only then you can begin the upload from your end. Be sure to have the right disk in your drive, otherwise a "file not found" error could cause your terminal program to abort the upload and you'll end up having to start all over from the beginning. As soon as the upload is complete you will be asked to press your return key. This is just GEnie's way of asking "Are you still there?". Then if the upload was not aborted by GEnie or your Terminal program, answer "y" when asked if the upload was OK. If you happen to notice that there were frames retransmitted or any timeouts this is normal. Files uploaded to the *FLAGSHIP* Libraries are not released right away. Except where noted all files are tested by the Flagship staff to make sure the files run correctly. Usually it takes no more than a few days and your file will be released for everyone to download and enjoy. (*) SEARCHING FOR A FILE (*) With thousands of files contained in the *FLAGSHIP* Libraries just how are you going to find just one in particular? Easy! Remember those keywords that are entered when a file is uploaded? Those are the search terms that the GEnie system uses to base its search. Now you see why it's important to use meaningful keywords when uploading files. On the Library menu select #3 to bring up the "Enter Search String" prompt. Enter a word that describes the type of file you want to download. The next two prompts for 'uploader address' and 'number of days' are usually not that important so just press your return key at these two. You probably want to search through all the files regardless of who the uploader was and want the search to start from the latest file numbers. Ship's Log - Copyright (C) 1992 by the Flagship June 1992 Page 4 Be sure you have your capture buffer open now because there could be enough matches found that the list of files could easily scroll up and off your screen before you have a chance to make note of them. When all the files are found you'll be asked if you wish to search again. To increase the proba- bility that all possible files are listed that match the type for which you are searching, it's a good idea to have two or three keywords for your search. Sometimes your search will only turn up a few files but you could very well end up with screen full after screen full of files. With only a few files it is relatively easy and fast to decide which ones to download. If you end up with a whole bunch of possibilities then save yourself some money and sign off GEnie to examine your file list offline. Pick out the file(s) you want to download then sign back on to download them. (*) DOWNLOADING A FILE (*) So you've turned up some interesting looking files from your search or you heard about a file in the *FLAGSHIP* Libraries you just "gotta have". One thing you should do before you begin is to make sure you have a blank formated disk in your drive! Nothing can waste more time (and $$) or cause more frustration than to have a download abort because of insufficient room on your disk. Once you get set up select #6, "Download a file", from the Library menu. If you enter just one file number at the "Enter download request..." prompt, the long description for that file will be displayed. You then have three options, besides uit to menu, from which to select. The first option is to skip it by pressing your return key which will bring up the prompt to enter another file number. This is useful if your search for a particular type of file has turned up more than one possibility and you just can't decide from the 'brief' descriptions which would be best. You can view the long descriptions of each to help narrow down the choices. Another option is to ist a file. This is ONLY useful with text files in the libraries. Be sure to have your capture buffer open before you ist the file so you can view it offline! The final option is to ownload the file. Here you will be presented with a list of four download protocols; xmodem, xmodem (w/1k blocks), ymodem, and zmodem. DO NOT select zmodem since it is not supported on the C64 or C-128. Most of the newer terminal programs, such as the Flagship's Wizard programs, support xmodem protocol, xmodem (w/1k blocks) and ymodem. If you are not sure about your present terminal program then play it safe and use xmodem. After you've made your choice GEnie will display how many xmodem blocks you can expect to receive and the number of 1-k packets if you selected ymodem or xmodem (w/1k blocks). Important: Wait until you see "File is ready ..." displayed on your screen from GEnie before you start the download from your end. Ship's Log - Copyright (C) 1992 by the Flagship June 1992 Page 5 Getting back to the "Enter download request" for a moment, you can enter more than one file number separated by commas at this prompt. GEnie