ÉÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ» º º ÉÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍͼ º ɼ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ º º Û ÜÜÜ Û Û ÜÜÜ Û Û ÜÜÜÜÛ Û ÜÜÜÜÛ Û ÜÜÜ Û º ɼ Û ÜÜÜÜÛ Û ÜÜÜ Û ÛÜÜÜÜ Û Û ÛÜÜÜÜ Û ÛÜÛ Û º º ÛÜÛ ÛÜÛ ÛÜÛ ÛÜÜÜÜÜÛ ÛÜÜÜÜÜÛ ÛÜÜÜÜÜÛ º º º º ÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ º Éͼ Û ÜÜ ÛÜ Û ÜÜ ÛÜ Û ÜÜÜÜÛ º º Û ÜÜÜ Û Û ÜÜÜ Û ÛÜÜÜÜ Û º ɼ ÛÜÜÜÜÜÛ ÛÜÜÜÜÜÛ ÛÜÜÜÜÜÛ º º º ÉÍͼ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜ ÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÉÍÍͼ º Û Ü Ü Û Û ÜÜÜ Û Û ÜÜÜÜÛ Û ÜÜÜ Û ÛÜÜÜ ÜÛ ÛÜ ÜÛ Û ßÛÛ Û Û ÜÜÜÜÛ º ɼ Û Û Û Û Û ÜÜÜ Û Û ÛÜÜ Û Û ÜÜÜ Û ÜÛßÜÛÛÜ ÜÛ ÛÜ Û ÛÜß Û Û ÜÜÜÛÜ º ɼ ÛÜÛßÛÜÛ ÛÜÛ ÛÜÛ ÛÜÜÜÜÜÛ ÛÜÛ ÛÜÛ ÛÜÜÜÜÜÛ ÛÜÜÜÛ ÛÜÛßÛÜÛ ÛÜÜÜÜÜÛ º ÌÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÊÍÍÍ» º June 1996 Volume 4 Number 6 º ÇÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄĶ º Board of Trade BBS New Port Richey, Florida (813) 862-4772 º ÈÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍͼ In This Issue ------------- þ Hurricane Tracking Programs þ Federal Emergency Management Agency Web Page þ Heretic Level Design Part I Written by Paul Pollack þ Computer Basics Written by Ed Garwood þ BBS Basics and all the latest news + + + + + Editor's Welcome ---------------- Thank you for taking the time to check out this month's Pasco BBS Magazine! June 1 begins the 1996 hurricane season, so this month's issue features a look at some hurricane tracking programs available in the on-line world. Here in Florida, and other hurricane prone areas, we certainly hope that the 1996 season is not nearly as active as last year. There is also a look at the Federal Emergency Management Agency's home page on the World Wide Web. I have personally been spending a bit more time exploring the Web, so look for future issues to have more about the WWW. Game expert Paul Pollack has part one of a two part article on Heretic level design, and Ed Garwood is back with more Computer Basics. Along with all our regular features, BBS Basics features an updated version of "What is a BBS?" There is also a short article on a new on-line publication called the Hernando BBS Magazine. I certainly want to wish editor David Coburn all the luck in the world with this endeavor. Thanks for reading! + + + + + ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿ ³ PASCO BBS MAGAZINE ³ ÃÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ´ ³ Tampa Bay's Oldest Free On-line Magazine! ³ ÃÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ´ ³ Member of the Association of Online Professionals ³ ÃÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ´ ³ Member of the Electronic Frontier Foundation ³ ÃÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ´ ³ EDITOR: Richard Ziegler ³ ÃÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ´ ³ HOME BBS: Board of Trade BBS (813) 862-4772 ³ ÃÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ´ ³ World Wide Web Home Page: http://www.sanctum.com/pasco ³ ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ + + + + + Hurricane Tracking Programs --------------------------- When cable television's The Weather Channel gives the latest coordinates for a hurricane or tropical storm, the announcer will frequently say something like "here is the latest position for those of you tracking at home." There was a time when tracking at home meant plotting the storm's path with a pencil on a paper map. Today, there are several computer programs available in the on-line world to make the task of storm tracking much easier and far more enjoyable. These types of programs have increased the number of people, especially in hurricane prone areas, who are tracking tropical weather systems. This article takes a look at some of the readily available storm tracking programs found in the Shareware, or Freeware, markets. Everyone has their own opinion on what type of features they feel are important, or how the look and feel of such a program should be, so this article will not try to decide which program is the best effort. That decision will be left up to individual preference. Hurricane (DOS) - Written by Eric Scott Hunsader This program has the option of displaying an unlimited number of storms, with an animated track, on the same map. There are three maps to choose from, Atlantic, Caribbean and Pacific, with the Atlantic and Pacific maps giving a very wide hemispheric view. The grid map option shows how many times storms have passed through certain areas. The program will work with most monitors. Hurricane Tracking System (Windows) - Written by James Culbertson This program displays storm tracks on a single map, which does not show much of the eastern Atlantic. You can maneuver around the map, or use the shrink and grow option. The storm path is plotted with colored balls at each advisory. Yellow is for tropical storms and red is for hurricanes, the larger the ball the higher the category of hurricane. The program includes "Hurricane Safety Tips." HurrTrak (DOS) - Written by George Sambataro This program, distributed by PC Weather Products, has four maps, two of the Atlantic and two of the Caribbean. Storm paths are displayed as colored lines. The "History System" features a historical database of storms, which can be selected by location, storm name, year, or intensity. Using the History System, an unlimited number of storms may be displayed on the same map. There is also the option to display storm formation points, and a nice graph displaying barometric pressure and wind speed. The program's graphics are not as intense as some of the other tracking program. While it was not available for review, there is also a Windows version of HurrTrak. Merlin Hurricane Tracking Tool (DOS) - Written by Ted Parker This program plots storm tracks as multi-colored lines on one of five maps. The maps are of the Gulf of Mexico, East Coast, Atlantic, Caribbean and the "original" Merlin map. Wind fields can be displayed, along with the National Hurricane Center's 72 hour forecast. There is also a loop which will continuously display the storm track, the current advisory and a user created text file. Most program functions are one button operations. Storm (DOS) - Written by Thomas Pesek This program displays an animated storm following the track on a fixed wide view map. The storm's intensity may be displayed in different colors and up to four storm tracks can be displayed on one map. There is a storm summary which gives pertinent information as it relates to the user defined tracking site. This program features a regular and enhanced version and registration brings something called "Storm Genie." Tracking the Eye (Windows) - Written by GenCode Technologies of Tampa This Freeware program was written specifically for spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov and features a fixed map. The animation option displays an animated storm following the track. While the storm is being