

   EZ-Online                                                SYSOP.TXT  1
  


           PREPARING YOUR HANDOUT DISKETTE - CHECKING IT OUT


     Since EZ_Online is designed for persons who are not already
     online, it installs from a floppy disk only.  There's no need to
     configure the program as a download file, installable from the
     hard drive, unless you intend to make it available for other
     SysOp's ... in which case please use this archive without
     modifications.  This will help us provide assistance to your
     downloaders, if necessary.

     EZOL is "shipped" in an archive structured as follows:

          EZOL_01.ZIP
               FILE_ID.DIZ
               README.TXT
               EZOL_APP.ZIP
                    INSTALL.BAT    Ŀ
                    UNINSTAL.BAT    
                    WELCOME.BAT        C:\EZOL_01 - (these files go
                    PKUNZIP.EXE             on your handout disk)
                    616BBS.LST      
                    BCOM.TXT        
                    NO_MODEM.TXT    
                    UNINSTAL.TXT    
                    WELCOME.TXT     
                    BCOM.ZIP        
                    VIEW-32A.ZIP   
               EZOL_BBS.ZIP
                    ALL_GONE.BMP   Ŀ
                    EZOL_PKG.BMP    
                    ALL_GONE.CDR    
                    EZOL_PKG.CDR    
                    DISKEZOL.LAB       C:\EZOL_01\SYSOP - (these files
                    CUPERTNN.TTF           are "for your eyes only")
                    UMBRELLN.TTF    
                    SYSOP.TXT       
                    BCOMPAK~.ZIP   


     If you've followed the README.TXT instructions, you've placed the
     application files in C:\EZOL_01 and the special SysOp files in
     C:\EZOL_01\SYSOP.

     The files in C:\EZOL_01 are the ones you'll include on your handout
     diskettes.  First, use the instructions in the next section to
     customize these files for your BBS and your calling area.  Then
     simply do this to make the diskettes ...

                          copy c:\ezol_01\*.* a:

     Perhaps you'll find the shareware program COPYQM (COPYQ321.ZIP) or
     a similar disk duplicator program helpful in creating multiple
     copies of your diskette.


   EZ-Online                                                SYSOP.TXT  2
  

                     CUSTOMIZING EZOL FOR YOUR BBS


       Some of the batch files and text files contain BBS-specific
       references.  To customize EZOL for your BBS, use your text
       editor and revise the following ...


  1.  INSTALL.BAT  - go to lines 37 and 38 and change "FireRight BBS"
                          and "Grand Haven, MI" to your BBS name and
                          location.
                   - go to line 119 and change "616" to your area code.
                   - change the filename on line 125 (see Item 5 below).

  2.  UNINSTAL.BAT - no changes required.

  3.  WELCOME.BAT  - revise lines 38, 39, 40 and 47 as appropriate.
                   - revise the filename on line 53
                   - revise the BBS name on line 113
                   - revise the information on lines 119 thru 123

  4.  PKUNZIP.EXE  - retain

  5.  616BBS.LST   - this is a list of BBS names and numbers in our
                          616 area code.  Delete this file and replace
                          it with one of your own.  Be sure to check
                          your file for readability using VIEW.
                   - if you have no list for your calling area, you
                          might wish to use the commonly available
                          USBBS LIST.
                   - please verify your list.  The turnover rate for
                          BBS's is currently high, and lists rapidly
                          become dated ... disconnect intercepts are
                          very discouraging!  You can verify the
                          numbers using your telephone for as little as
                          10-cents per line during off-peak periods.

  6.  BCOM.TXT     - replace the listing on line 6 to your own BBS
                          name and number.  Please do not remove
                          BananaCom's name and number.

  7.  NO_MODEM.TXT - replace the information on lines 136 thru 139
                          (the end of the file) as appropriate.

  8.  UNINSTAL.TXT - replace the filename on line 16 to your list file
                   - replace the information on lines 45 thru 52

  9.  WELCOME.TXT  - replace the information on lines 325 thru 328
                          (the end of the file) as appropriate.

