TAPCIS(R)        The Access Program
                 for the
                 CompuServe Information Service

Published by:    Support Group, Inc.
                 Lake Technology Park, McHenry MD 21541 USA
                 Phone (800) USA-GROUP, (301) 387-4500
                 Fax (301) 387-7322
                 CompuServe ID 74020,10
                 GO CIS:TAPCIS

Introduction
================================================================= 
This file is meant as an overview of TAPCIS for those considering
downloading the program. If you have any questions about TAPCIS,
you can get answers 24 hours a day on the TAPCIS Forum. GO
CIS:TAPCIS from any CompuServe prompt to get there.


Requirements
=================================================================
TAPCIS requires an IBM PC / XT / AT / PS/2 or compatible. It runs
in 420K of RAM and will operate as a DOS application under Windows,
Desqview, and OS/2. A hard disk is highly recommended for desktop
use, and twin 720K 3.5-inch floppies for portable operation.

A modem using the standard Hayes AT command set is recommended,
although users have configured TAPCIS with a wide variety of non-AT
modems and hardwired configurations. TAPCIS works effectively at
any rate from 300 to 9600 bps, with the higher rates providing the
best economy.

TAPCIS is compatible with most of the popular TSR (Terminate and
Stay Resident programs), including a wide variety of pop-ups,
keyboard enhancers, video drivers, spell checkers, and caches.

TAPCIS is stored in Library 1 of the TAPCIS Forum as TAP.EXE (the
program) and TAPDOC.EXE (documentation). These are "self extracting
zip files."

Download both of these files and then run them. For example, if you
have downloaded TAP.EXE to the current directory, you could give
these DOS commands to create a directory called C:\TAP and extract
the program and files to that directory:

MD C:\TAP
TAP C:\TAP

TAPCIS is also available by mail if you wish to save the time to
download the files and print the extensive manual. Ask for a free
trial disk or order the full package on our 90 day money back
guarantee. Contact 74020,10 for more details or call us at the
phone numbers above.


The TAPCIS Difference
=================================================================
Why use TAPCIS?  How can it save you money?

CompuServe is designed to be an interactive communications service.
In other words, you type something, and CompuServe responds. Then
you type another command, read the response, and so on.

Using a terminal, a caller manually enters the user ID and
password. From that moment on, the CompuServe clock is running at
$6.00 to $31.50 an hour or more. If you read and reply while that
meter is running, you are paying CompuServe based on your reading
and typing speed (which is far slower than the maximum speed of
your modem--which can be over 9000 words per minute at 9600bps!).

TAPCIS automates the use of CompuServe and, in the process, reduces
connect time to a minimum. The time consuming tasks of reading or
replying are done using the facilities of your own computer where
the time is "free."

This efficiency can save you a great deal of money. Let's say it
takes you 10 minutes to compose a message online; it might cost you
$2 or more. Prepared offline and sent with TAPCIS, the cost might
be as low as 22 cents for the same message. Multiply this by 100
messages over the course of a year (or even a month) and you start
to get a feel for the savings the automated TAPCIS system offers
you. Without TAPCIS, CompuServe can be expensive. TAPCIS makes it
possible for you to actively participate in many forums without
busting your budget.

Will TAPCIS lower your CompuServe bill?  Probably not. TAPCIS can
do the same work a lot faster and cheaper than you can do by hand.
The significant savings are often offset by higher, but much more
productive, usage. Our tens of thousands of users have found that
they use CompuServe MORE with TAPCIS than they did before without
it. They get more for their money; CompuServe becomes a better
value.

Unlike some programs that require you to babysit the keyboard to
issue navigation commands, the TAPCIS autopilot will take you
online with one keystroke, and you won't have to press another one
until TAPCIS has sent your messages, received new messages,
downloaded your files, and logged off CompuServe.


TAPCIS Features
================================================================= 
TAPCIS is a program rich in features. It has grown considerably
since its early days, and work is always continuing to add more
features that our users want. Here are some of the general features
that have made TAPCIS so popular with CompuServe users.


Message Features
-----------------------------------------------------------------
*  Split-screen text editor for preparing messages offline with
   WordPerfect-like cursor and editing and word wrap. Many
   WordStar editing commands are also included for those used to
   that interface.