animated on the map, the names of the threatened cities will turn from yellow to red. There is a very nice hurricane shopping list where you can check a box when that item is purchased. WinStorm (Windows) - Written by David C. Ingram This program plots a storm's track on a single map with the option to "shrink" and "unshrink" the map size. Once the path is plotted, an animated hurricane can be displayed to follow the track. The storm track may be displayed with different colors based on the storm's intensity. The placement of grid lines on the map is also an option. There is an optional warning window, which can be displayed at a user defined distance from the location of their choice. The program has the ability to display the pressure in either inches or millibars. Several other storm tracking programs have been listed in weather related publications, however, they could not be located for inclusion in this article. These programs include Force12 by Epperson Computing, GCanes by Robert Terwilliger, Hurricane Forecaster by Craig Rorrer, Hurricane Tracker by Nicheware, Hurricane Watch! by SeaBorne Systems, TrakHur by Bryan Lambeth and Tracker by OceanSoft Inc. + + + + + ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿ ³ 1996 ATLANTIC STORM NAMES ³ ÃÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ´ ³ ³ ³ Arthur Hortense Omar ³ ³ Bertha Isidore Paloma ³ ³ Cesar Josephine Rene ³ ³ Dolly Kyle Sally ³ ³ Edouard Lili Teddy ³ ³ Fran Marco Vicky ³ ³ Gustav Nana Wilfred ³ ³ ³ ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ + + + + + Federal Emergency Management Agency Web Page -------------------------------------------- The Federal government continues to be a strong advocate of using on-line technology to disseminate information. Several of the most popular sites on the Internet's World Wide Web are maintained by the U.S. government. http://www.whitehouse.gov, the home page for the White House, may be the most well known Web page around. htp://www.nasa.gov, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's home page, and http://nhc.noaa.gov, the National Hurricane Center's home page, are also very popular sites. This article takes a brief look at http://fema.gov, which is the home page for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) springs into action when a major disaster strikes. When a hurricane landfalls, a bomb explodes, or any other major disaster hits which is beyond the scope of the local community, FEMA personnel are sent to the area to help with the recovery efforts. After the President issues a disaster declaration, FEMA will reimburse local governments for expenses, provide low interest loans to businesses and private citizens devastated in the disaster, and lend other recovery assistance. FEMA performs a wide range of disaster and emergency management related functions. In an "effort to enhance the exchange of information and communication between FEMA and the Public," they have set up a home page on the World Wide Web. In times of disaster, the activity on this page picks up. When you log into fema.gov, you will find a digitized image of FEMA personnel responding to a disaster scene. There is also a photograph of FEMA Director James Lee Witt and a message from the Director. This message may be read on screen, or is available as a 528k audio file. James Lee Witt's welcome begins, "As all of us know, disasters are terrible. They can rob people of the basic necessities of life -- things like food, shelter, health or a way to earn a living. In a matter of minutes, they can devastate an entire community. There is so much that can be done to prevent or reduce the impact of disasters. As outlined in its mission statement and in its vision for the future, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, works to reduce risks, strengthen support systems and help people and their communities prepare for and cope with disasters regardless of cause." To learn more about FEMA check out their Web page, which is full of information about the agency and its services. Since our tax dollars are paying for this service, there are no fees associated with logging in. As time goes on, even more information will be made available on this page. In the attempt to become more cost effective, even more government services and information should be available on-line. + + + + + ÕÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑѸ ÆØØØØØØØØØØØ Board of Trade BBS ØØØØØØØØØص ÆØØØØØØØØØ New Port Richey, Florida ØØØØØØØص ÆØØØØØØØ (813) 862-4772 ØØØØØص ÆØØØØØ FidoNet: 1:3619/10 ØØØص ÆØØØ Øص ÆØ The Hobby BBS for the Entire Family! ص ³ ³ ³ Pasco County's Information Source ³ ³ Home of the Pasco BBS Magazine, DA BUCS and BBS Basics ³ ³ ³ ³ Call here FIRST for the BEST in Shareware ³ ³ Official Distribution Site for the Most Popular Authors ³ ÆØ Øµ ÆØØØ Supporting the Local Computer Community ØØص ÆØØØØØ Local Author Support File Directory ØØØØص ÆØØØØØØØ Official Support BBS for Pasco ComPats Computer Club ØØØØØØص ÆØØØØØØØØØ ØØØØØØØص ÆØØØØØØØØØØØ Member: AOP and EFF ØØØØØØØØØص ÔÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏϾ + + + + + Hernando BBS Magazine Introduced -------------------------------- One of Pasco County's neighboring counties now has its own BBS related magazine, as the Hernando BBS Magazine was introduced on March 1, 1996. This free on-line publication, which is a menu driven executable file, is scheduled to be released the first of each month. The Hernando BBS Magazine's editor is Spring Hill, Florida resident David Coburn, who is the Sysop of the Over There! BBS. In the first issue, he wrote of some of the reasons he started this publication. "This electronic magazine is published for only one reason, to enhance the enjoyment of all users and Sysops that maintain or call boards in Hernando County. My hope in publishing this new electronic magazine is to bring the Hernando BBS community a little bit closer. I encourage all local Sysops to support this magazine. The future of it will depend on that support." The Hernando BBS Magazine publishes a list of the fourteen verified bulletin boards in that county and includes dialing directories for various communications programs. Each issue has a door game review, announcements, editorials, ads and other BBS related features. The "BBS Spotlight" takes a look at a different BBS each month. For more information on the Hernando BBS Magazine contact the Over There! BBS at (352) 666-9590, or contact the editor via Internet email at david.coburn@overthere.com. + + + + + BBS Basics: What is a BBS? --------------------------- Has this ever happened to you? You mention to a friend, who is not into computers, that you call around to Bulletin Board Systems. You get a blank stare in return. That same friend could look in their dictionary to find out what a BBS or Bulletin Board System is, but their search will come up empty. While a growing number of people are becoming aware of what bulletin boards are, the above