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Archive-name: off-line-readers/net-tamer
Posting-Frequency: monthly
Last-modified: 1999/01/18
Version: 2.19
Maintainer: Jeff Hawkins
Recent Changes To This Document
-------------------------------
This file is now over 104 kbytes long (106476 bytes) and contains
approx. 15134 words from 2092 different (unique) words.
Jan 1999 Version 2.19. Just a little touch up here and there. Used a section
from the Monster Truck FAQ to answer a question about `finding and
using more POP3 accounts'. Cleaned up the English a little! Spell
checked the document!
Added a little info about the dreaded E-Mail virus! Also Y2k and
running Net-Tamer under Linux and the Dos Emulator. Added a URL for
Caldera's Open Dos. Also a couple questions about the E-mail address
list.
Nov 1998 Version 2.18. Added some info about Chap/PAP logins. Reference to
RFC 951. A couple URLs for screen reader demos.
Nov 1998 Version 2.17. Added/Changed Uncle Dave's address! Added some info
about the PRU, DLU, AND IEU files.
------------------------------------
| Finding the Latest Net-Tamer FAQ |
------------------------------------
The Net-Tamer FAQ has grown very large! If you're having trouble reading
the FAQ with Net-Tamer's built in Reader, try saving to disk and viewing
it from there with a different viewer! This goes for any large document
Net-Tamer's Reader.exe has problems with!
Retrieving the Net-Tamer FAQ via E-mail from the mail server at M.I.T.
will produce a multi-part document that Net-Tamer's built in Reader should
be able to handle!
The latest version of The Net-Tamer FAQ will be sent once a month to the
Usenet groups alt.comp.shareware.nettamer, alt.answers and news.answers.
You may also retrieve the file by anonymous FTP at one of these sites:
ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/off-line-readers/net-tamer
ftp://ftp.faqs.org/faqs/off-line-readers/net-tamer
You may request The Net-Tamer FAQ via e-mail by sending a message to:
mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu
Enter only the line below in body of message.
send usenet/news.answers/off-line-readers/net-tamer
The Net-Tamer FAQ is also available on CompuServe in the DOS/Win Internet
SW Library (library 4) of the Internet Resources Forum (GO INETRES)
A HTMLized version of The Net-Tamer FAQ is available at:
http://www.landfield.com/faqs/off-line-readers/net-tamer
http://www.faqs.org/faqs/off-line-readers/net-tamer
Before You Write...
-------------------
Please make sure you have read the latest version of this FAQ and all the
Net-Tamer docs. before writing to the program author, the list, or the
newsgroup with questions.
Don't give up, if your question isn't answered here or you just don't
understand then ASK.
Net-Tamer Web Page
------------------
If you'd like to keep up with the latest updates and announcements of
new versions, check out the Net-Tamer HOME PAGE.
http://www.nettamer.net
To subscribe to the Net-Tamer mailing list send a message to:
-------------------------------------------------------------
nettamer-request@dekan.com
In the body of the message include the word:
subscribe
To post to Net-Tamer list server send your message to:
------------------------------------------------------
nettamer@dekan.com
Q. I would really like a digest version of the Net-Tamer mailing list
but can't find if a list command exists to set this up.
-------------------------------------------------------
A. This option does exist (very recent). Send a message to:
nettamer-request@dekan.com
With these words in the body:
subscribe digest
Warning: Anyone who subscribes to the digest version and ends up replying
while quoting an entire digest to the list will be quickly banned from
receiving further digests!
Acknowledgements
----------------
Thanks to the many users who ask questions and provide the follow-up
answers on the Net-Tamer mailing list and the usenet newsgroup. Your
input makes up the bulk of this FAQ!
----------
Disclaimer
----------
The current, previous, and/or original authors make no claims as to fitness
for any purpose or absence of any errors, and offer no warranty. Read at
your own risk.
