Name:         Modem Script Generator 
Version:      1.0a1
Released:     November 11, 1996
Description:  An unsupported tool to simplify the process of
creating modem scripts for Apple Remote Access (ARA) and
Open Transport/PPP (OT/PPP).

This software consists of a self-extracting archive. To use,
download, double-click the downloaded file (this
decompresses it).

Files included with this software:
-------------------------------------
ARA Modem Scripting Guide.pdf   1.0
Modem Script Generator 1.0a1
- About Apple MSG
- Modem Script Generator        1.0a1
- Read Me

Introduction

The Apple Modem Script Generator is an unsupported tool to
simplify the process of creating modem scripts for Open
Transport/PPP. It provides a front-end to enter
modem-specific parameters into a template CCL script. A
script generated by this tool may require manual
fine-tuning.

This tool is in an early stage of development and is
provided as a convenience, and an alternative to writing new
scripts entirely from scratch. It's helped our team start
to build a library of scripts. If you find bugs please
report them to DEVSUPPORT. If you are using this tool,
please send an electronic mail message to
msg@seeding.apple.com so we can gauge the interest in having
this type of utility available. If you are developing modem
scripts, please contact Beth Reed in Apple Evangelism
(REED1@applelink.apple.com).

CCL's for Paris use the same language as ARA CCL's but
include options so that hardware-specific options (like
hardware compression) can be enabled when PPP is used. ARA
scripts by default disabled these types of options. See ARA
developer documentation for additional information.

Known Incompatibilities or limitations

* Scripts generated by the tool for ISDN will need manual
editing and enhancement.

This is an unsupported tool. Apple makes no warranty or
representation, express or implied, with respect to this
program, its quality, performance, or fitness for a
particular purpose.

When should I use it?
Only use the Apple Modem Script Generator (Generator) if you
need it. Apple already provides many modem scripts that are
installed with ARA and Open Transport/PPP. If you cannot
find your modem on the list of scripts in the Remote Access
Setup panel (for ARA) or the Modem control panel (for
OT/PPP) , then you may need to use the Generator. First,
try some other script by the same manufacturer, if possible.
 Second, check on the Internet if possible because someone
may have already created the script you need and posted it
there. (See "How can I post my script for others?" below)

Why use scripts with modems?
Modems share an "AT" command set for many commands. The
Generator takes care of these common commands without help
from you. However, manufacturers tend to use different
characters for several settings like speed, result codes,
and so forth. There are even examples where one
manufacturer will use different characters in different
models! Modem scripts are used by the Apple products ARA
and OT/PPP to unify the behavior of modems, at least from
the perspective of those applications. If one of these
applications requests "turn off data compression", the modem
script is used to translate that general request into a
specific command for the chosen modem.

How do I install a script that I generate?
Put it in the folder described by the path "System
Folder:Extensions:Modem Scripts:". This is the default
folder selected by the Generator when you click the Create
button. You do not need to restart the computer after
adding a modem script. ARA 2.1 and OT/PPP both will
recognize a new script placed in this folder (in older ARA
versions, you must quit the application and restart). After
you have placed the script in the folder, it should show up
on the appropriate popup menu in ARA or OT/PPP. Remember to
choose it there!

What is a modem script? How can I edit a script?
A modem script is a text file, but one which does not have
the "file type" of a text file.  A modem script can be
viewed and edited with any word processor which has an
option to open "any file", regardless of file type. 
(Alternatively, you can change the file type to TEXT with
ResEdit, and open with any text editor.) The purpose of the
Generator, however, is to spare you from having to edit the
nuts-and-bolts text. The text in scripts is written in the
"CCL" language that is described in Apple developer
documents. Another application by Apple, the Apple Remote
Access Modem Toolkit, has more editing features and is
available from Apple ( call 800 282 2732 or 716 871 6555 ). 
Note that the Toolkit v.2.0 is geared for ARA scripts, not
for OT/PPP. A revision is planned for the Toolkit.

How can I post my script for others?
If your script works well, consider posting it on the
Internet for the benefit of other users. At the time of
this writing, it is not clear where on the Apple web site
(www.apple.com) the modem scripts contributed by users will
be stored, but the collection will probably be labeled
"Unsupported Modem Scripts". Try the web location on the
Apple web site that is used for OT/PPP beta seeding, or
search on the web for "modem script". Apple will provide a
central location for these "unsupported modem scripts" at
the Apple web site, and scripts will probably be posted
elsewhere by users.

Can I hurt anything by trying a new script?
Generally speaking, modem scripts are safe because they
cannot physically harm any hardware. At worst, a script
could configure a modem incorrectly, but turning the modem
off and then back on will generally reset the modem to its
factory settings. Apple applications cannot be harmed by a
script mistake; they are programmed to issue error messages
to help identify mistakes within scripts.

How can I give feedback about the Apple Modem Script Generator?
Please send e-mail about the Generator to the same place as
feedback about the ARA & OT/PPP applications. At the time
of this writing, it is unclear what e-mail address should be
used. A place to start would be the web site
(www.apple.com) where ARA & PPP products are discussed.


Copyright 1996 Apple Computer. Inc.
Apple, the Apple logo, and Macintosh are trademarks of
Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S.A. and other
countries. Open Transport is a trademark of Apple
Computer, Inc. All other product names are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective holders. Mention
of non-Apple products is for information purposes and
constitutes neither an endorsement nor a recommendation.
Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the
selection, performance, or use of these products.
