\input tex
\twelvepointsanserif
\font\hl=bs0003 scaled\magstep3	% headline font

\def\declare{\begingroup\obeylines\parindent=1em\parskip=0pt}
\def\enddeclare{\endgroup}	% end of ...
\def\program#1{{\bf #1}\quad}	% PROGRAMs stand out
\def\section#1{\bigskip\goodbreak{\hl #1}\vskip4pt\nobreak}
\def\subheading#1{\medskip\goodbreak{\bf #1}\ }
\def\fido{Fido\slash FidoNet}	% simplicity
\hyphenation{jennings fido fidonet data-base data-bases}

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
\vskip.25in
\declare
 \leftskip=4.5in
 Tom Jennings
 Fido Software\hfill June 1991
 Box 77731
 San Francisco 
 CA 94107 USA
 bbs: (415)-863-2739
 FidoNet: 1:125/111
 Internet: tom.jennings@fidosw.fidonet.org
\enddeclare
\vskip.25in
\bar

\fido\ is a software package for DOS based Personal Computers that
contains a complete Bulletin Board System plus a fully automatic
Electronic Mail system. 

Fido is the most popular Bulletin Board system in the world because of
its flexibility, reliability, and features; FidoNet is the software
that defined the FidoNet protocol now in use around the world. The
worlds largest privately-owned computer network is based upon the
FidoNet communications protocol.

\bar
\begindoublecolumns

Fido\trademark\ Bulletin Board System:

\declare
\item{\blob}Absolute security
\item{\blob}Complete caller access controls
\item{\blob}Multiple-language and graphical interfaces
\item{\blob}200 independent message \& file areas
\item{\blob}Complete Email and message commands
\item{\blob}Fully error correcting file transfer protocols
\item{\blob}Supports all DOS/MSDOS Personal Computers
\enddeclare

Fido is a full-featured Computer Bulletin Board System. Callers,
commands, message and file areas can all have separate privilege
levels and Locks \& Keys applied to them; these let you limit callers'
access to any part of the Fido system to fit your needs.

\goodbreak
FidoNet\trademark\ Electronic Mail Network:

\declare
\item{\blob}Completely automatic Electronic Mail
\item{\blob}Full error correction protocol
\item{\blob}Extensive time-of-day event scheduling
\item{\blob}Powerful message routing language
\item{\blob}Automatic message routing
\enddeclare

FidoNet is an automatic ``store-and-forward'' mail system that
transfers messages and files with other Fido\-Net-equipped computers.
It is completely integrated with Fido, and completely transparent in
operation, and if you don't use it, you won't even know it's there.

\enddoublecolumns
\bar

\section{System Description}
\subheading{\fido} is extremely easy to use, and is compatible with
just about any users terminal program or computer. The user interface
does not get in the way of communicating; there are only two levels of
menus. Users see only what they need; novices find an easy to
understand selection of simple commands, and experts can choose a
brief prompt. Context sensitive help is available at all decision
points. You can have up to 16 different languages or graphical
interfaces installed at once.

\subheading{Reliability:} \fido\ is designed first and foremost for
reliability, meaning it will run 24 hours a day for months at a time
with no human intervention. (Obviously this doesn't include responding
to callers questions or other such things.) Tools are provided that
handle all routine maintenance tasks automatically.

\subheading{Performance:} \fido\ makes excellent use of ordinary
computers; with a high-performance modem such as a US Robotics Courier
Dual Standard, you will get kilobyte/second throughput on a so-called
``turbo'' PC XT. 

\subheading{More than one modem:} While \fido\ supports only one
modem, you can run more than one copy of \fido\ per computer using a
multitasker program. \fido\ prevents file and message ``collisions''
when more multiple users are accessing the same messages and files.
Performance degradation is negligible. See ``Supported Operating
Systems'' for the current list of supported multitaskers.

\subheading{Low disk space overhead:} A 20 Megabyte hard disk is
essentially unlimited space; room for thousands of messages, files, a
10,000+ node FidoNet network, with plenty of disk space left over.

