& Introduction to UNICOM
  UNICOM is a data communications application 
  specifically designed for users of the Microsoft 
  Windows operating environment.

  UNICOM can perform data communication tasks in the
  'background' while other applications are running.
  You may switch to another Windows application at any time.

  UNICOM Release 1.3 includes the following features:

  - X/Y/ZMODEM, Kermit, CompuServe B, Quick B and
    ASCII file transfer protocols.

  - ANSI-BBS, VT52 and TTY Terminal Emulation.

  - Directory Assisted 'BATCH' dialing for users with Hayes
    compatible modems.

  - A Unique journaling feature lets you record mouse and
    keyboard operations for later playback.

  - Script file support that can provide automatic logon to
    remote host computers.

 -  Keyboard macros, file logging, and print screen.

UNICOM provides some unique features that support the 
     Windows environment.  You can:

 *  Transfer the contents of a Clipboard from one computer
    directly into the Clipboard of another. This provides
    you with the ability to transfer many types of 
    Windows-unique data formats between computers. 

    Some of these formats include:

      Excel Spreadsheets  (SYLK, DIF)
      Bitmap Images       (from Windows Paint)
      Metafile Pictures   (from Designer)
      Text                (from Notepad)

*   Operate your computer in a multi-user mode with 
    UNICOM's host mode.  A built-in command processor
    allows a validated remote user to examine or
    transfer files on a designated disk drive.

    This operation is transparent to any user who may 
    be at the keyboard directly operating other Window
    applications.

*   Operate multiple program instances.  Advanced users
    with the appropriate hardware configuration may 
    initiate simultaneous background file transfers with
    multiple remote systems.

*   Send a screen snapshot directly to the Clipboard

*   Paste Clipboard text to a remote computer.


& Running UNICOM
  When UNICOM is activated for the first time, a dialog 
  box appears prompting you for a UNICOM files directory
  and a Download Directory.

  The files directory path should be set to the drive
  and directory of where UNICOM has been installed.
  The download directory should be set to the drive and
  directory of where you wish to store files received 
  from data transfers with remote computers. 

  Enter the pathname where UNICOM has been installed
  (for example:  'C:\windows').  UNICOM will save this 
  information in your WIN.INI file.  This path may be 
  changed later by selecting the FILE PATH option from
  the Setup menu.  An error message will be displayed
  if UNICOM could not locate its files in the directory
  you specify.

  Each time you start UNICOM, the configuration file
  'UNICOM.CFG' is accessed (using the file path set)
  to determine what communication port will be used 
  and other operating parameters.  If UNICOM cannot
  locate this file, the port will default to COM2,
  1200 baud, No Parity, 8 data bits and 1 stop bit.

  Should a communication port fail to open,  UNICOM 
  will display a message box to indicate the failure.
  After closing the message box by pressing Ok,
  the port configuration dialog window will be displayed.
  At this point the user should select a valid
  communication port.

  When a communication port is successfully opened,
  UNICOM will try to initialize the Hayes compatible
  modem if the port was configured for a modem connection.
  Should the message "Modem Not Responding" appear,
  this means UNICOM could not get the modem's attention.

  Check that your port and modem are configured properly.
  Ensure that the modem is set to return VERBOSE responses.

& How to Obtain Additional Help
  Technical support is available for registered users 
  of this product.   

  If you have difficulty using UNICOM or have a general 
  question, please contact David Gan at Data Graphics.

  He can be reached via CompuServe EASYPLEX Email 
  at 71631,464 or phone (206) 932-8871* between 5p.m. and 9p.m.
  Pacific time.  

  * Temporary TECH SUPPORT NUMBER (August/1989 - November/89) 
============================================================
  For Technical Support from August to November 1989 only,
  please contact David Gan at (703)-255-1367 from 5p.m.- 10p.m.
  Eastern  Time.
************************************************************

& HOW TO REGISTER THIS COPY OF UNICOM
  Registration of this product will allow you to disable the
  built-in 'nagware' screens and support additional 
  enhancements of this product (which you can receive free!).

  UNICOM can be ordered :

     By Mail:  Please send the enclosed order form with 
               payment to:

               Data Graphics
               7735 46th S.W.
               Seattle, WA  98136

     By Phone: Call (206) 932-8871 between 9am and 9p.m. 
               Pacific time if you wish to use your VISA
               or MasterCard.  A license number will be
               issued to you over the phone.
          
     By Email: Credit card orders can be accepted 
               via CompuServe EASYPLEX electronic mail. 
               Send your electronic mail order to:
               71631,464 and your license number will
               be sent to you via return email. 


& NEW FEATURES IN UNICOM 1.3
  ANSI-BBS Terminal Emulation
     This emulation is supported by many computer bulletin boards.
     
