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From: Claire Walters <clairew@pluto.njcc.com>
Newsgroups: alt.bbs,alt.bbs.allsysop,alt.allsysop,comp.bbs.misc
Subject: BBS FAQ Part 1/6
Date: Thu, 13 Jul 1995 17:19:38 -0400
Organization: New Jersey Computer Connection, Lawrenceville, NJ
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From: clairew@pluto.njcc.com (Claire Walters)
Newsgroups: alt.bbs, alt.bbs.sysop, comp.bbs.misc, comp.answers, news.answe=
rs
Subject: BBS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), Part 1/6
Followup-To: poster
Reply-To: clairew@pluto.njcc.com (Claire Walters)
Summary: This posting contains Frequently Asked Questions (and
their answers) including information to help those wanting to
setup an Online Service/BBS.
Archive-name: ftp.njcc.com
pub/bbsfaq/bbsfaq03.001
Last-modified: 02/23/95
Version: v3.0
URL: http://pluto.njcc.com/~clairew/
********************************************************************
CHAPTER 1 -INTRODUCTION TO THE FAQ
********************************************************************
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1.1 - INTRODUCTION
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[1.1.1] - Why was The Official BBS FAQ written?
August 29th, 1994
Every day, I'd sign-on to local BBSes to download my e-mail and
review the Usenet newsgroups. After reading alt.bbs for a few
months, I noticed the same questions being asked over and over
again. One day, I read a message asking if there was a FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions) for the alt.bbs newsgroups. If
not, the poster asked if someone would be willing to write one.
The idea appealed to me.
I've never run a BBS of my own; however, I've signed-on a wide
variety of bulletin board services all over the United States.
I've helped sysops setup their boards plus I've done computer
tech support. Additionally, as a consultant and writer, I was
particularly attracted to the idea of assisting computer users
in their enjoyment of BBSing. From all of this combined
experience, I decided to develop the much-needed FAQ.
To begin the project, I posted a message in March of 1994 to
alt.bbs newsgroups, calling for people to contribute to the BBS
FAQ. The mail started flowing-in immediately and continued for
weeks. The overall response was great! All sorts of people were
willing to offer their time and knowledge to the long-awaited
FAQ.
I created a Table of Contents based on my own knowledge and on
the questions/suggestions I saw in the newsgroups. I then
gathered information from various sources to build the
comprehensive guide that follows. The end-product is intended
to aid those who use bulletin boards as well as to assist those
who run them or want to setup BBSes of their own.
The Official BBS FAQ was built BY the people of the Net, FOR
the people of the Net. Many thanks to all who contributed.
Regards,
Claire Walters
------------------------------------------------------------------
[1.1.2] - Where do I send e-mail regarding the BBS FAQ?
Any comments, corrections, deletions or additions for this FAQ
please send e-mail to the author/editor (Claire Walters) at:
clairew@pluto.njcc.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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1.2 - DISCLAIMERS
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This article answers frequently asked questions (FAQ) for the
alt.bbs, alt.bbs.allsysop, and comp.bbs.misc Usenet newsgroups.
It is intended for those who want to start a BBS/Online service
or for those sysops already running a BBS who may be seeking
further information.
All information in this article is believed to be correct at
the time of writing. However, please recognize that this is an
evolving document and that the information that follows may
contain inaccuracies. Please direct suggestions for improvement
or corrections to the editor/author at, clairew@pluto.njcc.com.
The editor/author is not affiliated with any of the companies
mentioned herein.
------------------------------------------------------------------
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1.3 COPYRIGHT NOTICE
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The Official BBS FAQ is Copyright 1994-1995, by Claire Walters.
All rights reserved.
You are granted the following rights:
I. To make copies of this work in original form, so long as
(a) The copies are exact and complete.
(b) The copies include the copyright notice and these paragraphs in
their entirety.
(c) The copies give obvious credit to the author, Claire Walters.
(d) The copies are in electronic form only.
II. To distribute this work, or copies made under the provisions
above, so long as,
(a) this is the original work and not a derivative form.
(b) you do not charge a fee for copying or for distribution.
(c) you ensure that the distributed form includes the copyright
notice, this paragraph, the disclaimer of warranty in their
entirety and credit to the author. (Claire Walters)
(d) the distributed form is not in an electronic magazine or within
computer software (prior explicit permission may be obtained
from Claire Walters)
(e) the distributed form is the NEWEST version of the article to
the best of the knowledge of the distributor.
(f) the distributed form is electronic.
You may NOT distribute this work by any non-electronic media,
including but not limited to books, newsletters, magazines,
manuals, catalogs, and speech. You may not distribute this
work in electronic magazines, CD-ROMS or within computer
software without prior written explicit permission. These
rights are temporary and revocable upon written, oral, or other
notice by Claire Walters. This copyright notice shall be
governed by the laws of the state of New Jersey.
If you would like additional rights beyond those granted above,
write to the author at, Internet: clairew@pluto.njcc.com
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1.4 - TRADEMARK INFORMATION
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The software & products mentioned in this FAQ is the properties and
trademark of their respective owners.
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1.5 - WHERE CAN I DOWNLOAD THE BBS FAQ?
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The Official BBS FAQ will be posted periodically in the
following newsgroups:
alt.bbs,
alt.bbs.allsysop,
comp.bbs.misc,
comp.answers,
news.answers
Available to download from:
- America Online - PC Telecom forum (keyword: PTC) or Redgate
Forum (keyword: Redgate)
- National Computer Security Association forum on Compuserve.
------------------------------------------------------------------
[1.5.1] - FTP SITE
FTP.NJCC.COM
Directory:=09/pub/bbsfaq/
Files:=09=09bbsfaq03.toc
bbsfaq03.001
bbsfaq03.002
bbsfaq03.003
bbsfaq03.004
bbsfaq03.005
bbsfaq03.006
BBSFAQ03.ZIP (whole FAQ in ZIP format)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[1.5.2] - The BBS FAQ via World Wide Web
The BBS FAQ via WWW:
http://pluto.njcc.com/~clairew/
I've added a special addition to my home page for the BBS FAQ.
There is a section which lists pointers to BBS software
companies home pages.
If you're not listed & would like to be included, please send
e-mail to: ClaireW@pluto.njcc.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------
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1.6 - MEET THE BBS FAQ WRITERS
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[1.6.1] - ABOUT THE AUTHOR/EDITOR
Claire Walters, D.B.A Windsorware
The Official BBS FAQ Author/Editor
Computer Consultant, Freelance Writer, Custom Windows HLP files
e-mail: clairew@pluto.njcc.com
WWW: http://pluto.njcc.com/~clairew/
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[1.6.2] - CREDITS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
My special thanks goes to my family & Nancy T.
- Brian Kramer
Owner/Systems Administrator - bjkramer@pluto.njcc.com
New Jersey Computer Connection
Home of The Official BBS FAQ
Public Access Unix Site - pluto.njcc.com
Voice: 609-896-2799 - Fax: 609-896-2994 - Dialups: 609-896-3191
Dialup or Telnet to njcc.com and log in as,
guest for more information.
CONTRIBUTORS/WRITERS
---------------------
Since March of '94 when I called for writers to help me gather
info for the BBS FAQ I received a wonderful response. Now, it's
a year since the birth of the FAQ and several others have
offered there time to supply info that is now included in the FAQ.
Without the help of all the writers the BBS FAQ would not have
been possible. Originally there were approximately 20 writers,
since then the number has grown.
I'd like to express my special thanks to the original writers
who helped me build the foundation to this document and to
everyone who continue's to contribute which makes it possible
for me to maintain the FAQ.
Best Regards,
Claire Walters
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1.7 - What's new in this version?
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[1.7.1] - BBS FAQ History
Changes since v2.0 (2-23-95)
- Access the BBS FAQ via WWW. See section 1.5.2
- Mindwire, FirstClass & several other software descriptions
added.
Changes since V1.0 (8-29-94)
- VERY IMPORTANT! The FTP site in which the BBSFAQ is archived
has been changed. Please note the new site is: FTP.NJCC.COM
- Many cosmetic changes for easier navigation
- Mac section has been updated
- Several descriptions added in the PC DOS shareware section
*********************************************************************
CHAPTER 2 - PC COMMERCIAL BBS SOFTWARE
*********************************************************************
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2.1 - DOS BASED BBS SOFTWARE
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[2.1.01] - MAJOR BBS
The Major BBS is full-featured, professional multi-user
bulletin board software that can be expanded to support well
over 100 simultaneous users on a single 486 PC or better
running DOS 5.0 or later with at least 4 MB of RAM. Users can
connect to The Major BBS via modem, LAN, serial connection, or
(optionally) the Internet or X.25 networks.
New features in Version 6.2 include the following:
---------------------------------------------------
New file library with full-screen, multi-directory library areas,
support for CD-ROM changers, automatic DIZ-file extraction, new
keyword search engine, and much more.
Turbo charged performance which will be souped up even higher
in October when The Major BBS will support SuperSerial
Technology (SST) intelligent multiport boards by Equinox
Systems, Inc. Early tests have demonstrated 128 simultaneous
file transfers at 38,400 bps and 104 simultaneous transfers at
57,600 bps -- with no degradation in performance. All
transfers were handled on a single Pentium machine. And The
Major BBS is now the first commercial online service platform
to support 230K speeds.
FULL SUITE OF RIPSCRIP MENUS provides your users with
hot-looking, mouse-driven menus -- all automatically generated
with auto-detect of RIP support at connect time. The RIPaint
add-on option is available as an integrated DLL to let you
create your own customized screens.
NEW POLLS AND QUESTIONNAIRES with intelligent branching,
auto-tallying, user account hooks, and the ability to grant
access keys, online time, and files after a poll is taken.
Polls can be created online.
28.8K MODEM SUPPORT lets you lock ports at up to 57.6K. On a
Pentium-class computer you can handle over 64 of these modems.
configure up to 16 channel groups for flexible connectivity.
INTEGRATED QWK MAIL for reading and replying to messages
online. Callers can download all their Forum and E-mail
package in a single ZIP'd packet. Works with all popular QWK
mail readers.
Additional Features
--------------------
Messaging features include file attachments, message quoting,
MHS support, carbon copies, keyword searching, full screen
editor, distribution lists, and more.
The file libraries area brings upload/download capabilities
with support for most major protocols. Files are listed in
full-screen ANSI with the following search methods:
alphabetical by file name, wildcard specification, most to
least recently added, most to least number of downloads,
boolean keyword search, and new file quickscan.
The multi-user teleconference supports up to 65,535 channels,
one-on-one chat mode, page, whisper, moderators, squelch,
activity scan and transcript format.
Other features include a registry of users, "doors" to a second
computer for running DOS applications, multi-lingual/
multiprotocol architecture, registry of users, and information
center, and more.
Security, Accounting, and Menu Control
---------------------------------------
Online security is handled using "locks and keys." The
"Master" key gives you unlimited access throughout the system:
look up user account information from any prompt; become
"invisible" when you need privacy; enable and disable menu
options quickly and easily; modify, move, approve, or delete
messages and files; create, delete and manage forums,
libraries, polls, doors, etc. From the Remote Operator Menu,
choose from over 30 privileged commands: view real-time system
statistics, maintain user account and security status, change
the log-on message, start a timed event, issue basic DOS
commands, and more. You'll be able to manage the sytem
effectively whether you're across town or across the world.
Eight unique screens at the main console of the BBS provide
information and special capabilities such as user account
details; in-depth demographic and usage statistics and graphs;
online user summary by channel; an audit trail of system
activities; monitoring of channel input and status; and
technical information about the system hardware and software.
Use the "emulate" feature to peek over a user's shoulder, or to
step in and offer a helping hand. You can log on locally to
jump into a chat with a caller or write a memo to your staff.
With The Major BBS, your online service can have a different
look and feel from any other system. You can change almost
every prompt, menu and message displayed to users. The
multi-lingual/multi-protocol architecture lets callers select
the interface of their choice. The English language interface
for ANSI and RIPscrip comes standard. Use the built-in Menu
Tree designer to organize the menus presented to your users:
each selection can lead to another menu, or to a file display,
or to a specific module such as e-mail, file libraries, logoff,
etc.
Create as many "classes" of users as you need, each with a time
limit per cal, time limit per day, options for billing, an
expiration date, security, "keyring," and much more. generate
printed reports on demand, such as user account listings,
distribution of "keys," mailing labels, and system Audit Trail.
Add-on Products
-----------------
Although The Major BBS supports "doors" to a second computer,
you're probably not going to need this feature. Hundreds of
add-on options are available from Galacticomm and over 150
third-party developers that integrate as a DLL directly with
The Major BBS. You plug them in and they seamlessly become
part of your BBS!
Many exciting products are available. We'll be debuting the
Internet Connectivity Option in October, which will be the
first fully integrated Internet connectivity application for a
DOS platform BBS. All you'll need is a SLIP connection to your
favorite Internet provider. Or, for greater bandwidth, you can
hook up a direct 56K, fractional T1, or full T1 line using a
router that connects your BBS over an Ethernet LAN. This
application will support FTP in and out, Telnet in and out,
Anonymous FTP, and WWW Server. You'll have the power to
support up to 64 simultaneous Internet connections and over 100
dial-up users -- all on a single Pentium-class machine.
Galacticomm has committed to providing SMTP and NNTP support to
the Internet Connectivity Option by the end of the year. These
are the Internet's protocols for mail and newsgroups. Until
that time, Galacticomm is including a free copy of The Major
Gateway/Internet, which provides dial-up UUCP access to mail
and newsgroups.
Other options
---------------
Advanced photographic databases, multi-user games, game-link
software for playing multi-user modem games -- such as the
tremendously popular Doom -- online, fax server, mail links,
chat links, and much more are available as add-on products. We
also make the C source code available, so you can design your
own applications.
Contact Information
---------------------
To receive more information, or order Galacticomm products,
contact your favorite Galacticomm dealer, or call Galacticomm's
Sales Department at 1-800-328-1128, or 1-305-583-5990 outside
the U.S. and Canada. You can also contact Galacticomm's Sales
Department over the Internet at sales@gcomm.comm. You can
telnet or FTP to Galacticomm's Demo System at gcomm.com. The
Demo System can also be reached via modem at 1-305-583-7808.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[2.1.02] - SEARCHLIGHT BBS
by, Tom Snider-Lotz
We (my co-conspirator Nancy, and I) operate a two-line BBS from
our office in order to provide files and other information to
our customers. We've been using Searchlight BBS (SLBBS)
software since the beginning, about 3 years ago, and have never
regretted the decision.
Our boss conceived of the idea of having an office BBS, and he
tapped Nancy and I because we were computer literate and had
some experience online (I was a sysop on GEnie at the time).
He had some other requirements, too: it had to be done
quickly, very cheaply, and without diverting too much of our
time from our "real work." Though we had plenty of experience
calling BBSs, neither of us had ever had to program one, so
that added one more requirement: it had to be friendly to
newbie sysops. And, since most of our callers would also be
new to BBSing, it had to be user-friendly. We set about
looking for software that was easy to get running,
full-featured, easy to use, and inexpensive. What we chose was
Searchlight.
IT'S EASY TO GET RUNNING
-------------------------
Setting up SLBBS is a snap. As it comes "out of the box," it's
ready to run with Mail, Bulletins, and a message area (SLBBS
calls them "subboards") already set up. Adding one or more
File Directories and additional Subboards is merely a matter of
filling in the blanks on the Setup menus. If you want to limit
access to Subboards and File Directories, that's easy. Users
can be assigned any combination of 24 "security attributes" as
well as one of 256 numerical access levels. You can then use
these attributes as requirements for entry into Subboards and
File Directories. You can also apply these requirements to any
option on the SLBBS menus.
The default SLBBS menus are pretty much like any other BBS I've
seen -- a couple of columns of commands, with a highlighted
letter for choosing each command (does "G" for "Goodbye" sound
familiar?). This is easy to change if you want something
different. For example, we changed the menus so the commands
were selected by a number instead of a letter. If you wish,
SLBBS will lay out the menu for you -- you tell SLBBS what the
choices are and what the access levels are for each choice, and
SLBBS will figure out how to display the menu. Users who don't
have proper access level for a menu choice won't even see that
choice.
If you want more creative menus, you can design your own menus
using a text editor -- including special effects like colors,
blinking, underlining, etc.
We haven't tried setting up RIP graphics menus, so I can't
comment too much on that. I gather from the manual that it's
very similar: SLBBS will do it for you, or you can customize.
IT'S FULLY-FEATURED
---------------------
One of the really nice features of SLBBS is its text editor.
The e-mail system and the message boards both use a full-screen
editor that allows full-screen cursor movement, scrolling, and
the use of function keys. The user can insert codes for colors
and other special effects, upload text, and insert text from
other files. For users without ANSI capability, there's also a
standard line editor.
SLBBS supports all the standard file transfer protocols,
including built-in ZMODEM. You can add external protocols as
well, such as YMODEM-Batch and HS/LINK. SLBBS can access
CD-ROM drives as well as the hard disk.
The message and the mail system allow uploaded messages and
attached files. Users also can download entire message
threads. QWK mail support is built in.
Other features include:
------------------------
* The ability to be run from a LAN;
* The ability to connect with Fidonet and RIME/UTI-compatible
networks.
* Inter-user chat.
* The ability to run many DOS programs as Doors without using
an intermediate Door program.
* Accurate recognition of connect speeds up to 38.4 Kbps.
* Name completion -- SLBBS will complete a user's name or file
name automatically if you type in partial information.
* Single menu commands that can trigger execution of long
sequences of commands.
* Easy setup of additional nodes (SLBBS is designed to use
DesqView as a multi-tasker when using multiple nodes; others
have used it successfully with OS/2 and Windows NT as well.
* The ability to tag files for future downloading.
IT'S EASY FOR CALLERS TO USE
-----------------------------
As we discovered, whether a system is easy for callers to use
is mostly up to the sysops. The good news about SLBBS is that
it's so flexible, so adaptable, that we could modify it to fit
our conception of ease of use. Want to change the colors? No
problem. Want to nest the menus five deep? No problem. Want
to arrange the menu choices in a circle? No problem. Want to
give users a visual map of the entire BBS, available from each
menu? You guessed it.
IT'S INEXPENSIVE
-----------------
One thing that kept bothering me as we were "interviewing"
potential software was why SLBBS was so inexpensive compared to
many of the big-name BBS programs? What did they have that
SLBBS didn't? We still haven't figured that one out!
As I write this, SLBBS comes in four versions, priced according
to how many lines (nodes) the software will support. For a
single line, the price is $99; one to three lines, $179; one
to ten lines, $299; and an unlimited number of lines, $399.
EXCELLENT PRODUCT SUPPORT
--------------------------
The people at Searchlight Software are very helpful. We've
never been disappointed. The primary source of support is the
main Searchlight BBS in Cleveland (numbers are given below).
The program's author, Frank LaRosa, is active on the BBS, and
you can also get input from the sysops of lots of other
Searchlight systems. If the BBS-based support isn't enough,
you can talk to real live people by telephone.
RIP GRAPHICS
-------------
Everything I've described so far refers to SLBBS's standard
text- based interface. However, in the minds of the
Searchlight Software folks, their most impressive feature is
their built-in RIP graphical interface. RIP technology, if you
aren't aware, provides your BBS with an attractive graphical
user interface (GUI). Every SLBBS program sold, if called by
RIP-capable communications program, can provide a full GUI
interface, including scroll bars, push buttons, and dialog
boxes. You can also have eye-catching logon screens,
mouse-able online games, and even animation. Many BBS software
programs are jumping on the RIP bandwagon, but (I'm told) SLBBS
offers more complete built-in support for RIP graphics than any
other BBS software.