*  Address book, which you can compile as you read messages, that 
   allows you to send messages to other users based on their names 
   without having to remember user IDs. Search by name, user ID,  
   user name, or comments.

*  Print messages, save messages to a master file or an individual 
   DOS file, retrieve a file into the message you're writing, and 
   search for text in other files. TAPCIS stores messages in
   standard ASCII format, making it easy to use the information in
   other applications.

*  Reply to a message, forward the message to other users via     
   CompuServe Mail, start a new thread with a message to the sender 
   or recipient of the current message, or change the reply to a  
   different forum or CompuServe Mail.

*  Skip forward/backward by message or thread, jump to a message, 
   read messages that contain a search string, skip through the   
   messages by online session, or view messages previously saved.

*  Messages that are private, to your user ID, or from your user ID 
   have highlighted headers to bring them to your attention during 
   reading.

*  Support for Postal, Fax, Internet, MHS, X.400, MCI Mail, and
   other external mail delivery.


Forum Support
----------------------------------------------------------------
*  Available forum section numbers and names are presented in a   
   pop-up window when required for message writing or section     
   selection.

*  Forums can be defined for one of three different types of online
   action:

   Read all new threads (R)
   Quick scan subjects for thread selection offline (Q)
   Read messages to me only (M)

*  Up to 20 forums can be defined per parameter file with up to 15
   "active" at any one time.  Multiple parameter files allow for an 
   almost unlimited number of forums.

*  Forum message sections to read or scan can be selected during  
   forum definition.

*  Supports gateways for services such as Ziffnet and EETNet.


Libraries
-----------------------------------------------------------------
*  Includes a Library management system that lets you do keyword  
   searches of the files in a forum's libraries, browse them      
   offline, and subsequently do batch, unattended B+ protocol     
   downloads online (including the ability to restart a transfer if 
   aborted by you or by CompuServe).

*  A transfer log is kept on disk to allow tracking of download   
   times and performance.

*  Supports CompuServe's across-library searching.  You can
   tell TAPCIS to find and download a file without knowing where in
   the 17 libraries it is located.  

*  You can download the full library descriptions or short one-   
   line descriptions.


Communications Features
-----------------------------------------------------------------
*  Supports the enhanced B+ protocol for both uploading           
   and downloading. B+ achieves error free transfers at speeds far 
   faster than previous CIS protocols giving the TAPCIS user the  
   best efficiency and lowest cost, and the ability to restart an 
   aborted file transfer.

*  Offers both automated and manual access to CompuServe.  The    
   automatic logon can be through CompuServe or alternate networks 
   both foreign and domestic.

*  Serial ports COM1: through COM8: are supported.

*  Baud rates of 300, 1200, 2400, 4800, and 9600 are supported.

*  FIFO buffers (16550A UARTs) are supported for more reliable
   communication at speeds of 9600 and above.

*  Auto or manual dialing from a selection of phone numbers.

*  Local mode <!> for communicating with and setting modem        
   parameters.

*  Automatic online setup of CompuServe default parameters with a 
   single menu command (Alt-P).

*  Joining of forums handled automatically with a single menu     
   command (Alt-J).

*  Integral time and charges log and recap to help you keep track 
   of expenses. Month-to-date charges are listed by forum.        
   Cumulative charges, a projection for the month, and a daily    
   usage graph are included.


Other Important Features
-----------------------------------------------------------------
*  Universal, context sensitive help by pressing <F3>.

*  Mailing list feature allows you to send a message or file to as 
   many people as you want through CompuServe Mail.  

*  Universal shelling to DOS using <Ctrl-F1> and DOS command
   execution using <Sh-F1>.

*  Full path support for MSDOS 3.n and above.

*  Support is available through CompuServe on the TAPCIS Forum.

*  Optional capture of the online session (either the entire      
   session or last 350 lines) to the file ONLINE.LOG.

*  Review of a log of up to the last 350 lines when online
   interactive using the <Alt-L> command.

*  User scripts including comments and text capture for simplifying 
   access to other parts of the CompuServe service.

*  Completely protect your password by having TAPCIS prompt for it 
   each time you start the program without storing it on disk.

*  Front-end script to capture stock quotes, news, weather, and   
   other user-selected information for reading offline as a
   CompuServe Mail "message."