  ASCII Transfer Capability with Setup Screen
     Basic text transfers are supported with options
     to add or strip CR or LF characters.

  Embedded Control Character support for Keyboard Macros 
  and Login Scripts.
      
  MARK and SPACE PARITY is now supported as a communication
     option.  Systems requiring mark or space parity
     (such as TYMNET) can now be used with UNICOM.

  Online Help System
     The help feature is designed to take out some of the
     guesswork in getting you online quickly. 

  System Name Display Added to Status Line
    Offers a reminder as to what system you are connected to.
 
  Improved Operation:
    * UNICOM now remembers things like the last protocol used,
      and the last selected upload directory for the next 
      operation.
   
    * Better notification at the end File Transfers or upon
      making a phone connection during batch dialing.
      If UNICOM is iconed, it will POP UP to the screen and
      beep to get your attention when your input is needed.

    * Bar Graph File Transfer Display - gives you a visual
      read-out of the data transfer in progress

    * UNICOM can let you know that it is working when Iconed.
      The icon will flash every 2 seconds until the transfer
      is complete or the window is opened.

& Using Keyboard Macros
  The meaning of your keyboard function keys can be user 
  defined.  Select the KEYBOARD option from the Setup menu.

  The Keyboard Macro Editor window will appear containing
 edit fields for 12 function keys.  To associate a keystroke
 sequence with a particular function key, place the characters
 into the edit box of the corresponding key.

  Control characters can be inserted and are denoted with the
 ^ char preceding the character.  For example: ^C will output
 a control C (ASCII 03).  

& Transferring Files
A powerful feature of UNICOM is the ability to exchange
information between computers.  The protocols provided with this
software will allow you to transfer files between many different
computers.  UNICOM performs this transfer task in the background,
so you may switch to other running applications.

                       Downloading Files

To download a file into your computer, start the download
procedure on the remote system and select the DOWNLOAD FILE
option from the Control menu.  The PgDn key or the DOWNLOAD
screen button may also be used.  UNICOM will then prompt you to
select a protocol from a dialog box.  You may choose from XMODEM,
YMODEM, ZMODEM, Kermit, ASCII, CompuServe B and Quick B protocols.

After a selection has been made, UNICOM will prompt you for
a filename in which to store the file.  You are not prompted for
this information for ZMODEM, CompuServe B and Kermit transfers
since the name is provided by the remote.

NOTE: The communication port is switched to 8-N-1 automatically
for all transfer protocols (except ASCII).  The port is switched
back to the previous settings after the transfer is completed. 

Throughout the course of the file transfer, an information
window is displayed so that you may easily monitor the transfer
operation.  This window provides the following information: the
name of the file, number of bytes transferred, current block
number, error count and any messages generated from the use of
the selected protocol.  A bar graph display has been added to
give you a visual read-out as to the amount of data received
or transmitted.

To abort a transfer in progress, mouse users may select the
ABORT button from the information window.  Keyboard users must
press the ESC key.

                    Uploading Files

To upload a file to the remote system, instruct the remote
computer to receive a file from you.  Initiate the file upload on
your computer by selecting UPLOAD FILE from the Transfer menu.
The PgUp key or the UPLOAD screen button may also be used.  An
upload file selection window will appear that will allow you to
search your disk for the file to be selected.  The file to be
uploaded may be entered by name or selected from the listbox
containing directory entries.

The upload file directory listbox may be set to display
files from a different drive.  Just enter the drive letter and
terminating colon (example D:) in the edit box then press return.
The listbox will be directed to display the directory on that
drive.

For ZMODEM file transfers, a Batch Upload File Selection box
will appear containing two listboxes.  The listbox on the left
displays the current directory of files from which to select. The
listbox on the right contains the selected files for transfer.
Batch selections are made by double clicking the mouse on a
selected file.  Keyboard users must highlight the selection and
use the tab key to activate the ADD button.  Once this is done,
the file is added to the right listbox containing selected files.
Use the ADD button from this window to make batch selections.

When you are finished, select GO! to initiate the ZMODEM upload.


& Clipboard Transfers
The contents of the Clipboard may be transferred between two
computers equipped with UNICOM software.   Using this feature,
many types of Clipboard formats may be exchanged.  Some of these
formats include:  Bitmaps, Metafile Pictures, Text, User Defined
Formats, SYLK, TIFF and more...

To send a Clipboard format to a remote UNICOM, the user on each
end must agree to the transfer operation by using the keyboard
to communicate the request.  This transfer must be coordinated 
by both parties so that both UNICOM's can be commanded at
the same time - one to receive, the other to transmit.