We haven't activated the RIP interface feature on our BBS,
primarily because our most of our users don't use a mouse with
their computer, and don't use a communications program that
supports RIP. Also, my experience is that, at 2400 bps (our
maximum) and with a slow monitor, RIP graphics can be a bit
slow. To me, the current RIP technology is sort of like the
early versions of Windows -- the concept is there, but its time
hasn't come quite yet. (Others would disagree with me.)
CALL SEARCHLIGHT
------------------
The best introduction to Searchlight is first-hand experience.
If you call the main Searchlight BBS, you can;
* see SLBBS in action.
* see RIP graphics in action (if you've got RIP-capable
communications software)
* get a freeware RIP-capable communications program
(RIPterm, from TeleGrafix)
* get a list of Searchlight BBSs in your geographical area.
* get a feel for the support available from Searchlight
Software.
* download a demo copy of Searchlight to try out on your own.
After you've seen SLBBS in action, and tried it out for
yourself, you can decide whether it's what you want. We're
very happy with it.
Searchlight Software
6516 Detroit Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44102
voice: (216) 631-9290
fax: (216) 631-9289
BBS: (216) 631-9285
orders: (800) 988-LITE.
----------------------------------------------------------------
[2.1.03] - PC BOARD BBS
FEATURES:
---------
- Packet switch support
- Full Internationalization of dates & code page
- FOSSIL support for virtually any intelligent serial card(/M
code)
- File attachment to messages
- Multiple daily events
- Full support for 2 byte international character sets
- Built-in .QWK message packet support
- Jukebox & "slow" CD-ROM support
- Incoming Fax support
- Carbon-Copy list support
- Return Receipt message support
- Caller-ID support
- ALIAS support by conference area
- RIPscrip support for remote callers
- PPL (PCBoard Programming Language Compiler) (Optional)
- Automatic 16550 UART recognition & support
- Intelligent & non-intelligent multi-port serial card support
- Full screen text editor
- ANSI graphics support
- Full color operation
- Thread reading of messages
- Supports up to 65,535 conference (message base) areas
- 36 file transfer protocols supported
- Supports 37,767 DOORS per conference
- Real-Time 255 channel node chat (CB chat)
- Long message headers for all NetMail programs including
Internet, Usenet & others.
- Local network logins for in-house e-mail support
- Direct connect support for in-house serial networks & PADS
- Communicates directly with OS/2 COMM drivers to allow large
number of multiple nodes under OS/2
- Automatically detects OS/2 operation for time-slice control
- Full network support for any NetBIOS compatible network,
including Netware, LAN tastic, 3-Com, Vines & more.
- Full remote DOS access for SysOp if desired
- True & complete multi-lingual language support
REQUIREMENTS
-------------
IBM PC compatible
Minimum 320k RAM
DOS 3.1 or higher
Modem to support remote dial-in
- PCBoard/M
Needs 80386 CPU or higher since code is written using 80386
instructions for maximum speed.
PCBoard ADD-ONS
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
PPL Compiler
--------------
The PPL Compiler allows you to change or add features to your
PCBoard system. Simply write your code in a BASIC like
language, compile, and attach your results to PCBoard.
PCBoard Toolkit
-----------------
The PCBoard Toolkit allows you to write extensive DOOR programs
in either C or C++ (Borland or MS). Clark Development provides
all the communication, display and file routines needed to
produce a truly professional PCBoard DOOR program.
PCBoard (Version 15.1) PRICING - EFFECTIVE FEB. 16, 1994
-----------------------------------------------------------
PCBoard 2 User $ 150.00
PCBoard 5 User $ 250.00
PCBoard 10 User $ 350.00
PCBoard 25 User $ 550.00
PCBoard 50 User $ 750.00
PCBoard 100 User $ 950.00
PCBoard 250 User $2000.00
PCBoard 1000 User $7000.00
PCBoard Toolkit $ 180.00
($150 with PCBoard Purchase)
PPL Compiler $ 80.00
($50 with PCBoard Purchase)
Extended BBS Access $ 40.00
DESQview 386 $ 179.00
Multitasking Software
DOORWAY $ 40.00
Site License Pricing
----------------------
Site Licenses are available.
(Call Clark Development for further information about pricing)
Competitive Discounts
---------------------
Competitive trade-in discounts are available. For more
information please call Clark Development.
Payments
--------
Payments accepted by VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Checks
by Phone, Cashiers Check, Money Orders or Personal Checks.
School District and Government Agency Purchase Orders are
accepted.
Contacting PCBoard
--------------------
Clark Development Company, Inc.
3950 South 700 East, Ste 303
Murray, UT 84107-2173
800.356.1686 (Orders only)
801.261.1686 (Voice)
801.261.8987 (FAX)
801.261.8976 (BBS)
Extended BBS Support Access
-----------------------------
Extended Salt Air BBS access allows you to contact the Clark
Development support BBS in Salt Lake using special dedicated
phone lines which provide 2 hours of daily on-line time.
INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTORS
---------------------------
BRAZIL: Alexandar Mandic Voice: 55.11.816.3245
Mandic BBS LtDA Fax: 55.11.816.3245
Rua Jerico, 39 BBS: 55.11.816.3911
Sao Paulo, SP 05435-040
Brazil
DENMARK: Morten Olsen Voice: 45.32.47.30.15
Danish Key Board BBS Fax: 45.32.47.30.16
International House BBS: 45.32.47.30.40
Bellacenter
2300-S Copenhagen
Denmark
FRANCE: Lionel Bruno Voice: 33.1.48.99.35.35
Microtel Amiposte Fax: 33.1.48.99.43.33
71, rue Cheret BBS: 33.1.48.99.43.00
9400 Ctreeil
France
NETHERLANDS: Arthur Mol Voice: 31.2155.28631
The Owl's Nest Fax: 31.2155.26527
Hazepad 25 BBS: 31.2155.12571
3766 JL Soest
Netherlands
NORWAY: John Nordbo Voice: 47.52.717170
EuroNet Fax: 47.52.716071
Hasselgt 31 BBS: 47.52.716021
Haugesund, 5501
Norway
PORTUGAL: Luis Silva Voice: 351.61.313834
MSmac, Lda Fax: 351.61.314226
R.Princesa Benedita BBS: 351.51.312935
LT 7 1 Drt
2560 Torres Vedras
Portugal
SAUDI ARABIA: Mohammed Albatati Voice: 966.1.478.8314
B.E.S.T PCBoard Info. Fax: 966.1.477.1908
P.O Box 2132 BBS: 966.1.478.6703
Riyadh 11451
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
SINGAPORE: Tee Tong Chiew Voice: 65.337.6213
Comsertrac Computer Centre Fax: 65.337.2952
#1 Spohia Road BBS: 65.336.5351
#06-25 Peace Centre
Singapore, 0922
SOUTH AFRICA: Ian Gerada Voice: 27.11.789.6192
Fincompt Technologies Fax: 27.11.789.6081
355 Kent Avenue BBS: 27.11.482.1277
Randburg, Transvaal 2125
South Africa
SPAIN: David Llamas Gaberenet Voice: 34.3.589.1101
Abaforum Fax: 34.3.589.4483
Rambla del Cellar 65 BBS: 34.3.589.3888
SantCugat, Barcelona, 08190
Spain
SWEDEN: Peter Svensson Voice: 46.8.664.2557
CPS Sound & Vision Fax: 46.8.728.8430
Skeppargatan 102 BBS: 46.8.736.0410
S-115 30 Stockholm
Sweden
SWITZERLAND: Ueli Maurer Voice: 41.64.562.233
Hitline Communications Fax: 41.64.561.133
Hintermaettistr. 5 BBS: 41.64.560.200
Switzerland
UK: Alastair Mclntyre Voice: 44.0324.482435
ALMAC Computer Services Fax: 44.0324.665155
141 Bo'ness Road BBS: 44.0324.665371
Grangemouth, Stirlingshire
FK3 9BS, Scotland
United Kingdom
SOLVENIJA: Boris Horvat Voice: 38.61.211.553
ABM d.o.o Fax: 38.61.221.838
Ziherlova 43/40
61000 Ljubljana
Slovenija
----------------------------------------------------------------
[2.1.04] - TBBS-The Bread Board System
Info needed for TBBS.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[2.1.05] - WILDCAT! BBS v3.9
INTRODUCTION
--------------
Wildcat is a very powerful, secure, and friendly BBS software
from both a sysop's and user's point of view. It is very easy
to set up and maintain, with interactive install and
configuration programs. If security is important to you,
Wildcat is the software you want. Since the first release in
1986, Wildcat has never been hacked due to a deficiency in the
program code. Although much effort has been put into
maintaining compatibility with other systems, Wildcat has many
features that set it apart from other BBS systems, such as
internal file transfer protocols, and RIP graphics support.
Wildcat is commercial software. It is not shareware, although a
test drive version is available. You may not copy and
distribute the software. Wildcat is published by Mustang
Software Inc., the makers of Qmodem, and OffLine
Xpress.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
---------------------
- IBM personal computer or true compatible
- PC-DOS or MS-DOS version 3.3 or later
(Note: Wildcat should NOT be ru under Windows or OS/2)
- Asynchronous communications adapter (serial port)
- RS-232 cable with 9 pins (some modem cable don't have all
pins hooked up)
- Intelligent AT command set modem (Hayes compatible)
- 80 column monochrome or color monitor
- Voice-grade telephone connection for modem
- 384K minimum RAM, 512K recommended
- Hard Disk Drive
FEATURES
---------
- Fast indexed access to all data files (Users, Messages, Files)
- Easy setup with install program and configuration program
- RIP graphics support
- Flexible security with up to 1000 security profiles
- Date of Birth and Phone as optional security checks
- Optional excluding 300, 1200, or 2400 baud
- Supports locked DTE rates up to 57,600 bps
- 100+ customizably display files with embedded code support
for insertion of user or system info, or ANSI codes
- Message features:
- Full-Screen editor with reply
- Quoting
- Forwaring
- Return reciepts
- Carbon copies
- File attaching
- Up to 1000 conferences and Up to 1000 file areas
- ANSI graphics support, auto-detected at logon
- File descriptions as single line, 2-line, or full description
- Files can be marked for download while reading file lists,
and time indicated for each file is based on caller's baud
rate
- Caller notification of bulletin updates based on date and time
- MAKEQUES.EXE, full screen questionaire editor
- Remote event timer allowing up to 65,535 external events
- Configurable screen pausing, based on callers screen length
- Help files available
- Fast login system to proceed directly to main menu or mail
door
- Most sysop maintenance functions available from remote
- INTERNAL file transfer protocols for X/Y/Zmodem and Kermit
- Support for external doors for games, etc.
- Hot Key entry of single letter commands (no Enter required)
- Birthday message sent on users birthday
- Tomcat QWK-compatible mail door
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
------------------
- Free technical support by phone
Monday-Friday, 9 am-5pm Pacific Time
(805) 873-2550
- Automatic notification of program updates
- Software upgrades at a reduced price
- 24-hour access to Support BBS
- BBS access to download utilities written by Mustang software
- PC Vendor Forum on CompuServe (GO PCVENA)
Pricing and Availability
--------------------------
All of MSI's products are available through normal software
outlets such as Software Etc. and CompUSA, however all upgrade
purchases are only available through MSI direct.
NEW UPGRADE
Wildcat! Single Line $129.00 $50.00
Wildcat! MultiLine 10 $249.00 $50.00
Wildcat! MultiLine 250 $499.00 $50.00
Wildcat! MultiLine Platinum $799.00 $50.00
Wildcat! BBS Suite $999.00 ----
(includes MultiLine Platinum, wcPRO, wcGATE, and wcCODE)
wcPRO Utilities (with wcFAX) $99.00 $50.00
wcGATE Internet/MHS Messaging Gateway
$149.00 $50.00 *
wcCODE Custom Online Development Engine
$149.00 $50.00 **
* wcGATE is $50 for anyone upgrading from wcUUCP or wcMHS
only. It is $149 for all new orders.
** wcCODE is $50 through 8/31/94 for anyone upgrading from an
older copy of Wildcat! BBS. It is $149 for all new orders.
Mustang Software Inc.
P.O. Box 2264
Bakersfield, CA 93303-9943
(805) 873-2500.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
[2.1.06] - TSX-BBS
TSX-BBS - Multi-line Bulletin Board System
The Multi-line Solution
Today you may want to start a single line BBS, but you dream of
rivaling CompuServe someday. TSX-BBS will take you there.
TSX-BBS supports up to 256 lines on a single computer using
intelligent serial multiplexers.
With traditional multi-node bulletin board systems you had two
unpleasant choices. You could either run a copy of the BBS
software on a separate computer for each node, or you could use
a multi- tasker such as Windows or DesqView to run several
copies of the BBS on a single computer. Buying a separate
computer for each node is expensive and you have to set up a
network to link the computers together. While it may be
acceptable for a 2-4 line system, if you plan to grow in the
future you need to think about what the expense and management
will be like when you reach 16 or 50 lines.
The multi-tasking approach avoids the expense of buying
multiple computers and the expense and trouble of setting up a
network connection, but running multiple copies of a
single-line BBS system with a multi-tasker is very inefficient
and usually provides unacceptable performance for more than a
couple of lines.
TSX-BBS is the solution. Designed from the ground up as a
multi- line operating environment, TSX-BBS can support up to
256 lines on a single computer. The reason TSX-BBS can do this
is that it runs in 32-bit protected mode for maximum efficiency
and uses a patented adaptive scheduling algorithm that gives
immediate priority to users who need service.
So, instead of a room full of computers, you can have a single
sytem running TSX-BBS connected through an intelligent serial
multiplexer to many modem lines. For medium to large installa-
tions, this could save thousands (or even tens of thousands) of
dollars in hardware expenses, not to mention the complexity of
maintaining a large networked system.
Another advantage of a multi-line TSX-BBS system is that it
provides a smooth growth path. Many systems run well for one or
two lines, but when you grow you will hit a barrier that
necessi- tates a radical change. With SX-BBS, you can start out
with a small system and grow smoothly to an enormous system.
Super System Capacity
Suppose your dreams are so big that you think you will outgrow
a single computer no matter how efficient the software is.
Relax, TSX-BBS will take care of you. For extremely large
configurations, TSX systems can be networked together so that
you can grow without bounds. With its TCP/IP networking
option, you can link multiple TSX systems together. Any program
on any computer in the network can transparently access any
file. Because TSX networking uses a peer-to-peer model, you do
not have to dedicate a computer as a "file server". All
computers in the network can store files and run the TSX-BBS
system.
Reliable, Non-stop Operation
If you are running a single-line hobby board it may be
acceptable to take the system down periodically for maintenance
and improve- ments. But, if you are serious about running a
professional quality board, you need a BBS system that will run
reliably, non- stop, 24-hours a day. TSX-BBS is such a system.
All of the BBS maintenance functions such as adding and
modifying user authorizations, reviewing and posting new
uploads, and backing up files can be done without stopping the
BBS or interrupting your users. You can do new program
development using the TPL language, C, Pascal, or the language
of your choice, while the BBS is in full operation. You can
develop and test menu changes without interrupting your users.
And, the sysop (or properly authorized users) can open
development and maintenance from dial-in connections as well as
from the local console.
Routine operations such as new user registrations are
completely automatic. Internet Usenet newsgroups, Fido echoes,
and netmail processing is automatic with messages being posted
in real-time as they arrive. TSX-BBS can even be configured to
automatically create new Fido and Usenet newsgroups without
sysop intervention. You can literally take a vacation without
most of your users being aware that your board is unattended.
A Sysop's Dream
With other multi-line BBS systems, the computer is dedicated to
running the BBS software and the sysop must use auxiliary
computers for tasks such as viewing uploaded GIF files, running
"door" programs, and processing incoming satellite feeds.
TSX-BBS is the only multi-line BBS system that lets the sysop
run DOS programs, view GIF's, do file maintenance, and run
games while the BBS is live on the same PC. The same computer
that is running TSX-BBS can process incoming satellite data
including Usenet feeds and add it to your board in real-time.
Since most DOS programs such as WordPerfect, dBase, Foxpro,
CSHOW, and Procomm run under TSX with the BBS in operation, you
can run your business on the same computer and at the same time
that you run your BBS.
Using the HOST program that is provided with TSX, or your own
favorite communications program, you can call other systems and
upload and download files while your BBS is running on the same
computer.
Door Program Support
"Door" programs are applications designed to run in cooperation
with a BBS to provide extended services such as games. Because
traditional multi-line BBS systems dedicate the computer to
running the BBS software, they are unable to execute popular
door applica- tions. TSX-BBS, on the other hand, can execute
door programs on the same computer with the BBS. And, many
users can run doors at the same time. TSX-BBS takes care of
the details of creating a DOOR.SYS "drop" file with user
information.
Flexibility is the Key
Successful computer bulletin boards evolve over time. As your
system grows and you acquire new users and add more lines, you
will develop new ideas for improvements and new features. It
is important that you select a BBS package that allows you to
customize your system and doesn't box you in with fixed menus
and no way of adding extensions.
TSX-BBS comes with a complete set of menus and support programs
so it is easy to get up and running the same day you receive
it, but it doesn't hold you back when you are ready to do your
own development and customization. Virtually every menu,
phrase, and color can be changed. Some sysops like very
flamboyant menus, others prefer more reserved ones; have it
your way. With a little creative effort you can configure
TSX-BBS to present exactly the image you desire. And, you will
find that this customization is surprisingly easy; we give you
the tools and materials, you can put them together in many
different ways.
TSX-BBS comes with an advanced menu compiler that allows you to
modify any of the standard menus and create new menus of your
own design. You can change the menu tree structure, change the
wording of menu options, translate them to foreign languages,
add and re- move menu items, and integrate text from ANSI and
RIP editors.
TSX-BBS menus are organized into three sections:
initialization, display, and action. The initialization
section is optional, if present it allows you to specify
actions that are to be performed each time the menu is entered.
You can use this section to write information to log files,
start programs, and perform other tasks. Conditional
expressions allow you to perform different actions based on the
user and many other conditions.
The display section contains the menu image that is presented
to the user. You can put the text in the menu source file or
you can display an external file that may have been created
with an ANSI editor. TSX-BBS allows you to place commands of
the form "@com- mand@" within the menu text to select colors,
do cursor position- ing, and check conditions. You can also use
these commands to cause TSX-BBS to insert parameters such as
the caller's name, the time, the date, the remaining time
available, and many other values. This makes it easy to create
personalized menus and status displays.
The action section of a menu specifies what actions are to be
performed when a user types a letter or command. All of the
inherent BBS functions are available as "building blocks" for
you to use, such as browsing file libraries, entering chat,
reading new mail, etc. (there are over 85 actions). In
addition, actions can call other menus or execute external
programs that you write. The following is an example of a menu
action section:
$item key=3DC action=3Dmenu(chat)
$item key=3DF action=3Dmenu(file)
$item key=3DV action=3Dvote
$item key=3DW action=3Dwho
$item key=3DG action=3Dlogoff
You can design menus that present options to some users and not
others based on privilege flags. Entirely different menus can
be selected based on capabilities such as ANSI, color and RIP.