scenario remains realistic. Yes, people still ask what is a BBS? The history of the BBS goes back to the Winter of 1978, when the first bulletin board software was written by Ward Christensen during a Chicago blizzard. With his friend Randy Suess handling the hardware end of that first board, CBBS was officially born on February 16, 1978. If you think that people today are not familiar with what a BBS is, imagine how many times Ward Christensen had to explain what this new creation was. Christensen has commented, "A lot of people say 'oh, is that the Christensen Bulletin Board System or the Chicago Bulletin Board System?' No, it's the Computerized Bulletin Board System, so we had to start kind of simple." An Electronic Bulletin Board System (or Service) is simply a computer hooked up to phone lines. People may call the computer if their own computer has a modem and communications software. A modem is a device which allows computers to talk to each other over the telephone lines. The right communications software can make the job of connecting to a BBS quite simple. Today, bulletin board systems vary greatly. From the small hobbyist to the big software companies support boards, each BBS has its own feel and selection of features. Some may call themselves on-line services, or information services, but they are still bulletin boards. Even America On-line, CompuServe, Prodigy and the MicroSoft Network are basically bulletin boards. However, the majority of the tens of thousands of bulletin boards available today are set up by hobbyists for their own enjoyment. Once one calls a BBS, a whole new world of information, services and fun opens up. Bulletin boards are one of the best places to get the latest in software for your PC, most of the time before you can get the programs through disk vendors. Callers can also leave messages to people who call the board or discuss issues with computer users all over the world. Many BBSs have games which you can play, sometimes against other callers. Some boards offer unique services which cannot be obtained anywhere else. The system operator (Sysop for short) tries to have all the information you will need to get started posted somewhere on the board, but most are more than happy to answer any questions users might have. Editor's Note: BBS Basics is a menu driven database of information for the new BBS user. Version 2.1 of the Freeware program can be found on better BBSs everywhere. As BBS Basics is updated for the next version, the articles will be published first in the Pasco BBS Magazine. + + + + + ÉÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ» º º º ßÛß ÛßßÛ ÛßßÛ Ûßßß ÛßÛ Ûßßß ÛßßÛ ÛßßÛ ÛßßÛ ßßÛßß Û Û ÛßÛßÛ º º Û Û Û Û Û Ûß ÛßßÛ ßßßÛ ÛßßÛ Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û º º ßßß ß ß ß ß ßßßß ß ß ßßßß ß ß ß ß ßßßß ß ßßßß ß ß º º º º ÛßÛ ÛßÛ Ûßßß º º ÛßßÛ ÛßßÛ ßßßÛ º º ßßßß ßßßß ßßßß º º º º Since 1985 - Pasco County's Oldest BBS º º º º Sysops - Rob & Carolyn Marlowe º º º º Popular Chat Board, On-Line Games, CD-ROMS, Internet, FidoNet º º º º Ten Lines - (813) 848-6055 Voice - (813) 845-0893 º º º º telenet: sanctum.com º º º º READ THE PASCO BBS MAGAZINE AT: http://www.sanctum.com/pasco º º º ÈÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍͼ + + + + + Computer Basics --------------- Written by Ed Garwood, Hudson, FL DOS Commands Did you ever look at the list of DOS commands in your computer? No? Try it some day. At the C:\ prompt, just type cd\DOS, and when the DOS prompt appears, type DIR/P. You'll be treated to a whole string of DOS commands, ranging from ANSI.SYS to XXUNFRMT.EXE. What do they all do? Some are used quite often, while you may have no use for some of the others. Should you know all about all of them? Not really. You probably won't have occasion to make use of more than 25% of them. There are two files which you won't find listed, because they are "hidden files." Why hidden? Probably so that you won't be tempted to play around with them. Want to see them? While in the DOS directory, type DIR /AH, and you'll see them listed: IO.SYS, MSDOS.SYS. When you make a Boot Disk, they become an integral part, but again, they will be hidden. Which of these DOS files or commands might you be interested in, and how do you use them? Read on! ANSI.SYS ¯ This is a device driver which will enhance your graphics display. For instance, if you want to change the colors of your start-up screen, you must have ANSI.SYS in your CONFIG.SYS File. The syntax is: DEVICE=C:\DOS\ANSI.SYS /x This can be the last line of your CONFIG.SYS file. ASSIGN ¯ Once in a great while, you may find a program is designed to run from the B: drive, and you only have an A: drive. What to do? Type ASSIGN B: = A:. This fools the computer into thinking your B: drive is really your A: drive. When you no longer have to fool the computer, just type ASSIGN by itself, and press . (Or re-boot your computer) ATTRIB ¯ Files can have one or more or four attributes: A=Archive R=Read Only H=Hidden S=System A is Normal, and most files have that. A Read only file (R) is just that. It can only be read, not deleted or changed. A hidden file (H) was described above. A system File (S) is one which the computer uses for its operation. Don't mess with an H file or an S file. The only file which you would normally be interested in is the Read Only one. If you wish to delete it, you would first have to type ATTRIB -R Filename.Ext. If you want to protect a file so that it can't be accidentally deleted, just type ATTRIB +R filename.ext. The + puts the attribute on. A - takes it off. For instance, I have made ALL of my DOS files "Read Only". I typed ATTRIB +R C:\DOS\*.* . That did it. CD ¯ Change Directory. To get the DOS directory, type cd\DOS CLS ¯ Type this command to Clear the Screen CHKDSK ¯ Use this to make sure a disk does not have bad sectors. Type CHKDSK A: or CHKDSK C:. You will see the report on the screen. COPY ¯ Used to copy individual files from one disk to another or from one directory to another. For instance, to copy a file from your Wordperfect file to the A: drive, the syntax is: Copy c:\wp\filename.ext A: DEFRAG ¯ This defragments the files on your hard disk to optimize the disk's performance, and speeds up operation. There are a number of switches used with this command, so check your manual for the proper one to use. DEL ¯ The delete command. Type DEL filename.ext. (See also UNDELETE) DEVICE ¯ Used in the CONFIG.SYS file to instruct MS-DOS in the loading and use of special device drivers. (i.e. as in ANSI.SYS above.) DISKCOPY ¯ This makes an exact copy of a floppy disk. To copy a 3«" HD disk to another 3«" HD disk in the A: drive, type: DISKCOPY A: A: Press and follow the prompts. DIR ¯ Display a directory list. DIR/P lists the directory one screenful at a time. DIR/W lists the files in an abbreviated form, 5 columns across. DIR/W/P gives the abbreviated form one screenful at a time. DIR/A lists all files, including "Hidden files." DIR/O lists files