will assume you will be downloading using either ymodem or zmodem of which you will have to select ymodem. Remember, NO zmodem. Only the filenames and total for the xmodem blocks and 1-k packets will be displayed, no 'long' descriptions of the files. Using ymodem is a fast and easy way to batch download a number of files at one time. If all went well with the download GEnie will inform you of a "Normal termination" and you will be asked if you would like to download another file. If not, then sign off and have fun examining your new programs! (*) TIME $AVING TIP$ (*) To get a complete description of each Library, download file number 9647. Print this list out and use it as a handy offline reference as an aid in determining which library to upload a particular file into. When a search turns up a large number of files save yourself some money and examine the list of files offline. You will be less apt to overlook a likely candidate file from your search than if you tried to hurriedly view the list while online, attempting to keep the connect charges down. If your terminal program supports it, use ymodem for downloading. After initiating the download it's a hands-free operation while the file(s) are downloaded to disk. Prepare your disk drive ahead of time! If uploading, make sure the cor- rect disk with the file you are going to upload is in the drive. If down- loading, have a blank formatted disk in the drive so there is less chance of running out of room on the disk. If you are going to be downloading several files, add up the number of bytes for each file (given in both the long and short descriptions) to make sure they will all fit on your blank disk. Figure a 1571 disk has room for 330,000 bytes and a 1541 disk has room for 165,000 bytes. In my experience downloading files is best done after 11:00 PM on any day and before 11:00 AM on weekends. Phone usage seems to be lower during those times so line noise (which can cause downloading errors) and delays are almost non-existent. Everything goes much smoother! Each Library has an text file that lists all the files that particular Library contains up to the date the index was created. To get the file numbers of these text files do a search using the keyword "index". Approximately 40 index files will turn up. Download the ones that interest you and print them out as a ready reference. Or, to save yourself the hassle of spending all that time downloading and printing those indexes you might consider .... Ship's Log - Copyright (C) 1992 by the Flagship June 1992 Page 6 +----------------------------------------------------------+ ) The DIRECTORY ( +----------------------------------------------------------+ The *FLAGSHIP* is proud to announce the completion of its NEW Commodore Flagship Directory! A handy reference every uploader and downloader could use to make their time online even more productive and enjoyable when using Wizard 64 or 128 with Ymodem. Each library of files is listed in both chronological and alpha-numeric order. No more wondering if a file you want to upload has already been uploaded by someone else. Save connect charges by doing most of your searching for files offline using the File Directory. Just browse through the Directory, write down the files of interest, then sign on and download the files you want. The Flagship File Directory comes with its own high quality 3-ring binder which makes future revisions both easy and inexpensive. Only $24.95 plus S&H. Send personal check or money order to: Parsec Inc S&H for US orders: $4 PO Box 111 S&H for Canadian orders: $8 Salem MA 01970-0111 Be sure to include your U.S.A. GEnie e-mail address! +----------------------------------------------------------+ ) Wizard Tips ( +----------------------------------------------------------+ by Mark Dulski Did you know that all the roundtable libraries on GEnie have a page number? That's right, it's not displayed on the library menus but they all have them. To determine the page number of a roundtable library just add 1 to the page number of the roundtable main entrance menu. The roundtable main entrance menu page number must be three digits, not from a GEnie*Basic menu. For example the *FLAGSHIP* main entrance menu is on page 625. Add one to this to get page 626 as the page number of the *FLAGSHIP* Software Libraries. By running Wizard's "make-menu" program you could add to your custom menu: "Search CBM files" 626;3 "Download CBM file" 626;6 "Upload CBM file" 626;8 (Must set to Library first before upload) Use the icon to auto logon, select one of the above from your custom menu and you will bypass all the *FLAGSHIP* menus. You move directly to the appropriate library function prompt. Each time you get a file directory list from any of the software libraries, GEnie remembers