You can even have menu options that appear only on certain days
of the week or during certain hours of the day.
For the finest level of customization you can change the
phrases and colors presented by each "building block" menu
action. This is especially useful for creating bulletin boards
to serve users who prefer a language other than English.
Don't let your users down. You can enhance and upgrade your
system while it is running continuously, 24-hours day. You can
create your own test menus while your users continue to run
with the production menus. When you are ready, you can add the
new menus to the production system without taking the BBS down
or even in- terrupting on-line users. You can even configure
TSX-BBS to present experimental menus and features on selected
lines or for selected users only.
Use TPL to Extend Your System
The optional TSX Programming Language (TPL) is the ideal tool
for writing extensions to TSX-BBS. You can also use TPL or
developing your own application programs. Using TPL, you can
develop plug-in enhancements to your BBS that are a seamless
part of the system. If you are so inclined, you can use TPL to
develop extensions and commercial applications that can be
marketed in source or object- language form to other TSX-BBS
sites.
TPL is a powerful programming language with a C-like syntax.
TPL includes integer, real, and string variables and constants.
The string variables are especially powerful because they have
dynamic size so you never have to reserve a fixed size area to
hold a value. You can also write string functions that accept
and return strings of varying sizes.
The TPL language includes over 300 built-in library functions.
Many of these functions perform BBS operations such as adding
files to the BBS file libraries or getting information about
registered BBS users. It is easy to write TPL programs to add
new files using the FILE_ID.DIZ descriptions so that you do not
have to type multi- line descriptions. You can also write TPL
programs to produce reports such as a list of the most
frequently downloaded files, or a list of users whose accounts
will expire during the next month.
A communication "script" facility is integrated into the TPL
language. You can write TPL programs that dial other bulletin
boards, check for new files, download files, and add them to
your BBS file library; this can be done while your BBS is in
operation and without intervention on your part. Because the
communication script facility is an integral part of the TPL
language, all of the other language features are available such
as dynamic string variables, functions, file I/O, and
X/Y/Z-modem transfers. You can schedule scripts (and other TPL
programs) to run at specified times of the day.
File Libraries
A good file library facility is important for most bulletin
boards and is the primary reason for existence for many.
TSX-BBS provides a world class file library. You can set up
any number of file areas and organize them in hierachical
categories (CD-ROMs, IBM files, Macintosh, etc.). File
descriptions can be up to 16 lines long and TSX-BBS stores
extended information about each file in- cluding the date and
time when it was uploaded, the name of the person who uploaded
the file, the number of times that the file was downloaded, and
the date of the last download. Users can download files one at
a time or they can tag files while browsing and then download
them as a group. Daily download byte and time limits can be
set for each user.
TSX-BBS includes a powerful file search facility. Users can
search file names and descriptions for single words or for
words joined with the logical operators 'AND' and 'OR'. For
example, a valid search expression is "GAMES AND WINDOWS", or
"HIV OR AIDS". A date search allows users to find files
uploaded since the last time they checked or since a specified
date and time. The search can span all file areas or can be
restricted to specified areas.
A "privilege expression" is used to control acces to each file
area (see "System Security," below). For each file area, users
can be restricted to the following types of access:
1. No access whatsoever
(they do not even know the area exists)
2. List the file names and descriptions
3. Download files from the area
4. Upload to the area
The sysop can set up a private upload area for all user uploads
so that the files can be examined before being publicly posted.
It is easy to set up private file areas for groups of users or
companies that may want to use your board as a support center.
Personal File Workspaces
In addition to file libraries, the sysop may authorize users to
store files in a "personal file workspace". This is a private
directory for the user's personal use. It is also possible for
several users to share the same workspace. Each user can be
disallowed from using a workspace, authorized to use a
temporary workspace which is deleted when the user logs off, or
allowed to have a permanent workspace. The sysop may place
limits on the size of each user's personal file workspace.
Newsgroups and Discussion Forums
TSX-BBS includes a powerful message storage and retrieval
system that is ideal for Usenet newsgroups, Fido echoes and
other types of discussion forums. The message system can
efficiently store and recall messages from thousands of message
areas making it ideal for major Usenet storage sites. The
maximum number of messages and message areas is limited only by
available disk space. Message text compression is performed
automatically to reduce disk space requirements.
Messages are organized in a hierarchical (tree-structured)
fashion. The top level can have categories such as Usenet and
Fido. Within the Usenet group there might be subcategories such
as "alt" and "comp". Within usenet.alt you would find
additional subsub- categories, etc. Users can explore the
areas by moving up and down through the hierarchical levels or
by browsing the full set of forums as an alphabetical list. By
using sophisticated indexing techniques, TSX-BBS is able to
provide virtually instantaneous access to any message area.
Users can locate message areas by doing searches for words in
the area name. Users also can search for messages containing
specified words and expressions in the body of the message.
Within an area, messages are sorted by their creation date
(rather than the date they were received by the board).
Messages on the same topic are grouped into "threads" making it
easy to follow an exchange of messages. TSX-BBS keeps track of
the last message read in each area so that users can easily
read new messages in forums with many messages. Reading
messages in one area does not affect the last-message-read
pointer for other areas.
The sysop can also create "anonymous forums". Messages posted
on anonymous forums do not identify the sender but rather show
a system generated name such as "Anon-8721457". Other users
can respond to anonymous messages using private e-mail and the
replies hide the identity of the person making the reply in the
same fashion. Thus users can exchange anonymous messages before
deciding to reveal their actual names.
A "privilege expression" (see "System Security") can be
associated with each area to control which users can access the
area. This makes it easy to set up adult discussion forums and
to create private forums for groups that are using the board as
a message exchange system. Forum access restrictions are
especially useful for Usenet which has a number of newsgroups
which are not suitable for general distribution.
A QWK facility is built into TSX-BBS to provide efficient
downloading of messages for off-line readers.
A touch of a key invokes the TSX-BBS full-screen message editor
to compose a new message or a reply. When writing a reply, the
original message is shown in a split screen window and original
text can be quickly cut and pasted into the reply.
There are "tosser" programs available to process incoming Fido
and Usenet messages. At the option of the sysop, new message
areas (categories) can be created automatically by the tosser
when messages arrive for areas that did not previously exist.
The sysop can block all automatic area creation or can enable
it only for subcategories of selected areas.
Fido and Usenet messages can be received via Satellite
transmission and posted to forums in real-time while the system
is running and users are browsing forums. Fido messages can
also be received by FrontDoor dial-up type arrangements. NNTP
(Network News Transport Protocol) is supported for receiving
and posting Usenet messages through direct Internet connections.
Direct Internet Access
In addition to Internet mail (SMTP) and Usenet newsgroups,
TSX-BBS offers direct, interactive access to the Internet using
FTP and Telnet. The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) program allows
you to browse through files on other computers connected to the
Internet. Once you have found a file of interest, FTP
transfers the file to a personal workspace directory on the
TSX-BBS system. You can then use X/Y/Z-Modem to download the
file from the TSX-BBS work area to the local computer.
A unique batch FTP facility is available in addition to direct,
on-line FTP access. With the batch FTP facility, users browse
through lists of files for FTP archives and tag those files
that they want. They then submit a batch FTP request that
connects to the selected site(s) and transfers the files to the
user's workspace. The user does not have to be connected to the
BBS while the batch operation is taking place; they can log in
later and download the files. They can even submit requests to
run at specified times. Browsing this way is much faster than
direct Internet connections because the index files are stored
on the BBS computer. Users can also perform wildcard file
searches through the lists of files and tag entries that are
found by the search.
Telnet is a terminal emulator program that you can use to log
onto another computer connected to Internet. With Telnet you
can be an interactive user on computers around the world.
FTP and Telnet run as "native" programs on the same computer
that is running TSX-BBS. There is no need to buy a separate,
dedicated Internet server computer. You can provide your users
with full Internet access and do it all with a single computer
system.
TSX-BBS allows Internet connections through both high-speed
Ethernet connections and dial-up SLIP connections. TSX-BBS can
be configured to dial an Internet provider automatically.
Incoming Telnet and FTP Access
Users around the world can also access your BBS through Telnet.
They run Telnet on their remote computers and specify your BBS
as the Internet host address. They can then log on and access
your BBS just as dial-in users do.
If you wish, you can set up file areas that are accessible via
FTP through the Internet. This allows users to download
information and files that you wish to make available -- you
become an Internet archive site. TSX includes a comprehensive
file access control system so you can designate which
directories and files are accessible to users. You can
authorize an "anonymous" FTP account with very restricted
access and authorize other accounts (with passwords) that have
more general access. You can also designate directories into
which users can deposit incoming files via FTP.
Incoming SLIP Connections
If you have an Internet connection, you can resell Internet
connections to your users. Your users can call your BBS, log
on, and then shift their connection from ASCII to SLIP (Serial
Line Interconnect Protocol). They are then connected o the
Internet through your BBS and they can run programs such as
Mosaic, Netscape, FTP, and Telnet on their local computers to
access sites on the Internet. You can limit which users are
authorized for SLIP access and the BBS daily time limits apply
to SLIP connections.
World Wide Web
There are both server and client programs for TSX-BBS to
provide World Wide Web (WWW) services. You can design your own
"home page" and allow others around the world to access your
site to obtain information. Your BBS users can access WWW
using Mosaic or Netscape with direct SLIP connections. ASCII
mode callers can use the TSX-BBS Lynx or line-mode WWW browsers
that run as a component of TSX-BBS.
E-Mail
TSX-BBS has a full e-mail system that users can use to exchange
private messages. In addition to posting local messages to each
other, the TSX-BBS mail system supports Internet (SMTP) mail
and Fido Netmail messages. Users can defined synonymous names
for themselves. In this case a message arriving with any
matching syonymous name is delivered to the user. This is
especially useful for companies that wish to designate an
individual to receive messages addressed to "sales", "support",
"info", etc.
Each user has a private "file folder" to store messages they wish to
save. Users also have private address books where they can store
addresses. The address book can be used for e-mail (local, Internet,
and Fido addresses) as well as Telnet and FTP Internet site addresses.
On-line "Chat"
A popular multi-line BBS feature is real-time conferencing,
"Chat". Chat allows users to set up round-table conferences
where they can carry on multi-party discussions in real-time.
TSX-BBS chat allows the sysop to create permanent discussion
topics; users can create temporary chat areas that are deleted
automatically when the last user leaves the area. The chat
system features split screen mode which allows users to view
the ongoing conversation while composing their own
contributions.
Both public and private chat groups are support. An user can
join a public group. Private groups are created when one user
invites other users into a private conference. Only invited
users can join a private chat.
The sysop can set up "action verbs" such as "hug", "kiss",
"kick", etc. that users can use to indicate actions or feelings
toward other users.
System Security
TSX-BBS allows the sysop to set many privilege and limit values
for each user. Controls such as daily time limit, download
file limit, and use of individual system functions such as the
file library, E- mail, chat, QWK, etc. may be set for each
individual user. To simplify management, the sysop may also
define user "classes" which describe sets of limits and
privileges. A class can then be assigned to a user, changing
each of the users limits and privileges to those of the class.
The TSX-BBS user privilege system is simple but extremely
powerful. Each user is assigned a "security level" that ranges
from 0 to 65535. In addition, there are 80 sysop-defined
privilege flags that may be turned on or off. The meaning for
each privilege flag may be assigned by the sysop. The privilege
flags can be used in privi- lege expressions along with the
security level and other condi- tional tests such as the date,
time, day of the week, etc. TSX-BBS privilege expressions can
include multiple logical items with 'AND' and 'OR' logical
operators and parentheses for grouping. For example, the
following privilege expression is true for a user who has a
security level equal to or greater than 50 or has privilege
flag 1 enabled: "(PRIVLEV>=3D50||P1)". The following privilege
expression is true only on Saturday: "(DAYOFWEEK=3D=3D7)".
In addition to the security level and privilege flags, the
sysop can also assign a "group" number to users. This can be
used to set up private file and message areas accessible only
to members of the group. This is extremely useful for
commercial BBS operations that provide support areas for
various companies or organizations.
System Control
TSX-BBS comes with a "SYSOP" program that provides
comprehensive control over your system. With the "dashboard"
display you can monitor which lines are in use, what users are
on-line, and what activities are taking place. The sysop can
also "spy" on user sessions. Real-time statistics displayed
include the number of logons, new user authorizations, files
uploaded and downloaded, messages sent and received, door
programs executed, and overall system loading.
The sysop can examine and modify user authorization entries,
change privileges and examine usage statistics while the system
is running. Statistics kept for each user include the date of
the user's first and last logons, the total connect time, bytes
up- loaded and downloaded, and information about the current
day's usage. Log files can be enabled to record even more
detail including the date and time of each file upload and
download.
The sysop can examine and edit file descriptions and monitor
file download counts. A cut-and-paste clipboard makes it easy
to move files from one file area to another. All of this can be
done while the system is in full operation.
The SYSOP program can be run from the console and from dial-in
lines by properly authorized users.
TSX-BBS Is a Complete System
When you buy TSX-BBS you get a complete, integrated system.
TSX- BBS includes a world-class multi-user, multi-tasking
environment with built-in 32-bit memory management, preemptive
task scheduler, disk caching, DPMI, and background batch jobs.
The basic system includes the file librarian, mail, forums,
voting, QWK, and classi- fied ads, all without having to buy
third-party add-ons. Optional components are Chat, Fido and
Usenet support, the TPL programming language, networking, FTP,
Telnet, and NFS.
Hardware Requirements
TSX-BBS requires a 386, 486, or Pentium computer with a minimum
of 8MB of memory and 15MB of disk space available for the
system software. ISA, EISA, and MCA (PS/2) bus architectures
are supported. Supported disk controllers include IDE and the
fol- lowing SCSI models: Adaptec 1542, 1742, 2742, and 2842.
Adaptec compatible SCSI controllers such as those made by
Buslogic are also supported. CD ROM drives are supported
provided they are connected to a supported SCSI disk
controller. Network connections require the use of SMC
Ethernet controllers. Serial communication is supported
through "dumb" COM ports and multi-port adapters (550 buffered
UARTs are required for high-speed operation) and the following
"intelligent" serial multiplexers: Digiboard, Maxpeed, Arnet.
A Company Dedicated to Service
S&H Computer Systems has been in the business of developing multi-
user solutions since 1975. With over 20,000 satisfied customers
you can rest assured that we have the expertise and experience to
produce the finest quality systems software in the world.
We have a staff of knowledgeable support technicians who are
ready and able to help you install TSX-BBS and answer any
questions once you are up and running. Many of our customers
have told us that our software support is the finest hey have
ever used. And, unlike many other software companies, our top
developers maintain frequent contact with our customers,
listening to their ideas of how our products can be improved.
For assistance in ordering a demonstration or production
system, or for further technical information, contact the S&H
sales department.
A demonstration shareware version of TSX-Lite and TSX-BBS can
be downloaded from the S&H support BBS at 615-320-1820. These
files can be also be obtained using anonymous FTP from
sandh.com (they are in the TSXLITE directory).
S&H Computer Systems, Inc.
1027 17th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37212 USA
Voice: 615-327-3670
BBS: 615-320-1820
FAX: 615-321-5929
CompuServe: 71333,27
Internet: 71333.27@compuserve.com
The S&H logo, TSX-BBS, TSX-32, TSX-Net, TSX-Term, Edit-32,
MessageNet & Advanced MessageNet, are trademarks of S&H
Computer Systems, Inc. Other product names are trademarks of
their respective owners.
S&H Computer Systems, Inc. makes no contractual obligation
regarding this product, either expressed or implied, and
reserves the right to modify this product and add or remove
features.
Copyright (c) 1995 S&H Computer Systems, Inc., Nashville, TN,
USA ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
TSX-BBS Price List
Effective 1 March 1995 ($US)
Product Price (1)
TSX-BBS (2) Two-Line $300
Four-Line $450
Eight-Line $650
Sixteen-Line $950
Thirty Two-Line $1,550
Sixty Four-Line $2,050
Professional
(for each additional 32 lines) (3) $1,000
TSX-Term (4)
$185
TSX-BBS Add-Ons
Chat $100
TPL $100
FidoNet Mailer Interface (5) $75
Usenet News Satellite Interface (6) $150
Internet Connect (7) $1,000
Dial-in SLIP (8) $500
TSX-Net (9) $250
NFS Server (10) $500
Disk Shadowing (11) Local $1,150
Remote $7,500
TSX-BBS Evaluation (12) $120
Prices are subject to change without notice; Tennessee
residents must add applicable sales tax; All licenses are
subject to the terms and conditions of S&H's Software License
Agreement.
Notes
1. Includes: single cpu license, documentation, media, domestic
shipping, free access to S&H support BBS and an initial perio
of free telephone consultation and updates (licensee pays for
media, documentation and shipping). For TSX-BBS 2 through 16
line licenses, the period is 90 days; for 32 and more line
licenses, 1 year. Add-On products' support is determined by the
underlying TSX-BBS.
2. Includes: Systems Operator (9 sessions) and specified number
of concurrent BBS user lines (1 session each); X, Y & Z MODEM;
intelligent multiplexer drivers, dial out, call-back
verification, file librarian, mail, forums, voting, QWK, RIP
upport and classified ads.
3. Add to the Thirty Two-Line price in order to support more
lines in increments of 32.
4. Includes: license for use on all PCs connecting to the
licensed TSX-BBS system.
5. Tosser/Scanner interface for 3rd party FidoNet mailers such
as "Frontdoor" or "Intermail".
6. Satellite interface and tosser for Usenet News and FidoNet
feeds. Consult TSX Compatible Interfaces for supported
satellite services.
7. Includes: TSX-Net , Network Utilities (FTP, Batch FTP,
TELNET, LYNX & CERN Web browsers, SMTP, NNTP, Domain Name
Server), Phone-Net Dial-Out SLIP, and TPL . Requires supported
TSX-BBS.
8. Includes: multiple serial dial-in SLIP connections to the
Internet through TSX-BBS. Requires Internet Connect.
9. Includes: TCP/IP & SLIP, Berkeley Sockets, support for
networking interface cards (consult TSX-BBS Compatible
Interfaces).
10. Includes: NFS server software. Ethernet recommended.
Requires TSX-Net Peer-to-Peer TCP/IP.
11. Local: for one computer. Remote: for two networked TSX-BBS
systems. Require supported TSX-BBS, Network requires TSX-Net.
12. Thirty day evaluation of TSX-BBS in both multi-line and
multi-line/multi-node configurations. Includes free unlimited
telephone consultation for 30 days. Full credit for purchase
price when a TSX-BBS license is purchased within 90 days.
----------------------------------------------------------------
=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D
2.2 - HOST PROGRAMS FOR WINDOWS
=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D
[2.2.01] - FILEX
Filex software is available through Durand Communications.
Please see section - "[2.2.05] - MindWire" for further info
about Filex.
----------------------------------------------------------------
[2.2.02] - FREEMAIL
What is FreeMail?
------------------
FreeMail is an automatic e-mail and file exchange communication
system for Microsoft's Windows 3.1. FreeMail uses standard
telephone lines and modems, and can exchange any kind and size
of file with other FreeMail sites. FreeMail also can exchange
e-mail between other FreeMail sites.
A FreeMail parent can create unlimited, and free, child
diskettes, which can be given to anyone who has a PC running
Windows 3.1.
FreeMail is a communication program which does not allow any
interaction from users during connection time. This means that
reading and writing mail is done when FreeMail sites are not
connected together.