Use of the first person (`I') in this document may be remnants of an earlier
authors' comments. Please check this before assuming that the current
maintainer wrote everything herein (I didn't).
jhawkin@visuallink.com (Jeff Hawkins)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
| The Net-Tamer FAQ -- Internet In A Thimble! -- The Net-Tamer FAQ |
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
I. GENERAL and INTRO
II. GETTING STARTED
III. SETUP TROUBLE SHOOTING
IV. ON/OFF LINE OPERATIONS
V. VISUALLY IMPAIRED USERS
VI. PALM TOP USERS
VII. XT/286 Users
VIII. OTHER SOFTWARE Tips and Tricks
IX. GRAPHICS ON THE 386
X. Suggested Reading list
XI. FAQ History List (Less Recent Changes?)
You should skim section I for General Info, section II is now the setup
info! Section III has some troubleshooting tips! Section IV covers some
ON/OFF Line Operations and then read any other section which might pertain
to you.
See Section II also for a Template for recording your Setup Data! And if
you need to do something `out of the ordinary' check section VIII for info
on additional programs.
You might also want a Hardware Setup Template. A excellent one can be
found in many PC hardware books. List the device names and the IRQ's!
I. GENERAL and INTRO
--------------------
-------------------
About Beta Versions
-------------------
Warning: You should be very experienced with Net-Tamer before you attempt
loading a Beta version unless Dave tells you to try it to `fix' a problem
you're experiencing. The warnings above about upgrading should be doubled
for anyone considering running a Beta version.
If you upgrade from version 1.09 or earlier to a higher version you'll need
to re-enter all your setup info!
The files on the Home Web Page are correct and current AFAIK 8-)
http://WWW.Nettamer.net
----------------------------
Changing Systems or Versions
----------------------------
Upgrade Warning: If you have Net-Tamer running on your machine and you
decide to upgrade from one version to another. Save the copy that is
working to another disk with all underlying directories.
Here's a command you can use with dos 6.0 or higher If you pare down the
whole Net-Tamer directory structure to the size of your floppy drive:
xcopy c:\tamer\beta A:\ /s /e /v
You can also do this with PKZIP and not worry so much about the size
of the directory and any subdirectories. Pkzip has a excellent help
screen available if you enter pkzip, at a Dos prompt, with no parameters.
You may optionally save to another directory structure (or tree) and/or
install the upgrade to either a new or the old directory.
Changing systems: If you have Net-Tamer running on your machine and you
decide to upgrade or change to another machine, Save the copy that is
working to another disk with all underlying directories as above and
install it on the new machine.
If you're going from a XT to a 386 get the XT version working on the new
machine then save off as outlined above and only then install the 386
complete archive. This may make it easier to get Net-tamer working with
the new system. The XT version should work on any machine including many
Palmtops.
Of course the 386 version works on any 80x86 type processor at 386 and
above. A 80186, V20, V30, V40, or 80286 must run the XT version unless
(maybe) it's a Palmtop.
-------------
Why Register?
-------------
Unlike some shareware programs or "DEMOs" Net-Tamer is not severely
"crippled". Still there are five things that registration does.
1) It removes the delay and please register message.
2) It allows you to turn off the Net-Tamer "advertisement" which
is attached to email and usenet messages that you send.
3) It allows you to send "mass email".
4) It allows you to send me (Dave) suggestions for upgrades (that
I will actually pay attention to).
5) It keeps me (Dave) in business.
New (as of Oct. 1998) Mailing Address and Voice Phone:
Net-Tamer, Inc.
9989 West Atlantic Blvd.
Coral Springs, FL 33071-6575
Voice (954) 341-4885
FAX (954) 341-0229
Support hours are from 6:00AM to 6:00PM EST.
via E-mail
nettamer@nettamer.net (Uncle Dave's New E-mail Address)
ms.nettamer@mindspring.com (Chris Colston's New E-mail Address)
Q. What is Net-Tamer and what can Net-Tamer do?
--------------------------------------------
A. Net-Tamer is a DOS shareware Internet connectivity package! This means
Net-Tamer will run on DOS only computers including Palmtops, Laptops and
even XTs! Net-Tamer will also run as a Windows 3.1 or Win95 Application!
