Copyright: Copyright© 1999 Symantec Corporation.  All rights reserved.
Citation: Copyright© 1999 Symantec Corporation.  All rights reserved.


An Introduction to Host

  Related Topics

With the Procomm Plus Host script, you can make your system available to other users for messaging, fax requests and file transfers. Using its Setup utility and User Editor, you can easily specify the files and faxes individual users can access.

In effect, Host turns your computer into a simple remote bulletin board system, or "BBS." Once logged in to your system, remote users can:

•	Upload files to your system.

•	Download files that you have made available.

•	Request faxes that you have prepared.

•	Read and reply to messages, or post messages to other users of your BBS.

The Host script includes a variety of features to help you manage your BBS:

•	Three levels of privileges for callers.

•	A "callback" feature to help keep your system secure.

•	A customizable log-on message.

•	A system activity log file.

•	On-line help for remote callers.

•	Customizable new user bulletins, help files and download file listings.

•	Individual time limits for users.

Since Host’s source files are provided on your distribution disks, you may wish to modify the Host script for some reason. For example, you might want to add customized menus, commands or even on-line "door" programs like games and databases!

However, unless you’re very familiar with the ASPECT script language, we strongly recommend that you not alter the distribution Host script. Symantec cannot provide support if you choose to modify the original Host source files.


Configuring Host

  Related Topics

The first time you run Host, it will automatically generate its parameter file, host40.prm. It will then launch its setup script, hostutil.wax, where you can modify Host’s default configuration in the Host Utility dialog:

You can also open the Host Utility dialog manually by running hostutil.wax.

Welcome Message

Enter the first message you want a remote user who has connected to your system to see in this edit field. You can enter up to 78 characters in this field; the default is "Welcome to Procomm Plus HOST!"

Upload Directory

The drive and path name you specify in this edit field will be used to store files uploaded or sent by remote users. You can enter up to 128 characters. Host defaults to the Upload path specified in the Data, Data Options, Paths panel in Setup.

Download Directory

The drive and path name you specify in this edit field will be used to store files that can be downloaded by remote users. You can enter up to 128 characters. Host defaults to the Dnload path specified in the Data, Data Options, Paths panel in Setup.

OK

When you’re satisfied with your Host options, click on OK to save them to the host40.prm file.

Cancel

To close the dialog without saving changes you may have made, click on Cancel.

Other options in this dialog are discussed below. Select the option from the following list to jump immediately to the option's discussion.

New User Level

System Type

Connection Type

Goodbye Option

User Editor...

Fax Options...

Time Options...

RIP Options...

Mail Manager...

Nightly Events...

New User Level

This setting determines the access level Host will assign to new users during their first call. You can choose between Normal and Restricted. Host defaults to Normal.

Normal User

Select Normal User if you want new users to have access to Host’s upload, download and fax functions.

Restricted User

If you select Restricted User, new users cannot upload or download files or request faxes, but they will still have access to Host’s other functions. For more information, see Remote User Functions.

System Type

This setting determines whether your system allows new users to logon. Host defaults to Open.

Open

Select Open if you want any new user to be able to connect and logon to your system.

Closed

Select Closed if you want logon access limited to the users you’ve specified in the User File.

For a discussion on how to create entries in the Host User File, see The Host User File.

Connection Type

Use this setting to tell Host whether remote users will be connecting to your system with a modem or a "null modem" cable. Host defaults to Modem.

Modem

If you specify Modem, Host monitors the active connection for a connect condition.

Direct

If you specify Direct, Host monitors the active connection for received characters.

If you’re connecting to Host over a null-modem cable, the cable must support the Carrier Detect (CD) line.

Goodbye Option

This setting determines Host’s response when a user selects the Goodbye command. Host defaults to Recycle.

Recycle

Select Recycle if you want Host to reset and prepare for the next user.

Exit

Select Exit if you want Host to terminate and return control to the Procomm Plus Terminal window.

User Editor...

Click on this button to access the User Editor, which allows you to view, modify or delete existing user logons or create new ones. For a detailed discussion, see The Host User Editor.

Fax Options...

Click on this button to open the Host Fax Options dialog, where you can control Host’s handling of fax activities:

Fax directory

The drive and path name you specify in this edit field identifies the directory that Host will access when a remote caller uses the fax back command. You can enter up to 128 characters. Host defaults to the Inbox path specified in the Fax, Fax Paths panel in Setup.

Because any faxes in Host’s Fax directory path will be available to remote callers, we suggest that you use a separate directory for Host Fax Back files.

Host’s fax back option only supports .fax format files. You’ll need to generate them before they can be available to remote users.

Default Host cover sheet

You can specify a default cover sheet to be used with faxes sent by Host by clicking on this list box. Host lists the cover sheets found in the Cover sheet path specified in the Fax, Fax Paths panel in Setup.

Allow new users Fax Back access.

If you want new users to be able to receive faxes from Host, enable this check box.