For a sample ``small scale'' system, with only two 360K floppies and
256K of memory, there is room for all of the basic \fido\ system
utilities plus your text editor and other tools, over 200 messages,
and close to 100K bytes free. The same system with a 1,600 node
FidoNet Network can have approximately 80 messages, would be
considered very ``tight''.

\subheading{Modem Handling:} \fido\ achieves extremely high
reliability with ordinary modems. During idle periods, \fido\  ``talks
to'' the modem to make sure it is ready and working. (While of course
modems are not supposed to misbehave, in real life they can get
confused by callers' strange and incompatible modems, improper
operation, bad phone lines, and bad modem design, and newer-model
modems frequently have firmware bugs. \fido\ takes care of these
things automatically. Almost all problems reported are modem-related
problems!)

Incoming callers' baud rate is determined automatically; callers do
not have to hit the ``ENTER'' key to get the systems attention.
Outgoing calls made by FidoNet (if so enabled) can take advantage of
busy detect, no-dial-tone, and other features if provided by the
modem.

\subheading{Caller DataBase:} Each caller to the system has a record
in a database that maintains each callers name, password, 
terminal-specific settings, language selection, privilege levels and
controls, and various statistics. Tools provided manipulate these
records both manually and automatically. There can be up to 65,535
callers in the database.

\subheading{System Messages and Bulletins:} \fido\ uses ordinary text
files for system messages and bulletins, which are meant to be
customized by you. When displaying and entering text, the Fido takes
into account each callers terminal settings, such as screen width and
length, and performs on-screen formatting for a clean display.

\subheading{Access Controls:} There are six privilege levels that
callers can be assigned. You can specify minimum privilege levels
needed to access commands and message and file areas.

In addition to privilege levels, there are 32 ``locks'' with matching
``keys''. Locks are be applied to things such as commands and message
and file areas; callers may be given any number of keys. Callers can
access only those things for which they have all of the matching keys,
plus meet the privilege level requirements. For example, if the {\tt
E)nter-Message} command has lock \#20 applied, only callers that have
Key \#20, plus any necessary minimum privilege levels, can use, see or
get help with that command.

Limits can be placed on each callers' connect-time on the system 
per-call and per-24-hour period, and on file downloads. 

\subheading{Context-Sensitive Help System:} Help is 
context-sensitive, taking into account what commands the caller has
access to because of privilege levels or locks and keys. Help is
available on every command in the system. The Help files are text
files that can be customized to fit your specific needs.

\subheading{Message Areas:} There can be up to 200 separate message
areas, each with access controls as described above. There can be up
to 65,535 messages in each area. Callers can enter new messages,
modify existing saved messages, search for messages by keyword or as
addressed to or from them, and perform many other operations upon
messages. (Command availability depending on privilege levels and
locks of course.) Help is available at all decision points. 

\subheading{File Areas:} There can be up to 200 independent file
areas, with access controls as described earlier. There are a number
of ways in which to make files available (or not) to callers. Commands
and functions have been added to make remote maintenance of file areas
and other parts of the disk easier for the system operator. Files can
be uploaded and downloaded in ASCII, ZMODEM, XMODEM, Telink, ``MODEM
BATCH'' or Kermit protocols. XMODEM is nearly universal, and can
handle binary files; ZMODEM has performance to match high-performance
modems; Kermit and ASCII are used between otherwise-incompatible
computers.

My ``FidoTerm'' program works well with \fido\ or any other modem
based system.

\subheading{Programmed events:} There can be up to 100 ``Events'',
scheduled to run at any time of the day and any day of the week.
Events allow \fido\ to run FidoNet network mail, execute external
programs via DOS Batch Files, and other events for various special
purposes. The events system can handle simultaneous and/or overlapping
events, special ``optional'' events, and combinations of events and
special characteristics. (``Optional'' events can be used, for
example, to execute ``background'' FidoNet network activity while no
caller is otherwise occupying the system.)

