Each RGFN registered user has a home directory and files. Your directory and files comprise your work area. There may be system files that you can not see, such as GOPHER bookmarks and your environment parameters. Files that you can see and manipulate are also located in your work area. You can use your work area to temporarily store copies of messages, software programs, and documents. You can work with these files in several ways: edit them, send them to another user, transfer them to and from your PC, and when they are no longer needed, delete them (to keep your area clean). Anytime you need to manipulate your files type go files from the menu prompt and go ups.
You can send (upload) or receive (download) files from the Rio Grande Free-Net. These transactions all happen within your home directory. Send/receive functions are completely menu driven. If you don't remember the name of the files that you plan to work with, you can use the list files menu option. You do need to know how to activate the file transfer protocols of your communications software--, refer to your communication software manual.
From the menu you have an option as to the protocol that you wish to use. Each one has advantages and disadvantages. Pick the one that is most suited for the conditions. Generally, Kermit is the most reliable, but it is also the slowest, as it will average about 150-200 cps. YModem uses larger blocks of information that run at about 780-800 cps, but if the telephone line is bad YModem may have to resend those larger blocks over again. Zmodem is the fastest and cleanest method to transfer files. Once you have selected the protocol, you are prompted for a file name(s). Give the name of the file you wish to download and activate your communications software. If you have the capability to use ZModem or YModem batch, you can list several files at one time, separating each by a space. Wildcards (*,?) are not allowed.
Uploading files to the Rio Grande Free-Net is the same as downloading files, except you tell your communications software what files to send. You start with selecting the protocol and then use your software package to send the files. RGFN will receive multiple files using YModem or ZModem. Refer to your communications software manuals for instructions on how to initiate an upload.
You can send files in your work area to another user on the Rio Grande Free-Net or to your WWW homepage area. When you select this option on the Files Menu you are prompted for the user's ID. Then you can enter a short note to accompany the file as a means of identifying the information or giving them instructions that accompany the file. NOTE: This function does not recognize or use your personal aliases file.
When files are sent to you by another user on RGFN, you will receive a message in your mailbox telling you that a file has been received. This message will include any comments that were sent by the other user. The file is automatically delivered to your work area, where you can download it, view it, rename it, send to someone else, or delete it.
You can do a lot with the files from the menu, such as list all the files, view a file, rename/copy a file or delete a file. Another method to manipulate your files is to use DIRED, which gives you full control over the files with simple single key entries and the arrow keys. See the Directory Editor section in this guide.
RGFN User's Guide Copyright 1995: You may copy this guide and distribute it for educational purposes only and not for any other purpose.
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