The New User Level setting must be 1, Normal User, for new users to use the Fax back command on the Host on-line menu. If new users are assigned a privilege level of 0, Restricted User, the Fax back command will respond with a polite message advising that they are not allowed to request faxes.

Allow modem to receive incoming faxes.

If the connection used by Host is also a fax connection, enable this check box if you want Host to receive incoming faxes as it monitors the connection for incoming callers.

Received faxes are placed in the normal directory for received faxes, specified in the Fax, Fax Paths panel in Setup.

OK

When you’re satisfied with the fax options you’ve specified, click on OK to accept them and return to the Host Utility dialog.

Cancel

To close the Host Fax Options dialog without saving any changes you’ve made, click on Cancel.

Time Options...

Click on this button to open the Host Time Options dialog, where you can specify the time limits for your system:

Inactivity Time Out

This setting specifies the number of minutes Host will wait for input from a logged on user before terminating the connection. The default is 3 minutes.

Restricted User Time Limit

This setting specifies the default time limit for users with an access level of 0. The default is 10 minutes.

Normal User Time Limit

This setting specifies the default time limit for users with an access level of 1 or Normal. The default is 30 minutes.

SYSOP User Time Limit

This setting specifies the default time limit for users with an access level of 2 or SYSOP. The default is 60 minutes.

Per Connect Limit

If this option button is selected, users will be able to logon to your system for their respective time limits each time they connect, no matter how often they connect in a given day. For example, a user with a time limit of 30 minutes could call three times in a day and remain connected for their full limit each time for a total of 90 minutes.

Daily Limit

If this option button is selected, users will be able to logon to your system for their respective time limits each day. For example, a user with a time limit of 30 minutes could call three time in a day, but the total connect time could not exceed 30 minutes in any single day.

Update User Database with new values

Click on this button to apply the time limit values you’ve specified to the entries in the host40.usr file.

OK

When you’re satisfied with the time options you’ve specified, click on OK to accept them and return to the Host Utility dialog.

Cancel

To close the Host Time Options dialog without saving any changes you’ve made, click on Cancel.

RIP Options...

Click on this button to open the RIP Options dialog, where you can specify whether Host will support the RIPscrip emulation, and the location and filenames of graphics displayed when a user is logged on:

Enable RIP support

If this check box is enabled, Host will query the remote user’s computer to determine whether it supports the RIPscrip emulation. If the remote computer does not support RIPscrip, Host switches to text-based menus automatically. If this check box is disabled, Host will use its text-based menus without testing for RIPscrip support.

Display RIP screens locally

If this check box is enabled, the same RIPscrip graphics displayed on the remote user’s screen will be echoed to your display. It is disabled by default.

RIP Directory

This setting specifies the drive and path where Host’s RIPscrip graphics are stored.

RIP Screen List boxes

Click on these list boxes to select the RIPscrip graphic you want displayed for the described screens or menus.

OK

When you’re satisfied with the RIPscrip options you’ve specified, click on OK to accept them and return to the Host Utility dialog.

Cancel

To close the RIP Options dialog without saving any changes, click on Cancel.

Mail Manager...

Click on this button to access the Mail Manager, where you can perform maintenance functions on Host’s message files. See The Mail Files and Mail Manager.

Nightly Events...

Click on this button to access the Nightly Events Options dialog, where you can specify the actions Host will perform at midnight. See The Nightly Events Options for more information.


Connected!

  Related Topics

When Host is running and a remote user calls, Host presents the welcome message you’ve specified in the Host Utility dialog, then prompts the user to enter a logon name. Host prompts to confirm the name entered by the user.

The user is allowed up to three attempts to enter a valid logon name. An "attempt" is zero or more characters followed by a Carriage Return.

Once a user has confirmed the logon name, Host looks for that name in the list of user logons and responds appropriately:

If the logon name entered by the user is found in the user list, Host prompts for a password. If the password entered by the user agrees with the password set for the logon name, Host validates the logon. The user is given access to the Host functions appropriate to the logon’s privilege level, and the logon is recorded in Host’s log file.

If the password supplied by the user does not match the password set for the logon name, the user is allowed two more attempts to enter the correct password. If the user does not provide the correct password on the third attempt, Host terminates the connection and records the action in its log file.

If the logon name entered by the user is not found in the user file, and you’ve specified a Closed system, Host politely terminates the connection and records the incident in its log file.

If the logon name entered by the user is not found in the user file, and you’ve specified an Open system, Host prompts for a password. After the user has entered and verified a password, the name and password are used to create a new entry in the user file, host40.usr, and Host validates the logon. Host records the event in its log file, then permits the user to access the system, with an access level determined by the New User Level value specified in the Host Utility dialog.

Once a remote user is validated and given access to the system, Host displays the contents of two special files, if they exist:

•	host40.nuf, the New User File.

If you have special information for first-time callers, write it in a plain text file. Save it in the aspect\host directory as host40.nuf. Host will display it on the remote user’s screen as soon as the logon is validated. The New User File is a convenient way to advise new users of system rules or other important information.

