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The Online World resources handbook

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Automatic communication http://home.eunet.no/~presno/bok/16.html<br />

Buy and sell stock when today's quotes are over/under given limits,<br />

Select news stories and other types of information based on information found in<br />

menus or titles.<br />

Script writing is not for everybody. It is complicated, and takes a lot of time, so it may<br />

not be for you.<br />

On the other hand, those going for it seldom regret, and you may find systems<br />

offered by others that you automate more of your work. Tailor made communication<br />

scripts give a wonderful flexibility. <strong>The</strong> software does not cost much, but it sure takes a<br />

lot of time!<br />

Hints for script writers:<br />

Do not use large and complex script files before you know the online<br />

service well. <strong>The</strong> scripts let you do things quicker and safer, but there is<br />

always a possibility for unexpected problems.<br />

Test your scripts for a long time to make them robust by "training"<br />

them to handle the unexpected. Leave them to work unattended when you<br />

are reasonably certain that they can do the job. It may take months or<br />

years to get to that point.<br />

Build a timeout feature into your scripts, so they do not just hang<br />

there waiting for you after a meeting with fate.<br />

Alternative 2: Use scripts made by others<br />

Some script authors generously let others use their creations. Earle Robinson of<br />

CompuServe's European Forum, share his ProYam scripts for automatic usage of<br />

CompuServe with others. <strong>The</strong>y are available from the PC Communications Forum<br />

library (GO PCCOM).<br />

Enter GO XTALK on CompuServe to find advanced script files for Crosstalk<br />

Mk.4.<br />

=&200 DQG 3UR

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