alphabetically, subdirectories first and then the individual files. DIR/O:d lists files according to date, earliest first. ECHO ¯ Used in Batch files to permit or inhibit display of batch commands. EDIT ¯ An easy to use editing command. For instance, if you wish to add the ANSI.SYS device command as discussed above, to your CONFIG.SYS file, you would type EDIT C:\CONFIG.SYS. When the CONFIG.SYS file appeared on the screen, add the line shown. Click on FILE, or press Alt and then the down arrow. When the file window opens, type S to save the new file, and then press X to exit. (NOTE: To use EDIT, you MUST also have QBASIC in your DOS Directory.) ERASE ¯ Use the DELETE command (see DEL above). EXIT ¯ To leave a secondary command processor. For instance, if you have accessed DOS from Windows, EXIT will put you back into Windows. If you have accessed a file from DOSHELL, EXIT will return you to the shell. FORMAT ¯ This command is used to format floppy disks. To format a 5¬" DD floppy disk in A: drive, the syntax is FORMAT A:/4. For a 3«" HD disk in Drive B:, Type FORMAT B:/144. DO NOT USE THIS COMMAND TO FORMAT YOUR HARD DRIVE. HELP ¯ If you wish help on a DOS command, type HELP command. If you can't think of the command, just type HELP, and you'll get a list of commands. Use the TAB and arrow keys to highlight the command you wish and press Enter. LABEL ¯ (Also referred to as VOLUME). When you want to label a floppy disk, type LABEL. You can then type in a label not to exceed 11 characters. You also get to label a disk after you have formatted it. LOADHIGH or LH ¯ Used to load certain programs into High Memory. You must have HIMEM.SYS in you CONFIG.SYS file. See your manual for usage. MD ¯ Make Directory. Assume you want a temporary directory called TMP to store some temporary files. At the C:\ prompt, type md TMP. MEM ¯ Typed alone, it shows you what memory is being used and where. MEMMAKER ¯ Optimizes your computer's memory by re-organizing device drivers and TSR's in the upper memory. Very useful, but read your manual before trying it. MODE ¯ This command can be used in a number of different ways. Some are: MODE 40 gives you double width characters on your screen. MODE 80 puts them back to the normal 80 columns. MODE CON Cols=C Lines=L gives 40 or 80 columns, and 25, 43 or 50 lines on your screen. C=40 or 80. L=25,43, or 50 MODE LPT1 does the same for your printer. MODE also is used to set up Com Ports, Country pages, etc. MORE ¯ Causes your screen to display text one screenful at a time. The Syntax is MORE < filename.ext. It will also work with TYPE, and the syntax is TYPE filename.ext | MORE. (The figure | is called a pipe and usually is found over the \ key.) MOVE ¯ Can be used to move files, directories, or to different drives. Also renames directories. See the Manual. MSD ¯ A diagnostic program, providing detailed information about your computer, software, and operating environment. From the C:\ drive, type MSD and then follow the screen prompts. Press F3 to exit MSD. PRINT ¯ Used to print-out text files, To print a text file, type PRINT filename.ext, and press enter. (You may have to press a second time to start the printer.) For other uses of this command, see your manual. PROMPT ¯ This command sets the flashing prompt you see on your screen when you start up. The default is $p$g, which means "show the current drive, and add the > sign." To make your prompt read "C:\ Hello >" type PROMPT $p Hello $g. My own computer prompt reads "C:\ Ready >" and sets the characters to light green on a dark Blue screen. To get this you type: PROMPT $e[32;44m $p Ready $g (Note: You MUST have ANSI.SYS listed in your CONFIG.SYS file, to get the colors in. See ANSI.SYS above.) QBASIC ¯ This is a Basic Interpreter, and is used for programming in BASIC. The EDIT Command used QBASIC, which is why you must have it in your DOS directory. RD ¯ Remove Directory. Assume you made a TMP directory (see MD above), and now you wish to remove it. First delete all the files in the directory, and then type cd\. This brings you back to the root directory. Now type RD TMP and the TMP directory is past history. REN ¯ Used to rename a file. To change a file called BONGO.TXT to BINGO.TXT, type REN BONGO.TXT BINGO.TXT. TYPE ¯ Brings text files to the screen. If long files scroll by so fast you can't read them, press the Pause key. See MORE above. UNDELETE ¯ For undeleting files which you have accidently deleted. Type UNDELETE d:\ p\, where D: is the drive and p\ is the path or directory. Follow the prompts. UNFORMAT ¯ Use when you have accidently formatted a floppy disk, and wish to recover the files. Will not work if you have used FORMAT /q/u. VER ¯ Tells you what version of DOS you have installed. Just type VER. XCOPY ¯ for copying a number of files. Faster than COPY. For instance, to copy from the WOW directory on C;\ drive, to an A: drive floppy, type XCOPY C:\WOW\*.* A: Editor's Note: Look for another installment of Computer Basics in next month's issue. Ed Garwood may be contacted by leaving a message on the Board of Trade BBS at (813) 862-4772. He is also active in the Pasco ComPats Computer Club. The club meets the second and fourth Thursday of the month at the New Port Richey City Council Chambers at the intersection of Main and Madison Streets in New Port Richey, Florida. For more information about the Pasco ComPats Computer Club, contact club President Robert Donbar at (813) 863-3963. + + + + + ÜÛÜ ÜÜÛß ÜÜÛÛßß ÜÜÛÛßß ÜÛÜ ÜÜÛÛßß ÜÜÛßß ÜÜÛÛßß ÜÜÛßß ÜÛÛß ÜÛßß ÛÛ þßßßÛÛÛÛÜ ÜÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÜ ÞÛß ÜÛßß ÛÛÛÛ ÜÜ ßÛÛÛÛÜ ÛÛ ßÛÛÜ ÛÛ Ûß ÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÜÛß ßÛÛÛÛ ÛÛ ÛÛ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÛÛÛ ÜÛß ÛÛÝ ÛÛÛ ÜÛÛ ßÛÛÛ ÛÛ ÜÜÛÛß þßßßßßßßßßßßßß þßßßßß ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÛÛ þß ÜÜÜÜ ÞÛÛÜÜ ÛÛÛßßßßßßÛÛÛ ßÛÛÛÜ ÛÛß ÛÛ þßßßßÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÜÜ ÞÛÛÜÜ ßßßÛÛÜÜÜÜ ÛÛÛÜ ßÛÛÛÛÜ ÜÛß ÛÛ ßßÛÛÜÜ ßßßÛÛÜÜÜÜ ÜÛÛÛßÛÛÝ ÛÛÛÛþ ßÛÛÛÛÜÜÛß ÜÛÛÛ ßßÛÛÜ ßßÛÛÝ ÞÛ ÛÛÝ ÞÛ ÜÛßß Association of Online Professionals ÜÜÛÛß ÜÛßß ÛÜ 7578 B Telegraph Road ÜÛÛßß ÛÜ ßÛþ Suite 635 ÛÛ ßÛþ Alexandria, VA 22315 ßßÛÜþ (703) 924-9692 (Voice) Telenet: aop.org + + + + + EFF Quote of the Month ---------------------- "The net poses a fundamental threat not only to the authority of the government, but to all authority, because it permits people to organize, think, and influence one another without any institutional supervision whatsoever. The government is responding to this threat with the Clipper Chip...The obvious danger in supplying people with encryption is that encryption makes it easier to keep secrets, which makes it easier for people to commit crimes. With powerful encryption, the net would become an ideal place for criminals to organize conspiracies." - John Seabrook, "My First Flame", _New_Yorker_ 06/06/94 Editor's Note: The Electronic Frontier Foundation Quote of the Month is a collection of the