the last file that was listed to you. Wizard takes advantage of this by having an auto function under the icon that will log onto GEnie and get a list of any new files since the last time. A fast convenient way to stay abreast of the newest uploads. Ship's Log - Copyright (C) 1992 by the Flagship June 1992 Page 7 +----------------------------------------------------------+ ) In the Public Domain ( +----------------------------------------------------------+ For this column we would normally be highlighting some of the best or newest *FLAGSHIP* files. Instead this month we will explain those, at times, cryptic filename extensions you will come across in the *FLAGSHIP* Libraries. What they mean and how to deal with them. (*) COMMODORE ARCHIVES (*) Over the years computer programmers have devised countless methods of combining several files into one file for ease of transferring over the phone lines. Some of the 'archives' offered file compression making the 1 long file smaller in size than what the several separate files' total length would be. As a matter of policy, out of all the archive methods in use only 3 are acceptable for use with uploaded files to the *FLAGSHIP* Libraries; "filename.SFX", "filename.SDA" and "filename.ARC" "filename.SFX": From the downloaders standpoint this is the easiest and most convenient archive method to dissolve. Just load the file into your C64 or C128 and run it. A '.SFX' file senses which computer it has been loaded into and will configure itself accordingly for proper writing to disk of the separate files contained in the '.SFX' archive. "filename.SDA": Like the '.SFX' archives the '.SDA' is also a self- dissolving archive. However, a '.SDA' archive is computer specific, meaning if it was created for the C64 it must be run on a C64 to be dissolved. Likewise if it was created for the C128 it must be run on a C128. How do you tell which computer to load and run a '.SDA' file on? You can get a hint from which computer the files in the '.SDA' archive are intended to be run on. The uploader may have also specified, in the file's long description, which computer to use to dissolve it. "filename.ARC": Probably the most widely known and used archive method. Also the most troublesome for new users to understand the command syntax used to create or dissolve an archive. Of the 3 archive methods mentioned, only an '.ARC' file needs a special program to be dissolved. It's also the same one used to create an '.ARC' file. To dissolve an '.ARC' file on the C64 you will need file #4795, "ARC250.SDA", from the *FLAGSHIP* Libraries. The easiest method that works in most cases for dissolving an '.ARC' file on a C64 is to copy it on to a blank formatted disk so it will be the only file on that disk. Load and run ARC250 then insert the disk with the '.ARC' file on it in drive #8 and type: arc/x a:* Ship's Log - Copyright (C) 1992 by the Flagship June 1992 Page 6 On the C128 to dissolve an '.ARC' file you will need file #7799, "CS-DOS15.SFX" and file #7800, "CS-DOC15.SFX". CS-DOS is a very powerful operating system enhancement for your C128. Unfortunately the documentation can be hard to grasp. For help using CS-DOS, see category 3 topic 18 in the *FLAGSHIP* Bulletin Board. ARC128 is included with the CS-DOS package but is not immediately set up and ready to use. You will have to install ARC128 in a CS-DOS ramdisk or, download file #9621, "CSDOS.NOREU.SFX". If you have a 1750 ram expansion then download file #9620, "CSDOS.REU.SFX" instead. Both of these files contain an autoexec file CS-DOS needs and a ramdisk with ARC128 already installed for you, ready to use. Just rename the autoexec and ramdisk files that came with the CS-DOS package and copy the new ones to your CS-DOS disk. Just like dissolving an '.ARC' on the C64, copy the '.ARC' file onto a blank formated disk. Run the CS-DOS "shell" program to get the ramdisk containing ARC128 into memory and use the same command syntax as for ARC250 on the C64, with the disk containing the '.ARC' file in drive #8. Type: arc128/x a:* ARC128 does have one quirk I should mention. Whatever filename that ARC128 has been named MUST be used in the "arc" part of the command. So if you have renamed ARC128 to "DOIT" then the command to give would be: doit/x a:* "filename.LBR": An older type of archived file that you may still find hanging around in the *FLAGSHIP*. Use file #1142, "LIBRARY 128 V1.3A" on the C128 or file #8086 "LIBRARY V8.6.ARC" on the C64 to dissolve them. At one time LIBRARY was a very popular method of combining several files into 1 file for telecommunication transfer but has since gone out of favor when ARC and the self-dissolving archives came about. (*) COMMODORE FILE TYPE EXTENSIONS (*) "filename.TXT" or ".DOC": These file types are text only, most always