 10.  BCOM.ZIP     - retain

 11.  VIEW-32A.ZIP - retain


   EZ-Online                                                SYSOP.TXT  3
  




                    EZOL LABEL FOR 3.5" FLOPPY DISKS



     The file DISKEZOL.LAB is a formatted label layout for 3.5"
     diskettes, created using George Campbell's popular shareware
     program, MultiLABEL for Windows.

     You can use MultiLABEL to edit and print this label for your own
     distribution disks.  MultiLABEL is commonly available in BBS file
     collections.  The latest version can also be downloaded directly
     from George's BBS, the OSO-Soft BBS ... 805-528-3753

     Standard Windows fonts are used, except for the acronym "EZOL",
     which was originally set using a shadowed font named "Umbrella".

     This font (UMBRELLN.TTF) is provided in this archive, and may be
     installed by copying it to your c:\windows\system directory and
     using the Program Manager's Font Manager utility.

     There's no need to purchase special disk labels, which are usually
     quite expensive.  Your label can be printed on regular bond or
     coated paper using your ink jet or laser printer, then cut out and
     applied to the diskette using a glue stick.


   EZ-Online                                                SYSOP.TXT  4
  


                    PACKAGING EZOL 3.5" FLOPPY DISKS


     The file EZOL_PKG.CDR is a CorelDRAW! formatted layout for an
     attractive protective and promotional folder that fits a 4" x 6"
     plastic bag.

     Two folders can be printed on a single piece of 8-1/2" x 11"
     material, in two passes through your ink jet or laser printer.
     You may wish to use Scott No 3015 110# card stock, which is
     available at most office supply stores.

     Use CorelDRAW! to customize and print this folder for your own
     handout.  If you use another graphics or publishing program, it
     will probably be able to convert EZOL_PKG.CDR to its own format.

     EZOL_PKG.BMP has been converted for you, and will enable you to
     use the Windows Paintbrush applet to revise and print this piece,
     in the absence of any other software.  Load EZOL_PKG.BMP in the
     Paintbrush application, replace the FireRight BBS information at
     the bottom of the back cover with your own information using the
     Paintbrush editing and text tools, then print.  Use the check box
     "Use Printer Resolution" in the print dialog box, if it appears,
     to print the piece at the proper scale.  Otherwise, for equivalent
     results on, for example, an inexpensive Cannon BJ-200 printer,
     select "Page Setup" and set the top margin to 0.2-inch, and all
     others at zero. Then select "Print" and set "Scaling" at 32% to
     adjust the print image to the correct size (the outside
     measurement of the borders on the original layout is 3-5/8" x
     5-1/16").

     Standard Windows fonts are used, except for the acronym "EZOL",
     which was originally set using a shadowed font named "Umbrella",
     and for the tradename "BananaCom!", which was originally set using
     the "Cupertino" font.

     These fonts (UMBRELLN.TTF and CUPERTNN.TFF) are provided in this
     archive, and may be installed by copying to your c:\windows\system
     directory and using the Program Manager's Font Manager utility.

     ALL_GONE.CDR (ALL_GONE.BMP) is an "All Gone" card that advises how
     to get more packets when the stock has been exhausted.  You might
     wish to place one of these cards behind the small stock of packets
     you leave with retailers, etc.  Be sure to change the phone number
     shown on the face of the card to your own.


   EZ-Online                                                SYSOP.TXT  5
  


                         RETAIL DISPLAY SYSTEMS


     There may be some small incentive for retail merchants and others
     to hand out your packets ... everyone likes free stuff, and its a
     cheap way for them to generate a little good will.  But your
     handouts will probably be displayed prominently only if you make
     it easy to do so.

     If you use the packaging system suggested above, be sure to punch
     a 1/4" hole in the top of the finished package.  Most retailers
     have a variety of hanger racks for packages of this type, so this
     will make it easy for them to find a suitable display mode.

