FORCE


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Program:   FORCE - Force messages in waiting area
       :           (WINPACK addon)
Version:   2.0a
Author :   Kevin, G0NUP
Packet :   G0NUP@GB7EYM.#19.GBR.EU
eMail  :   kevin@princ7.demon.co.uk
Dated  :   15 January 1997
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1.  What is FORCE

Force is an addon for use with WINPACK, it allows you to FORCE waiting messages out 
of the queue earlier than WINPACK had set for them.  They will be released at the 
next connect that WINPACK makes to your BBS, this release will be stepped, so many
items per connect.


2.  Reason for FORCE

Ever sent an eleven part message, at five parts a day, and thought, what a shame the 
addressee will have to wait another whole day for the remaining last section.  Ever 
needed to clear down your system while you go away for a few days, but you have still 
got 20 messages left in there for tomorrow.

Well no longer, this addon for WINPACK is FORCE  and it will allow you to force
your mail out, spaced as you would like it.  It has a default 4 parts at every 4 hours, 
but this can be over ridden by using available commands on the command line.  
Do not forget, its a shared network and if you swamp it, you'll upset your sysop and 
other local users, so use sensibly and with care.


3.  Installation

a) Just unzip the zip file into the EXTERN directory of WINPACK.  

b) Create a file called FORCE.USR in the same directory as FORCE.EXE. Into this 
   file type your own call and any other local callsigns you wish to have access
   to your FORCE command.

c) copy the force.hlp file into the winpack\extern directory. You may modify this
   as required, to your own language or whatever.


4.  Usage or Syntax


FORCE                Will return information on available message(s).

FORCE call           Will send the default nr of messages for call 
                     at the next connect with the default time spacing.
FORCE call -A        Will send all parts for call at the next connect.

FORCE call -Tx       Will send default sections at x hourly times for call.

FORCE call -Sy       Will send y sections at default default hourly times for call.

FORCE call -Tx -Sy   Will send y parts at x hourly intervals for call.

FORCE -A             Will send default number at default timings for ALL messages available.

FORCE -A -A          Will send all messages to all calls at next connect.

FORCE /? or HELP     Will show the help screen.

*** Default settings are 4 sections 4 hours timing, starting at next connect.

5.  Requirements

Well first off if you are running WINPACK then everything should work without 
any problems.  Therefore you may consider requirements to be that WINPACK works 
on your machine.  

6.  Comments

Once again, a big 'Thank You' to the Beta-Testers, and anyone else who has been 
coopted into doing a quick test.  I would like to know if there are any users out 
there and what they think of the software?  Also if you have any ideas what other 
addons would be useful and practical, let me know and I will see what I can do.


7. Disclaimer

I accept no responsibility for any malfunctions or whatever which occurs on your 
system, this software is written and compiled with the intention of working for 
fun.  At the time it left this QTH there were no viruses shown, remember always 
check for viruses prior to installilng new software it may take a while but its 
worth it rather than loosing your system ...???


8.  Errors

Please notify me of any errors which occur, how they manifest themselves and the 
configuration of your machine.  If I can I'll fix em, otherwise, sorry you'll 
have to do without.


9. Acknowledgements

First off, Roger G4IDE for WINPACK, next the Beta-Testers G7OCW, GW4WOV, plus a 
couple of others who were co-opted into testing for me. Lastly but by no means least,
my sysop Malc, who has to put up with all the traffic and extra work. Cheers Malc.


10. Security

A number of stations expressed concern over the ability for other stations to log
into your winpack system and action the FORCE command.  This has now been fixed and
there is now an additonal file called FORCE.USR, as mentioned in para 3 (installation).
The purpose of this file is to add the functionality for you the user to allow or not 
allow others to operate the FORCE command. Its nothing spectacular, but just adds a 
bit of a safeguard.

11. Help file

Modification of the help file can be done using standard text editor. However because
it uses the .hlp extension, you must load the editor first then open the FORCE.HLP 
once the program is running.  For none English speaking countries that use this 
program, I am hoping there will be some kind sole who translates it into their own 
language.  If you do translate it, could you please let me know you have done so. This
will help me judge where the program has gone!


Finally, it was written for fun, with a practical use in mind. I have enjoyed writing
it, and also the contacts I have had from users.

Please enjoy the software and please tell me what you think of it.
                                     ****************************


73 de Kevin
 
packet   G0NUP@gb7eym.#19.gbr.eu 
or email kevin@princ7.demon.co.uk