System requirements
-------------------
Personal computer using 386 or higher microprocessor.
MS-DOS operating system version 3.3 or later.
Microsoft Windows 3.1 or later.
Hard disk with at least 1.5 megs of free space.
A modem which recognizes standard AT (Hayes) command set.
One 3.5 inch 1.44 meg floppy disk drive.
Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device.
System limitations
------------------
E-mail messages written in FreeMail are limited in length to
about 30 typed pages. Files that FreeMail can send can be any
length and of any form (binary or text). Each FreeMail 'viewer'
can contain about 1,000 active sites. Each active site can
contain about 1,000 items of mail in each viewer (5,000 total)
The 'Other Sites' address book can contain about 3,000
sites. =09(Actual amounts depend on available memory.)
FreeMail 'Children' can not exchange files between other
Children. FreeMail Children can only exchange e-mail of 400
characters with other Children FreeMail Children can fully
communicate with ANY Parent (files and any length E-Mail).
Ordering Information
----------------------
The list price for a Parent copy of FreeMail, which can create
an unlimited number of Child copies, is currently (6/14/94)
$74.95 + $5.00 s/h. Visa and MC accepted.
FreeMail is available from distributors as well as direct from
Saroff Design. You can order directly from Saroff Design by
calling, faxing, mailing, or E-mailing your order.
Voice: (406) 542-3867
FAX: (406) 549-7457
Internet: SSaroff@aol.com
U.S. Mail:
Saroff Design,
1901 Missoula Ave.
Missoula, MT 59802
Child copies of FreeMail --which you can use to evaluate
FreeMail-- are fully functional but can not create their own
child copies. Child copies are available from any user of
FreeMail or directly from Saroff Design for only $9.95 (just
the shipping/production charge).
------------------------------------------------------------------
[2.2.03] - O-M-N-I Board
O-M-N-I Software Home Page:
http://www.cloudnet.com:80/~jcop/o-m-n-i.html
- Info For OMNI Board will be available in future versions of
the BBS FAQ.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[2.2.04] - Excalibur BBS
Excalibur Communications Inc.
4410 East 80th Place
Tulsa, OK 74136 USA
1-800-EXCAL-BBS (Sales)
(918) 491-0033 (Fax)
(918) 496-8113 (Support BBS)
(918) 496-7881 (Tech. Support)
FTP Server Client: 198.247.231.107
Excalibur BBS offers true Windows Multitasking Architecture
Version 1.0 being readied for wide Commercial Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Thursday, August 18, 1994 Tulsa, OK-
Excalibur Communications, Inc. announces The Next Generation of
Bulletin Board Software. Excalibur BBS version 1.0 is being
readied for wide commercial release. Incorporating innovative
capabilities in a BBS package, Excalibur is versatile enough to
satisfy both the home hobbyist and Fortune 500 company. With
convenience and abilities that rival the big three, America
On-line, CompuServe, and Prodigy, Excalibur offers convenience
and capability at a cost low enough to fit into the budget of
any operator. In the words of one Excalibur Sysop, ANSI,
RIPterm, and ROBOterm are going the way of DOS... out the
door. Excalibur=92s ease of use and fantastic graphics made me
switch after my first call.
Excalibur BBS is the first commercially available package to
run completely under the Microsoft Windows environment. Having
been designed for Windows 3.1, Windows for Workgroups 3.11, and
Windows NT, Excalibur offers the ability to multitask within
and outside the terminal program. Users can Upload and
Download files, Preview images on 3 levels of complexity,
conduct on-line conversations with other users and scan the
message base... all at the same time! Utilizing its own
graphical interface, users are presented with System Operator
(Sysop) designed menus and screens, incorporating complex
bitmapped graphics and TrueType fonts. No two Excalibur based
system are the same! In addition, proprietary Error Correction
and Data Compression offer reliability and convenience to all
users... even those without onboard hardware error-
correction. As for expandability, Excalibur is virtually
unlimited.
Through the use of DLL based doors called 'Plug Ins', Excalibur
will offer Sysops true Plug =91N Play abilities. Imagine Doors
that are both hassle free, and easy to use. Utilizing our
Application Programming Interface (API), Third Party Companies
are developing everything from Shopping Malls to Interactive
Games and Internet Doors... even Online Databases and
Newsletters for Businesses. Excalibur is not something to be
seen, it is something to be experienced. Call today to
experience what thousands of users worldwide are heralding as
"the next generation in BBS software": (918)496-8113, N81
Excalibur v1.0 Features:
-Windows 3.1, 3.11, and NT and future Win 4.0 Compatibility.
-Robust Database Engine, Holy Grail accessible to any program
utilizing DDE.
-Arthur Visual System Operator Program featuring Drag and Drop
File Management.
-Merlin The WYSIWYG Screen Editor (no artistic ability required!).
-High Speed Display of Binary Graphics, menus and icons.
-Bezier Curves for smooth graphics.
-Uses TrueType Font technology.
-Rotatable Text and Fonts.
-3 Levels of Image Previews: full-color, greyscale and thumbnail
views.
-Previews: Bitmap (BMP), GIF, and Targa (TIF) Graphics
-True Windows Multitasking, inside and out.
-High-speed file transfers.
-File Download autoresume.
-Simultaneous 2 Way Upload/Download Ability.
-Full Messaging and E-Mail Capabilities.
-Message Archiving and Offline Mail readers.
-Personal E-Mail Address Book.
-E-Mail File attachments built-in.
-Proprietary Error Correction in addition to existing hardware
correction.
-On-the-Fly Data Compression.
-Built-In CD-ROM File Library and Descriptions Loader.
-Multi-User Chat.
-Caller-ID Capable.
-On-Line Credit Card Processing Utilities Included.
-2400-28.8 V.FAST Modem Compatible
-Local Area Network Support.
-Fax, Usenet, Fidonet, ExNet, and Internet front-end/tosser
compatible*
-True "Plug =91n Play" addition of Doors via .dll Links.
-Free example .dll Plug-In doors and games, complete with
Source Code and SDK.
-Capable of running up to 8 Modems via a single CPU utilizing
a multi-port board.
-Windows NT Remote Access Service WAN Capable.
-32Bit Windows 4.0 and fully Internet Compatible versions
planned.
*Coming via third parties in Fall of 1994
(one 3rd party developer is testing WWW browser already)
Minimum Requirements:
=B7386DX or above.
=B7Windows 3.1 or above.
=B74 Megabytes RAM
=B7Requires 6 Megabytes HD Space
=B72400 Baud (or above) Modem, Internal or External
----------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------
Claire Walters ** E-MAIL: Clairew@pluto.njcc.com
D.B.A WindsorWare ** Author/Editor-The Official BBS FAQ
FTP SITE: FTP.NJCC.COM ** http://pluto.njcc.com/~clairew/
--------------------------------------------------------------
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Path: news1.ucsd.edu!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!dog.ee.lbl.gov!overload.lbl.gov!lll-winken.llnl.gov!hookup!usenet.eel.ufl.edu!news.mathworks.com!uunet!in1.uu.net!spcuna!earth.njcc.com!pluto.njcc.com!clairew
From: Claire Walters <clairew@pluto.njcc.com>
Newsgroups: alt.bbs,alt.bbs.allsysop,alt.allsysop,comp.bbs.misc
Subject: BBS FAQ Part 2/6
Date: Thu, 13 Jul 1995 17:20:53 -0400
Organization: New Jersey Computer Connection, Lawrenceville, NJ
Lines: 1898
Message-ID: <Pine.BSI.3.91.950713171948.11439D-100000@pluto.njcc.com>
NNTP-Posting-Host: pluto.njcc.com
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Xref: news1.ucsd.edu alt.bbs:33496 alt.bbs.allsysop:10860 alt.allsysop:13 comp.bbs.misc:19983
From: clairew@pluto.njcc.com (Claire Walters)
Newsgroups: alt.bbs, alt.bbs.sysop, comp.bbs.misc, comp.answers, news.answers
Subject: BBS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), Part 2/6
Followup-To: poster
Reply-To: clairew@pluto.njcc.com (Claire Walters)
Summary: This posting contains Frequently Asked Questions (and
their answers) including information to help those wanting to
setup an Online Service/BBS.
Archive-name: ftp.njcc.com
pub/bbsfaq/bbsfaq03.002
Last-modified: 02/23/95
Version: v3.0
URL: http://pluto.njcc.com/~clairew/
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[2.2.05] - MindWire
MindWire for Windows - version 1.0
Online Windows Platform for Client/Server Applications
INTRODUCTION
MindWire is a Windows based communications platform for
client/server applications operating over a modem, network, and
the Internet. MindWire allows you to establish a powerful,
user-friendly, online service that can be completely customized
to fit your individual needs. While MindWire contains all of
the traditional features of an online service, such as E-Mail,
File Library, Chat, and Messaging, MindWire also provides a
robust development architecture for third party client/server
applications. The evolution of DCN's entire product development
path has culminated in MindWire. MindWire is the ultimate
multimedia communications platform of the future.
DEVELOPMENT ARCHITECTURE
MindWire was designed from the ground up to leverage
Microsoft's strategies with respect to desktop (Windows 95),
server (Windows NT), multimedia and database computing.
MindWire follows open standards and architecture for database
access and multimedia design. MindWire supports the following
Microsoft standards:
+ OLE Automation
+ ODBC for database connectivity
+ RAS for SLIP and PPP dialup to an NT Server with RAS Server
+ Microsoft Access for simple database functionality
Client-side Developers Guide- FREE!
The Client release of the MindWire developers Guide may be
downloaded from DCN's MindWire Network. The guide covers the
client-side implementation of MindWire Applications. It is
intended for use by developers using Microsoft Visual Basic,
Visual C++, or any other Windows Development Tool to write
custom front-ends for existing MindWire Foundation Services
(E-Mail, File Library, Chat, Message Forums, Account, Security,
and various other utility functions).
To implement new server-side services, you will need to obtain
the MindWire Developers Kit, Server Implementation. The Server
Developers Kit is scheduled to be released Summer '95. DCN
strongly supports third party developers and offers a dedicated
Developers Message forum on the MindWire Network for your
comments and questions. Become a MindWire Developer today, and
discover the most dynamic communications platform ever to be
developed!
Complete Database Solution- coming soon!
MindWire provides both simple and sophisticated database
solutions. With QuickBASE, scheduled for release this summer,
you can put any ODBC-compliant database online with images and
complete searching capabilities including Microsoft Access,
dBase, Oracle7, and Microsoft SQL Server.
CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS
MindWire client side applications communicate to the MindWire
Server through the MindWire Connector. Connection methods
supported include Network and Modem, and protocols supported
include FILEX (modem dialup to a MindWire Server) and TCP/IP
(Network/Internet access to a MindWire Server).
Modem Access
The FILEX Server, running on Windows 3.1, 3.11 or NT, may be
used to answer modem dialup phone calls to the MindWire Server.
Clients must configure their Connector for the FILEX protocol.
Network Access
MindWire can operate over any network which utilizes the TCP/IP
networking protocol.
Internet Access
The MindWire Client and Server software communicate via TCP/IP,
thus users can access the MindWire Server through the
Internet. In this situation, MindWire Clients and Servers must
have either a direct dedicated lease line connection to the
Internet or have a PPP or SLIP account to a local area Internet
provider.
CLIENT FEATURES
E-Mail
MindWire E-Mail is a comprehensive electronic mail service.
Its advanced features include spell checking, file attachments,
address searching, and a mail reader. Users may attach an
image, sound file, text document or any other kind of file to
any letter. Address Searching allows users to look up member
names in an intuitive way. MindWire E-Mail allows users to view
their mail and save copies of sent and received messages in
folders for easy future reference.
Messaging
MindWire Messaging is a powerful and essential tool for any
organization. This service can be used to organize message
topics and allows users on a network or remote connection the
ability to respond to posted messages by simply clicking the
respond button. Responses can then be read by other users.
Similar to E-Mail, all messages posted within Messaging can be
spell checked before posting. Text files may also be imported.
The message scanner allows users to quickly view selected
message topics. This feature may be completely customized by
the user to match personal preference and makes monitoring of
online discussions much easier.
File Library
The File Library offers either network or remote users the
ability to view, tag and download files from the MindWire
Server. File Library is designed for remote users who need a
more friendly file service with long name capabilities and the
ability to download multiple files from multiple folders
simultaneously.
Account Maintenance
The Account Maintenance module allows users to quickly update
their personal information online which is stored in the
MindWire account database. This module is very similar to the
logon sequence for new users.
Chat
MindWire Chat is a real-time forum for users to simultaneously
communicate to one another. Users can select from multiple
forums created by the Administrator or invite another online
user for a private chat. Using QuickTalk, users can predefine
messages and quickly send them to another online user with the
function keys.
Product Ordering
The Product Ordering client application allows users to select
products they wish to order and complete a purchase order
with product totals, billing and shipping information.
Who's Online
MindWire includes a special utility called Who's Online that
allows users to see who is currently online. The application
also allows users to send notes to other online users, search
to find a user's account name, and view user's profiles and
photos.
Menu Tree
MindWire Menu Tree is a utility which allows users to easily
view and access the entire WIP menu tree that is present on the
MindWire Server. Users can easily navigate the WIP menu tree
by clicking on a tree node.
Outline Viewer
The Outline Viewer is a simple application that allows users to
view an expandable and collapsible outline tree of your
configuring.
MindWire Print
The MindWire Print utility is a simple application that allows
users to print simple text files directly from WIP Menus.
SERVER FEATURES
MindWire Administrator
The MindWire Administrator is the back-end utility used to
manage the MindWire online environment. With the
Administrator, one can change the file library, messaging,
security, and accounting information as well as monitor the
online services available to the users. The Administrator has
the built in ability to repair and compact database files, add,
delete, and modify chat rooms, build graphs of MindWire system
statistics, and much more.
File Library Administrator
The File Library service offers complete Administrator
configurability and folder security for every folder and every
user. The Folder tree allows the Administrator to view the
current structure of the File Folders which will be displayed
to the MindWire clients. The Administrator may also view three
folders, Unapproved Folder, Approved Folder, and Wastebasket
Folder, which are unique and cannot be viewed through the File
Library client software. File Library also allows for the
importing of files and their descriptions via CD-ROM.
Messaging Administrator
The Messaging Administrator allows the MindWire system
administrator to configure the message folders and security
which will be available to users of the MindWire Messaging
application. Features of the Messaging Administrator include:
Create Folders, Rename and Delete Folders, Change Folder Keys,
Delete and Move Messages, Delete and Respond to Messages.
Similar to File Library, MindWire allows security for message
folders by creating and assigning keys to folders.
Security
MindWire implements security through the assignment of keys.
Each application has features which can limit the access to
end-users depending on their assigned privileges. Keys can
easily be added, modified, or deleted by the Administrator.
MindWire Administrator allows key and account assignments for
groups of users, or for all system users with the Global
Assignment function. Furthermore, MindWire allows the
Administrator to assign prices to applications that require
keys. Whenever that key is used, the corresponding number of
credits are deducted from the user's total credits.
Audit Trail
The MindWire audit trail is the record of all user transactions
on the MindWire Server. The server writes audit trail entries
for most client requests including logging on, logging off,
sending WIP screens, downloading files, posting messages,
sending mail, etc. Using the Audit Trail Viewer you can change
the way the records are sorted in the Audit Trail windows,
filter the entire audit trail for a particular user, date or
action, and print the entire audit trail.
WIP Compatibility
MindWire is the only platform that offers WIP (Windows
Interface Protocol) for the creation of beautiful color Windows
menus with images, buttons and much more. Not other Windows
online platform gives you the powerful customizability of WIP.
Client Application Manager
The Client Application Manager (CAM) is MindWire's utility for
launching and updating applications. When users click an
application button on a WIP men, MindWire checks the CAM
database to see if any of the client application files need to
be updated, updates them if necessary, then launches the
application. By centering all menuing activity related to
launching applications in CAM, users will always be assured of
having the most up-to-date application files.
Client Utility Applications
User access to basic MindWire Services can be streamlined by
taking advantage of command line parameters when you implement
client application start-ups in your WIP menus. The Menu Tree,
Outline, and other Client Utility Applications can be easily
updated by configuring a simple text file and logging it with
CAM.
MASTER FEATURE LIST
General Architecture Features
+ Both the Client and the Server are native Windows applications
+ MindWire utilizes both a terminal/host "emulation"
architecture for graphical Windows menus and a Client/Server
architecture for database access and application design.
+ MindWire uses MS Access databases and ODBC for database access on the server
+ Complete Network security Built-In
MindWire Connector Features
+ Auto-dial
+ Configurable dialing directory
+ Configurable connection preferences
+ Built-in WIP menu viewing capabilities
+ Built-in image viewing and sound capabilities (MediaViewer)
+ Built-in automatic software updating and installation (CAM)
+ Compatible with Microsoft RAS (Remote Access Services) with
Windows for Workgroups
+ TCP/IP Built-in for network and Internet compatibility
+ FILEX modem protocol compatible for easy hassle free modem dialup
MindWire Client Applications Features
+ Electronic Mail
Sound Support
Image viewing support
File Attachments
Long messages
Easy tabs for new, opened and sent mail
Built-in spell checker
Cut, Copy, Paste features
Reply and Forward Email messages
Address book with Find Member features
+ File Library
Unlimited File Folders
Key security for every folder
Configurable upload directories
Auto-approve or manual file approval
Upload, download multiple files simultaneously
Auto-view images or any associated file
Auto-disconnect after download
Auto-view ZIP file contents
File statistics with key words
File search capabilities
Long folder names
Short and long file descriptions
Command line support
+ Message Forums
Unlimited Message folders
Key security for every folder
Compose message editor with cut, copy, paste, import and spell checker
Read message support with message or Email reply
Messages statistics
Message sorting
Message filtering
Scanner provides configurable message viewing preferences
Message Log maintains record of your activity in messaging
+ Chat
Multiple Chat rooms
Configurable colors
Configurable QuickTalk preferences
Chat record session
Private and public messages
Invite user
Member profiles with automatic images
Automatic easy-to-read word wrapping
+ Menu Tree
Configurable menu tree editor and viewer
+ Outline
Configurable outline utility
+ Product Ordering
Configurable product ordering module
Billing, shipping and payment method definable
Definable Email reply to Purchase Orders
Complete PO generation
+ Command Line Capabilities
Email, File Library, Chat and Message all accept command lines
MindWire Administrator Features
+ Configurable File Library
+ Configurable Message Bases
+ Configurable Chat rooms
+ Member Mailing Label support for several different mailing
label types
+ Member management and viewing as well as default status
+ Audit trail viewer with sort, print, view, filter and search
capabilities
+ Audit trail report utility
+ Configurable pricing (through Credits)
+ Define default credits, time online and account status and security
+ Configurable Key security for every user or group of users
+ Key chains for member 'grouping'
+ Graphics and statistical analysis of activity
MindWire Server Features
+ Compatible with Windows 3.1, 3.11, NT, NT Workstation, NT Server
+ User Connection status windows
+ Global and Private messaging
+ Compatible with FILEX Server (up to 8 modems) or/and RAS
Server on Windows NT Server (up to 256 modems per PC)
+ Protocol 'Bender' Built-in for conversion of Netbui to TCP
+ CAM (Client Application Manager Built-in)
+ Automatic installation, updating and launching of client
applications
FILEX Server Features
+ Autosense Terminal, FILEX, MindWire or FAX
+ Up to 8 FILEX Servers on a single PC
+ Audit Trail for FILEX Access
+ User security for remote hard drive access
Dynamic and Customizable Windows Menus (WIP)
+ Images, text, buttons, icons, note fields, text windows,
progress bars.