*  Online and editor macros save you time for repeated keystrokes.

*  Support for more then 25 screen lines.
 
*  Editable input prompts.

*  TAPCIS.CFG file to store standard command line options.


Why TAPCIS?
=================================================================
The people who know CompuServe best, Forum Sysops, have made TAPCIS
their program of choice. More than 600 CompuServe Sysops use TAPCIS
regularly, despite the fact that they are not charged for their
connect time. The sole benefit for them is improved efficiency.
Time is money.

For example, Mike Robertson [76702,1130], principal sysop of the
Datastorm Forum (the publishers of PROCOMM) had this to say:

"I wanted to say how much I personally have benefitted from TAPCIS.
TAPCIS is looking better than ever, and our company continues to
use it daily to facilitate our forum maintenance.  As I've told
users of ProComm and PROCOMM PLUS (much to their amazement) over
the years: it's the best tool for the job, and I recommend it
highly."

Several major software houses which provide support on CompuServe
have site licenses. So do many corporations which use TAPCIS for
electronic mail.

The editors and writers who write reviews for computer magazines
swear by it. There isn't a major computer publication which doesn't
have at least one TAPCIS user on the masthead.

But TAPCIS wasn't written just for them. It started as a program
written by a user paying non-deductible, hard-earned dollars for
CompuServe access, and that's the type of individual who remains at
the top of the list when it comes to program design and
enhancements. That's why TAPCIS continues to be marketed as
shareware. Try it before you buy it, and, if you decide not to use
it for any reason, it has cost you nothing more than the connect
charges to get it.

In fact, TAPCIS goes one step better, offering what we believe to
be the most generous return policy in the software industry: if,
for any reason, you decide to stop using TAPCIS (or even
CompuServe!) within 90 days of purchase, we'll refund the full
purchase price, no questions asked.

Here are a few of the many comments we've received from satisfied
users:

"TAPCIS has changed my life in two ways. The first is business.  I
have started a software training business in addition to my regular
employment as a systems analyst for a trade association in
Washington, DC.  I don't have the cash to buy a FAX machine for
sending messages (my association lets me receive FAXs but won't
foot the cost of sending them).  I use TAPCIS to access CIS and
send my FAXs all over the country (I'm not international yet).  The
UserID file lets me store all those FAX numbers, so it's a lot
easier than looking up the number and dialing. I just create the
file, and FAX via MAIL.  I also access WPUsers (WordPerfect User
Support) for help with my WordPerfect problems, since all my
training materials, outlines, overheads are in WordPerfect. 

The second is fun.  I participate in the FANS Sports Forum Fantasy
Baseball League. CIS has created so many friendships for me through
FANS--we've celebrated births, weddings, graduations, mourned the
loss of family members--all because of FANS. TAPCIS makes access so
much easier and cheaper (which we all like). I recommend TAPCIS to
all my CIS friends." -- Steve Hammond 75166,321

"I would like to say that TAPCIS is much more than what you relate
in your literature and would also like to add my voice to the many
users of CompuServe who also use TAPCIS. Actually, to be honest,
I'm not the one who uses TAPCIS. My wife does, too. 

My wife (Chao-Lin) is Taiwanese and is currently working under
contract in Taiwan. It was because of this contract that, after we
got married on April 11, 1992, she had to stay in Taiwan while I
returned to my job in the States. 

After a while the regular US postal service got much too slow for
us and phone calls were VERY expensive. As an alternative I thought
about signing my wife up for CompuServe so that we could exchange
electronic mail. I had been a CompuServe subscriber for five or six
years and figured it would be a good idea. Her relative
inexperience with computers was a bit of a problem. She wasn't
completely in the dark computerwise, however, as she had an '286
IBM clone at home that she had been "playing with." 

Undaunted, I purchased a modem for her and a sign-up kit that
included CIM. I installed CIM on a PC at work and ran it through
its paces. While using it I discovered a problem. CIM was very
difficult for a PC novice (from a foreign country, going through
two networks) to use. I had hoped to spare my poor wife the agony
of multiple networks, passwords, ID's, commands, etc. I wanted a
program that would automate the entire confusing process and give
her a chance to concentrate in her letters to me. 