\subheading{Other Features \& Enhancements:} You can sign in to the
system from the local keyboard, as if you had called in remotely with
a modem, without ``taking down'' the system. Upcoming events can be
listed, and previously-run events can be reenabled from the local
keyboard.

Fido works with external ``shell'' programs to allow programmers and
``aftermarket'' add-on programs to work with \fido. Technical
information is available in the manual. (External ``shell'' support
programs are not supplied by me.)

\section{FidoNet}
Using Fido, you enter messages, choosing the destination computer(s)
from a list; later, FidoNet automatically transfers those messages to
the destination computers. You can ``attach'' files to a message to
transfer files of any kind, and \fido\ will transfer hten along with
the messages. \fido\ will inform you when the message (and files, if
any) has been successfully sent. There can be any number of
messages\slash files pending to any number of destination computers.
FidoNet's routing language and other resources let you control exactly
how and when FidoNet messages are sent. All transfers use error
correction for absolute reliability\footnote*{Fido supports both the
original and universal FidoNet protocol, as well as the WaZoo
protocol, developed by Wynn Wagner.}.

FidoNet networks can be organized into ``Nets'' and
``Regions''\footnote{**}{FidoNet also has ``Zones'', groups of Nets
and Regions, that handle the problems of intercontinental traffic;
differences in time zones, incompatible modems, outgoing ``gateways''
for lowest cost, and so on.}, each of which can contain any number of
computers running the \fido\ software, or compatibles, one of which is
designated Host for the Net. A Host receives mail for the entire Net,
and distributes the mail to its local FidoNet computers. FidoNet is
intelligent enough to send all messages for a given net in one phone
call; you can get further efficiency with the routing language. 

FidoNet networks can be as small as two or three computers, or as
large or larger than the hobbiest FidoNet network, which is up to
10,000 systems as of March 1991.

\subheading{Incoming FidoNet mail at any time:} \fido\ can receive
mail from other \fido\ systems at any time a caller is not occupying
the system, not just during scheduled FidoNet events. Optionally,
\fido\ can execute external programs via a DOS Batch File to do
special processing of unscheduled Incoming Mail.

\section{Customization}
\fido\ parameters, lists of events, command names, and message and
file area definitions are contained in text files you can change with
your own text editor program. All message and file areas are defined
in one text file; the \fido\ system takes care of creating and
verifying the actual DOS subdirectories used. Commands are in their
own text file, along with any privilege levels and locks. You can
change command names to any single word you choose.

\subheading{Multiple Languages:} \fido\ supports up to 16 languages
and/or graphical interfaces. Interfaces accomodate both ANSI/color
variations of one language (eg. all english, but color, monochrome,
standard Fido interface) or multiple languages (English, German,
Dutch, Spanish, etc) or any combination. 

When a caller selects a language, the any or all parts of the
interface can be changed; all runtime messages, command names, help
files, system bulletins. (For example, when running ANSI/color
variations of one language, the command names should not change; when
changing languages changing command names may be part of the goal.)

The following interfaces are available at this time:
\smallskip

\begindoublecolumns
\declare
\item{\blob} American English
\item{\blob} American English Color \#1
\item{\blob} American English Color \#2
\item{\blob} ANSI Monochrome
\item{\blob} Bahasa Malay
\item{\blob} Chinese BIG-5
\item{\blob} Danish
\item{\blob} Dutch
\item{\blob} Dutch color
\item{\blob} German
\item{\blob} German color
\item{\blob} Spanish
\enddeclare
\enddoublecolumns

Chinese BIG-5 requires a special BIG-5 CODE ROM and programs, not
available from me. The master American language files are available
for custom translations; please contact me for details.

\section{Programs Supplied with \fido}
The following are some of the programs supplied as part of the
standard \fido\ system package. In addition, there are many
``aftermarket'' programs from other authors that make using and
maintaining \fido\ easier and more powerful. 

You can schedule Events in \fido\ to execute these or other programs
at any time, using an MSDOS Batch File you create to make your system
completely or partially automatic.