•	host40.nws, the News file.

If you have information you want callers to see each time they connect to Host, write it in a plain text file. Save it in the aspect\host directory as host40.nws. Host will display it on the remote user’s screen as soon their logon is validated. The News file is a convenient way to advise users of changes or updates to your Host. Other files used by Host are discussed in Special Host Files.

Host then presents its main menu.

If the user has new, unopened mail addressed to their logon name, Host displays an advisory message before the first menu appears.

Host permits users to access menu funtions appropriate to the access level assigned to them. For more information about these remote user functions, see Remote User Functions.


Host Management

  Related Topics

Host provides a number of functions that allow you to manage your system and interact with users that have logged on. These include:

Host Chat Mode

Entering Characters for the Remote User

Disconnecting the Remote User

Logging On Locally

Exiting Host

Host Chat Mode

When a remote user is connected, you can enter Chat mode at any time to exchange messages with the user. To enter Chat mode, press <Alt><C>, or click on the Chat! menu item.

In Host Chat mode, each character you type is sent to the remote user’s display. The information you’ll see depends on the communication software the remote user is running.

To terminate Host Chat mode, press <Ctrl><C>.

Entering Characters for the Remote User

When a remote user logs on, Host echoes everything that it sends to the remote user’s display to the Terminal window. This includes the logon procedure and command menus, as well as other text, making it easy for you to monitor the user’s on-line activities.

You can also enter text for the remote user. Host will respond to the characters you type from your keyboard just as though the remote user had typed it. This can be very useful if you want to "help a user along" or instruct them in using a particular function.

Disconnecting the Remote User

If you need to disconnect a remote user for some reason, press <Alt><D>. Host terminates the connection and recycles for the next call.

Logging On Locally

When a remote user is not connected, you can logon locally and use most of the commands on the Host menu. Logging on locally is an easy way to read or post messages, and it also lets you see how your system works!

To logon locally, click on the Local Logon button from the Host’s status dialog. Host first asks whether you want to logon as Sysop. If you click OK, Host will not prompt you for a name and password, but will continue to the next prompt.

Host next asks whether you want it to continue accepting incoming calls. If you click Yes, Host will alert you when a caller is attempting to connect to your system, and allow you to accept or decline the call. If you click No, Host will disable the modem’s auto answer, thus ignoring incoming calls.

If you didn’t choose to logon as Sysop, Host prompts for your name and password. It then displays the same menu seen by remote users.

Although the Upload, Download and Chat commands appear on the menu when you are logged on locally, they are disabled.

Exiting Host

To exit Host, press Ax, or click on the Exit! menu item.

If a remote user is connected, Host asks whether it should hang up the phone line. Press y to disconnect the user and exit Host or n to exit Host but maintain the connection.

Host returns to the Terminal window.


Host Security

  Related Topics

The Host utility includes a variety of security-related features to protect your system. These include:

•	Support of a Closed system, in which users not listed in the host40.usr file are automatically turned away.

•	Provision for Host Callback, which can be used to verify that a user is calling from the expected location.

•	Provision for separate Upload and Download directories, which allows you to review uploaded files before you make them available to other users.

•	The ability to terminate or recycle Host after a user logs off.

•	Three levels of user access privileges, and time limits associated with each user access level.

•	The disabling of ASPECT’s remote command support while Host is running.

As Host’s system operator or "sysop," you determine who can access your system, and the privileges they will have while on-line. In effect, you are a part of Host’s security measures. When configuring your system, exercise a reasonable amount of care:

•	Use caution when granting Sysop access level.

Sysop users can change Host’s download directory to any drive and path available to your system. Once there, they can freely retrieve any available files. Conceivably, a Sysop user could thus download your host40.usr file or other sensitive information for any purpose.

•	Verify the contents of Host’s download directories.

Files you place in the directories accessed by Host’s Files and Download commands will be available to remote users. If you don’t want the file made available to remote users, don’t put it in a Host download directory!

If you specify separate Upload and Download directories in the Host Utility dialog, you can review files Host has received from remote users before making them available to others.

•	Don’t forget the obvious.

Protect the entries in your host40.usr file. In effect, they are the remote "keys" to your system. Similarly, when you create or revise entries with the User Editor, don’t choose obvious or easily-guessed passwords.


Host in Action

  Related Topics

When you run Host for the first time, it creates its parameter files, then displays the Host Utility dialog, allowing you to configure it to your needs. This process is discussed in detail in Configuring Host.

After you’ve configured Host, it references its parameter files on start-up, then monitors the active connection for remote callers.

If you’ve specified a Modem connection type in Host’s setup dialog, and Host detects that your system is already connected with another user’s system on start-up, it will immediately begin the logon process, as discussed in the next section. Otherwise, Host waits for a remote user to connect, and displays a status dialog.  When Host detects a connection, it presents the welcome message you’ve specified in the Host Utility dialog, then prompts the user to enter a logon name. See Connected! for more information.