Net-Tamer will capture E-Mail and Usenet messages to files that you can
later read while you are off-line with the included reader. This saves
you connect time and money, or (if your access to the net is unlimited)
frees up the telephone, so your spouse (parents?) won't gripe as much
. While reading your messages you can write replies or new messages
that Net-Tamer will upload to your service on its next call.
Net-Tamer has many more features. It also does FTP file transfers,
Telnet, and World Wide Web. The web stuff is a bit tricky yet, but with
each new version does get better. Net-Tamer's speed will blow Netscape or
similar programs away, already.
Q. What about `Real Audio' Support?
--------------------------------
A. Uncle Dave can't find the specs for Real Audio and until the specs
become available, Net-Tamer won't (can't?) support `Real Audio'!
+ Someone mentioned using Net-Tamer to `grab' Real Audio Files and use
+ Windows Raplayer to play them off line!
Q. Where can I get a copy of Net-Tamer?
------------------------------------
A. The release versions of Net-Tamer are regularly posted to the
following FTP sites:
ftp://garbo.uwasa.fi/pc/connect/
ftp://ftp.simtel.net/msdos/internet/
Or you may find them at the author's home page:
http://www.nettamer.net
look for derivatives of these filenames:
Nxxx-386.ZIP <--- For systems based on 80386SX or higher CPUs
Nxxx-XT.ZIP <--- For systems based on 8088 through 80286 CPUs
Nxxx-PT.ZIP <--- For H/P "Palmtop" systems
(Where "xxx" is the version number: ie; 108 for version 1.08)
Q. Where can I find a copy of the `Famous' XT version 1.08 of Net-Tamer?
---------------------------------------------------------------------
A. Excellent question (is it really famous though?)! Net-Tamer 1.08xt will
run on any DOS-PC, from the slowest XT to the fastest Pentium. Laptops as
well as XTs and ATs with Hercules cards even. The ZIPped package is about
429 KB and available at this URL.
http://www.inti.be/hammer/nt108xt.zip
Q. I want to run Net-Tamer from DOS but I need a copy of DOS!
----------------------------------------------------------
A. Try OpenDOS. Get the newest version (excellent and free for home use!).
http://www.caldera.com
Q. I can't get a grip on all this `lingo'?
---------------------------------------
A. Me neither, but don't worry, there are plenty of glossaries available
and a good one is included in the Net-Tamer Doc's! See also the URL
for `Ask Jeeves' elsewhere in this FAQ and if you can find it, get a
copy of BGI13, a hyper-text tutorial on the Internet that will run
from a Dos prompt!
In E-mail and Usenet messages, words often can't convey the facial
expressions or emotions involved in the message! You'll see strings
of characters hooked together called emoticons used to help express
feelings!
Here are some emoticons you might find being used on the InterNet:
:-) or :) = Smile ;-) or ;) = Wink
;-( or :( = Frown :'-( = Crying
:'-) = Happy & Crying :-@ = Screaming
:-& = Tongue Tied >:-< = Mad
:-D = Laughing :-/ = Skeptical
<:-| = Dunce O:-) = Angel (Innocent)
:-* = Kiss $-) = Yuppie
8-) = Excited :-{ = Pouting
%-) = Cross-eyed :-X = Oops
:-O = WOW! :-b... = Drooling
Many visually impaired users prefer receiving mnemonic abbreviations!
BTW = By The Way FAQ = Frequently Asked Question
F2F = Face to Face (Meeting) FWIW = For What It's Worth
GOK = God Only Knows = Big Grin
*G* = Grin = Grin
= Grin (really) HHOK = Ha, ha - Only Kidding
HHOS = Ha, ha - Only Serious IMHO = In My Humble Opinion
LOL = Laughing Out Loud OTOH = On The Other Hand
TTYL = Talk (type) To You Later AFAIK = As far as I know
ROFL = Rolling On the Floor Laughing
Q. What about the E-mail virus?
----------------------------
A. Most Net-Tamer installs run on a DOS platform and call a DOS based Editor
that can't run the scripts referred to as `E-mail Virus'!
Net-Tamer doesn't automatically run attached files either. You must chose
to decode the attached files then Unzip and files that have been
processed with a `Zip' program. During the Unzip process you should
consider running a anti-virus program on any executable file.