A Clipboard format is transferred as a temporary file
between two UNICOM systems.  This requires sufficient temporary
disk and memory space on both computers to hold the format.

& Dialing from the Directory
To use the automatic dialing feature built-in to UNICOM, the
dialing directory must be populated with entries each
containing a name, phone number and communication parameters.  

The directory maintenance buttons located on the lower right
corner of the dialing directory allow the directory to be
edited and saved.  Once you have created your directory, 
UNICOM can establish a phone connection for you.
Just highlight the desired directory entry using the mouse
or keyboard then select the DIAL button.  UNICOM will set
the communication parameters and begin dialing.

Hayes compatible modems require that commands be issued 
using specific communication settings.  If the communication
parameters for the entry being dialed are different from the
table below, the modem may not respond properly when 
UNICOM sends a command to dial.

           BAUD     Word Size   Parity    Stop Bits
          0 - 300    7 or 8      Even      1 or 2
                     7 or 8      Odd       1 or 2
                     7 or 8      None      1 or 2
          1200 or      7         Even      1 or 2
         greater       7         Odd       1 or 2
                       8         None      1 or 2

& Journaling
Journaling is a feature used to record a UNICOM session for
later playback.  Keyboard and mouse interaction with UNICOM
can be recorded and played back exactly as it was recorded. 

This can be useful for demonstrating the use of the program
or to completely automate an interaction with a remote computer.
Journaling has some built in Microsoft limitations:  Some dialog
windows will only respond to actual input during a journal play-
back.

& Pasting Clipboard Text 
Clipboard text may be pasted (transmitted) to the remote
host computer.  This operation is equivalent to uploading an
ASCII file.

An ASCII file can be copied to the Clipboard using
a program such as Notepad.  The text can then be pasted
(uploaded) to the remote host by selecting PASTE from the Edit
menu.

The ASCII upload settings apply to this operation.
Select the 'ASCII Xfer' menu selection from the Setup menu to 
view (or change) the ASCII transfer settings.

& Host Mode Operation
Host mode allows remote password protected access to the
files within all directories on a designated drive.  The password
and assigned drive are set by selecting the HOST option from the
Setup menu.

To toggle host mode ON or OFF, select HOST MODE from the
Control Menu.  Once enabled, UNICOM monitors the port for a
remote user login.

A remote user MUST TRANSMIT TWO CONSECUTIVE CARRIAGE RETURNS
to cause UNICOM to display the HOST IDENTIFICATION STRING and
prompt the user for a login name.  Once a login name is entered,
the user is prompted for a password.  Should the password be
accepted, the remote user is granted access and presented with an
option menu.  Passwords are case sensitive and should be entered
by the remote user exactly as it appears in your host
configuration screen.

& HELP!: Solving Communication Errors
--------------------------------------------------------------
                UNICOM and Error Reporting
--------------------------------------------------------------
     UNICOM uses the Microsoft Communication port driver 
     built into Windows to communicate to the outside world.
     
     Communication errors are detected by the Windows port
     driver.  UNICOM reports errors in the form of PORT STATE
     messages anytime the driver encounters an error.

     Unlike many other communication programs, UNICOM is not
     in low level control of your hardware.  When an error
     occurs in communication, it is detected by the driver
     then reported by UNICOM.

     In other words, to correct communication errors, the
     solution must be to the satisfaction of the Microsoft
     Port driver built into Windows. 

     It is through UNICOM by which you instruct how 
     communication is to be set.  If UNICOM complains,
     it does so on behalf of the Microsoft driver.

-------------------------------------------------------------
               Identifying Communication Errors
-------------------------------------------------------------

     The first step in solving a communication difficulty is 
     to identify the cause.   The three most common causes
     are listed as follows.

     1) A mismatch in port settings may exist between your PC
        and the remote system that you are connected to.
        Make sure that UNICOM and the remote system are set
        to communicate using the same baud rate, parity,
        stop bits and wordsize.

     2) Your PC hardware may be configured improperly and
        thus preventing proper operation of the port.
        The hardware settings to be aware of include:
 
        * A BUS Mouse Interrupt Level jumper setting
          (located on the bus mouse interface card) should
          be set to an interrupt level that does not conflict
          with an interrupt reserved for your serial port.
          Consult your mouse installation manual.

        * Check the interrupt settings for you serial port(s).
          COM1 should be set for IRQ3. COM2 should be set for
          IRQ4.

          Interrupt settings are typically selected via a
          jumper on your serial card or motherboard. 
          Consult your computer reference manual.

      3) Your version of Windows may contain a bug in the
         communication port driver provided by Microsoft.