+ 24-bit color
+ Automatic updating of menu resources
+ Mouse fields with bitmaps
+ Easy-to-use drawing utility
Developers Features
+ Both Client and Server are programmable via OLE
+ Access high level functionality in both the Connector and
Server such as:
- Automatic updating of files and application components
- Image and sound support
- Internet/network/modem/ISDN access
- Over 200 API's for existing server functionality
- MS Access database access
- Uses ODBC for plug and play database connectivity
+ The developers guide is FREE
+ Single Line MindWire Host (Server plus Administrator) is FREE
(No Strings Attached)
+ Distribution of Client Software is FREE
+ All Windows
+ All Client/Server
+ 100% Customizable with WIP (Images, Sound, Text, Icons etc.)
+ Automatic Software Updating with CAM (Client Application Manager)
+ Modem, Internet and Network Aware out of the Box
+ 8 User License
+ Client Software is FREE
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Client Side
Hardware
+ 386DX or Faster
+ 8MB RAM
+ 9600 Baud Modem or Faster
+ 8MB Free Hard Disk Space
+ VGA Compatible Monitor
Software
+ MS-DOS 3.3 or Higher
+ Windows 3.1, 3.11 or NT
Server Side
Hardware
+ 486DX
+ 16MB RAM
+ 14,400 Baud Modem or Faster
+ 15MB Free Hard Disk Space
+ VGA Compatible Monitor
+ Serial Expansion Card (for 4 or more modem lines) Software +
MS-DOS 3.3 or Higher
+ Windows 3.1, 3.11 or NT
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MindWire Client Software (free distribution)
+ File Library Client
+ Electronic Mail Client
+ Messaging Client
+ Chat Client
+ Logon/Sign-up Client
+ Account Manager Client
+ Product order Entry Client
+ MindWire Connector
+ Client Side Developers Guide
MindWire Server Software (includes an 8-User License)
+ MindWire Server
+ MindWire Administrator
ACCESSORIES
Window Shopper- FREE
Allows your clients to shop for products as if they were in the
store.
Classified Ads- FREE
Advertisements can be posted with photographs for your users to
respond to.
News Flash- FREE
Tell your users about the latest news and information.
Additional 8-User License
To expand your network or Internet connectivity option, DCN
offers an 8-User License Option.
DC Interface Builder (WIP)
DC Interface Builder (WIP) is an easy to use drawing program
which utilizes DCN's truly dynamic Windows Interface Protocol
(WIP). WIP menus can have images, text files, sound files,
Windows icons, scroll bars, buttons and more. WIP provides a
way to customize the look and feel of any MindWire Server.
DC Compress
DC Compress is a universal image compression and viewing
utility. DC Compress allows you to compress images with JPEG
and CMP while controlling the compression ratio, image size and
orientation. Grayscale support is also included. Images can
be converted to and from the following formats: CMP, JPG, BMP,
TGA, and TIF.
FILEX
FILEX is an easy click and drag remote file manager for your
MindWire Server. FILEX includes easy to use management
utilities, file viewers, file conversion, compression
utilities, terminal and faxing capabilities.
Coming soon from DCN...
+ QuickCAM- Update your client applications with only pieces of
the application
+ CatalogsPlus- Online product catalog with order entry
+ QuickBASE- Allow users to search and view images online with
MS Access tables.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Competitive Upgrade Offer
If you own a competitive product and can prove it, your first
purchase of MindWire and ANY accessories will be discounted up
to 40%! Contact the DCN Sales Dept. for more information.
VAR's and Reseller's Welcome
If you are interested in reselling MindWire or becoming a Value
Added Reseller (VAR), we have a comprehensive VAR program
available now. We are looking for a few good VAR's and we offer
a whole suite of additional services to assist you in your
venture reselling DCN products.
Technical Support
All registered customers are provided with 90 days of top
quality support in the operation and customization of our
applications through voice, fax, and our MindWire Server. For
details on more extensive options, please contact the DCN
Technical Support Department at 805-961-8700.
Contacting DCN
DCN prides itself on excellent customer service and superior
online products and services. For more information on the
MindWire suite of products, please contact the DCN Sales
Department.
USA and Canada 805-961-8700
International 707-887-3400
We encourage you to call today and download the MindWire client
software.
MindWire Demo 805-961-8702
mindwire.durand.com
Internet http://www.durand.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2.2.06] - Windows NT Server
Info about the Windows NT Server can be accessed via WWW at:
http://www.microsoft.com/
Anyone who wishes to provide info for this section please send
e-mail to: ClaireW@pluto.njcc.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------
[2.2.07] - FirstClass Server for Windows
SoftArc Announces Windows Version of Leading Workgroup
Communication Server
FirstClass Server for Microsoft Windows to Offer Same E-Mail,
Conferencing, Database and Remote Access Functions as
Best-Selling Macintosh Product
MARKHAM, Ontario - SoftArc Inc., a leading developer and
manufacturer of enterprise-wide, cross-platform group
communication software, today announced a version of its
popular FirstClass enterprise communications server for
Microsoft Windows. In conjunction with SoftArc's FirstClass
client software - already available for Windows, Macintosh and
terminal emulation environments - the new FirstClass Windows
server will offer sites with PC servers the full power of
FirstClass (previously Macintosh server-based).
SoftArc's president, Steven Asbury, acknowledged the influence
of strong customer demand in the company's decision to release
a Windows server version. "The installed base of FirstClass
users has grown rapidly since the product's release three years
ago - in fact doubling to over 2,000,000 user licenses in the
last year. While this currently makes FirstClass the
best-selling group communication software package, we believe
there is an even greater pent up demand based on the number of
customers requesting a Windows version of our plug-and-play
FirstClass server. This new product will allow us to satisfy
that demand."
The FirstClass Windows server will require a 386 or better CPU
running at least Windows 3.1, and will recognize popular PC
serial expansion hardware for support of multiple modems. When
running under Windows NT, the FirstClass server will offer
higher performance and support for additional simultaneous
users. FirstClass servers optimized for Windows NT and Windows
95 will be made available following this initial product
release.
Users of existing FirstClass client software will be able to
transparently connect to either the new Windows server or
existing Macintosh servers. The Windows server will seamlessly
integrate with existing FirstClass servers by network, WAN or
modem connection for e-mail exchange and discussion database
replication. As with the Macintosh product, the new FirstClass
server will accommodate modem and multiprotocol network
connections (IPX, NetBIOS, TCP/IP and AppleTalk) as well as
take advantage of asynchronous disk I/O and other advanced file
system features supported by Windows.
While the FirstClass Windows server will work with existing
FirstClass gateways, third party developers are working on
Windows versions of their shipping FirstClass products. TGF
Technologies of Burlington, Vermont, Delphic Software of
Redlands, California and World Connect of Toronto all plan to
release Windows versions of their FirstClass gateways and
extensions.
The FirstClass Windows server is now in beta testing and is
scheduled for volume shipment in the second quarter of 1995.
The price will be the same as SoftArc's current server for
Macintosh, available for $690 with licensing for 10 users.
Additional platform and protocol options and user licenses will
be sold separately.
FirstClass is the leading cross-platform, enterprise-wide group
communication system, with 2.5 million user licenses sold
worldwide. FirstClass integrates state-of-the-art e-mail with
group conferencing, access to existing corporate databases,
forms processing, real-time discussions and on-line
communications functions. FirstClass offers the same ease of
use, functionality and robust performance over network or
modem, and operates in Macintosh, Windows, DOS, OS/2 and
terminal emulation environments. The product is available in
12 languages and is used by businesses, educational
institutions, governments and private individuals in more than
30 countries. SoftArc is headquartered in Markham, Ontario,
Canada.
___________________________________________________
SoftArc Inc.
Global Area Communications
100 Allstate Parkway, Markham, Ontario, CANADA, L3R 6H3
1902 Ridge Road, #325, West Seneca, New York, USA, 14224
Tel: 905-415-7000 Fax: 905-415-7151 FirstClass: 905-415-7070
Internet: sales@softarc.com
FirstClass is a registered trademark of SoftArc Inc. All other
trade names referenced are the service marks, trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective companies.
**********************************************************************
CHAPTER 3 - SHAREWARE/FREEWARE BBS SOFTWARE
**********************************************************************
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
3.01 - DOS BBS SOFTWARE (SHAREWARE/FREEWARE)
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
[3.1.01] - Charisma BBS
Info needed for Charisma BBS.
----------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.02] - DLX BBS
INTRODUCTION
-------------
DLX has been sold commercially for years, it is now available
as freeware/public domain program.
DLX runs on MS-DOS and supports up to 32 telephone lines at
once on a single computer. It is a social BBS. On a social
BBS, the main activity (in addition to file uploading and
downloading), is interacting with other callers by chatting or
exchanging email. DLX supports two kinds of email, public and
private, and two kinds of chatting, one-on-one chatting and
Open Forum (group chat), plus questionaires and a matchmaker.
Where Can I download DLX?
--------------------------
DLX is available for anonymous FTP from:
nexus.nectec.or.th /pub/mirrors/msdos/bbs/dlx70bbs.zip
nic.switch.ch /mirror/msdos/bbs/dlx70bbs.zip
oak.oakland.edu /pub/msdos/bbs/dlx70bbs.zip
plaza.aarnet.edu.au /micros/pc/oak/bbs/dlx70bbs.zip
swdsrv.edvz.univie.ac.at /pc/dos/bbs/dlx70bbs.zip
terra.stack.urc.tue.nl /pub/simtel/bbs/dlx70bbs.zip
If you prefer to download it over a telephone line, you can get it
from the DLX Support BBS at (206) 525-0995.
A note from the author of DLX:
-------------------------------
The complete source code for DLX in the zip file. DLX is
written in Microsoft Pascal and MASM. Nothing would please me
more than to have some kid in his bedroom write the next great
social BBS. You are free to use this source code for any
purpose. You may modify it and make your own BBS program, and
even copyright and sell your modified version.
Happy BBSing!
Contacing the author of DLX:
------------------------------
Richard Gillmann, Programmer
Inner Loop Software
rag@connected.com
----------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.03] - EISBBS
INTRODUCTION
-------------
EIS is a complete remote information manager. A remote
information manager is a program that allows people who own
modems to call your modem and download information, send,
receive, and reply to E-Mail. Operate programs that run on your
computer from theirs, view catalogs, place orders, talk to the
system operator (ie: You), and more.
While EIS offers all these services to the people who call your
modem, you have complete control over who has access to what
parts of your system. You can control access to specific
message bases, menus, commands, file directories, and even
individual files. If you wish, you can configure the system so
only the people that you have already assigned passwords to
will be able to access the system at all.
Where Can I download EIS?
---------------------------
EIS is currently available on America Online as EISBBS.ZIP.
Who is the Author?
------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.04] - EXECUTIVE HOST FOR TELIX
- Info for Executive Host for Telix will be available in
future versions of the BBS FAQ.
---------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.05] - FALKEN BBS
FEATURES:
----------
To learn more about Falken BBS you can obtain the Falken FAQ
from:
From: Bill Bell <pp001529@interramp.com>
Newsgroups: comp.bbs.misc,alt.bbs
Subject: Falken BBS FAQ
Compiled by:
William Bell
Winter Paradise BBS
Fidonet: 1:2613/444
Internet: pp001529@interramp.com
ORDERING INFO:
---------------
For Checks/mo in US Funds:
Info*Share Inc.
P.O Box 1501
Woodbridge, VA 22193
Voice: 703-749-2889
Accepting MasterCard, VISA and Discover. Ordes Mailed 2nd Day
Mail.
PRICE LIST
------------
Falken 6.69B 2 liner $99
Falken 6.69B 4 liner $199
Falken 6.69B 8 liner $299
Falken 6.69B 16 liner $399
Falken 6.69B 32 liner $499
Falken 7.0 upgrade $70
Maintenance Renewal 1yr $60
Remote Console Door $50
Match Maker Door $35
FFAT Door $60
Scavenger Hunt $35
GDB Door $30
Info*Share, Inc. is the developer and can be reached via their
BBS at 703-749-2889.
WHERE CAN I DOWNLOAD FALKEN BBS?
---------------------------------
Falken BBS can be ftp'd from the SimTel archives at
oak.oakland.edu in the SimTel/msdos/falken subdirectory:
- fal669b1.zip Part 1 of 2
- fal669b2.zip Part 2 of 2
FALKEN DOORS:
-------------
1. CHESS
This is the traditional multi-player Chess game. It allows many
of the chess features found in tournament Chess.
Features:
- RIPscript, ANSI or ASCII play
- Play users across on other BBS's thru F-NET
- Falken "stealth user" support
- Two player interactive online playing
- Move-and-wait offline playing
- Logon door to alert users of pending moves
- Sysop can delete games online
- Allows chatting during play
- Castling/and en-passant
- Scores are maintained
- Multi-player "share.exe" support
- News file support
2. BACKGAMMON
This is the traditional multi-player Backgammon game.
Features:
- ANSI play
- Falken "stealth user" support
- Two player interactive online playing
- Move-and-wait offline playing
- Logon door to alert users of pending moves
- Sysop can delete games online
- Allows chatting during play
- Doubling cube is provided
- Winners get BackGammon, Gammon, or single win
- Scores are maintained
- Multi-player "share.exe" support
- News file support
3. CHAT
This is a two user character-by-character chat door.
Features:
Word Wrap
- Any ASCII/ANSI combination of users
- Falken "stealth user" support
- Turn off pages/sends
4. BULLETIN REPLACEMENT
This is a bulletin.exe replacement. It allows RIP/ANSI/ASCII
customized bulletin menus, continuous read, ability to abort
text per page (on the non must-read). Can run as a logon door
to force user into bulletins to read must-reads bulletins, and
to ask user if he wants to read updated bulletins. Fixed a bug
from the original bulletin!
5. FALFILE V3.+
This is a Falken Directory automator. If you have a directory
that you want to make a DLOADADD file for, just run Falfile on
this directory and it creates a DLOADADD readable text file.
It automates filename text entry. Now, it will also optionally
read in FILES.BBS and convert to DLOADADD format. This is handy
for CD ROMs and for those converting from Opus BBS. Includes a
Top Ten downloads list maker, and a New Files Since Date maker.
6. CREDIT CARD DOOR
If you sell merchandise (products, shareware doors, or
subscriptions to your BBS) via MasterCard or VISA, this is a
very useful door. It features 3 doors in one, and support for
logon doors and user activated doors for those already online.
Features:
- It can remind users that they need to subscribe.
- Entries are places in account number log file.
- The whole door is customized with a simple text files.
- CEO support for checking/editing orders while online.
- Registered option download password support.
- Search via begin/end dates.
- Optionally save reports to output file.
- Multi-player "share.exe" support.
7. SHOWTEXT REPLACEMENT
This door is a showtext.exe replacement. It figures out if the
user is ANSI or not and displays an RIP, ANSI or ASCII file.
Has the ability to display a filename based on the line number
of the caller. Another option is the ability to logoff a user
on specific lines after displaying a text file for certain
levels. Sometimes non-paying members need to be limited to
certain lines. Recently updated to support special "@"
commands for internal user/account/system information (ie.
@address to display the user's address).
8. WWiV DOOR LOADER
This door allows you to run WWiV (chain.txt) doors in Falken.
The 3rd party doors must use the FOSSIL, support multiple users
and have an option to disable screen writes. Documentation
shows some sample WWiV doors. Currently supported on Falken
v6.43 and up.
9. DOOR.SYS DOOR LOADER
This door allows you to run games written specifically for
DOOR.SYS under Falken. Pascal programmers can now write doors
for Falken. Supported under Falken 6.43 and up. Recently
updated for locked ports, and no write to display option in
DOOR.SYS.
10. DIALOUT DOOR
This is a multi-purpose door. It allows sysops and users to
dial-out to other boards or for linking another BBS to Falken
with a NULL modem cable. New in version 2.0, added DialHOST
and DialMENU which seamlessly transfers DOOR.SYS and CHAIN.TXT
files thru the NULL modem cable using XMODEM CRC, the user then
is brought to a menu which selects doors. DialMENU uses the
FOSSIL and is compatible with SIO and X00. In console mode the
sysop may link Western TLCF, Falken TLCF, download XMODEM,
YMODEM, ZMODEM and upload ZMODEM, XMODEM and much more. This is
menu based and even checks for BUSY signals. Recently updated
for Falken V6.65.
11. BIRTHDAY DOOR
This door automatically generates a monthly birthday text file
which can be viewed at logon or in a menu. This door also
notifies who's birthday is today and congratulates them. This
door also acts as a Backgammon and Chess move logon checker,
and can operate in stealth (hidden) mode.
12. WESTERN TELECONFERENCE
Replaces or adds another Falken Tlcf. A developers kit is
available to program doors for Western. Scavenger hunt and
High-Low Game are included as Western doors. Allows actions to
be customized, RIPscript, and features the best linking EVER!
Links support .netwho (see who is on the other systems),
.netpage to page users on other BBS's, network aware actions
and private whispers through the net and much more! A special
.kiss action has randomn 5 customized displays. The whole tlcf
is customized by editing configuration files. Scavenger hunt
room descriptions can now be customized as well. Make your
Falken BBS come alive with real daisy-chain linking with other
Falken boards (can even link on DELPHI and MajorBBS!). The
linking was recently updated to allow MULTI-CHANNEL links!
13. PUBLIC SCHOOL #13
A neat school where you can throw desks, hit students, throw
spitwads, and generally have fun! You need western tlcf main
module. This door has a cost saving license. You are allowed
to use PS #13 on multiple Western TLCFs on your one BBS for
free. PS #13 was recently upgraded to run as a Western Door
(freeing up memory).
14. CERTIFICATE AUTO-CREDITS
This program allows you to generate a 12 character certificate,
sell or give the certificate to customers and they enter the
number inside Falken to auto-upgrade their account. You set
the options that the program upgrades them with. This program
also includes a label printer/maker and 500 entry randomn
certificate generator for those without a printer.
15. 900 DOOR/AUTO CREDITS
This door is a logon door. You set what line is your 976 or 900
number, then when someone calls that number and logs on
successfully it automatically gives them a set number of
credits and hangs up on them. Has two new modes of
auto-crediting. The first is the option to give some credits to
all users once per day, and the seconds is the option to only
give credits to people who have zero credits.
16. ACCOUNT UTILITY (transfer credits)
This door on credit based systems allows users to transfer
credits to users online/ or offline. It will email users with a
note if they are offline. A minimum amount of credits is an
option to disallow free credits transfer.
17. SCAN MESSAGE BASES
This allows users to scan messages base for new messages and
display the subject message base and message number.
18. MORE MENUS
Allows you to replace GFILES and have a way to display text
messages. Some text files are not well suited for Bulletins.
Concert schedules, USA Today, Top Ten lists, and help files.
Now you may run regular Falken doors through more menus and
have unlimited Falken menus!
19. ZMODEM SEND (with CD ROM support)
This door is a zmodem send replacement for Falken. It copies CD
ROM files to disk before transferring to speed up multiple CD
access.