Normal User Functions

  Related Topics

Users with Normal access levels can select any function on the menu:

Files

If the user selects this command, Host displays the list of files available for downloading. This list is generated in one of three ways:

•	From the host40.dnl file.

If you’ve created a host40.dnl file and placed it in the aspect\host directory, it will be displayed when the remote user selects the Files command. Host will not prompt the user for a filename or wildcard pattern.

•	From the contents of the Download directory.

If you’ve specified a Download directory, either in the Host Utility dialog, or in the user’s logon entry in the Host User Editor, Host will generate a file listing from that directory’s contents.

Host first prompts the user for a file specification, then displays file information for any files matching that specification in the Download directory. The user can use the DOS wildcard characters, "?" and "*" in the file specification to list a variety of files.

If the user presses E without entering a file specification, Host lists all files in the Download directory.

•	From the current directory.

If you haven’t specified a Download directory, either in the Host Utility dialog, or in the user’s logon entry in the Host User Editor, Host will generate a file listing from the current working directory’s contents.

The user is prompted for a file specification as described previously.

Upload

If the remote user selects this command, Host makes preparations to receive a file from the user’s system. Host prompts the user for the name of the file to be transferred. After verifying that the user’s filename is valid, and that it will not conflict with an existing file in the Upload directory, Host displays a menu of the transfer protocols supported by Procomm Plus.

If the user’s filename is already in use in the Upload directory, Host prompts the user for a different one.

Once the user has provided a usable filename and selected a protocol, Host initiates its side of the transfer.

By default, Host stores files uploaded by the user in the Upload directory you’ve specified in the Host Utility dialog. However, if the user’s logon entry in host40.usr specifies an alternate Upload directory, Host will use it instead. If you haven’t specified an Upload directory in the utility dialog or in the user’s logon entry in the Host User Editor, Host stores the uploaded file in its current directory.

Upload is not available if you’re logging on to Host locally.

Download

If the remote user selects this command, Host makes preparations to send a file to the user’s system. Host prompts the user for the name of the file to be transferred. After verifying that a file matching the user’s filename is available in the Download directory, Host displays a menu of the transfer protocols supported by Procomm Plus.

Once Host knows the name of the file and the protocol, it advises the user to initiate their side of the transfer, and begins sending the file.

Download is not available when you’re logging on to Host locally. The directory referenced for Download files is the same directory referenced by the Files command, above.

Help

If the remote user selects this command, Host displays instructions on using the Host system. This information is contained in the hosthelp.txt file, which is installed with other Host files.

The hosthelp.txt file is a plain text file which you can modify to your liking with any text editor. It can be of any length, but keep in mind that your callers will be viewing it on-line.

Time

If the remote user selects this command, Host displays three time values:

•	The time the user logged on.

•	The current system time.

•	The amount of on-line time the user has remaining.

Chat

If the remote user selects this command, Host sounds an alarm tone to signal that the user has requested Chat mode. It then displays a dialog on your system, and waits for you to click OK or press a key. If you click OK, Host opens Chat mode on your system, allowing you to read and respond to messages sent by the remote user.

If you do not want to Chat with the remote user, you can stop the alarm tone by pressing any key. The remote user can also choose to abandon a Chat request by pressing <Ctrl><C>.

Chat is not available when you’re logging on to Host locally.

Read mail

If the remote user selects this command, Host displays a menu, allowing them to read and reply to messages, and to delete mail they’ve received. The user can select messages or message headers to read using the following commands:

View messages

If the user selects View messages, Host prompts for the message number they wish to read. The user can specify a number, or simply press <Enter> to begin with the first message in the message base.

New messages

If the user selects New messages, Host displays the earliest message in the message base which has not been read by the user.

List message headers

If the user selects this option, Host displays a secondary menu, where they can choose from a variety of viewing modes.

Search messages

If the user selects Search messages, Host prompts to determine the values to be used to scan the message base. Users can search by the To, From and Subject message headers.

Quit

If the user selects Quit, Host returns to its main menu and awaits further requests.

Once a message is displayed, the user can choose to reply to it, or continue browsing messages. If the message includes an attached file, the user can download it. If the message is addressed to the user’s logon, the user can also choose to delete it.

Host supports both private and public messages. Public messages are viewable by all users; private messages can only be read by the recipient, the sender and you, the Sysop.

Leave mail

If the user selects this command, Host prompts for the message heading fields:

•	The primary addressee.

•	Up to two "carbon copy" addressees.

•	A message subject.

•	Whether the message is public or private.

•	An included or attached file.

Host then asks whether the user would like to upload an ASCII text file for the message body. If so, the user is prompted to begin the upload. If the user chooses to enter the message manually, Host prompts for the message body, line by line.

A Carriage Return entered on a blank line is interpreted as the end of the message. The user may then choose to save the message, to quit without saving, to return to the message for further text entry, to display the full text of the message, or to edit the message contents.