\program{MSGMGR.EXE} (the Message Manager) performs routine
maintenance on messages within \fido\ Message Areas, such as purging
messages by age, and renumbering messages so they are sequential.
MSGMGR has it's own text file of commands that tells it what to do. 

\program{SYSOP.EXE} is a database-like tool for managing the caller
database that contains the names, passwords and statistics and other
information on each caller. You can enter new callers, delete existing
callers one by one or by time since last logged in; set caller
privilege level and assign Keys; force callers into specific message
and file areas; and many more functions. There is also an ``undo''
feature and context sensitive help.

\program{FIDOMAIL.EXE} lets you create FidoNet network messages with
your own text editor or word processor. For example, during the day
you can create text files destined for other FidoNet network nodes,
and via an Event, have FidoMail put them into the FidoNet message
system.

\program{TWIX.EXE} prints FidoNet network mail newly received on your
printer or in a disk file you specify.

\newpage

\section{Requirements and Specifications}
\subheading{Computers:} \fido\ works on all
IBM\trademark\footnote*{``IBM'' is a trademark of IBM Corp.} Personal
Computers; PC, XT, AT, all PS/2 models, and all compatible ``clones'',
whether 8088, 8086, 80286, 80386. (A ``FOSSIL'' version is available
for other non-compatible MSDOS computers.)

\smallskip
Your computer must have at least the following:

\declare
\item{\blob}192K available memory
\item{\blob}At least 700K of disk storage
\item{\blob}One Serial Port (or internal modem)
\item{\blob}Modem as described below
\enddeclare

It is strongly recommended that you have a hard disk, and an internal
clock.

\subheading{Modems:} The following are explicitly supported by \fido.
Though models not listed below are not guaranteed to work, no one has
come up with a Hayes-type modem that can't be made to work properly my
simply entering the necessary initialization commands into Fido's
initialization file.

\declare
\item{\blob}U.S. Robotics Courier HST and Dual Standard
\item{\blob}Telebit TrailBlazer series
\item{\blob}U.S. Robotics Courier 2400
\item{\blob}Hayes SmartModem V-series
\item{\blob}Hayes SmartModem 1200
\item{\blob}Everex Internal \& External models
\item{\blob}Multi-Tech 2400
\item{\blob}Nearly all ``Hayes compatible'' modems
\item{\blob}``Dumb'' modems$^*$
\item{\blob}Direct connect to PBX or special serial device$^*$
\enddeclare

%
% To avoid having the footnote take on characteristics if the \item
% above, we've fudged it.
\footnote{\ }{However, FidoNet cannot originate calls without an 
auto-dial modem.}

\subheading{Operating Systems Supported:} MSDOS\slash PCDOS versions
2.00 and up, with most Local Area Networks (ViaNet, Novell Netware,
etc) most multitasker programs (DoubleDOS, DESQView, Multilink, etc)
and multiprocessor hardware products (Alloy Computer Products' Slave
Cards); please contact the manufacturers of those products for
details.

\fido\ is specifically DoubleDOS and DESQView aware. 

\newpage

\section{Software Policy}

This is the software policy for the \fido\  package. Please read it
carefully.

First:

Hobbyists run Bulletin Boards for their own personal reasons. Their
Bulletin Board is not associated with their employer or any business.
How they run their Bulletin Board is none of my business, ie. private,
public, subscription or chattel slavery.

Commercial users are companies, corporations, proprietorships or  any
other business entities that run a BBS, either publicly or privately,
associated with their business. ``Non-profit'' and ``not for profit''
organizations are included in this category.

And here's the deal:

\subheading{Hobbyists and Individuals:} \fido\ is shareware; the
latest version of the software, minus documentation, can always be
found on the Fido Software BBS. There is no downloadable
documentation. (If you thought the version 11 docs were unwieldy\dots)
You must register the software for \$39.95; in return you will receive
the latest version on diskette plus printed and bound documentation.
If you later desire updates via diskette instead of download, send
\$15 plus the original diskettes or other proof of purchase.