wittiest and stupidest, most sublime and most inane comments ever said about cryptography, civil liberties, networking, government, privacy, and more. For more information on the Electronic Frontier Foundation, contact the EFF via the Internet, phone, fax, or US Mail. The Electronic Frontier Foundation, 1001 G Street NW, Suite 950 E, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 347-5400 (voice), (202) 393-5509 (fax), (202) 638-6119 (BBS), Internet: ask@eff.org. + + + + + ²²²²± ²²± ²²± ²²± ²²²²²²²± ²²± ²²± ²²²²± THE NEWS ²²± ²²± ²²± ²²± ²²²± ²²± ²²± ²± ²²± ²²± ²²± ²²± DIRECTORY ²²± ²²± ²²± ²²²²±²²± ²²±²± ²²± ²²± ²²²± ²²± ²²± ²²±²²²²± ²²²²± ²²±²±²²± ²²²± A brief look ²²± ²²± ²²± ²²²± ²²±²± ²²²²²²²± ²²²± at some of ²²± ²²± ²²± ²²± ²²± ²²± ²²± ²± ²²²±²²²± ²²± ²²± the news of ²²²²± ²²± ²± ²²± ²²± ²²²²²²²± ²²± ²²± ²²²²± the month The Silicon Lab, a Hudson, Florida based BBS, was featured in David Hakala's "Direct Dial" column in the April 1996 issue of Boardwatch Magazine. The column was about senior citizens getting on-line and Herb Mellinger's board is designed with seniors in mind. The Silicon Lab, originally a TBBS system now running GAP BBS, has been up since March 1986. The article mentioned a local computer club, where Herb Mellinger puts on presentations, called "West Pascoe Computer Clones." U.S. Representative Rich White (R-Washington) is spearheading the Internet Caucus, which is designed to educate members of the House and Senate about the on-line world. The goal is not only to instruct, but to increase the number of elected officials who have the ability to communicate with constituents on-line. The address for the Internet Caucus' home page on the World Wide Web is http://www.house.gov/white/internet_caucus/netcaus.html. With the recent release of Wildcat! version 5, Mustang Software, Inc. has announced the Annual Wildcat! Sysop & Third Party Developer Conference. The show is being held July 25-27, 1996 in Bakersfield, California at the Bakersfield Convention Center, with the Holiday Inn Convention Center acting as the host hotel. The event will feature a System Administrator Track and a Developer Track, along with a Developer and Reseller Expo. Registration for the show is $299, however, discounts for early registration are available. For additional information contact Mustang Software at (800) 807-2874, sales@mustang.com, or http://mustang.com. The sixth annual Shareware Industry Conference, featuring the Shareware Industry Awards, will be held June 27-30 in Phoenix, Arizona. More information may be obtained at (800) 832-2025. The Association of Online Professionals has announced a change in the location for their annual meeting for 1996. The AOP will hold that meeting at I2, which is an on-line industry trade show taking place in New York City October 8-10, 1996. For more information contact the AOP at (703) 924-9692. + + + + + ROTFL ----- Computer humor courtesy of Sandy Illes If Windows 95 Operated Appliances Around Your House ... Written and Copyrighted by Sandy Illes Toaster: Although the manual clearly states you can put up to 8 pieces of toast into the 2 slots, only 2 slices will actually become toasted. The other slices will become wedged into the slots and when you call Micro$oft tech support, they'll tell you the problem isn't with the toaster, it's your wall outlet. Microwave oven: Expect to eat lots of undercooked chicken and burnt bacon, since all settings are approximated to the standard of "average." When you call Micro$oft tech support to complain about this, they'll offer to sell you the Micro$oft Cookbook for only $39.95. Telephone answering machine: It doesn't matter what message you record, all callers will hear Bill Gates saying, "Windows 95 is the greatest... you are getting sleepy... sleeeeeepy... sleeeeeeeeepy... you will buy Windows 95, even if you don't have a computer..." Kettle: In the old days, your kettle would whistle when it boiled. Thanks to Micro$oft, your kettle will now whistle Dixie to a disco beat after a slight delay of 4-6 minutes to load the WAV file, during which your kettle will boil dry and you'll have to run out and buy a new one which will mean more corporate profit$ for Micro$oft. The manual clearly states that all warranties are null and void once the box in which the kettle is packaged has been opened. TV: Changing channels is as simple as switching your current channel into the background. Unfortunately, since Windows 95 won't support all the cable channels now available, you're stuck with only 3 channels on UHF. Windows 96 promotional literature promises it will support up to 7 VHF channels, but only on TVs made after 1995. Washing machine: Your clothes will be washed whiter than white and stubborn stains will become a thing of the past. Unfortunately, you can't get your clothes out of the washer and into the dryer without proprietary software which is the first of 39 beta versions and mostly doesn't work but is only available from Micro$oft. Editor's Note: Thank you to ROTFL Digest!, and its editor Sandy Illes for allowing the above to be reprinted from a prior issue of the on-line humor magazine. ROTFL Digest! is published by Access Media Systems, which may be contacted at (905) 847-7143, or (905) 847-7362. You may also email Sandy Illes at sandyi@pathcom.com, or visit their home page on the World Wide Web at http://www.pathcom.com/~sandyi. + + + + + ßÛÛÛß ÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛß ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛßÛÛÛ ÛÛÛß ßßß ßßß ßßß ßßßß ÜÜÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ ßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßÛÜÜ ÛÛÛÛÛß Ü ßÛÜÜ ÜÜÛÛ Û ÛßßßßÛ ÛßßßßÛßßß ÛßßßßÛßÛßßßÛÜ ßÛ ÞÛÛÛÛÛ ° ° Û ° ° ÛÛÛ ° ° ÛÛÛÛ ° ° ÜßÛ° ° Û Û° ° ÛÜ Û° ° Û Û° ° Û ÞÝ ÛÛÛÛÛÛ ±°±° Û °±°± ÛÛÛ ±°±° ÛÛÛÛ ±°±° Û Û°°°°Û Û°°°°Û Û°°°°Û Û°°°°Û Û ÛÛÛÛÛÛ ±±±± Û ±±±± ÛÛÛ ±±±± ÛÛÛÛ ±±±± Û Û±°±°Û Û±°±°Û Û±°±°ÛÜÛ±°Ûß Û ÛÛÛÛÛÛ ²±²± Û ±²±² ÛÛÛ ²±²± ÛÛÛÛ ²±²± Û Û²²²²Û Û²²²²Û Û²²²²Û Û²²ÛÜ Û ÞÛÛÛÛÛ ²²²² Û ²²²² ÛÛÛ ²²²² ÛÛÛÛ ²²²² Û Û²Û²ÛÛ Û²Û²ÛÛ Û²Û²ÛÛ Û²Û²ÛÛ ÞÝ ÛÛÛÛÛÜ ßßß ß ßßß ÜÛÛÛ ßßßß ÛÛÛÛ ²Û²ß Û ÛÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛÛÜÜÜ ÛÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛÛ ÜÛ ßßßÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ Ûß ÜÛß ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÛßß (c) 1996 HOOPTiE Û ÜÛß ArtWorx 0.80 ÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜ ÛÜÛß ÛÛÛÜÜÜ ÜÜÜ ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÜ ÜÜÜÛÛß ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÜÛÛß ÛÛÛÜ Tons of message areas BRE Leagues Friendly Staff Online 'zines FidoNet InfiNet Intratec RGSNet StormNet TGSTNet TNGNet [915] 59O-3817 [915] 599-2246 + + + + + When You Just Can't Wait: A Guide to Shareware Heretic Level Design (Part I) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- "A not-so-quick, but still dirty, guide to shareware Heretic level design." Written by Paul Pollack, New Port Richey, Florida DISCLAIMER: I cannot be held responsible for the prohibited distribution of levels for the Shareware version. Please respect id's wishes and only use this while waiting for your registered version to arrive. Do not distribute levels compatible with the Shareware version, as this is prohibited by id. If you've been within a ten mile radius of a computer within the past year, you know that a little thing called Doom's swept the country, with the innovative feature of allowing users to create their own levels. And if you have Doom (or Doom ][) you may have noticed that hardly any of these levels work with the shareware version. You can thank id for that; they specifically requested that programmers not create add-ons that work with the shareware versions of Doom or Heretic. Don't get me wrong here; if you play Doom a lot (and who doesn't?), there's no good excuse not to register it. As a part-time programmer, I know from experience that even seemingly simple programs can get very involved. Creating something like Doom must have taken the id programmers an awful long time, and they live off your registration fees. Both Doom and Heretic are awesome games, and well worth the pretty cheap price. Until now, one of the main arguments for registering Heretic was the fact that you'd be able to run all of those nifty little PWAD's floating around on BBSs. But along came a tiny little program called DM2CONV, which coverts registered Doom PWAD's to work with the shareware version of Heretic. As you might imagine, id probably isn't too happy about this, since one of the main reasons to register is gone. But along with this conversion program comes the opportunity to create and convert your own levels that work with the shareware version. First of all, if you have the shareware version of Heretic, it's pretty hard to edit levels. Using a program like HeeP will let you edit; it just won't let you save. What about DCK, the Doom Construction Kit? Well, that program drops you right back to DOS, as soon as it sees that you don't have the registered version. Well then, it seems like we're at a dilemma. So of course, you should register your copy, but what about the time in between, while waiting for your registered version to arrive. As a PWAD author, I know that many of you want to get started on your WAD files right away, so while you're waiting, you can be kicking some enemy butt (Disciples of D'Sparil, Gargoyles, Golems, Iron Liches, etc.) in your levels for the shareware version. (DO NOT DISTRIBUTE LEVELS FOR THE SHAREWARE VERSION OF HERETIC.) Nearly everyone has a copy of Doom/Doom ][; they've been selling like hot cakes ever since their release. So it shouldn't come as so much of a shock to you that my work around involves the use of a Doom/Doom ][ editor, as well as a working copy of either of the programs. Remember: register!!! Even though I'll offer a few work arounds, it can get to be a pain and should only be used until your registered version arrives. Other use is completely unauthorized, and possibly illegal. (You are going to register, right?) --- CREATING LEVELS FOR THE SHAREWARE VERSION OF HERETIC --- (id has not authorized the distribution of levels for the shareware Heretic) ONLY USE THIS PROGRAM WHILE WAITING FOR HERETIC, THE REGISTERED VERSION, TO ARRIVE. OTHER USE IS PROHIBITED BY ID SOFTWARE. USER REQUIREMENTS: Doom level design experience and a good knowledge of DOS SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS: Either Doom/Doom ][ and an editor for the one you have, a shareware version of Heretic, and a copy of DM2CONV v1.6 beta, DM1TODM2 v1.0 +, DDT/DEU (for the trick described in Appendix C) SOFTWARE RECOMMENDATIONS: Doom Construction Kit texture reference, DeuTex 3.1 HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS: A machine capable of running Doom/Doom ][ and Heretic First off, before I get into any actual procedure, let me give you just a brief outline of how it works; I'll get into more detail as I move on. Creating Heretic maps is almost identical to creating Doom maps, as the PWAD file formats for Doom, Doom ][, and Heretic are virtually identical. If you have experience with Doom maps, you should have no problem with the basic mechanics of level design. What I'm going to do is to give you a list of many sector type numbers, object codes, and other such oddities for you to enter manually in your Doom editor. (Don't worry if your program doesn't recognize them; they work.) The next part is a bit harder; if you have a copy of the original Doom, you don't need to worry about using non-Doom textures. But those of us with Doom ][ have a severe limitation, since only Doom I textures can be converted. That's why I recommended the Doom Construction Kit texture reference, as a handy-dandy tool to keep around to make sure you don't accidentally use any Doom ][ specific- feature. If you have the original Doom, it's pretty easy to create a Heretic level (using the " DM2CONV level.wad @HERETIC.RSP " command); just create an entire level and convert it from there. But for those who want to create a completely new Heretic WAD (with all the great new Heretic features) and test it periodically would be well off using the method described below. Another alternative is to simply edit the original DEU source code, or (even easier), edit the C source code (Turbo C++ v2.0 or higher required) code that comes with HEUHACK1.ZIP, so that the program lets you proceed even though you have the shareware version. If you do make use of this possibility, please remember NOT to distribute editors that work with the shareware version, and only to do so (create levels, not distribute editors for the shareware version) if you're waiting for your registered version to arrive. What you basically do is to create the map as normal (using only DOOM I texture names; if your editor is for Doom ][ but lets you input DOOM I texture names (or Heretic texture names -- see Appendix A), by all means, do it!!!), including full texture selection. But thing creation is completely different; for the shareware version of Heretic, here are the decimal codes for the enemies (select the option in your editor that looks like "Enter decimal code"). Gargoyle -- 66 Fire Gargoyle -- 5 Undead warrior -- 64 Undead warrior ghost (transparent) -- 65 Golem -- 68 Golem ghost --69 Nitrogolem -- 45 Golem Boss Ghost -- 46 Iron Lich -- 6 Disciple -- 15 As for the weapons, the decimal codes for them are: Gauntlets of the Necromancer -- 2005 Ethereal crossbow -- 2001 Dragon's Claw -- 53 As for ammo: Wand crystal -- 10 Crystal geode -- 12 Ethereal arrows -- 18 Quiver arrows -- 19 Claw orb -- 54 Claw energy orb -- 55 As for decorations: Blue orb -- 94 Green orb -- 95 Yellow orb -- 96 Barrel -- 44 Small pillar -- 29 As for light sources: Serpent torch -- 27 Chandelier -- 28 Torch from ceiling -- 50 Squatting man -- 76 As for corpses: Hanging head 1 -- 17 Hanging head 2 -- 24 Hanging head 3 -- 25 Hanging head 4 -- 26 As for geology/pods: Stalacmite small -- 37 Slalacmite large -- 38 Pod generator -- 43 Pod (explodes) -- 2035 As for keys: Green keycard -- 73 Blue keycard -- 79 Yellow -- 80 Other miscellaneous items include: Map scroll -- 35 Ring of invulnerability -- 84 Tome of power -- 86 Wings of wrath -- 83 Morph ovum -- 30 Torch -- 33 Quartz flask -- 82 Vial -- 81 Silver shield -- 85 TB of the ancients -- 34 Shadow sphere -- 75 Bag of Holding -- 8 Ambient Sounds (pretty nifty, if you ask me): Drops -- 1202 Slow Footsteps -- 1203 Heartbeat -- 1204 Fast footsteps -- 1209 Bells -- 1205 Laughter -- 1208 Wind -- 42 Phew. A lot, huh? But that's not it. Last, but certainly not least: Player starts: Player 1 start -- 1 Player 2 start -- 2 Player 3 start -- 3 Player 4 start -- 4 Deathmatch start -- 11 Teleport landing -- 14 Teleport glitter -- 74 Teleport glitter exit -- 52 SECTOR TYPES: Here we go again (ahhh!) Light levels: Flickering light -- 1 Fast strobe light -- 2 Slow strobe light -- 3 Sync Slow Strobe Light -- 12 Sync Fast Strobe Light -- 13 Lava flow damage -- 4 Wimpy lava flow damage -- 5 Hefty lava flow damage -- 16 Slude damage -- 7 Glowing light -- 8 Secret -- 9 Low friction -- 15 Scroll: Scroll East Slow -- 21 Scroll East Fast -- 23 Scroll South Fast -- 33 Scroll West Fast -- 38 Winds: Wind East Weak -- 40 Wind East -- 41 Wind East Strong -- 42 Wind North Strong -- 45 Wind South Strong -- 48 Wind West Strong -- 51 Linedef types -- JUST KIDDING, DM2CONV converts them for you I recommend you print out the above as a reference list (much as I recommend to Doom ][ users to print out any texture reference list they can get their hands on, preferably "THE DOOM TEXTURE REFERENCE UTILITY" by Professor Doom AKA James Atchison"); it's an invaluable reference when working with your level. That said, let's move on. You should, by now, have your level pretty much completed, with items for the shareware version of Heretic (that probably doesn't mean much to your Doom/Doom ][ editor) and walls from id's awesome Doom. Of course, this level need's a few changes before it can run correctly with Raven's Heretic. If you have Doom ][, you need a copy of DM1TODM2. You'll also need a RIB conversion file, even though it'll be empty, for the most part. The name of the RIB should be the same as the name of the PWAD (except for the extension, of course). For example: If you're level's called MYWAD.WAD, your RIB should be MYWAD.RIB. Here's what your finished RIB should look like (just copy this out, and replace level.wad with the name of your PWAD): #VERSION: DM1toDM2 v1.0á ************************************************************** #INFO: level.WAD converted with DM1toDM2 on 03-01-1995 ************************************************************** #TEXTURES USED (Sorted on Doom I) - (Type, Doom II, Doom I) =========================================================== #PATCH CHANGES (Type, Doom II, Doom I) ====================================== #COMMAND TO START (Type, DOS Command Line) ========================================== With that completed, you'll need to have your copy of DM2CONV on hand. With your level, you'll want to convert the Doom wall textures to their nearest equivalent in Heretic. To do this, type the following: DM2CONV level.wad /HERETIC /FLOOR /TEXTURE If you're an experienced DM2CONV user, you'll know that there's a response file you can use; don't use it! Using the response file causes the program to convert the objects. Since the objects are already in the correct format, converting them would completely screw up the level. Trust me. I know what I'm doing -- almost. :-) Caution: Your level.wad (replace it with your level's actual name) file will be overwritten. After DM2CONV gets finished (a very fast process!) copy this file into your Heretic directory, use the -FILE command to run it. In case you don't know, that goes like this: HERETIC -FILE level.wad Where level.wad is the name of your PWAD file. You may want to add commands that make Heretic skip to a certain level, run at a certain skill, etc. These commands are detailed in Heretic's documentation, but just in case you don't have easy access to it, here's a quick rundown: HERETIC -FILE pwad.wad -SKILL x -WARP y z -RESPAWN -NOMONSTERS -DEVPARM In the above example, -FILE tells Heretic to run the specified PWAD, -SKILL tells Heretic to start on a certain skill level x, -WARP y z tells Heretic to start on episode y level z, -RESPAWN tells Heretic to make monsters come back a few seconds after they die, -NOMONSTERS tells Heretic to remove all monsters from the map, and -DEVPARM allows you to enter "Developers Mode," where you can get a screen shot by pressing F1. Yeah, and just a reminder: ID has not authorized, in fact, rather the opposite, any distribution of levels compatible with the shareware versions of their games! This is intended only for use while waiting for your registered version to arrive. And then, once your registered version does arrive, you can port your levels over to an editor that works with the registered version of Heretic. If you would like to work fully with Heretic levels (and use all the new things/textures), you need to register your version. Editor's Note: Thanks again to Paul Pollack for another great article. Look for part two of this Heretic level design article in next month's Pasco BBS Magazine. Paul is an avid gamer and frequent BBSer who, if you would like to contact him, can be reached at Gator's Place BBS (813) 376-0087, or Dr. Duck's BBS (813) 849-3562. Paul is also the moderator of the GamePlay Conference on the Board of Trade BBS (813) 862-4772. You may also wish to visit his home page on the World Wide Web at http://www.intol.com/paul/paul.htm. + + + + + ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÂÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿ ³ ³zine Pasco BBS Magazine Pasco BBS Magazine ³ ³ PASCO ³azine Pasco BBS Magazine Pasco BBS Magazine³ ³ BBS ³gazine Pasco BBS Magazine Pasco BBS Magazin³ ³ MAGAZINE ³agazine Pasco BBS Magazine Pasco BBS Magazi³ ³ ³Magazine Pasco BBS Magazine Pasco BBS Magaz³ ÃÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ Magazine Pasco BBS Magazine Pasco BBS Maga³ ³S Magazine Pasco BBS Magazine Pasco BBS Magazine Pasco BBS Mag³ ³BS Magazine Pasco BBS Magazine Pasco BBS Magazine Pasco BBS Ma³ ³BBS Magazine Pasco BBS Magazine Pasco BBS Magazine Pasco BBS M³ ³ BBS Magazine Pasco BBS Magazine Pasco BBS Magazine Pasco BBS ³ ³o BBS Magazine Pasco BBS Magazine Pasco BBS Magazine Pasco BBS³ ³co BBS Magazine Pasco BBS Magazine Pasco BBS Magazine Pasco BB³ ³sco BBS Magazine Pasco BBS Magazine Pasco BBS Magazine Pasco B³ ³asco BBS Magazine Pasco BBS Magazine Pasco BBS Magazine Pasco ³ ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ + + + + + PBM Flashback - June 1994 ------------------------- This month's PBM Flashback looks back to Saturday morning May 14, 1994, when the Inner Sanctum BBS featured a linkup with a couple of bulletin boards in Florida and several boards in Australia. Rob