                                   P P o i n t
                            Professional Point System
                    ------------------------------------------
                        Copyright (c) 1994 Harvey Parisien
                    Box 8375, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada  K1G 3H8
  
                                 FidoNet 1:249/114


                              U S E R S   M A N U A L

                    ------------------------------------------


                 P o i n t   N o d e s   &   B o s s   N o d e s


                                   AN OVERVIEW


         A Point is a network node, a computer system which is setup
         with the necessary software to connect to another network
         node, and transfer email and/or files.

         The network structure PPoint is designed for is FidoNet.  This
         is an extremely efficient structure developed by hobbyists
         throughout the world.  FidoNet has been around since the
         beginning of the PC, and there are currently 50000 plus nodes
         around the world (not including Point nodes).

         A FidoNet node is a node that is online 24 hours a day, and
         connected with other nodes in the same manner.  This Fidonet
         node is registered in an international node list as being a
         Continuous Mailer or CM (accessible any time).  Without
         getting into the details, a typical FidoNet node is connected
         to an official Network node, which is connected to a regional
         node, which is connected to a Zone node.  There are several
         Zones that represent geographical areas of the planet.

         A Point node is a node which is connected to a FidoNet node as
         described above.  This Point get's it's mail from that node
         which is called a Boss node, or a Host node.  The Point also
         sends it's mail to the Host for insertion into the network.
         The Point therefore does not have to be online or accessible
         continuously, instead it is only network active when the Point
         user connects to the host to transfer (send/receive) email.
         Then all mail management is done off-line at the Point users
         convenience.

         Point nodes are not in the international node list which is an
         integral part of the FidoNet structure.  They are authorized,
         created, serviced, and the responsibility of the Host which is
         an official FidoNet node.  All activity from the Point node is
         managed by the Host, so in fact the Point is like an extension
         or branch of that node.  The Point's address becomes the
         Host's address, with an extension of .x where x is the Point
         number.  A typical address is (my address) 1:249/114 which is
         Zone 1, Network 249, and node 114.  One of my points have the
         and address of 1:249/114.7 which is my point number 7.


                                DESIGN OBJECTIVES

         The main objective behind the development of PPoint was to
         create a system that was easy to setup, easy to use, and easy
         to maintain.  The user interface has been designed to offer
         intuitive navigation thought the various functions and
         controls.  There are certain forced paths, and certain
         suggested paths, all intended to make email management
         enjoyable, efficient and effortless.  PPoint can be operated
         from DOS or Windows.  The setup automatically sets you up for
         both operating systems.


                                    OVERVIEW

         PPoint is a professional network EMAIL management system.  It
         is self installing, FidoNet compatible, and is complete in
         terms of it's functionality, and automatically installs a few
         other complex systems it transparently integrates with.
         PPoint accomplishes all of the tasks required to create,
         process, and transfer email and files all without the user
         having to be a computer expert.

         A Point system is usually a complex assortment of various
         processors and utilities, driven by a sophisticated batch file
         which takes an experienced person to setup.  Most of the
         associated utilities and processors are only used to 30% of
         their respective capacities, whose design were intended for
         much more complex data processing.

         Transferring email requires the ability to manage data
         locally, and transfer it to/from the Host.  PPoint handles
         everything except the mail packet transfer itself.  To
         transfer data from PPoint, we suggest you use the BinkleyTerm
         mailer system.  PPoint operates Binkley quite trasnparently
         to the user.  PPoint will automatically do the installation
         and setup of BinkleyTerm for you.  BinkleyTerm is the
         simplest and most efficient system to use, especially as a
         point.

         BinkleyTerm is a system which is freely available for
         noncommercial use (<=3 commercial sites at one time - see
         documentation for BinkleyTerm) and is the smallest, most
         efficient of all the various mail processors.  There are
         processors that are in some ways easier to setup, and have
         more features, BUT, Binkley was our choice since WE do the
         setup for it internally via PPoint, so you don't even notice
         it.

         Option: PPoint has one unique feature that is designed to work
         with the mailer Binkley.  If you Poll your Host and there is no
         mail, the mailer will not exit back to PPoint.  To force the
         mailer to exit, have your Host put a small text file called
         PPOINT.$$$ in a requestable position.  The Host might make a
         Freq name of HOST which locates PPOINT.$$$.  This can be placed
         on PPoint's autofreq list, causing it to arrive every time the
         Host is polled.  If PPoint detects a file called PPOINT.$$$ in
         the inbound directory, it will delete it making the process
         all very transparent.


                            Multiple Boss Addressing

         PPoint can be used for managing multiple boss addresses.  If you
         have more than one boss, you might consider this replacement for
         MAILER.BAT.  This is the batch file ppoint uses to operate your
         mailer (binkley).

         @echo off
         bnu
         :s
         bt
         if errorlevel 40 goto exit
         if not exist out\*.* goto exit
         goto s
         :exit
         bnu /U

                                 PASSWORD ACCESS

         Password Access - if you have a text file called PPOINT.PWD on 
         your ppoint directory with one line in it containing a password
         (max 20 charactors), Ppoint will prompt you for access.  It's
         simple, but effective as low security to keep out people who 
         wouldn't know where to look, and simple enough for people who
         forget their passwords to manage... :)


                         Distribution, and Registration

         PPoint is marketed as shareware.

         PPoint is fully functional.  There are no timers, or limits
         imposed.  There are no keys required for installation.

         To register, please fill out the REGISTER.TXT application.
         You can load it into your word processor or editor, and edit
         it, or copy it to your printer and do it by hand (COPY
         REGISTER.TXT PRN).

                               Harvey Parisien
                               Box 8375
                               Ottawa, Ontario
                               Canada  K1G 3H8


         Registering PPoint is only necessary once, and entitles you
         to new versions of PPoint as they are released.  The latest
         versions of PPoint will be available on your favorite SDS
         system, or from our support sites.  See PROGRAM INFO in your
         online help for the latest support site list.  PPoint is also
         available via internet at: http://www.alcuf.ca/parisien.htm.
         

                                  LEGAL STUFF

         DISCLAIMER - This program is provided as is.  You may use it
         at your own risk.  There is no warranty of any kind or any
         form covering this program.  The author may in no way be held
         liable for any damage of any form in connection or arising
         from the quality and/or use of this program and any
         associated files included with it.