When the user has saved or quit a message, Host returns to its main menu.

Fax Back

If the user selects this command, Host displays a menu, allowing the user to list the available .fax documents, request a .fax to be transmitted to them, or quit and return to the main menu.

The Fax Back List command displays the available .FAX files from the Fax directory you’ve specified in the Host Utility dialog.

The Fax Back command is available only if Allow FAX Back is enabled in the user’s logon entry in host40.usr. It is never available if you’re logging on to Host locally.

Once the user has requested one or more files and entered the recipient information, Host waits until the user logs off and the connection is broken, then dials the number and transmits the documents.

Goodbye

If the user selects this command, Host displays the length of user’s logon and logoff time, then terminates the session.

Once the connection is broken, Host updates its log files, then follows the setting you’ve specified in the Host Utility dialog. A Goodbye Action setting of Recycle causes Host to reset and prepare for the next caller; Exit causes Host to terminate, returning control to the Terminal window.


Procomm Plus: Host Help Contents
Procomm Plus Help: Host

With the Procomm Plus Host script, you can make your system available to other users for messaging, fax requests and file transfers.

To learn more about Host, see the following topics:

An Introduction to Host

Running Host

Configuring Host

The Host User File

The Host User Editor

Step-by-Step: Creating a New User Logon

Host Security

Host in Action

Connected!

Remote User Functions

Host Management

The Mail Files and Mail Manager

Special Host Files


Remote User Functions

  Related Topics

Remote users can select a function from Host’s menus by typing a command letter, indicated by angle brackets. For example, to access the list of files available for download, the user would press "F," since the command is displayed as "<F>iles."

Host permits users to access functions appropriate to the access level assigned to them in the host40.usr file:

Normal Users

Restricted Users

Sysop Users


Restricted User Functions

  Related Topics

Restricted users cannot access the Upload, Download or Fax Back functions. If the user selects one of these commands from the menu, Host displays a polite refusal, then repaints its menu. Other Host menu functions operate as described for the Normal user in Normal User Functions.

Although Restricted users cannot upload or download files, they may use the Files command to view the list of available files.


Running Host

  Related Topics

From within the Procomm Plus Terminal window, you can launch Host in several different ways:

•	By selecting "host" from the Script File drop-down list on the Action Bar.

If host doesn’t appear in the list, verify that the host.wax file exists in the Script path specified in the Data, Data Options, Paths panel in Setup.

If you’re unable to locate the file, Host may not have been installed. Run Procomm Plus’s installation program as explained in the Install Guide, and use the Custom Installation feature to install the scripts.

•	By pressing <Alt><F5> to open the Run ASPECT File dialog, selecting "host.wax" and then clicking OK.

•	By selecting the HOST button on the default Meta Keys file included with Procomm Plus.

The first time you run Host, it will launch its setup routines to allow you to configure it properly.

You can easily modify the Host setup at any time. See Configuring Host for more information.

Once you’ve set up Host, it will restore its settings from the host40.prm file and begin monitoring the active connection for a logon attempt. As it runs, Host displays information about its current status in a dialog.  The dialog reports the last caller’s name and logon times, as well as the current system date and time. It also provides two important command buttons:

Local Logon

Click on this button if you want to access Host from your local machine. Host prompts to determine whether you want to logon as the system operator or "sysop," or as a normal user, then proceeds with the appropriate logon sequence.

If you choose to logon as sysop, you’ll be granted access to the special sysop menu choices. Otherwise, you’ll be allowed access to the menus appropriate to your logon’s privilege level.

Exit

Click on this button if you want to exit the Host script. Host restores the Terminal window to its normal conditions before terminating.

When a user logs on, Host closes the status dialog, and modifies the Terminal window’s menu bar to allow you to disconnect the user.


Special Host Files

  Related Topics

In addition to the user file, host40.usr, there are other files used by Host which you may need to work with from time to time:

The Logon News File

The Host Help File

The Alternate Download Menu File

The Host Log File

The Logon News File

If you have information that you want shown to every user who logs on to your system, put it in a text file named host40.nws, in the aspect\host directory. Host searches for this filename each time a user logs on, and sends the file’s contents to the user’s display after logon.

The host40.nws file must be ASCII text, but it can be of any length. Host automatically pauses the text every 23 lines, prompting on the 24th line for the user to continue or stop the display.

You can embed ANSI escape sequences to generate graphics characters and colors on the user’s display. However, unless you’re certain that all of the users logging in will be using ANSI emulations, you’ll want to use plain text.

The New User File

If you have information that you want shown to every first-time caller, put it in a text file named host40.nuf, in the aspect\host directory. Host looks for this filename whenever a new user logs on to your system. If it finds the file, Host sends the file’s contents to the user’s display.

The host40.nuf file must be ASCII text, but it can be of any length. Host automatically pauses the text every 23 lines, prompting on the 24th line for the user to continue or stop the display.

