allbery@ncoast.UUCP (09/29/87)
#--------------------------------CUT HERE------------------------------------- #! /bin/sh # # This is a shell archive. Save this into a file, edit it # and delete all lines above this comment. Then give this # file to sh by executing the command "sh file". The files # will be extracted into the current directory owned by # you with default permissions. # # The files contained herein are: # # -rw-r--r-- 1 allbery System 33251 Sep 29 16:11 alex.doc # -rw-r--r-- 1 allbery System 1644 Sep 29 16:11 undigest.c # echo 'x - alex.doc' if test -f alex.doc; then echo 'shar: not overwriting alex.doc'; else sed 's/^X//' << '________This_Is_The_END________' > alex.doc X ALEX USER'S GUIDE (VERSION 1.2) X =============================== X X Alex [Automatic Library EXchange] is a program that allows Xautomatic transfer of groups of files (either ASCII or binary) via Xelectronic mail. Some assumptions are made in the discussion below: X o You are using the Msg (mmdf) or Mailx electronic mail systems. X o Alex has already been installed on your Unix system. X o You are able to log in to the electronic mail system from your X personal computer (PC), using communications software. X o Your communications software supports the Kermit file transfer X protocol. This is definitely true if you are using the public X domain Kermit program, and may or may not be true if you are X using a commercial communications program. Note that the X popular Crosstalk XVI (running on the IBM PC, Wyse PC and X compatibles) DOES support the Kermit file transfer protocol. X Also note that Syterm, which is used widely here at ARDEC, does X NOT support Kermit and therefore cannot be used in conjunction X with Alex. X X This user's guide explains everything you need to know to be Xable to use Alex. It goes through the steps in excruciating detail, Xand more advanced users may want to skip some of the discussion. XFor these people, I recommend skipping the download discussion Xbecause it is very simple (and explained in much shorter terms in the Xman page -- type 'man alex' on your Unix system). They may proceed Xdirectly to the section on Uploading. X Keep in mind that this documentation details the use of Alex Xunder BOTH Msg and Mailx. These are two different electronic mail Xprograms in use at ARDEC. If you are using Msg, please ignore all Xreferences to Mailx. Of course, if you are using Mailx, ignore all Xreferences to Msg. X XUSING ALEX TO DOWNLOAD: X If you receive a library of files that was sent from someone else Xusing Alex, you must use Alex to download the files to your PC. The Xdiscussion below assumes you are using one of the U.S. Army electronic mail Xsystems, Msg or Mailx; instructions on other mail systems may vary. X When you are in Msg or Mailx and get a message telling you that an XAlex-encoded library has been sent, the first thing you must do is Xdetermine the message number of the library. Usually, the sender will Xsend you two messages: a cover letter and the library. Since they are Xusually sent in rapid succession, chances are good that the library Ximmediately follows the cover letter in your mailbox. To be certain, Xhowever, you should print out the headers of all your messages. To do Xthis in Msg, type the letter 'h' (the word 'headers' will appear), Xfollowed by the letter 'a' (the word 'all' will appear), followed by Xa carriage return. To print out the headers in Mailx, just type 'h'. X When you see the list of headers, you should look for the Xlibrary. It usually has the same subject header and sender as the Xcover letter. Note the message number to the left of the library Xmessage. X Msg users may now type the letter 'l' (the word 'list' will appear), Xfollowed by the message number you just noted, and a carriage return. Msg Xshould respond with: X To file/pipe: XWhen you get this prompt, you should type: X | alex XNote that the vertical bar in the line above is called a 'pipe symbol', Xand is not to be confused with the letter 'l' or the number '1'. It is Xa unique symbol which you should be able to locate somewhere on your Xcomputer keyboard. Follow this line with a carriage return. X Mailx users can accomplish the same thing by typing X'|<message #> alex' (without the quotes). For instance: |2 alex Xwill pipe message number 2 to Alex. X At this point, you have invoked Alex. After a pause (not usually Xmore than 30 seconds), you will get more information from Alex. First, Xyou will see a message similar to the following: X X The following files