There's is quite a bit of `lore' about the E-mail virus. Yes, it can
happen but probably not on a machine running under DOS and using a DOS
based Editor program.
Q. What about Y2K?
---------------
A. Y2K means the Year 2000 and usually refers to the millennium Bug or
problem when talked about in computer circles. There are lots of sites
that explain the problem so I won't attempt to explain it here.
Net-Tamer should be Y2K ready as is though the author, Dave Colston, has
not mentioned any changes for Y2K readiness. I'd make sure my machine is
Y2k compliant and check to see if my OS is Y2K.
People I trust tell me that Caldera DOS, OS/2 Warp 4.0, and Win 98 are or
will be Y2K compliant. There are many tests available for Y2K compliance.
Check with the manufacturer of your hardware for more info or run one of
the test programs available on the Internet.
A further test may be made by setting your clock to 12/31/99 @ 23:55 and
wait five minutes then try to go online or read a message with Net-Tamer.
If your hardware is compliant, the program should run! Any saved files
will have the (bogus) date in the proper format.
Q. Can I run Net-Tamer under Linux?
--------------------------------
A. If you can, let me know. I want to run Linux myself and plan on trying
this when I get a install working that will run the Dos Emulator for
Linux.
I'd try it first with the XT version and then try the 386 or palmtop
version. The 386 version is more complicated and demanding than the XT
version.
II. GETTING STARTED
--------------------
Q. What do I have to do first?
---------------------------
A. Before you run Net-Tamer for the first time you should have signed
up for a PPP account with a local internet provider, or have access
to a PPP/TCP-IP connection on your comm port. That's COMM. PORT!
Net-Tamer will not work with a ETHERNET connection.
You should get the following information from your internet provider.
Don't worry, if you don't know what all of this means. If the person
you speak to on the telephone doesn't know the information, then ask
to speak to technical support. There is a Template in this FAQ to
write all this info into.
1) The address of the services DNS server and an alternate, if one
is available. These will be numbers, such as: 206.102.200.1 and
are sometimes called dotted quads. ( Template pt. 3 Item H)
2) The URL's for POP3, SMTP, and NNTP. These are most generally names
like: mail.peganet.com; spool.peganet.com; or news.peganet.com
Make sure you know which is which! (Tmplt pt.3 #E, #F, #G)
3) Your Email address, such as: sg@peganet.com (Tmplt pt.3 #I)
4) Your login username, such as: sg (or the first part of your E-Mail
address. (Template pt.3 Item A)
5) Your login password. This is most times case sensitive, so be
careful how you copy it down. (Template pt.3 Item B)
6) Your email login. (probably this first part of your E-Mail
Address). (Template pt.3 Item C)
7) Your email password, if this is different from the login password.
(They are usually the same.) (Template pt.3 Item D)
8) The telephone number of the service, if you are not on a direct
comm port connection. If you want call waiting to be interrupted
while you're on line put a *70, before the telephone number. You
will be asked for this during setup. (Template pt.3 Item J)
In addition, you also need to know the following:
1) The comm port of your modem. Don't worry about the IRQ, unless
you know that you are not on a "standard port". If you can not
find this information, then start by choosing COMM 1 and change
to COMM 2 if this does not work. If all else fails, check the
settings in some other terminal program.
(Template pt.2 Item A/IRQ = Item B)
2) You need to know the initialization string for your modem.
(Template pt.2 Item F)
Q. Just what exactly is a Init. String?
------------------------------------
A. A modem usually accepts setup commands from the terminal program
in a list called a Initialization string. These AT commands have
evolved into a defacto standard. The AT has nothing to do with the
class or kind of computer you have. (Template pt.2 Item F)
+-----------------------------+
+ Some Suggested Init Strings +
+-----------------------------+
Use Factory Settings-------------------AT&F
Use Profile Stored in Modem------------ATZ
Generic/UNKNOWN Modem------------------AT&F^MAT&C1&D2&S1&K3
Generic Modem (9600 baud+)-------------AT&F^MATX3&C1&D2&S1&K3
Hayes or Hayes compatible--------------AT&F^MAT&C1&D2&S1^M.