You can embed ANSI escape sequences to generate graphics characters and colors on the user’s display. However, unless you’re certain that all of the users logging in will be using ANSI emulations, you’ll want to use plain text.

The host40.nuf file is a convenient way to advise first-time callers of important features or rules of your Host.

The Host Help File

When the remote user selects the Help command from the Host main menu, the script displays the contents of the file hosthelp.txt, located in the aspect\host directory. A sample hosthelp.txt file is installed with the other Host files, which you can modify if you wish.

The hosthelp.txt file must be ASCII text, but it can be of any length. Host automatically pauses the help text every 23 lines, prompting on the 24th line for the user to continue or stop the display.

As with the other special Host files, you can embed ANSI escape sequences in hosthelp.txt to display ANSI graphics characters and colors.

The Alternate Download Menu File

By default, Host’s Files command prompts users for a file specification, then searches the download directory for matching files. However, if you create a file named host40.dnl and place it in the aspect\host directory, Host will automatically display its contents in response to the Files command.

The host40.dnl file is only shown to users with Limited and Normal access levels. Sysop-level users will still see the standard DOS-format listings.

The host40.dnl file must be ASCII text, and it can be of any length. Host automatically pauses the text every 23 lines, prompting on the 24th line for the user to continue or stop the display. Each line in the host40.dnl file is limited to 79 characters or less.

The host40.dnl file is a convenient way to show the users important information about the files you’ve made available for downloading. For example, a single file description might look like this:

hosthelp.txt 12321 08/01/95 | Guide to the Host system

where:

•	hosthelp.txt is the filename.

•	12321 is the size of the file in bytes.

•	08/01/95 is the file date.

•	Guide to the Host system is the file description.

If you don’t enter a description for a download directory file in host40.dnl, the file is effectively "invisible" to the user. However, the file will still be available, since Host does not reference host40.dnl when preparing a file download request.

As with the other special Host files, you can embed ANSI escape sequences in host40.dnl to display ANSI graphics characters and colors.

The Host Log File

The Host maintains a record of all of its activities in a file named host40.LOG, which is stored in the aspect\host directory. The host40.log file is a simple ASCII text file that you can view or edit with a text editor. Its entries record a variety of information:

•	Host start-up and termination date and time.

•	User logons and log offs.

•	User activities such as file transfers, Chat requests and the use of the Abort command.

If a remote user uploads a file to your system, Host creates a special log entry containing:

•	The name of the uploaded file.

•	The name of the user who uploaded the file.

•	Any comments entered by the uploader.

•	The date and time of the upload.

Note that if the user selects a protocol that embeds filenames as part of the transfer, the filename actually created in the upload directory may be different from the name recorded in host40.log. Zmodem and Ymodem are two such protocols.

•	Failed user logon attempts.

•	Faxback requests.

•	Incidents of carrier loss while a user was on-line.


Step-by-Step: Creating a New User Logon

  Related Topics

To create a new entry in the Host40.usr file, click on New in the Host User Editor dialog. The editor creates a new entry using its current settings. You can then edit the logon in five easy steps:

1.	Specify the User name.

Click in the Full name edit field, and enter the user’s first and last name. Up to 50 characters can be entered in this field; it is case-sensitive.

2.	Specify the User password.

Click in the Password field, and enter the user’s password. This field accepts up to 8 characters; it is case-sensitive.

3.	Specify the User’s access level.

All new users are assigned to either Restricted or Normal level, depending on the New User Level you specified in the Host Utility dialog. To select an access level, click on the Privilege list box and select the appropriate level from the list.

4.	Select other options as desired.

Once you’ve specified the user’s name, password and access, the new logon is technically complete, as these three pieces of information are sufficient for a user to gain entry to your Host. However, you may want to take advantage of other logon settings, as discussed in The Host User Editor.

5.	Click on Update to save the new entry.

When you’ve finished creating or modifying user logons, click on Close to return to the main Host Utility dialog.


Sysop User Functions

  Related Topics

The functions available to the Sysop user include all those available to the Normal user as described in Normal User Functions, plus two others that give the Sysop user more control over Host. The two Sysop functions are:

Switch directory

If the user selects this command, Host displays the drive and path of its current working directory, then prompts for the new directory information. The user can either enter a new drive and path, or press <Enter> to accept the current directory.

Since Host references the current working directory to generate download file listings for Sysop users, the Switch directory command allows the Sysop user to download from any drive or directory available to Host.

Abort Host command

If the user selects this command, Host first confirms the request. If the user is connected by modem, Host also prompts to determine whether it should disconnect. Host then terminates, returning control to the Terminal window.

Essentially, selecting the Abort Host command is the same as pressing <Alt><X> on the Host system to terminate the Host script. However, because Sysop users can elect to remain connected after Host terminates, they can take advantage of ASPECT’s remote command support to launch other scripts or perform other activities.

