I've always wanted a fast, easy to use method for software distribution.
Something that was, well, faster than (and cheaper than) FEDEX and fool
proof.
To test fool proof software, you generally need a 'ship full of fools'.
Unfortunately, this list will have to do.

Since, TAPECOPY quickly writes MPE disc files from store tapes that are
compatible with the TURBOSTORE Online Product, I've written a command file
that will attempt to install the TAPECOPY software to ANY MPE/iX system with
an INTERNET connection. If you can FTP from your 3k (or PING my MPE 6.0 box
at 199.34.21.4 from your 3000), I'd like you try this technique.

First, check the version of STORE you are running using:

run version.pub.sys;info='store.pub.sys'

If you are running STORE/RESTORE prior to 'C.55.35' you will need to be able
to load a tape and reply to console commands. Version 'C.55.35'+ will restore
directly from MPE Disc Files.

Please follow this link (HTTP://www.biggs.dallas.tx.us/getpkg.txt) to obtain
a copy of the GETPKG (Get Package) command file. Save this command file to
your work station, and transfer it to your 3000 with an ascii transfer method.

From a user with SM capability, try the command file like this.

GETPKG tapecopy.store 199.34.21.4

where tapecopy.store is a store file package (POSIX name space, all lower
case)
on an MPE/iX 6.0 server with Anonymous FTP. This should connect, transfer the
package and install the software as several groups in the TAPECOPY account.
Depending on the version of STORE you a running, you may need to
respond to several prompts. The whole process should take  2-4 minutes.
Please E-mail me with your results.

If you would like to try some more advanced stuff, GETPKG has the following
parameters:

GETPKG packagename=<name of package> POSIX form, REQUIRED;
       HOST=<IP Address or DNS name of Anon FTP Host>, REQUIRED;
       account=<8 character ACCOUNT name for RESTORE>, DEFAULT Prompted;
       tape=<LDEV # of a TAPE Drive> Default, none, prompted if needed,
             specifying this parameter forces a TAPE to be made;
       tapeonly=<Y or N>, Y makes a STORE tape from the package and
                          ignores the RESTORE;
       Options=<Options for the RESTORE command> Default 'CREATE;SHOW',
                allows for optional restore parameter for VolumeSets, etc.

Thank you for your assistance.








Gary L. Biggs, N5TTO
[log in to unmask]
Interex SIG Allbase Chair

"Abandon all hope, Ye who Inter(net) here" --
Dante, over the portal(router) to Hell