in ASCII format. Just download them as a sequential file and view them using your favorite word proccessor or text editor. "filename.CVT": Found only in the *FLAGSHIP* Geos Libraries 35, 36 and 37. All the '.CVT' extension means is that the file MUST be converted to Geos file format before it can be usable under the Geos operating system. This is really a misnomer since ALL Geos files must be converted from the Geos format to CBM format before they can be uploaded anyway, and then converted back again when downloaded. Use file #6697, "CONVERT2.5" OR file #6957, "CONVERT-2.5DA" to convert Geos files back and forth. File #6957 runs as a desk accessory under Geos. Ship's Log - Copyright (C) 1992 by the Flagship June 1992 Page 9 The SID music files found in the *FLAGSHIP* Libraries 15, 16, 17, 18 and 25 can have any one of these filename extensions: .MUS .WDS .STR .MSW .PIC .PIL .SAL or .SLR. If the file ends with .MUS that means it can be loaded right into the Stereo SID Player and played. For the most part any other file extension such as .MSW has to be run in C64 mode. Doing so will dissolve the files into 2 or more files for the SID player. Usually these files end with .MUS (the main music file), .STR (the stereo part of the file), .WDS (the words for the song), and .PIC (a picture for the SID, occasionally SID files come with pictures to illustrate the song). To listen to any SID music file you will need file #8453, "SIDPLAYER10.3.SDA" +----------------------------------------------------------+ ) PORT of Call ( +----------------------------------------------------------+ by Mark Dulski Each time you call GEnie there is a tracking number that GEnie assigns to you while you are online. To read this number just type "PORT" (without the quotes) at any main menu on GEnie. A long number like this will be displayed on your screen: Port: 20508108111001001 Mrc: 907 It is always a good idea to get this number and write it down, or save it to your buffer, as one of the first things you do each time you log onto GEnie. That way if anything should happen to go wrong while you are online you can notify the GEnie staff through the email address of FEEDBACK. Include this number in your email, explaining what happened and where on GEnie the problem occurred. Problems don't happen often but when they do, by including the PORT number in your email you'll make it much easier (and faster) for GEnie to track down and correct the problem you may have encountered. Ship's Log - Copyright (C) 1992 by the Flagship June 1992 Page 10 Would you like to join the GEnie community or do you have a friend that would like to join? If so, just follow these simple steps: 1. Set your communications software for half duplex (local echo) at 300, 1200 or 2400 baud. 2. Dial toll free 1-800-638-8369 in the U.S.A. or 1-800-387-8330 in Canada. 3. Upon connection, enter hhh (just 3 h's, do not press return) 4. At the U#= prompt, enter XJM11722,GENIE then press 5. Have a major credit card ready. In the USA, your checking account number may also be used. For just $4.95 a month you will have unlimited, non-prime time use of over a hundred GEnie*Basic services! This includes unlimited electronic mail; an online encyclopedia; many online games; personal interest bulletin boards such as science fiction, genealogy, automotive, medical, and others. The latest news, weather, sports, and much more! Services such as the software libraries, computer specific bulletin boards, chat lines, most multiplayer graphic games, and a few other areas have a low $6.00 an hour non-prime time usage fee. A bargain! (*) MONEY BACK GUARANTEE! (*) If you are not completely satisfied after using GEnie*Basic during the first month, GEnie will refund you your initial $4.95 subscription fee. What have you got to lose? Give GEnie a try for one month and you'll be amazed at all GEnie has to offer. For further information you may call 1-800-638-9636 Or write: GEnie c/o GE Information Services P.O. Box 6403 Rockville, MD 20850-1785 ============================================================================== The SHIP'S LOG, a product of GEnie's Commodore FlagShip RoundTable is copyrighted in its entirely by the FLAGSHIP. Distribution and electronic transmittal is encouraged for individual, private use, User Groups, and for Non-Profit BBS systems. Commercial use of this publication and/or the articles contained herein (including, but not limited to transmittal to Commercial or charge online services) is prohibited. When distributed, the entire issue (complete and unmodified) contained within the original SFX files must be intact. Written permission to copy or otherwise distribute portions of the *SHIP'S LOG* may be requested through C128.JBEE or the FLAGSHIP$. Ship's Log - Copyright (C) 1992 by the Flagship