U.S.R. Courier or Sportster------------ATZ^M.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. What comm port speed should I set my modem to?
----------------------------------------------
A. Once you have Net-Tamer dialling and connecting then run as fast as
possible! If your machine is capable of sending data to the modem
at 57,600 BPS then do so. Most modems can handle 38,400 at least
and some will run at 115,200 or even faster. For now choose either
19,200, if you have a palm top or XT, or 57600 if you have a 286
or higher. Some 9600 BPS and 2400 BPS modems can't handle more than
38,400. (Template pt.2 Item E)
Q. Okay, I did all of that. What next?
-----------------------------------
A. You need to decide on a login script. There are four furnished with
the *.ZIP file and others are listed in the manual doc file for
various services, CIS, DELPHI, DEMON, etc. About half of all services
will work with the default service1.log file including AT&T and MCI.
Try them each in turn. If none of them work, then you can use dumb
terminal mode.
Hit alt + =, and type:
ATDT999-99999
(substitute your services phone number for the 999-9999, of course).
Then login just like you were using Procomm, Telix, or some other
terminal program. Hit alt + P, when the service lets you know that
it is time for PPP mode. (Template pt.3 Item J)
Q. Does Net-Tamer support chap login (a method to automatically send the
username and password)?
-----------------------
A. Yes, it does! That's what service1.log does. Might not work with all ISPs
but it does work. Sometimes service1.log will need a `WAIT' added or a
host prompt sensed before continuing but try service1.log first.
Q. What is a Script File?
----------------------
A. Script files are specialized batch files that Nettamer executes when
first attempting a login. These automate the process of identifying
yourself to the service and starting PPP negotiations.
-------------------------------------------
Here are all the script commands I know of!
-------------------------------------------
USERNAME$ system macro - sends your login username
Usage: Blast USERNAME$
PUSERNAME$ system macro - sends login username Preceded by `P'.
Usage: Blast PUSERNAME$
USERNAME$xxxx system macro - sends your login username with the
text specified by `xxxx' appended.
Usage: Blast USERNAME$xxxx
----------------------------------------------------------------------
In other words the program will Replace USERNAME$ or PUSERNAME$ with
your username, add the `P' if specified, add any `XXX' stuff and a <13>.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Password$ system macro - sends your login password
Usage: Blast PASSWORD$
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Net-Tamer will Replace PASSWORD$ with your PASSWORD and a <13>. Do not
add <13> to Username$ or Password$. The program will do that for you.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
PPP internal command - tells Net-Tamer to go into PPP mode
and end running script. YOU MUST INCLUDE THIS COMMAND
AT THE END OF THE SCRIPT!
STATIC ###.###.###.### -
internal command - tells Net-Tamer to assume the number
specified in ###.###.###.### as your static IP address.
Most often used with a direct serial port connection.
DELAY script command - pauses script execution for # tenths
seconds (decimals are not accepted). Incoming characters
are still checked.
Usage: DELAY 15 (wait 1.5 seconds)
<##> script constant - The numbers are the number of a Ascii
character. To include an Ascii control character in a
command, just enter it like this <27>. ( 27 = ESC)
Usage: <13>
would send a ASCII 13 or enter.
BLAST script command - Tells the program to send a text string
or system macro.
Usage: Blast READ WAITING NS<13>
TEXT string constant - The maximum length is 40 characters.
WAIT script command - checks incoming characters from ISP
until the information in TEXT is received.
Usage: WAIT TEXT
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Net-Tamer DOES NOT ALLOW SPACES ON THE RIGHT OR LEFT HAND SIDE OF A
WAIT COMMAND. USE <32> to indicate a space. Spaces in the middle of a
statement are recognized. i.e. <32>NOW IS THE TIME<32> would check for
the text and a space on either side.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
OR Boolean operator for Wait command - the program will
resume execution when it receives the characters matching
any command specified by TEXT.
Usage: WAIT BILL-OR-#120
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The number preceded by the # character indicates the maximum length of
time to wait. The number is in 1/10ths of a second.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
IF TEXT script command - Tells Net-Tamer to compare the current
incoming data from service with TEXT. If the TEXT
condition is true, then Net-Tamer proceeds.