20. UPGRADE DOOR
A must for Falken sysops! This door allows sysops to upgrade
(validate) users online. Allows welcome to this bbs automated
email, fuzzy logic, total configuration, online validation as
well as offline, 20 different selections, VERY easy to use.
21. SWITCH (BBSCFG Debugger and Menu Switcher)
This program outputs the bbscfg.dat file into a human readable
text file. This text file can then be uploaded for support
personnel or printed out for reference purposes. "Switch" also
allows you to switch Falken menu entries.
22. ACCOUNT RENAMER (fneta)
This program renames a directory full of similar filenames
(those beginning with account number) easily. For example,
some 3rd party doors uses account numbers filenames to keep
track of user options. On my system they begin with "tmw" and
when when switching to "col" I ran this program as "> fneta
tmw col".
23. INTER-WALL for FALKENET
This is a multi-BBS wall for FALKENET V3.01. FALKENET (product
of Mark Manes and Duane Waddle) is a "Fidonet similar" net
email, message base and programmers interface for Falken BBS.
Inter-Wall uses FALKENET to deliver graffiti to BBS's across
the country. Each BBS shares a common set of graffiti.
RIPscript support!
24. CBV (Callback Verifier) - FALKEN 6.65+ SPECIFIC
Allows users to validate themselves by having the BBS call and
ask for password. All the user has to do is type "ATA <ENTER>"
when he hears the phone ringing. CBV verifies the phone number
according to local, metro or long distance area codes and
exchanges which are site configurable. A logon, menu and phone
number checker (stripper) are included with examples. Falken
V6.65+ specific door.
25. Email Utility
Allows Sysops/Subops to read/delete and maintain email while
online.
26. MSGPURGE Utility
Run in nightly maintenance mode to kill those dead threads in
the message bases... Easy and powerful.
27. 900 Service Door (TABS)
A Falken 900 service door which upgrades users accounts, has
built-in maintenance, and gives information on how to use the
900 Service provided by TABS (Telephone Access Billing System).
For more info on TABS call voice (800) 755-8227 or BBS (407)
722-3406.
28. Falken EchoReader (FidoNet)
Features:
- EchoReader supporting *.MSG formatted messages.
- Supports SQUISH type messages.
- Fast nodelist searching using Version7 Nodelist.
- RIPscript integrated message base.
- Jeditor full-screen editor support.
- Quoting of replies supported.
- Multi-line support using file locking.
- User High message read kept in sync in special FDU files.
- External falrenum.exe program to renumber and sync HM.
- Nfind.exe door utility to search information in V7 Nodelist.
- Intro "welcome" screen for ANSI/ASCII and RIP users.
- Realnames optionally set to mandatory or per user preference.
- Limit users to areas.
- Require realnames in some message areas.
29. Falken Deluxe QWK
Features:
- Full featured QWK and REP program.
- Email, Falken Message Base, Bullnew/Falken Bulletin support.
- Falken EchoReader support!
- Large Fidonet Message Size (65535 x 128 bytes).
- Falken Message Base/Email limited to 8192 bytes.
- Logon/Logoff and news files.
- New Uploads listed.
- PKZIP V1.1 and 2.04G support
- When Downloading QWK marks bulletins as read, messages as read,
- email as read, acks email from sender.
- When Uploading REP automatically updates files immediately.
- Download supports Xmodem/Ymodem/Zmodem sends
- Upload supports Xmodem/Ymodem/Zmodem receives
30. Falken Super CD ROM
Features:
- Separate Database per CD ROM
- Can mark CD ROM as ONLINE or OFFLINE
- If CD ROM is OFFLINE, user may mark messages for email
downloading.
- If CD ROM is ONLINE, user may download immediately.
- Can easily switch CD ROMs and while online send files.
----------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.06] - FEATHERNET PRO
Info needed for Feathernet Pro
----------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.07] - FIDOBBS
Info Needed for FidoBBS.
----------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.08] - FREESPEECH BBS v3.10a
Info needed for Freespeech BBS.
----------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.09] - HARMONY BBS
Info needed for Harmony BBS.
----------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.10] - ILLUSIONS BBS
Info needed for Illusions BBS.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.11] - JETBBS
INTRODUCTION
-------------
JetBBS v3.0 (JETBBS30.ZIP) for MS-DOS is available on a
number of public ftp sites for download.
- oak.oakland.edu in the SimTel/msdos/bbs directory, and on all
the SimTel mirror sites around the world.
- ftp.eskimo.com in /jason9 - You can always find the very
latest revision at this site.
If you don't have ftp access, or require an alternate method of
acquiring JetBBS, e-mail "jhaskins@seattleu.edu".
Jason Haskins
jhaskins@seattleu.edu
jason9@eskimo.com
FEATURES
----------
* Quick to install and easy to run. JetBBS is designed to be
able to run on its own with minimal sysop attention.
* Highly configurable. Like a BBS construction kit that is
already put together for you. You can change almost anything to
the way you want it.
* Multi-line capability when run on a multitasking operating
system such as Windows, DESQview, or OS/2. Users can chat with
each other and see what menu other users are in. Even if you
only have one line, you can use this feature to log on locally
while the BBS continues to take calls. Detects and yields CPU
time to Windows, DESQview, and OS/2 for smoother multitasking.
* File transfers with CD-ROM support, tagged batch downloads, and
option to hang up after transfer.
* Support for four door protocols:
DORINFO1.DEF, CALLINFO.BBS, CHAIN.TXT, and DOOR.SYS.
* A conversion utility that can import the message base from
almost any other BBS software.
* Sub-Boards that users can run as their own mini-BBSes.
* Optional credit system with 7 built in casino games.
* Voting polls.
* QWK packet download and REP upload for offline reading of mail
and messages.
* Built in full screen message editor.
REGISTERING JET BBS
---------------------
Registration is $39 + $3 S&H. A registration form is created
when the Jet BBS setup program is run.
TECH SUPPORT
------------
For technical support, contact the author of Jet BBS (Troy
Beckstrom) on Dimension Nine BBS, the JetBBS support board
number is (206)LAB-TEAM, e-mail account #2.
Contacting the author via snail mail
--------------------------------------
Troy Beckstrom
2318 Second Avenue #492
Seattle, WA 98121
------------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.12] - KBBS
HIGHLIGHTS
------------
* Advanced user graphics handling for ANSI and RIP modes,
including dynamic questionaires, menus, mode conversion and
more.
* Based on AWC's Command Sequence language you have complete
control over the structure of your BBS. Included are SEQ and
display files to allow SysOps to run a WildCat or PCBoard look
and act BBS's.
* Multi-node, no limit to the number of simultaneous nodes.
* SysOp local console RIP viewing without CPU overloading, even
on multinode systems. Displays what the user sees, during idle
time.
* Multitasker aware and Self Aware. Built in thread-level
multitasking allows user to be doing something while tasks are
processing (such as scanning .QWK & copying files from CD-ROM).
* Handles up to 32,700 conferences, each individually
configurable for alias/real name, local/private/force echo/etc,
conference joining requirements, file attachments, carbon
copies, much more.
* User driven dynamic conference base. Users create and join
their own conferences, which have files, bulletins and more,
all under SysOp defined limitations and strict control.
* SysOp may force users to read new private mail upon login.
* Duplicate message and duplicate upload file checking, and
upload file processing, including SDI/DIZ importing & .GIF
validation.
* All databases are encrypted with SysOp chosen 70 digit
encryption key.
* All databases use AWC's compression engine for up to 16:1
compression, although effective compression averages 3:1.
* All databases have SysOp definable data elements for each
record.
* Multi-Level conference and file section grouping (headings,
sub-headings, sub-sub-headings, etc). SysOp utilities allow
easy management of conferences and files.
* Alias and Real-name modes, configurable by conference. KBBS
can also handle multiple users with the same name or alias
(SysOp definable).
* Includes QWK/REP mail and echo (net) mail, easy conference
setup with mistake checking (no more cross-posting!). User
defined prescanning.
* Inter-node chatting, public and private, group chatting.
* Built-in call back verifier.
* New files scanning by (1) File date or by (2) Upload date.
* 14 internal protocols, including Zmodem and Kermit. CD-ROM
support for copy-before-download.
* Powerful event scheduling, and idle-time events (background
maintenance that happens while the BBS is waiting for calls or
even while the user is online).
* Door drop files for PCBoard 14.x, WildCat 2.0, RBBS, and
GAP (Door.sys). Door menus optionally show only doors that
support the user's detected graphics mode(s).
* KBBS takes advantage of EMS, XMS, and DPMI to cache,
overlay and swap.
* User time/download byte bank with loans, repayment schedule
and interest, automatic withdrawls (when flagging files for
download), "overdraft protection" and automatic deposit upon
logoff (all of these are SysOp definable).
HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
-----------------------
Minimum Setup suggested:
An 80286 CPU
512K RAM
8 Megabytes of disk space for KBBS
More disk space to store files and conferences
A serial modem, 300 to 115200 baud.
For better performance, the following hardware is suggested:
EMS, XMS or DPMI memory
A 386, 486 or Pentium CPU
SysOps wishing to view RIP graphics on the local console should
have a VGA, EGA, IBM8514, MCGA or Hercules Graphics adapter and
monitor, and 600K of free conventional memory. A math
coprocessor is also highly recommended.
Runs under DOS; multitasking OS (OS/2, DESQview, etc.) required
for multi-node operation.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
--------------------------
The following disabilities have been installed in order to
build an incentive to register KBBS:
* Phase 1 Unregistered versions of KBBS will cease to operate
after Dec 31st, 1994.
* Limited to 3 operating nodes.
* A tagline stating "Licensed for 30 day evaluation" is
appended to all outgoing net taglines.
Pre-login "support shareware" message and delay.
Registration gives you the following benefits:
-----------------------------------------------
* Free upgrades to all versions 2.xx (this WILL include FTS
support in later 2.xx versions)
* A commercial copy, complete with disks and printed manuals
when this becomes available
* Unlimited e-mail technical support via the AWC conferences
and the AWC BBS (801-489-7910)
Registering KBBS:
------------------
Price: $129 (plus sales tax in UT and CO).
WHAT IS THE ADDRESS FOR KBBS?
------------------------------
To register, send a check or money order to;
ANDERSON-WILLIAMS
KBBS Registration
154 West 400 North
Springville, Utah 84663-1010
Where Can I Download KBBS?
----------------------------
Version 2.0P of KBBS shareware BBS is available via ftp from:
netcom13.netcom.com in the /ftp/pub/tcsmith directory.
From: tcsmith@netcom.com (Ted Smith)
Subject: KBBS updates and Mail List
Message-ID: <tcsmithCz23os.M9z@netcom.com>
Followup-To: ted.smith@mtnswest.com
Keywords: KBBS
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408
261-4700 guest)
Date: Thu, 10 Nov 1994 14:46:04 GMT
Updates to the KBBS bulletin board system are available almost
daily at ftp.netcom.com/ftp/pub/tcsmith. We've also
established a mail list (KBBS-L) sourced from mtnswest.com. To
subscribe, send a message to kbbs-l@mtnswest.com with SUBSCRIBE
as the subject. Any text in such a message will be lost. Or
you can send a message to ted.smith@mtnswest.com requesting
that you be manually added to the list.
The following files are available at the ftp site:
> kbbsinfo.txt -- A brief description of the KBBS program.
> kbbs20v1.zip through kbbs20v4.zip -- KBBS Bulletin Board
System
> kbbs2v40.zip -- Update to v. 40 -- released 11/8/94
> oldfilel.zip
> kbbs_abt.zip -- Text about the KBBS program, software and
hardware requirements, features, distribution sites, etc.
> kbbstodo.zip -- Text listing all of the "TO DO" items that
the AWC team has to incorporate into KBBS, as of about 10/25/94.
> vbfile11.zip -- Utility to convert VBBS files database to KBBS.
> wc3tri10.zip -- Utility for converting from a Wildcat 3.x BBS
to TriBBS (utilities for converting from TriBBS to KBBS
are included in version S)
> sf3tb510.zip -- Utility for converting from Spitfire to TriBBS
(See note above re TriBBS to KBBS conversion)
For more information about files at this site, please contact
ted.smith@mtnswest.com. Feel free to post these files on your
bbs or in other locations.
--
Ted Smith (ted.smith@mtnswest.com or tcsmith@netcom.com)
Mountains West Consulting KBBS Distribution Services & Support
Telecommunications Solutions, Training, and Service
Mountains West BBS (916-726-2771)
----------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.13] - MAXIMUS v2.01wb
Info needed for Maximus.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.14] - Mutant BBS
(this info is dated as of 8/94)
- Name of program: Mutant v1.19 (Shareware)
- Requirements to run the BBS software:
IBM AT/286/386/486 compatibles
Minimum 384K free memory
DOS 3.3 or later
Color graphics adapter that does not produce snow
Hard Drive (at least 2 megs free)
Modem or Rolm data connections
Although this is the minimum configuration, Mutant runs much
better with the following configuration:
- 486 IBM compatible
- 600K free Conventional memory
- 640K free LIM EMS 4.0
- 64k+ of Upper memory (memory above A000h).
- Fast Hard Drive (or big Disk cache)
- High Speed Modem
- VGA card
- Main features: Supports up to 1000 message and file
areas, unlimited doors, up to 65535
users, multinodes, sysop definable
prompts and menus, and much more.
- Author's name: Tom Johnson
6038 Old Landing Way
Burke, VA 22015
E-Mail: tjohnson@netcom.com
mutantbbs@aol.com
- Sales info: Send $40.00 to: Tom Johnson
6038 Old Landing Way
Burke, VA 22015
(no extra fee for multi-node)
- Tech support info:
Help can be obtained by writting the address above, calling one
of the two support systems listed below, or at any of the three
Internet addresses listed above.
- Mutant can be FTP'd from ftp.netcom.com in the pub/mu/mutant directory.
- Official support & sales systems:
Mutant Support Tom Johnson BBS: 703-425-2235
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.15] - OPUS CBCS 1.73a
Info needed for OPUS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.16] - OSIRIS XLT BBS SOFTWARE
From: wizard@camelot.itc.com
To: clairew@pluto.njcc.com
Subject: Latest Osiris FAQ
Date: Sat, 25 Feb 95 11:22:14 -0600
Osiris XLT v2.11 Multiline BBS
Copyright 1985-1995
International TeleCommunciations, All Rights Reserved
Can be configured to LOOK just about anyway you want. Osiris
uses a command record to define each subsystem.
NOTE: Command records are totally BLANK until you start
PLUGGING in commands.
Command records can be LINKED with OTHER command records to
form a UNIQUE BBS system suited to your needs.
Some, but not all, of the features found in Osiris:
- Easy to use INSTALL program. Most sysops can put a full
functional BBS ON-LINE within 5 minutes.
- Callers use a THREADED reader to read news and echomail
similar to what you'd find on Compuser or a UNIX based
newsreader.
- Support for MULTI-PORT serial cards such as Digiboard,
Stargate, AST, and others.
- Supports INCOMING UUCP sessions and can act as an INTERNET
HOST site.
- Built-in 4-D Fidonet Mailer. Certified FTSC compliant by Tom
Jennings, founder of Fidonet.
Automatically detects and processes TIC, RAID, and AREAFIX
requests.
Can handle up to 54 addresses.
A.I. Router can auto-route for 54 different networks at once or
54 different addresses within the same network.
Mailer Protocols includes Wazoo, EMSI, HSP, Modem7, Telink,
Sealink, and Sealink with Overdrive. Unlimited Number of Events.
Supports the following Route commands:
FORWARD FOR {}
NO ROUTE {}
SEND TO {}
ROUTE {} TO {}
HOLD {}
BUSY ATTEMPTS {}
FORWARD FILE {}
MAXIMUM CONNECTS {}
POLL {}
USE ADDRESS {} For {}
ECHO PROCESSING {ON/OFF}
GATE {} TO {}
Each Noun is followed by ONE of the following verbs:
4-D Address
Wild 4-D Address
FILES
TIC
CRASH
ECHOMAIL
A WILD 4-D address is like a regular address but, you can use
the DOS wildcard character '*' in place of any or all of the
individual subsections.
Like the DOS '*', '*' will match anything in that position.
E.g. 1.237.*.0
The WILD 4-D address also supports the question mark.
You may use the question mark in place of any single digit
within the NODE or POINT fields.
E.g. 1.296.20?.0 or 1.296.?00.2?
Point-an-Shoot Configuration system.
Point-an-Shoot Nodelist Editor. Can edit or add nodelist
records WITHOUT having to recompile nodelist.
Point-an-Shoot Matrix Editor.
Lots of security features including but not limited to:
Session Level Passwords
Mailer Level Secure Echomail
Mailer Level Secure Addressing
Lock-out anyone not in nodelist
Require SOME type of password for mail pickup.
Nodelist Compiler.
Robot Mail Utility.
Bomb Utlity.
Bounce Utility.
Fidonet->Internet Email Gateway.
Uses Standardized MSG message structure. Almost any Fidonet
utility will work with it.
Auto-configuration program. Just tell it the node number, your
Fidonet address, and it will configure everything for you.
- Nearly 550,000 bytes of INDEXED on-line help.
- Sixteen STATISTICAL functions available to callers:
Todays Callers
Yesterdays Callers
All Calls
Six Best Times To Call
Six Worse Times To Call
Top 10 Uploaders
Top 10 Dnloaders
Top 10 Callers
Top 10 Msg Posters
Connect Rate Graph
Protocol Usage Graph
Who Called On A Specific Date.
Show's YOUR Call History, When you called (last 30-90 days)
Average System In-Use Time
Show YOUR Downloads (What Files and When)
Show YOUR Uploads (What Files And When)
STATISTICAL functions available only to the sysop
Who downloaded a specific file.
What files has a specific person downloaded.
Pie Chart showing the user graphic preferences.
Downloads for a specific date.
Uploads for a specific date.
How many people reading each news or echomail area.
NOTE: Some Sysop Statistical functions REQUIRE a VGA monitor.
- Supports ASCII, IBM , ANSI, and RIP Graphics.
- Integrated support for RIP graphics. Nearly every function
has a *CUSTOM* RIP counter part.
Over 250 built-in Rip screens
Over 90 custom slides and buttons
Over 50 ICONS
Scatter charts
Fuel gauges
Exploding pie charts
Scroll Bars
Windows like message editor
Text viewer
Message reader
Will auto-detects WHO you are, after the first call, and
automatically logs you on.
Built-in RIP Graphic and Sound manager. Will detects missing
ICONS, JPEG, GIF, WAV, or Local Play files on the callers
system and places them in the callers ICON directory. The
caller doesn't do ANYTHING.
Will detects *OLD* ICONS, JPEG, GIF, WAV, or Local Play files
on the callers system and replace them with NEWER versions.
- Fidonet style NETwork matrix mail.
- Built-in On-line Store.
- Ability to change the internal text prompt and colors.
- Support for Novel, 3-Com, Lantastic, and several other
Network packages.
- Support for Bi-directional protocols such as HS-Link and
Bimodem.
- Fast B-Tree indexing.
- Build subsystems and select commands via a mouse driven
System manager. The system manager uses virtual windows, scroll
bars, buttons, radio buttons, and check boxes.
The System manager even has it's own built-in THREADED message
editor. You do NOT have to log-on to the BBS to read/reply to
messages.
- Flexible security levels and user defined COMPARE methods,
including the commands themselves.
- Set the NODE, TIME OF DAY, and even the DAY of the week for
EVERY SINGLE command, display file, SPL/I command file, or
External application.