Procomm Plus will not recognize remote ASPECT commands unless the Remote script commands check box is enabled in the System, System Options panel in Setup. The check box is disabled by default.

In addition, the Host’s Upload, Download and Files functions are much more flexible for a Sysop:

Sysop Files

When the Sysop user uses the Files command, Host lists the files in the current directory, rather than the Download directory specified in the Host Utility dialog or in the user’s logon entry in the Host User Editor.

Host also ignores a customized host40.dnl file when a Sysop user logs on.

A Sysop user can also request a list of files from any drive and directory by specifying a pathname in the file specification.

Sysop Downloading

The Sysop user can download files from any drive and directory available to Host, simply by including the drive and path as part of the file specification. If drive and path information is not included in the file specification, Host looks for the file to be downloaded is in its current directory.

Sysop Uploading.

Files uploaded by the Sysop user are always saved to Host’s current directory. The Sysop user can also upload a file that overwrites an existing file, simply by specifying the same filename for upload. After confirming the request, Host automatically replaces the old file with the new upload.


The Host User Editor

  Related Topics

As explained in The Host User File, Host creates a record file to store information about users who are allowed to access your system. You can modify or delete entries, or create new entries in this file with the User Editor. Click on User Editor in the Host Utility dialog to open the editor.

User List

The list of current user logon entries is displayed in the User List list box on the left side of the dialog. Click on an entry, or highlight it with the cursor keys to select it for editing or deletion. When you select an entry, the editor displays the entry’s settings in the following fields:

Full name

This edit field contains the name a remote user will enter to logon to Host. The logon name can be up to 50 characters long; the field is case-sensitive.

Password

This edit field contains the password a remote user will enter to logon to Host. The password can be up to 8 characters long; the field is case-sensitive.

Passwords within the host40.usr file are not encrypted.

Comment

This edit field can contain up to 50 characters. Host automatically generates a comment of "* NEW USER *" for any new logon to your system, but you can use this field to store any kind of comment or note about a particular entry.

Privilege

The value selected in this drop-down list box determines the privileges granted to the entry. Host provides three access levels for remote users:

Restricted

A privilege level of 0, Restricted, prevents a remote user from uploading or downloading files, and from accessing the fax back function, although the menu choices for these activities will be displayed.

Normal

A privilege level of 1, Normal, grants a remote user access to all of the standard Host functions, including file transfers and fax back.

Sysop

Remote users given a level of 2, Sysop, have access to all of the functions available to Normal users. In addition, they are able to change the current working directory on the Host system, or even shut down Host entirely!

Allow Fax back

This setting determines whether the remote user can request faxes from Host. If it’s disabled, the fax back command will not appear on the Host menu.

A user with a privilege level of Restricted will not be able to request faxes, regardless of the state of this field.

Time Limit

This setting specifies the time limit given to a user connected to your system. If you don’t want the user restricted to a particular time limit, enable the Unlimited login time check box.

Allow callback

If this check box is enabled, Host will disconnect the user after a successful logon, then dial the Callback number to resume the session. Before disconnecting, Host instructs the user to prepare for the call by enabling auto answer. Host dials the Callback number up to three times. Once a connection is established, Host prompts for the user’s logon password before presenting the Host menu.

The Callback feature is an excellent security device. It is also a convenient way for you to "reverse" long-distance telephone charges when you’re dialing in to your Host from another location.

Callback number

This edit field contains the number to be dialed to resume a Host session if you’ve enabled Allow callback for the currently selected user.

Host does not reference the Connection Directory options specified for the current connection. Be sure to enter any outside line prefixes or dialing codes required to properly dial the remote user.

Use alternate host directories

If you enable this check box, Host will access the Upload directory and Download directory fields when the remote user requests file transfer activities. Otherwise, Host will access the default upload and download directories specified in the Host Utility dialog.

Upload directory

If you’ve enabled the Use alternate host directories setting for the currently selected user entry, enter the drive and path for the user’s special upload directory in this edit field.

Download directory

If you’ve enabled the Use alternate host directories setting for the currently selected user entry, enter the drive and path for the user’s special download directory in this edit field. This directory is accessed by Host when the user select the Files and Download commands.

Update

When you’re satisfied with the entry's settings, click on Update to write them to disk.

Close

After you’ve completed all of your changes to the user file, click on Close to exit the editor. If you click on Close before using Update, the editor will prompt you to save your changes to the currently selected record.

New

To create a new user logon entry, click on New. The actual process of creating a new logon is discussed in Step-by-Step: Creating a New User logon.

Delete

To remove the currently selected user logon entry from the list, click on Delete. The editor will prompt for confirmation before it erases an entry.

Age Users...

To remove inactive user logon entries, click on Age Users... The editor displays a dialog where you can select an aging period. The default value is 30 days. Entries that have not been used to logon to Host within the number of days you specify will deleted.

Statistics

To view the user’s call statistics, click on Statistics.  For each entry in the host40.usr file, Host tracks the following information:

•	The time and date of the user’s last call.