         A bug exists in Windows 2.0 - 2.1 dated before
         April 1989.  You should obtain a file called COMM.DRV
         (or COMMDR.ARC ) from Microsoft and re-install Windows
         using this replacement file.  This file should be
         available on CompuServe in the MS-APP area in 
         library 1 or 2.                  

--------------------------------------------------------------
                Solving Communication Errors         
--------------------------------------------------------------
   
       Correcting problems is often accomplished through a 
       process of elimination.  If the problem you are having
       is cause 1 (above), it cannot be addressed until 
       causes 2 and 3 are checked and corrected (if necessary).    

       At this point it is assumed that you have verified your
       hardware configuration and have re-installed Windows
       using the replacement communication driver.
 
       If the problem still persists, it is very likely a
       mismatch in communication settings between your
       PC and the remote host computer.

       See 'HELP with CompuServe' for troubleshooting 
       communication difficulties with this service.
              
               Setting Communication Parameters    
     
       Setting communication parameters involves determining
       the baud, parity, wordsize and the number of stop
       bits required for the computer you wish to connect
       with.  It then becomes a matter of setting your PC
       to match the parameters of the remote computer using
       UNICOM's Comm Port setup option.

       If you are not sure of the communication parameters
       required by the remote computer contact the
       operator of the system or refer to the following
       table.

       System Type           Typical Settings
       -----------------------------------------------
       Bulletin Boards        8-N-1
       TYMNET                 Try Mark or Space Parity
       CompuServe             7-E-1 or 8-N-1

       Some network services or data links impose 
       their own communication operating parameters when
       connecting your PC with a remote host computer.
       If you are sure of the operating parameters
       required by the remote host and are still experiencing
       difficulty, the data link may be the cause.  If this 
       is the case, an alternate (or more direct) method of
       connection may be required.

       If you have exhausted all the above possibilities and
       just can't solve the problem, feel free to contact
       Data Graphics - See 'How to Obtain Additional Help'.

& HELP with CompuServe 
PROBLEM:

   After dialing into CompuServe, characters appear
  'garbled' before and/or after entering my USERID number.
   
ANSWER:

  CompuServe requires that you be aware of 3 communication
  settings:
          1) The CompuServe access port settings. 
             The Access port prompts you for the system,
             user id and password.  
             Settings are either 7E1 or 8N1.

          2) The CompuServe online TERMINAL settings. 
             After entering your USERID during login
             at your access port, CompuServe will switch
             to ONLINE settings.  These online settings
             can be viewed or changed by typing 
             GO TERMINAL from the CompuServe prompt.

          3) Your PC Communication Port Settings set by
             UNICOM using the Comm Port menu selection
             from the Setup menu. 

          Should your PC Communication settings differ 
          from 1 or 2 above at any time, UNICOM may
          report a PORT STATE RX-PARITY message and  
          characters received can be lost.

    When you first call into CompuServe via an access port,
    your PC communication settings must match those of the
    access port. 

   There are two types of settings with CompuServe:

      8 Data Bits, No Parity and 1 Stop Bit,
                     or
      7 Data Bits, EVEN Parity and 1 Stop Bit

DO THIS:
   1) Determine the Parity and Word Size (or Data Bit Size)
      settings for the CompuServe access port that you dial
      into.  You may need to contact customer service at
      800-848-8990 for this info.

   2) Log into CompuServe and change your TERMINAL SETTINGS 
      to match the parity and word size of your dial-in 
      access port.  Type GO TERMINAL at the CompuServe
      ! prompt.  Make this setting permanent when asked to 
      make the change for the session only or permanent
      (for all future sessions).
    
   3) Set UNICOM to match the parity and wordsize for 
      CompuServe in the Dialing Directory using the 
      Change option.

     
& HELP!: Directory ADD/CHANGE buttons
PROBLEM:  
   The ADD or CHANGE buttons in UNICOM's dialing
   directory do not activate the directory editor using
   Windows 386.

ANSWER
   After placing the following line in your config.sys,
   reboot your computer.
			
   BUFFERS=30

This should eliminate the problem.

& NOTE: UNICOM, Windows and COM3
QUESTION

UNICOM provides a COM3 option in the port configuration
Window but I can't access this port - I do have the
hardware.  What's wrong?

ANSWER

UNICOM depends upon the capability of the Microsoft 
communication port driver built into Windows from which to
communicate with the outside world.  Unlike most other
comm programs, UNICOM does not control or talk directly
to your serial I/O ports.  All communication is done via
the Microsoft serial port driver provided with Windows.

Presently, Windows 2.x supports COM1 and COM2 only.
When Microsoft provides a driver in a future version of
Windows that will support the additional ports, UNICOM
(and other applications) can make use of the hardware.