- COMMAND billing system. You can CHARGE the caller on a
COMMAND bases. When he or she selects a command, the amount you
define is deducted from their credit.
- SPL/I, a C like programming language. Comes complete with
multiple stage three pass compiler and linker. Generates highly
compressed object modules. Supports WHILE, FOR/NEXT, SWITCH,
IF/ELSE, controls as well as functions to define and manage
BTREE databases and MEMO databases. Over 130 library functions
including WINDOWING functions.
- Message features include reply, carbon copy, return receipt,
attach file to message.
- Three log levels: Normal, Heavy, and Ridicules.
- Create AUTOEXEC SPL/I Command files that get executed WHEN
you are about to LEAVE a subsystem.
- Create AUTOEXEC SPL/I Command files that get executed WHEN
you change into a new subsystem.
- Create AUTOEXEC SPL/I Command files that get executed WHEN
you change into a new file area.
- Create GLOBAL SPL/I Slash command files that you can access
from any subsystem.
- Automated maintenance system does the following:
1) Generates New File Lists.
2) Generates File Request Lists
3) Manages Message areas. Removes deleted msgs and keeps areas
within a certain number of messages.
4) Manages History logs
5) Automatically Posts System Bulletins on certain days.
6) Automatically Posts Messages in specific Message areas on
certain days.
7) Cleans up OLD system bulletins.
8) Converts NEW uploads to correct ARCHIVE format.
9) Removes BBS ADs from new uploads
10) ADDS your OWN BBS AD to new uploads
11) Adds ARCHIVE comments to NEW Uploads
12) Can REMOVE files from selected areas that have not been
downloaded in XX days.
13) Delete Callers that have not called within XX days.
14) Delete ZAPPED caller, those with access level 0.
15) Manages UPLOAD and DOWNLOAD database logs.
16) Can run OTHER application on specific days.
17) Can do a SYSTEM wide virus scan.
18) Can do a SYSTEM wide file integrity check to detect files
(EXE, COM, OVERLAYS) that may have been altered by a NEW virus.
19) Daily Maintenance Report TO the sysop listing all
maintenance activity as well as calls, downloads, uploads, etc.
20) Automatically removes AD's that have EXPIRED (Classified AD
System).
- Built-In Document Retrieval system. View, download, search
text documents. Search option supports up to 8 key words with
AND, OR, and NOT parameters.
- Built-In definable database's. Just draw the screen display
with any ASCII editor and plug in the fields with Dbase style
PICTURE statements. You can index on any or all the fields.
Search indices using up to 8 key words or phrases with AND, OR,
and NOT parameters.
- Built-In Classified AD system. Define the name of the data
file, access level required to POST ad's, and the MAXIMUM time
an AD can run then find a spot and PLUG IT IN.
- Give each CD-ROM it's own PERSONAL file system and file areas.
System manager will automatically create ALL the file areas,
one for each directory on the CD. It can automatically ADOPT
files from the CD-ROM including descriptions if the CD-ROM has
an ASCII text file listing the files and descriptions.
You can use ONE CD-ROM drive with an unlimited number of CD's
and ONLY make the file system that corresponds to the CD
currently in the drive will show up. Switch CD'S weekly and all
you have to do is swap the disks, Osiris does the rest.
You can delete a CD's files and file areas with a single CLICK
of the mouse. In 1/100th of a second, everything associated
with that CD disappears and WITHOUT effecting anything else.
- Automatic caller notification of System bulletins based on
the callers LAST time on-line and the date the system bulletin
was posted.
- Define your OWN method of doing system bulletins.
- Single line file descriptions with optional 99 line EXTENDED
file descriptions.
- Built-in Automatic Virus scan on any newly uploaded file.
- Scans NEW uploads for ANSI BOMBS.
- Automatic Archive integrate checking.
- Auto-Detects and uses:
File_id.diz
Desc_des
DESC.diz
and several other embedded description files.
- View the contents UC2, ZIP, ARJ, SQZ, ARC, ZOO, and LHARC files.
- View a TEXT file inside a UC2, ZIP, ARJ, SQZ, ARC, ZOO, or
LHARC archive.
- Nest subsystems 32,732 levels deep.
- Full Screen ANSI/WORDSTAR compatible message editor.
- Full Screen Mouse, Scroll Bar, ICON Driven message editor.
- Line editor with Quoting.
- Upload Messages using any protocol.
- TWO built-in (No Doors Required) Off line readers, QWK and
BLUEWAVE.
- Select ONLY the message areas you want to read.
- Subdivide message areas into CATEGORIES.
- Subdivide file area into CATEGORIES.
- Define access levels on INDIVIDUAL files in the SAME file
area.
- Automatically builds and sends a FILExx.DES description file
when downloading files. FILExx.DES contains the names and
descriptions of the files you downloaded along with the DATE,
WHERE you obtained the files, and WHO to notify if something is
wrong with the file.
- Automatic notification of NEW uploads.
- System manager automatically scans and displays NEW uploads
to the sysop. No more having to HUNT them down.
- TWO time billing systems. One works on DATE, the other works
on TIME spent ON-LINE.
- Download billing system. Bills user based on DOWNLOADS.
- Extract and REARCHIVE individual files.
- Hooks for an unlimited number of external application such as
on-line games. Just click and enter the name of the program.
- Built-in time and kilobyte banking system with ATM. Automatic
withdraw if you need time or kilobytes to complete a download
or log onto the system.
- Built-in Call Back Verification system.
- Unlimited number of EXTERNAL file transfer protocols, BATCH
files are NOT required.
- Define your OWN startup sequences, i.e. what Osiris does as
soon as the caller types in his name and password.
- Define your OWN new user sequences, i.e. what Osiris does
after the caller enters his or her user record information.
- Define your OWN logoff sequences, i.e. what Osiris does when
the caller selects to LOGOFF.
- Auto File Recovery. If you lose carrier or hang-up and have
files selected for downloading, Osiris will REMEMBER what those
files were and automatically add them to the download queue
when you call back.
- Prodigy style rotating Rip AD system. Completely configurable.
- Time Slicing Support for Desqview, Windows 3.1 and OS-2.
- ANTI-OLD File Uploads. You can specify a year and a
percentage and Osiris will check the DATE stamp on new uploads
and if it finds the "PERCENTAGE" of files contained in the
archive are OLDER than the allowed date, the upload is rejected.
- InterBBS Echomail features:
Point and Shoot Configuration
Areafix
Echomail notification system
EID dup checking
backup CRC dup checking
MSGID dup checking
Multiple level security system including Packet level passwords.
Echomail BILLING system.
- TIC/Raid Processor.
- Supports up to 8000 message areas. Callers can SELECT which
areas they want to read. One, any combination, or all 8000 and
Osiris will TRACK the messages they have and have not read in
ALL the areas.
- Supports over 1 billion file areas.
- QWK echomail utilities.
- UTI utilities.
- Newsgroup Support includes but not limited to:
Uses *ORIGINAL* subject line, up to 1000 characters, when
replying to a message.
Full Followup-To Support.
Full Reference Support.
Replies are automatically routed back to ALL the newsgroups the
original message was posted to, unless redirected by a
followup-to control line.
NOTE: Newsgroups line contain the NAMES of all the newsgroups
and only ONE PHSYCALLY message is sent.
Caller can elect to have a reply sent via e-mail.
Entire system designed so that no caller can cause problems,
Even posting something to the wrong newsgroups can be prevented.
So easy to use they don't need to know ANYTHING about USENET.
In fact, they may not even notice that it is a newsgroup area.
System is rock solid, over a million newsgroup messages, so
far, handled without a single mishap.
- INTERNET utilities include:
Incoming Ftpmail server
Anonymous FTP Interface
Archie Interface
List Server
Newsgroup Import/Exporter
E-Mail
Whois Interface
Fidonet To Internet E-mail Gate.
Internet HOST package featuring:
Intelligent Router
News feed program supporting mixed archive
formats (compress or gunzip). Can feed
up to 1000 sites.
UUCP connect time billing and statistics program
News-server. News-server lets those you feed turn
newsgroups on and off remotely.
- Can be HOOKED-UP LIVE to Internet with FTP (IN/OUT), ARCHIE,
TELNET (IN/OUT), and GOPHER using a SLIP/PPP, T1, or 56K line
using BBSnet by Murkworks, Inc.
- Technical support:
Internet . . . support@hq.itc.com
Voice . . . . (314) 686-0154 11 AM - 7 PM CST (M-F),
11 AM - 4 PM CST (Sat).
Fax . . . . . (314) 686-0154
BBS . . . . . (314) 686-0120
- Registration starting as low as 39.95 for a single line system.
- Four generally maintenance release PER year and they are
ALWAYS provided FREE. A tradition since 1985.
- You find a bug in the Osiris.exe that we can verify and if it
is something we have control over, we'll fix it within 72 hours
and it is FREE. A bug in something we don't have control over,
like a compiler or commerical library, may take a little longer.
Software requires 386 or higher CPU, 350K of Memory, Color Monitor,
and Mouse.
Shareware Software can be obtained
Anonymous FTP
Location : server.netcom.com (IP: 192.100.81.1)
Directory: /pub/intltel
Fidonet File Request
Location : 1.296.5.0
Magic Name: OSIRIS
Direct Downloading
Location: Genesis
Phone : (314) 686-0120
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.17] - PHOENIX BBS
Info needed for Phoenix.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------
Claire Walters ** E-MAIL: Clairew@pluto.njcc.com
D.B.A WindsorWare ** Author/Editor-The Official BBS FAQ
FTP SITE: FTP.NJCC.COM ** http://pluto.njcc.com/~clairew/
--------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Path: news1.ucsd.edu!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!dog.ee.lbl.gov!overload.lbl.gov!lll-winken.llnl.gov!hookup!usenet.eel.ufl.edu!news.mathworks.com!uunet!in1.uu.net!spcuna!earth.njcc.com!pluto.njcc.com!clairew
From: Claire Walters <clairew@pluto.njcc.com>
Newsgroups: alt.bbs,alt.bbs.allsysop,alt.allsysop,comp.bbs.misc
Subject: BBS FAQ Part 3/6
Date: Thu, 13 Jul 1995 17:21:59 -0400
Organization: New Jersey Computer Connection, Lawrenceville, NJ
Lines: 2240
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Xref: news1.ucsd.edu alt.bbs:33497 alt.bbs.allsysop:10861 alt.allsysop:14 comp.bbs.misc:19984
From: clairew@pluto.njcc.com (Claire Walters)
Newsgroups: alt.bbs, alt.bbs.sysop, comp.bbs.misc, comp.answers, news.answers
Subject: BBS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), Part 3/6
Followup-To: poster
Reply-To: clairew@pluto.njcc.com (Claire Walters)
Summary: This posting contains Frequently Asked Questions (and
their answers) including information to help those wanting to
setup an Online Service/BBS.
Archive-name: ftp.njcc.com
pub/bbsfaq/bbsfaq03.003
Last-modified: 02/23/95
Version: v3.0
URL: http://pluto.njcc.com/~clairew/
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.18] - QUICKBBS
* More info needed for QuickBBS.
QuickBBS Support BBS (407)896-0494
Product Support for QuickBBS Software
Richard Creighton/Steve Gabrilowitz, Orlando, FL
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.19] - REMOTE ACCESS
INTRODUCTION TO REMOTE ACCESS
-------------------------------
The Remote Access BBS-package has been written by Andrew
Milner, and is released by Wantree Development. The current
version of Remote Access (RA) is 2.01.
RemoteAccess should run on any IBM 80x86 compatible computer.
The only two programs you will need in addition to the release
package are DOS 3.x and a FOSSIL driver (the FOSSIL is a
memory-resident program that many communications packages use
to communicate with the modem). Two FOSSILs that have been
successfully tested with RemoteAccess are Ray Gwinn's X00, and
David Nugent's BNU. Either of these should be readily available
from any local bulletin board. You will also need a modem that
is capable of accepting Hayes-type commands. The minimum memory
requirement is approximately 350K, but 512K is recommended.
WHO IS THE AUTHOR OF REMOTE ACCESS?
-------------------------------------
Andrew Milner's BBS:
Fido: 3:690/418
BBS #:61-9-385-3359
BBS Name:Wantree Development
INTERNET: andrew@wantree.com.au
FEATURES
----------
The archive containing the Shareware version of Remote Access
doesn't contain a separate list of features. The registered
version does. It has one at the beginning of the manual that is
sent to you after registration. You should keep in mind that
this list is taken from the manual of the professional version,
which differs from the registered shareware version in a few
respects. Please refer to the registration topic of this
section for an overview of the extra features of the
professional version.
To find out which features aren't available in the
non-registered version, you'll have to skim through the RA.DOC
file you'll find in the RA_201 archive. The non-registered
version isn't crippled in any way. The only difference is, it
does not include a few features the registered version offers,
but does not interfere with the BBS operation.
GENERAL FEATURES
-----------------
+ Full-screen integrated configuration environment.
+ Multi-node; supports up to 250 users concurrently.
+ Full Local Area Network (LAN) support including enhanced
functions under NetBIOS compatible LANs.
+ Support for DESQview, DoubleDOS, MultiLink, PC-MOS/386,
TopView and Windows multitaskers.
+ Support for detection and time-slicing for OS/2.2xx.
+ Supports multi-line on-line messages between nodes.
+ Full system and user audit security logging.
+ Support for the popular FidoNet technology.
+ Direct support for high speed modems up to 38,400 baud.
+ Full support for 16550 buffered serial I/O devices.
+ Built-in screen blanker while in "wait for call" mode.
+ Automatic remote ANSI detection (supports terminal programs
that are ANSI X3.64 compliant).
+ Support for Interactive EMSI automated log-on and user
parameter detection, eliminating the need for users to enter
their name and password at log-on.
+ XMS swapping support.
+ Support FAX/Modem operation and can be used in conjunction
with FAX software to receive incoming faxes as well as BBS
callers.
+ Provision to create custom log entries using a menu function.
+ Supports the FSC-0035 Internet gating specification.
FILE TRANSFER
--------------
+ Databased file system providing fast responses.
+ Up to 65535 separate file areas, each with it's own
configurable set of characteristics including upload,
download and file list security and flag settings, file group
assignments, and more.
+ Supports the most popular file transfer protocols.
+ Full support for single and multi-disc CD-ROM devices used in
the file database.
+ Interface system to install up to fifteen external protocols.
+ Fully configurable file ratio system allows the Sysop to
decide what criteria must be met in order for users to
download files.
+ Optional 'no download' peak hours time slot.
+ Optional 'upload reward' system.
+ Checks for duplicate uploads globally (configurable for each
file area).
+ Optional scan for new files at log-on (with or without file
tagging).
+ Ability to flag any file as free and/or password protected.
+ Ability to specify a list of known files which may not be
uploaded.
+ Internal support for external bi-directional transfer
protocols.
+ Provision that allows users to download a text file
containing the descriptions of their downloads.
SECURITY
----------
+ 65535 seperate security levels.
+ 255 separate user groups which can be used to completely
segregate groups of users.
+ Security filter allows the Sysop to specify a list of
undesirable user names and phone numbers.
+ Provision for users to leave a message to the system operator
after a password log-on failure.
+ Optional forced password change every certain number of calls.
ELECTRONIC MAIL
----------------
+ Each message area may be defined as local, EchoMail of
NetMail area.
+ Full FidoNet point aware.
+ Full FidoNet nodelist support, including comprehensive
on-line browsing facilities.
+ Full outgoing NetMail accounting, and complete control over
individual destination node costing.
+ Two seperate message database formats (JAM and Hudson) can
be defined and used simultaneously.
+ Definable origin line and network address for each message
area.
+ 'High-read' message marker maintained for every user in every
area.
+ Full reply quoting capability, in both the full screen and
internal line message editors.
+ Ability for users to send files with messages to other users.
+ Group Mail feature allows users of a certain security level
to post 'blanket' messages to users based on user group or
security level.
+ Support for carbon copies within message areas.
+ Support for message and/or NetMail return receipts.
+ Provision to restrict access to message areas based on user
age.
+ Combined message areas allow users to define their own
'folder' of message areas.
+ Configurable message area status including private, public,
private/public, read-only and no-reply settings, applicable
to each individual message area.
Real-Time Conferencing
-----------------------
+ Full user-to-user chat capabilities.
+ Supports up to 125 seperate simultaneous conferences.
+ Extended managment functions for conference moderators.
External Program Support (Doors)
-----------------------------------
+ Ability to generate almost any required interface file.
+ Support for locked high speed modems.
+ 'Memory Swap' feature can swap the main program to XMS, EMS,
or disk file, leaving only 3 kilobytes resident during a
shell.
+ Full support for the 52-line extended DOOR.SYS exit file
standard.
System Operator On-Line Functions
-----------------------------------
+ Range of 'hot-key' functions available, including lockout,
shell to DOS, and log to printer.
+ Complete user attribute editor available or making changes to
users while they are on-line.
+ Provision to use alternate paging tunes.
+ Network manager utility provides complete control over a
busy multi-node system.
System Presentation
---------------------
+ Fully multi-lingual (up to 100 languages).
+ Comprehensive script language for building custom
interactive questionnaires.
+ Complete control over menus and general system layout.
+ Hotkeys or command-stacking selectable per user.
+ 'Shell to mailer' feature for quick startup from a front
end program.
+ Full ANSI and AVATAR level 0+ terminal emulation support.
+ Global menu commands.
+ Comprehensive range of text files displayed automatically
under certain conditions.
+ Comprehensive set of text file control codes allow you to
display system and user data and change certain system
settings directly from within text files.
+ Support for 'once only' user bulletins at the system, message
area and file area levels.
REGISTRATION
---------------
You may try RA for a period of three weeks on a trial basis in
order to determine it's suitability for your particular
application. After this period you must register each copy of
Remote Access that you run simultaneously. Multi-line
installations that share a common file base and have the same
name need only register one copy. Site and Group registrations
are available, and are dealt with on a case by case basis.
Registration can be done in two ways, depending on the kind of
system you are running. There is a shareware and a professional
registration.
For a shareware registration a system must be physically run
from a noncommercial site. A site is considered to be
noncommercial only if it is a private residence at which no
commercial activities are conducted.
NOTE: As of this release, the shareware version only supports a
maximum of two (2) nodes. The Professional version supports up
to 250.
Shareware Registration can be done at the following sites, at
the following prices:
AUSTRALIA: AUD60 CANADA: CDN60
----------------- --------------
"Registration/RA" "Registration/RA"
C/- Terry Harvey C/- Royce Jones
PO Box 593 PO Box 1825
Burwood NSW 2134 Bracebridge ON
AUSTRALIA CANADA
Accepts VISACARD,
MasterCard, BankCard
USA: $50 CONTINENTAL EUROPE: DM90
-------- ------------------------
"Registration/RA" "Registration/RA"
C/- Ed Meloan C/- Frank Altenburg
1110 Terrace Circle Drive Wickopweg 9
North Augusta SC 29841 64289 Darmstadt
USA GERMANY
ASIA: AUD60 or equivalent UNITED KINGDOM: GBP33
------------------------- ----------------------
"Registration/RA" "Registration/RA"
C/- Teo Chee Kian C/- FlightPath BBS
PO Box 0685 PO Box 268
Bukit Merah Central Hounslow TW5 9PZ
SINGAPORE 9115 UNITED KINGDOM
Accepts MasterCard,
Access, Visa
Cheques and money orders should be made payable to the person
at your registration site.