Then, one day, I was looking through CompuServe Magazine and
discovered your advertisement for TAPCIS. I downloaded it,
installed it on the PC at work, and started it up. As an experiment
I sent letters to two friends and was very happy with it! 

After registering TAPCIS I sent the package to my wife and walked 
her through the installation (over the phone!). She also needed to
be walked through her first letter, but afterwards needed no help.
She's been happily using TAPCIS ever since.

Now it's my turn! I've landed a job in Taiwan and will be joining
my wife for the next six months. While I'm there I intend to use
TAPCIS to keep in touch with my family, business, partner, and
friends. Thank you for a wonderful program! 
                    -- Michael Wood [71631,340] 
                    -- Chao-Lin Wood [71011,2450]

"I just purchased TAPCIS 5.4.  WHAT A PROGRAM!!!!!! I have been
fumbling through Compuserve for three or four years now (spending
lots of money online). This program just blows me away!! I don't
know how I ever managed without it! I am awed every time I log on
now. I understand Compuserve better and can relate in the forums
like I was never able to before (mainly because I don't
feel rushed now and that what I do send online is sent properly, in
the order that it should be!) I want to personally thank you and
everyone who reads this message, it's great being online again!"
                    -- John A. Collado [72300,2231]

"Too bad I waited so long!

If only I had known that TAPCIS was half the product it is, I would
have purchased it long ago.  Spending hours online reading and
composing messages was so very uncomfortable.  I always hurried
through my replies and did a lousy job with structure, grammar,
spelling and content.  Now I can think about what I want to say and
feel better about my communications.  My secretary, kids and spouse
all had to take second fiddle when I was ONLINE! Now the important
things in life can come first.

The first day of using TAPCIS has been more productive than the
past two years!  Now I can check my Network Profession Forums - all
of them, my application program forums - all of them, my
avocations, stocks, etc., with literally two pushes of a button, at
a fraction of the cost and without any confusion.

The setup was FAST and EASY, without the normal support calls
needed to get most any application up to snuff.

Your product's value is undersold by a great deal.  How I lived
without TAPCIS I'll never know.

Can't say enough - You deserve a medal and a million bucks!" 
                    -- Bill Alderson [76645,175]


We are often asked, "What about CIM"?  This is a sampling of some
of the comments users have made about the differences between the
two programs:

"TAPCIS saves you money...CIM costs you money!

CIM is designed to be used interactively. CompuServe charges for
every interactive minute you're on.  TAPCIS batches your work so
you pick the threads you want to read offline and then download the
messages. You then read and reply to the messages offline and then
log back on to send your replies up. I used to limit myself to 1
hour connect time on CIM but that got to be way too expensive. Now
with TAPCIS I am on for 5-10 minutes total a day and I look at
5-15 forums on a regular basis.

CIM is good for conferences, CB Sideband and just plain exploring. 
TAPCIS is "push button" CISing as all the scripts are programmed
for you.  You just type one letter commands to get things going."
                    -- Adrian Clark [70730,1060]

"Simply put, TAPCIS is a WHOLE lot faster than CIM and that
translates to saved $.  TAPCIS lets you do almost all time
consuming activities off line. When you go on line, TAPCIS does its
thing light speed then disconnects by itself.  It's a great
program.  I also bought CIM first but when I tried TAPCIS, I gave
away CIM."          -- Sam Teague [72657,2741]


Shareware Trial
-----------------------------------------------------------------
We encourage registered users to introduce new users to TAPCIS by
providing them with an unregistered copy. Try it out for up to 21
days, and if you decide to continue using it, send your license fee
of $79. You'll receive printed documentation and the current
version on disk in return.

You can register TAPCIS by electronic mail using a MasterCard,
Visa, Discover, or American Express number to user ID 74020,10, or
by simply answering "Yes" to the registration option when you start
the program. The printed documentation and your permanent
registration number will be sent by postal mail or UPS. We ship
right away, and second day delivery is included in the registration
price within the United States and Canada. Outside North America,
please include $15 for airmail shipping.

Registering the "shareware" version still gives you 90 days from
when you register to return the package for a full refund. We're
confident that you will find TAPCIS a terrific tool that makes
CompuServe access cost-effective and fun!