     Here's a nice way to deliver your handouts to prospective
     distribution points ...  a 4" x 4" x 4" plain kraft "gift box" is
     commonly available in department stores for about 59-cents.  Cut
     the top flaps off this little box, then trim about one inch off
     its front side, and trim the sides on a angle to provide a neat
     little counter display.  This little box will accommodate about two
     dozen packets. (Don't forget to place a small stack of "All Gone"
     cards in back of the packets!)

     You can also cut and bend a coat hanger to fabricate a little
     hanging display of your own, suitable for use as a counter
     display.  Use inexpensive plastic-coated heavy gauge coat hangers,
     which usually come with little plastic caps that you can use to
     cover their sharp ends.  Hangers of this type are available for
     about 65-cents each.

     Clear plastic boxes are also available in may discount department
     stores, and make an inexpensive, but attractive, counter display.

     If you are imaginative, creative or artistic ... you'll probably
     find all kinds of inexpensive solutions to the "display system"
     problem simply by browsing around in your local Wal-Mart or
     K-Mart.


   EZ-Online                                                SYSOP.TXT  6
  


                        THE LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS


     The EZ_Online application has been prepared to promote BBS
     calling.  The package is designed as a low-cost FREE handout item
     that may be distributed thru computer retailers, etc.

     The package contains two works by other authors; a popular
     shareware terminal program named BananaCom!, and a fine freeware
     text viewer named VIEW.

     As a courtesy to these authors, to promote their products, and to
     comply with their distribution rules and restrictions, the full
     versions of their archives are included in, and installed by, EZOL.

     You will be in compliance with the distribution restrictions of
     these authors as long as you also distribute EZOL to promote
     BBS'ing generally, or your own FREE BBS exclusively.

     Altering either third-party archive, BCOM.ZIP or VIEW-32A.ZIP,
     violates their authors' distribution restrictions. If you offer
     this package for sale, you will be in violation of the
     distribution restrictions imposed by these authors.  Offering this
     package free, but to promote your own subscription BBS
     exclusively, violates the spirit of the distribution policy cited
     for the text viewer program, VIEW.

     Specific details are as follows:


  1. BananaCom!

     BananaCom! is copyrighted shareware, and is included here by
     permission of its author ...

                        Paul Wheaton
                        Banana Programming
                        1916 Brooks Avenue  Suite 205
                        Missoula  MT   59801

     A variety of packaging and distribution hints and suggestions
     for BananaCom! are provided by the author in his file named
     BCOMPAK.DOC (included in this archive in BCOMPAK~.ZIP).

     BCOMPAK.DOC includes this statement ...

          "BananaCom has proven to be a reliable, easy-to-use
          and easy-to-support program.  Perfect for the first
          time modem user!  Feel free to distribute it in any
          way you want (as long as you include both the BCOM.EXE
          and BCOM.DOC files unmodified)."


   EZ-Online                                                SYSOP.TXT  7
  

  2. VIEW

     VIEW is copyrighted freeware, authored by ...

                        Jim Wilson
                        ConsulTech
                        4 Scranton Parkway
                        Oxford  NJ   07863

     VIEW.DOC for version 3.2 includes this statement ...

          "View is a FREEWARE program.  You are free to use it
          for your own *personal* use.  You are encouraged to
          give it away to anyone and everyone who wants it ..."
          except ... (1) you must include the complete archive,
          (2) none of the files may be altered, (3) you may not
          use this program in a commercial, retail, promotional
          or other application ... (4) to make a profit.



  3. EZOL

     The EZ_Online application itself is provided free by ...

                        Gene Warner
                        FireRight BBS
                        1320 Fulton Street
                        Grand Haven  MI   49417

     All of the files contained in this archive, except BCOM.ZIP,
     BCOMPAK~.ZIP, PKUNZIP.EXE, CUPERTNN.TTF, UMBRELLN.TTF and
     VIEW-32A.ZIP, have been authored by Gene Warner.

     You are free to use this material in any way you wish, without
     any restrictions.