•	The number of times the user has called.

•	The number of the last message read by the user.


The Host User File

  Related Topics

Host maintains information for each user in a special record file named host40.usr. When you first run Host, this file is automatically created in the aspect\host directory. Each record in the host40.usr file contains all of the information Host needs to determine the name, password and privileges for an individual user. Host also maintains the user’s call statistics in this record.

There are three ways to generate a new user record in host40.usr:

•	By allowing new users to logon to an Open system.

If you’ve specified a System Type of Open in the Host Utility dialog, Host will automatically add new users to the host40.usr file when they logon. New users will have immediate access to the menu choices appropriate to the New User Level you’ve specified in the Host Utility dialog.

If you’ve set System Type to Closed, users who are not already listed in the host40.usr file will be politely disconnected.

•	By logging on locally as if you were a new user.

You can logon locally to create new user records if your system is Open.

•	By creating a new record with the Host User Editor.

If your system is Closed, you must use the Host User Editor to create a user record in host40.usr before the user can connect to and access Host. If your system is Open, Host will add new users automatically when they logon. See The Host User Editor for more information.


The Mail Files and Mail Manager

  Related Topics

Host stores messages in the aspect\host directory. You can use the Host Mail Manager to read, or remove messages. Within the Host Utility, click on Mail Manager to display the Host Mail Manager dialog.  The Mail Manager displays the first available message, along with all of the header information attached to the message. The following commands are available:

Previous

Click on this button to view the message that precedes the current message. If you’re viewing the first available message, this button is disabled.

Next

Click on this button to view the next available message. If you’re viewing the last message, this button is disabled.

Goto

If you want to view a specific message, click on Goto and enter the message number.

Search

Click on this button to open the Search Mail dialog, where you can specify search options:

You can specify text for any or all of the addressee fields, as well as the message subject simply by entering the value(s) you want in the appropriate fields. If you enter text in multiple fields, only messages that satisfy all of the search fields will be selected.

When you’re satisfied with the value(s) you’ve entered, click on OK to accept them. The dialog closes, and Host searches the message files. If a message is found that matches your search, it’s displayed in the Host Mail Manager dialog.

To close the dialog without searching, click on Cancel.

Find Next

Click on this button to repeat a previous Search. If no other matches are found Host beeps, then disables the Find Next button.

Delete

Click on Delete to mark the current message for deletion. If the current message has already been marked for deletion, this button’s label changes to Undelete, and you can unmark the message by clicking on the button.

To remove deleted messages, use the Pack command, below.

Pack

When a message is deleted, whether on-line or within the Mail Manager, the message remains in Host's messaging files, even though it cannot be read from within Host. The deleted message is merely "marked" for deletion.

Click on Pack to remove the deleted mail messages and renumber the remaining messages as required.

If an individual message contains textual references to specific message numbers, they may be invalid after the messaging files are packed.

Age Mail...

Click on this button to open a dialog where you can specify an aging period for the message base. If you click OK to accept the value, Host processes the message file and deletes those that predate the age value you selected.

Close

Click on this button to close the Mail Manager and return to the utility dialog.

Mail Settings...

Click on this button to open the Host Mail Settings dialog, where you can specify the directory where mail attachments will be stored, and enable Host’s mail purge function:

Purge Mail files nightly

If this check box is enabled, Host will pack the mail messages each night at midnight. This will remove all messages that have been marked for deletion.

Path for Attached Mail

The drive and path name you specify in this edit field will be used to store files uploaded or sent by remote users as attachments to mail messages. You can enter up to 128 characters.


The Nightly Events Options

Within the Host Utility, click on Nightly Events... to display the Nightly Events Options dialog, where you can specify the actions Host will perform at midnight.

Nightly Backup Options

To have Host backup its data files each night, enable the appropriate check box(es) in this group. The backup will be created as a compressed archive within the aspect\host directory.

Backup Now...

Click on this button to backup the Host data files immediately. Host displays the Backup Options dialog.  Host automatically selects the same backup options that were selected in the Nightly Events group. However, you can select or unselect the options you want by clicking the appropriate check box(es). Click on OK to backup the options you've selected or Cancel to close the dialog without a backup.

Restore Now...

Click on this button to restore Host's data files from a previous backup. Host displays the Restore Options dialog.  Host automatically selects the same backup options that were selected in the Nightly Events group. However, you can select or unselect the options you want by clicking the appropriate check box(es). Click on OK to restore using the options you've selected or Cancel to close the dialog without restoring. If you click on OK, Host will prompt before restoring the backup.

Nightly Events

You can configure up to three tasks for Host to launch each night. To configure a task, enable a Nightly Event check box, and enter the path and name of the file or executable that Host should launch in the associated edit field.

When you're satisfied with the options you've selected, click on OK to save them and close the Nightly Events Options dialog. To close the dialog without saving changes you may have made, click on Cancel.