Marlowe, Sysop of the New Port Richey based BBS (813) 848-6055, had been using an Internet connection to link up with the land down under. While it was Saturday morning in Florida, it was Saturday night in Australia. What follows is part of the written transcript recorded live, on-line, during this international linkup. The BBS the person was on is shown after their name. Tom Koltai (Kakadu Konnection, Darwain, Australia ): I thought IS was going to join us for our Saturday Morning chat Rob Marlowe (Inner Sanctum, New Port Richey, FL): It IS our Saturday morning! Bruce Edwards (Kakadu Konnection): hmmm, time for a beer... brb Richard Ziegler (Inner Sanctum): I'll skip the beer, think I need more coffee Ian Chandler (1990 Multiline, Western Australia): hmmmm BEER... Ian Chaloner (1990 Multiline): ever seen the space shuttle go up?? Richard Ziegler (Inner Sanctum): Could see the smoke from Challenger in '86 from here. Lynne Wilding (1990 Multiline): we've seen Skylab come down - heheheh Rob Marlowe (Inner Sanctum): Yes, Ian. You can see them go up from here even though KSC is on the other coast. We get the sonic booms when they land too. Lynne Wilding (1990 Multiline): so what is the topic of conversation in Florida this week? Carolyn Marlowe (Inner Sanctum): Gay Culverhouse is resigning as President of the Tampa Bay Bucs!! Lynne Wilding (1990 Multiline): Umm sort Carolyn, doesn't ring any bells with me Carolyn Marlowe (Inner Sanctum): it wouldn't it's about our National Football League team :) Tom Koltai (KK): Okay guys.... shutup... the footy is starting FA CUP at wembley David Dean (1990 Multiline): footy? yeah. I'd like to see that! Shayne Harnsen (Common Ground, Adelaide, Australia): what channel Tom ?! Tom Koltai (Kakadu Konnection): U N I T E D..... body wave .... yeah yeah yeah..... United Shayne Harmsen (CG): <=- Man Ut'd supporter Carolyn Marlowe (Inner Sanctum): we've never been good in footbol Shayne Harmsen (Common Ground): Yanks can't play soccer! Richard Ziegler (Inner Sanctum): Hey, we're gettin' better at Soccer/Football! Bruce Edwards (Kakadu Konnection): yes Rich, at least you have the ball shapes correct Tom Koltai (Kakadu Konnection): The national Anthem.... all stand Lynne Wilding (1990 Multiline): Advance Austra............oh isn't anyone else singing? Tom Koltai (Kakadu Konnection): God save the Queen... its an English footy match Andrew Pidgeon (Common Ground): stick another shrimp on the barbie mate Lynne Wilding (1990 Multiline): I live in a suburb south of Perth, Western Australia, Australia Tom Koltai (Kakadu Konnection): Well Lynne, dont bother naming the suburb...... They cant even find Perth on their map yet Richard Ziegler (Inner Sanctum): Perth, did they hold the America's Cup race there a few years back? Lynne Wilding (1990 Multiline): yes they sure did Rich, Fremantle to be exact Richard Ziegler (Inner Sanctum): Dennis Connor won back the Cup that year, I think. Lynne Wilding (1990 Multiline): yes Rich, don't rub it in Jeff Powers (1990 Multiline): he sure did oh well the Americas Cup is now fought out in courts of law :) Mike Copley (1990 Multiline): whats this about florida? Lynne Wilding (1990 Multiline): Florida is on Mike Jeff Powers (1990 Multiline): Florida your kidding whoa I'm impressed :) Tom Koltai (Kakadu Konnection): Chelsea -v- United, 1/2 time score... 0 0 Editor's Note: PBM Flashback will appear on a regular basis in future issues. Each issue will have this brief look back at some of the features which have appeared over the history of the Pasco BBS Magazine. + + + + + °°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°° ² ² ² Board of Trade BBS New Port Richey, Florida ² ² ² ² (813) 862-4772 12/24/48/96/144/28800 baud ² ² ² ² The Hobby BBS for the Entire Family! ² ² ² ² Pasco County's Information Source ² ² Home of the Pasco BBS Magazine, DA BUCS and BBS Basics ² ² ² ² Call here FIRST for the BEST in Shareware ² ² Official Distribution Site: ² ² Alive Software, Apogee Software, Epic MegaGames, Gamer's Edge, ² ² Id Software, Impulse Software, MVP Software, Safari Software, ² ² Software Creations, Soleau Software and Union Logic Software ² ² ² ² Supporting the Local Computer Community ² ² Local Author Support File Directory ² ² Official Support BBS for Pasco ComPats Computer Club ² ² ² °°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°° + + + + + Next Month ---------- There are several things in the works for the July issue of the Pasco BBS Magazine. There will be an article on whitehouse.gov, as we log into the White House's home page on the World Wide Web. John Zagar has written a short article about the early days of the PC called "Remembering Computers." There will be the second part of Paul Pollack's article on Heretic level design and Ed Garwood will have more Computer Basics. Along with all our regular features, we will have all the latest news. The July issue of the Pasco BBS Magazine will be available on, or before, June 22. Make sure you do not miss a single issue of Tampa Bay's oldest free on- line magazine! + + + + + Important Information --------------------- The Pasco BBS Magazine is distributed free of charge, as long as it is unaltered and complete. When uploading make sure the original archive is intact with all files included. The Pasco BBS Magazine is the sole property of the Board of Trade BBS and Richard Ziegler. It is legally copyrighted material and all rights are reserved. No part of this magazine may be used without permission. No compensation of any kind may be received for the viewing, distribution, or for any other use of the magazine files. By submitting something, you are agreeing to allow publication of the material in the magazine. Articles reprinted with permission remain the property of the cited source. Guest contributions may not necessarily reflect the views of the Pasco BBS Magazine. The editor reserves the right to edit submissions, however, this is normally only done to correct spelling or grammatical errors. The editor makes all determinations on what and when articles will run. Every effort is made to insure that all information contained within the Pasco BBS Magazine is accurate, but inadvertently mistakes can appear. The Pasco BBS Magazine, Board of Trade BBS or Richard Ziegler cannot be held liable for information contained within this document. It is intended that this magazine exists for the personal enjoyment of the readers. Rather than place a trademark symbol at every occurrence of a trademarked name, it is stated that trademarks are only being used in an editorial fashion with no intention of any infringement of the trademark itself. More information can be found in the other files distributed with the magazine's archive. Comments, questions, suggestions and submissions can be left on the Board of Trade BBS (813) 862-4772, or mailed to Board of Trade BBS, P.O. Box 1853, New Port Richey, FL 34656. + + + + + (C)Copyright 1996 Richard Ziegler - All Rights Reserved + + + + +