Running SPITFIRE with Windows 3.1

This transcription preserves the original wording, commands, examples, and text diagrams. Only DOS end-of-file markers, form-feed breaks, and repeated printed page furniture have been removed for continuous reading.

SF-WIN.DOC
                    Running SPITFIRE v3.51 with Windows 3.1

                              SPITFIRE - Version 3.51
                    Copyright (C) by Mike Woltz, 1987-1996
                              Buffalo Creek Software

        RUNNING SPITFIRE WITH WINDOWS 3.1
        ---------------------------------

            In order to run SPITFIRE v3.51 under MS Windows 3.1, Sysops need to
        create a PIF (Program Information File). Windows uses PIFs to run DOS
        applications.  A PIF file tells Windows the name and the location of
        the DOS (non-Windows application) program being run and describes the
        necessary memory and hardware requirements.  A PIF file is required
        whether running a single node or a multi-node BBS.

            To create a PIF file, Sysops must run the PIF editor which is
        located in the Accessories Group.

        Memory Requirements:
        -------------------

            Windows sets a MINIMUM value of 128K for all programs that it runs
        via a PIF file. However, Windows assigns ALL available memory to all
        PIF applications unless told to do otherwise.  Even though SPITFIRE
        normally requires more than 128K to run, you will probably not need
        to increase this value.

            Sysops who intend to drop to DOS from the SPITFIRE window and
        are running Standard Mode could increase the memory requirements.
        In 386 Enhanced Mode, a better way would be to open another DOS
        window. A large Swapfile can be helpful on systems that will be
        supporting multiple nodes or where the Sysop will be using the
        same system that is running SPITFIRE to perform other tasks.

            All other values are the Windows default PIF values.  If running
        Windows 3.1 in 386 Enhanced Mode, click on ADVANCED options to examine
        additional parameters and settings.  It is not possible to see these
        settings while running in Real or Standard Mode without pulling down
        the Mode Option and select 386 Enhanced Mode.  Enhanced options are
        meaningless when running Windows in Standard Mode. Under Multitasking
        Options (ADVANCED), set both Background Priority and Foreground
        Priority to 50 for more equitable sharing between windows.

        Hardware Requirements:
        ---------------------

            To run multiple active SPITFIRE windows on the screen, Sysops MUST
        run in 386 Enhanced Mode which requires a 386SX or greater CPU. 4MB of
        RAM is required, but 8MB or more is better!  Sysops MUST install the
        HIMEM.SYS driver that is included on the Windows 3.1 or DOS diskettes
        according to parameters applicable to their systems. The popular
        QEMM386 program (Version 5.1 and greater) may be substituted for
        HIMEM.SYS with appropriate parameters. Sysops should ideally be running
        the SMARTDRV or other cache program designed to work with Windows.
        Remember to load ANSI.SYS in your CONFIG.SYS if ANSI graphics is
        available on the BBS!

            Sysops running the BBS in Standard Mode can run SPITFIRE
        while running Windows, but it will NOT run in a window.  It will
        instead run in "exclusive mode", that is to say, full screen. When
        switching back to the main Windows screen, SPITFIRE will "freeze"
        (as will any other DOS application.) Running an application in this
        manner is generally referred to as running "under" windows as opposed
        to running "in" windows which refers to the 386 Enhanced "in a
        window" style.

        Additional Information:
        ----------------------

            To run SPITFIRE v3.51 in a DOS window, select Background and
        Windowed as options when creating your SPITFIRE PIF file. This
        will allow viewing of one or several nodes on the screen at the same
        time as well as other Windows applications. Background windows do not
        "freeze" when you are running Windows in 386 Enhanced Mode.

            If running a multi-node setup, it is suggested to name the batch
        files and PIF files based upon their node number (SF1.BAT, SF1.PIF,
        etc.) In addition, there are Windows applications which allow creation
        of custom Icons which are unique for each node.

            To load Windows automatically and have it bring up the SPITFIRE
        window(s), first edit AUTOEXEC.BAT and have it run WIN.COM. Next,
        edit WIN.INI, and set "RUN=SF1.BAT SF2.BAT", etc. to automatically
        boot up all SPITFIRE nodes. Make sure to leave a space between all
        items listed on the WIN.INI "RUN=" line. If running Windows 3.1 or
        greater, all SF.BAT files can be placed in the StartUp Group which
        will automatically run them when Windows 3.1 loads.