NOT boolean operator for wait command - Tells Net-Tamer to
compare the current incoming data from service with
TEXT. If the TEXT condition is NOT true, then Net-Tamer
proceeds.
END IF script command - when a `If' comparison ends the next
statements are executed.
/NOERROR script command line switch - use this on a script line
to prevent script ending if the text is not found in
the specified time. Net-Tamer abandons the script in 7
seconds if you don't specify a time value.
Usage: WAIT MAIL><32>:-or-TO:<32><32> /NOERROR
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes: You may also use these commands, even if other information is
needed in the login. For example, CRIS.COM uses USERNAME$PPP to tell
the service that you want a PPP connect. Netcom.com uses #USERNAME$ for
the same reason. Again, no <13> is required.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: How do I setup the program?
---------------------------
A: For the first time only, you MUST run reader.exe. Reader has all
the file viewing stuff and does the initial setup. After that, you
will want to start Net-Tamer first.
---------------------------------------------------------
Here is a template you can use to record your setup info!
---------------------------------------------------------
--- #1 -------------- Net-Tamer Setup Template -----------------------
| How many users accounts do you need (use)? _____ (See Note #1) |
| What account is this? #___ User/Purpose? _________________________ |
| Mail Server setup? _____________________________ (see Note #2) |
| Command Line Switches? _________________________ (See Docs/FAQ) |
| Software Type ___ Vers. _____ Setup Locked to Password __ (Y or N) |
----------------------------------------------------------------------
--- #2 ---- Communications, Modem, And Terminal Settings -------------
| |
| What Serial Communications port is your modem on? |
| A. Comm Port :__ ( a number usually 1-4) |
| |
| What is the Comm ports Interrupt Request number? ( usually 3 or 4) |
| B. Port IRQ :__ ( usually defaults to proper number) |
| |
| A dialing string is the command to the modem to start dialing! |
| C. Dialing String Start :_____ (usually ATDT) |
| |
| Use yes here if you have a talker (speech Synthesizer)! |
| D. Print To Bios Screen :__ (N or Y) |
| |
| How Fast is your modem? If you have compression you'll need a |
| faster rate like 38,400, 57,600 or 115,200! |
| E. Baud Rate :_________ |
| |
| This is the command string sent to the modem to start it up. |
| F. Modem Init String _________________________ try ATZ 1st! |
| |
| You might need to do this if you have a special init string and |
| your modem forgets it between calls. |
| G. Re-Init For All Dials :__ (usually N else Y) |
| |
| Net-Tamer likes to synchronize your PC's clock to the Internet!| |
| I. Set PC clock to Net Time? __ (Y or N) |
| |
----------------------------------------------------------------------
--- #3 ------------ Net-Tamer User Setup Template --------------------
| |
| What is the name you use to login with? ************ (Note #3) |
| A. Login Name:__________________ |
| |
| What is the login password? ************************ (Note #4) |
| B. Login Pass:__________________ (may be case sensitive) |
| |
| Is this Account Access Locked to Password __ (Y or N) |
| |
| What is this accounts E-Mail login? **************** (Note #5) |
| C. Email Login:_________________ |
| |
| What is this accounts E-Mail Password? ************* (Note #6) |
| D. Email Pass:__________________ |
| |
| What is this accounts POP3 URL? ******************** (Note #7) |
| E. POP3 URL:________________________________ |
| |
| What is this accounts SMTP URL? ******************** (Note #8) |
| F. SMTP URL:________________________________ |
| |
| What is this accounts NNTP URL? ******************** (Note #9) |
| G. NNTP URL:________________________________ |
| |
| You will have one or two DNS IP addresses. What are they? (#A) |
| H. DNS Addr: ___.___.___.___ , ___.___.___.___ |
| ^ |
| What is your E-Mail Address? ********* ASK your ISP! |
| I. Email Addr:___________@______________.___ |
| |
| J. Phone Numbers/Scripts |
| |
| 1 - (___)-___-____ - ________.___ (ie: SERVICE1.LOG) |
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