\subheading{Commercial Users:} \fido\ is a usual licensable product;
the license fee is \$199.95. You will receive the latest software
version, complete documentation, and support via the Fido Software
BBS. (This has proved to be more than adequate for over two years.)
Updates can be obtained by downloading, or via diskette for \$25 plus
the original Fido Software diskette or other proof of purchase.

\subheading{BBS System Operators:} Besides being a {\bf Hobbyist} as
defined above, you may have the software available for download, as
you would any other program. Please keep READ.MEs and POLICY files,
along with the basic files as supplied by me, together as a unit to
avoid confusion frustration for all of us.

\subheading{Shareware Distributors,} clubs, etc: Please order the
complete package as a {\bf Commercial User}; for small hobbyist clubs,
as a {\bf Hobbyist} or {\bf Individual}. This will assure you the
latest correct and complete version, and the manual will help your
club members get things going easily. Such a deal. Look, I'm not
getting rich off this (or even breaking even!) so let's scratch each
others backs, OK?

Special arrangements can always be made on a case by case basis.  In
all cases, bugs are fixed promptly, as they have been for six years. 

\newpage
\section{Ordering}
\declare
\parindent=3.5in
 Tom Jennings
 Fido Software
 Box 77731
 San Francisco 
 CA 94107 USA
 bbs: (415)-863-2739
 FidoNet: 1:125/111
 Internet: tom.jennings@fidosw.fidonet.org
\enddeclare

\medskip
\bar

\def\product#1#2{\medskip\line{{\bf #1} \leaderfill\ {\bf #2}}}

{\parskip=0pt
\product{\fido\ Version 12}{Commercial price: \$199.95}
\line{\hfill\bf Hobbyist price: \$39.95}
}
Complete \fido\ system license, including support programs, diskette,
manuals, and access to the Fido Software customer support bulletin
board.

\product{\fido\ Version 12 program update}{\$25}
\line{\hfill\bf Hobbyist price: \$15}
When enhancements to \fido\ version 12 are made (bugs fixed, features
added) customers may upgrade their current licensed Version 12
software to the latest revision. Errata sheets are provided as
necessary.

\product{\fido\ upgrade from Version 11 (or earlier)}{\$50}
Customers who purchased any previous version of \fido\ can upgrade to
version 12 for this price; proof of purchase must be returned. NOTE:
This is not a normal ``program update'', as described above, because
of the new materials that must be provided.

\product{FidoTerm Terminal Program}{\$12}
The FidoTerm program is a simple, powerful and easy to use terminal
program. You can view the last few hundred lines that scrolled off the
top of your screen; supports powerful file transfer protocols (ASCII,
Xmodem, Zmodem), and has a true script language with true programming
language constructs: a switch() statement, local variables,
subroutining and recursion. Comes complete with printed manual.

FidoTerm is well integrated into \fido; it may be invoked from Fido's
local console by a single keystroke, and will ``know'' about the
installed modem type and port, and commands let you dial from a
FidoNet nodelist.

\medskip
\boxit{1pt}{NOTE: Unless you say otherwise, the integral IBM Async
driver version of \fido\ and FidoTerm will be shipped. A FOSSIL
version is also available. FOSSIL drivers are not supplied by Fido
Software.\vadjust{\vskip\baselineskip}}
\medskip

\vfill

\subheading{All orders:} The software is available directly from Fido
Software or authorized distributors only. Terms are prepaid with
order, or invoices accepted from rated companies, payment Net 30 days.
No credit cards accepted.

\subheading{US/Canada:} All orders are shipped U.S. Postal Service
First Class (Priority Mail). Prices listed include shipping and taxes,
where applicable. For Federal Express next-day service add \$25. 

\subheading{Outside US/Canada:} For checks written outside U.S., add
\$20.00 per order; please, only checks ``drawn upon a US bank''. All
orders shipped Air Mail.

\vfill
\vskip\parskip\tenpointsanserif
Fido\trademark, FidoNet\trademark, and the dog-with-diskette are
registered U.S. trademarks of Tom Jennings. \fido\ and all support
programs are copyright \copyright\ by Tom Jennings 1991

\supereject\end