Please include either a FidoNet address or a stamped,
self-addressed envelope so that receipt of your payment can be
acknowledged.
A professional registration applies to every system that is
physically run from a commercial site (ie. the site is NOT a
private residence, or commercial activities are conducted at
the site). The professional version includes three modules that
are not available in the shareware version:
1. Real-Time Conferencing - supporting up to 250 users
concurrently, featuring public/private/password-protected
conferences, conference moderators and sub-conferences.
2. RANETMGR - The RemoteAccess Network Manager, a utility
designed to give you complete control over a busy multi-node
system. Dynamically view the status of each node as users
log on and off, what each user is doing, broadcast messages
to any combination of nodes and automatically take any
combination of nodes down for maintenance.
3. RAEdit - A fully functional, specially customised and
registered version of GEdit, a premium full-screen message
editor.
The professional version supports up to 250 nodes and 100
languages, while the shareware version supports a maximum of
eight languages and 2 nodes.
You can always get the latest shareware version of RemoteAccess
and technical support from the following systems:
Terry Harvey Teo Chee Kian
The Eagles Interact BBS
Sydney AUSTRALIA SINGAPORE
(02) 745 3190 V32 V42 +65 5817024
FidoNet@3:712/704 FidoNet@6:600/601
USA and Canada: (North American RemoteAccess Support group)
Bruce Bodger Geoffrey Booher
The TruckStop BBS The Gateway Net BBS
Tulsa OK Freeport IL
918 254 6618 815 233 5008
FidoNet@1:170/400 FidoNet@1:2270/233
Royce Jones Bob R.
DAKIN BBS The Anonymous BBS
Bracebridge Ontario Menomonee Falls WI
705 646 2726 414 251 2580
FidoNet@1:221/204 FidoNet@1:154/40
Mike Ehlert Jim Ray
Pacific Coast Micro FileQuest
Thousand Oaks CA Waco TX
805 494 9386 817 662 2361
FidoNet@1:102/1001 FidoNet@1:388/14
Jim Roe Ben Hamilton
Middle Earth The Computer Connection
Austin TX Copperas Cove TX
512 835 4848 817 547 7711
FidoNet@1:382/19 FidoNet@1:395/5
Anthony Haxton
InterFace BBS
Tulsa OK
918 665 3500
FidoNet@1:170/703
Europe and others: (European RemoteAccess Support Group)
Adrian Pop Can Dogancan
Airtel Remote Access Skylight BBS
Copthorne ENGLAND Istanbul TURKEY
+44 342 717800 +90 1 414 3019
FidoNet@2:440/64 FidoNet@2:430/5
John barton Barnabas Michael Stenander
The Caring BBS The Falcon BBS
South Ockendon ENGLAND Frederiksberg DENMARK
+44 708 670068 +45 31 87 63 35
FidoNet@2:257/168 FidoNet@2:231/19
Joerg Dassler Frank Altenburg
RA Support HQ DIE BOX
Darmstadt GERMANY GERMANY
+49 911 752799 +49 6151 710809
FidoNet@2:2400/1 FidoNet@2:2405/1
Peter Hermann Ugo Uggetti
DataComm I/II Venus
Braunschweig GERMANY Pavia ITALY
+49 531 13216 +39 382 579981
FidoNet@2:240/550 FidoNet@2:331/318
Matej Mihelic Ville Valpasvuo
R.I.S.P. The Bermuda Triangle
Ljubljana SLOVENIA FINLAND
+38 61 199400 +358 14 434695
FidoNet@2:380/103 FidoNet@2:221/11
Peter Janssens Robert Soubie
EasyBoard Venray Port de la Lune
Venray THE NETHERLANDS Gradignan FRANCE
+31 4780 12428 +33 56 89 51 12
Fidonet@2:512/1 FidoNet@2:324/1
Clive Jones Tony van den Bogaert
C.A.L.M. Aquarius
Alberton SOUTH AFRICA Antwerp BELGIUM
+27 11 9001118 +32 3 3663457
FidoNet@5:7101/14 FidoNet@2:292/843
SWRAS (Swedish RemoteAccess Support Group):
Malte Erikson Johan Nilsson
Odens Sal Starbase 42
Onsala SWEDEN Helsingborg SWEDEN
+46 300 29436 +46 42 112714
FidoNet@2:203/302 FidoNet@2:200/212
Rolle Meltzer Mats Wallin
The "TOWER" of Helsingborg FrontDoor Help Europe
Helsingborg SWEDEN Hagersten SWEDEN
+46 42 242480 +46 8 6453285
Fidonet@2:200/209 FidoNet@2:201/329
U.K. (United Kingdom RemoteAccess Support Group):
Mark Anderson Gary Smith
Dregal RemoteAccess FlightPath
+44 279 444433 +44 81 759 7775
FidoNet@2:257/605 FidoNet@2:254/99
Adrian Pop Mark Kerr
Airtel Yukon Ho!
+44 342 717800 +44 232 768163
FidoNet@2:440/64 FidoNet@2:443/59
Dave Parker Edward Hobson
Frontier The Power House
+44 737 778607 +44 829 782667
FidoNet@2:440/63 FidoNet@2:258/24
WHERE CAN I DOWNLOAD REMOTE ACCESS ON THE INTERNET?
-----------------------------------------------------
The shareware version of Remote Access 2.01 is available on the
Internet at the following sites:
- NIC.FUNET.FI (in /pub/msdos/communications/bbs/RA_201.ZIP);
- FTP.WUSTL.EDU.
- XMISSION.COM:/pub/other/ra
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.20] - RENEGADE
Renegade is a bulletin board program written by Cott Lang for
DOS systems. It can run on an 80186 in 285k ram, but a 386DX-25
with 2 megs RAM is a more adequate minimum. The actual full
install minus any modifications is around one megabyte on a
hard disk.
FEATURES:
---------
Messages Bases
+ Unlimited message length
+ Built-in QWK-Style Offline Mail System
+ Full Screen editor with powerful editing features
or easy-to-use line editor
File Transfers
+ Convert incoming archives to the archive of your choice
+ Allows use of external scanning programs for virus
protection
+ Use external and bi-directional protocols
+ Automatically imports FILE_ID.DIZ and DESC.SDI descriptions
Easy & Configurable Front End Shuttle Logon
+ Makes it so new users can apply without seeing the actual
system
+ QWK-Mail users can do their packet transfers without having
to go through the entire logon process.
Local & Remote Sysop Control
+ Password protect local console and remote sysop functions
+ Complete system control from remote
Network Support
+ FidoNet support (node addresses) for message bases
+ QWK Defined message bases for QWK networking
+ Seperate taglines for each message base
Multi-Node Support
+ Supports Digiboard 8-node boards and networks
+ Maximize timeslicing under OS/2, Windows, and DesqView
+ Full-featured Teleconferencing system
Multiple Welcome and Menu Screens
+ Menus made in ANSI format with any ANSI drawing package
+ Easy modifications allow user-selectable menus
+ Random and daily menu display capability
Configurable Color Selections for Sysops and Users
+ Users can select from a predefined set of colors for
various things such as message, prompt, and text color.
Emulation Support
+ Detects RIP, ANSI, AVATAR, and VT-100 on login
+ IEMSI auto-login detected
Online Doors
+ Generate one of 6 different drop files:
DOOR.SYS, CHAIN.TXT, DORINFOx.DEF,
PCBOARD.SYS, SFDOORS,DAT, or CALLINFO.BBS
Utilities
----------
Third party utilities can be found at ftp.cc.umanitoba.ca in
/renegade or at many BBS's running Renegade. Some utilities
include:
+ New User Voting - Users vote other users in
+ Security Robot - Random password, check new user
information.
+ CDROM Utilities - Import FILES.BBS for quick uploading of
CDROM areas.
+ Network aids - Documentation for setting up FrontDoor,
BinkleyTerm, etc.
COST
-----
Renegade is freeware. It may be freely distributed in
unmodified form. The author has no objections to donations,
however. A $25 donation is suggested, which gets a VIP account
on his multi-node BBS.
SUPPORT
--------
Renegade is user-supported. A large international network of
Renegade systems, the RGSNet, can be accessed from many
Renegade systems for questions or comments. Forums on FidoNet
are also dedicated to Renegade discussion.
GETTING RENEGADE BBS
---------------------
Renegade is distributed in two ways: As a full install package
for first time users, and also as an update package for
existing Renegade setups. Be sure to get the right package.
There is a serpate documentation file which first-time sysops
should also get. The version is determined by the date of
distribution, ie. Renegade 05-31 is the May 31, 1994 version.
Renegade can be found on Internet at ftp.cc.umanitoba.ca in
/renegade. It can also be freely downloaded from many BBS's
running Renegade. Ask the sysop to make sure.
Other locations
-----------------
Digital Frontier Library of Trantor
Sysop: Cott Lang (author) Sysop: Ben Lineback
Roswell, Georgia Douglasville, Georgia
1-404-955-5375 1-404-920-7711
The Midnight Run Excalibur's Realm
Sysop: Rikk Streng Sysop: John Norman
Washington, New Jersey W.Paterson, New Jersey
1-908-689-1754 1-201-256-0691
The Jungle The Dragon's Nest
Sysop: Charles Bowman Sysop: Jesse Waldack
Fayetteville, N. Carolina Bloomington, Minnesota
1-910-488-1954 1-612-887-2147
The Shed
Sysop: Dave Sawford
United Kingdom
+44 (0)223 563468
----------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.21] - ROBOBOARD BBS
INTRODUCTION
--------------
Roboboard BBS is a Graphical user interface. In order for the
users to connect to your BBS they will have to use a special
terminal program. The program may be downloaded at the first
connection. Opposed to other BBS's which have a graphical
interface as an option (That is BBS who support RIP protocol),
and can be used without the GUI, Roboboard is GUI only. There
is no ANSI - Ascii option.
Technical info:
-----------------
ROBO-BOARD v1.08 (PLUS)........................ $55.00 (USA)
$65.00 (CDN)
80.00 (DM)
This version of Robo-Board is registered in the SysOps name. It
features operation of up to 9 nodes.
ROBO-BOARD v1.08 (PRO).(w/KEY)................. $65.00 (USA)
$75.00 (CDN)
100.00 (DM)
Where Can I Download A ShareWare Version Of RoboBoard?
-------------------------------------------------------
On the internet there are two versions. The Robo108 is not on
any site currently. The Robo106 is on various sites. They
differ in the configurable template screens which the 108 has
and the 106 hasn't.
The program is currently available at wcarchive.cdrom.com
/.3/garbo/pc/bbs as robobbs.zip, with the terminal inside.
RoboBoard's Tech Support:
--------------------------
Author of RoboBoard BBS: Seth Hamilton
Support: NAME : The ROBO-BOARD HQ in Aylmer Quebec, Canada.
SYSOP : Seth Hamilton
LINE 1: 1(819)685-0957 1200-14400/v32bis/v42bis
LINE 2: 1(819)685-6798 1200-14400 HST
VOICE : 1(819)682-6670 (9:00-5:00 Mon EST)
FAX : 1(819)685-0994
MAIL : 62:6200/0 (WorldNET)
Looking at the pro's & con's of RoboBoard
------------------------------------------
PRO's
1) On contrary to other packages Robobard sysops can view the
graphics locally.
2) The quality of the graphics is VGA <=> EGA
3) Supports a standard Hudson message base for networking.
4) Offline Mail option Using Silver Xpress version 4.01, which
comes with it's built in graphic screens.
5) Drawing, and planning menus is very easy and intuitive.
6) Installation is very simple, and takes about 5 minutes to
get the BBS up and running.
7) Built in DeskView support.
8) Supports dorinfoX.def doors
9) Will run on a 286 and higher. The FX needs a 386 on both the
sysop and the users' side.
10) Built in Split screen chat
11) Supports speed up to 38000
12) Registered version will support up to nine nodes, including
built in IRC like chat.
13) Comes in with predefined screens resembling a nice "Windows
" look.
14) Supports one channel music.
CONS
1) Security and other configurable options are not part of
the configuration and are determined in a separate file.
2) Message handling is weak. Only full quoting of the text is
possible.
3) Not many doors available for the Graphical format.
4) Some of the optional files and screens disabled in the
Shareware version.
5) Limited command options. You will have to build your screens
with few commands as options.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.22] - RYBBS
Info needed for RYBBS.
------------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.23] - SAPPHIRE BBS v4.05
- More info needed Sapphire BBS
Pinnacle Software BBS, (514)345-8654
Support for Sapphire BBS Software
Timothy Campbell/Pinnacle Software, Montreal, Quebec
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.24] - SPITFIRE BBS v3.4
Info needed for Spitfire BBS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.25] - SuperBBS
Info needed for SuperBBS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.26] - Synchronet BBS
Synchronet Multinode BBS Software Version 2.00
Copyright 1994 Digital Dynamics
PO Box 501
Yorba Linda, CA 92686
Voice: 714-529-6328 BBS: 714-529-9525 V.32bis
FAX : 714-529-9721 529-9547 V.FC
FIDO : 1:103/705 529-9721 ZyXEL
SYNCHRONET PRICING
-------------------
2 node licence..............$ 99.00
4 node licence..............$199.00
8 node licence..............$299.00
16 node licence.............$399.00
250 node licence............$499.00
Professional Packages:
4 node package..............$499.00
8 node package..............$699.00
(Professional packages include: node license, shipping, QEMM
Memory Manager, DESQview 386 Multitasker, & 4 port High Speed
Seriel Cables)
# of nodes that can be run under DESQview on one computer &
amount of memory needed:
CPU Nodes Nodes MB of RAM
386-16 1 2 3
386-25 2 3 4
386-33 3 4 4
386-40 4 5 5
486-25 5 6 5
486-33 8 7 6
486-50 10 8 6
NOTE: You can run more than the suggested number of nodes, but
performance will decrease with each additional node.
FEATURES
---------
+ Designed from the ground up as a reliable and feature rich
multinode BBS
+ Up to 250 simultaneous nodes with multinode chat and online
program support
+ RIPscrip graphical user interface and mouse support!
+ Enhanced DESQview, Windows, and OS/2 operation modes
+ Runs under DOS 3.0 or higher on any 80x86 compatible computer
with 450k free RAM - BBS can shrink to 288 to execute external
programs
+ Automatic modem configuration for most modem brands and types
including the latest 28.8k modems
+ The most advanced BBS security ever:
- ARS {tm} security provides the most flexible, comprehensive,
and user friendly security available in the BBS software
industry
- Post/Call ratio, connect rates, time of day, and other user
data fields can be elements of any ARS security field
- Caller ID support with optional trash-can file
- 100 security levels with 104 sysop configurable flags per user
- Sysop can allow or disallow users to choose their own passwords
- Sysop can force periodic password changes (uniqueness is also
forced)
+ Programmable Command and Menu Structure:
Includes free Baja shell/module compiler Users can select a
shell of their choice including emulations of other BBS
packages (Wildcat!, MajorBBS, PCBoard, etc)
+ QWK message off-line reader and networking support built-in
Off-line file requests:
---------------------------------------------------------------
- Off-line new message scan configuration and pointer adjustment
- Send FidoNet or Internet NetMail from QWK REP packet
- Multiple compression formats supported
- File attachments optionally automatically included
+ Extensive File Transfer Section:
------------------------------------
- Unlimited external transfer protocols with optional DSZLOG
support.
- Batch uploads, downloads, and bidirectional file transfers
- Transfer credit system is completely configurable
- File viewing, extraction, and partial downloading of archives
- FILE_ID.DIZ and DESC.SDI files can be automatically imported
into extended file descriptions
- Personal user to user(s) file transfers
- Optional batch download file flagging for user convenience
- Internal support for offline directories
- Directories can be sorted by filename or date, ascending or
descending.
- Complete CD-ROM (single and multidisk changer) support
+ Inter-node message services:
--------------------------------
-Current node status - user online, action, connect rate, and
more.
- User activity - credited downloads, mail activity, logons, and
logoffs.
- Users can list active nodes and send private messages from any
prompt (even between external programs and the BBS)
- Multichannel multinode chat with optional channel password
protection
- Private real-time node to node character by character chat with
remote split screen support
- Users can send telegrams, single line messages, or enter
private chat from any prompt
- User information (gender, age, location, etc) can be included
in node status display
+ Real-time user database:
----------------------------
- Amazingly complete user edit function
- Remote changes to online-user data are immediately effective
- Disk image is always current for enhanced system fault
tolerance
- Linked free-form data file for every user
- International address and phone number support
+ Online, sysop configurable, chatting artificial intelligence
engine
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Multiple personalities available for your users
+ Up to 500 online external programs:
-----------------------------------------
- Multiuser or single user programs
- Programs that use DOS I/O (don't use COM port directly)
supported
- 12 door file formats supported for an incredible level of
compatibility including: DOOR.SYS, PCBOARD.SYS, USERS.SYS,
CHAIN.TXT, DORINFO#.DEF, EXITINFO.BBS, SFDOORS.DAT,
CALLINFO.BBS, DOORFILE.SR, and UTIDOOR.TXT
- Supports native WWIV color code expansion
+ The most configurable BBS available today:
------------------------------------------------
- Powerful object oriented menu driven configuration program
- All menus, text, and colors are sysop configurable without
source code
- New User Questionaire is available and customizable
- All standard new user questions can be disabled individually
- Over 120 message variables (@-Codes) supported
+ Extensive networking capabilities:
--------------------------------------
- Internal QWK network hub and node support with file transfer
ability
- FidoNet EchoMail and NetMail support
- Send/Receive File Requests from within Synchronet
- UTI drivers for PostLink Networks (RIME, ILink, etc)
- Sub-boards can force real names
- Allow/disallow/force private posts and anonymous posts per
sub-board
- Supports color codes for WWIV, PCBoard, Wildcat, and Celerity
- Support for multiple networks of the same or different
network technologies with different addresses and tag/origin
lines
- Duplicate message checking using 32-bit CRC for QWK and Fido Networks
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.27] - TAG BBS
Info needed for TAG BBS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.28] - TELEGARD
Info needed for Telegard.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.29] - TRIBBS
TriBBS is written by Mark Goowin (mgoodwin@trisoft.com), and
the home BBS is Lobster Buoy, in Maine. All TriBBS files are
available for FTP from ftp.iaccess.za, in the pub/bbsing/tribbs
directory.
More Info needed for TriBBS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.30] - TURBOBOARD
Info needed for TurboBoard.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.31] - UltraBBS
INTRODUCTION
------------
UltraBBS has been in BBS business since '90. The main
programmer is currently Craig Baker, a professional programmer
who also runs a computer store in Boulder, CO. UltraBBS is a
shareware DOS program and registration is required after a
reasonable trial period of 30 days. Registration price is
currently $75. UltraBBS isn't crippled in any way, so all you
get when registering is your name in the login screen. Main
features include a very powerful B-tree index which is used for
very quick filebase searches, built-in message encryption,
internal QWK system and all the usual things. There are several
third party utils for UltraBBS, for example several bulletin
generators, filebase managers, filelist generators etc. For the
latest utils, here's the contact info:
Craig Baker
email cdb@pinecliffe.com
BBS:
UltraBBS HQ EuroUBBS support
Pinecliffe UBBS Underground UBBS
(303) 642-7463 +358-39-374265 (ZyXEL 19k2)
(303) 642-0703 +358-39-374719 (USR 21k6)
(303) 642-0971 +358-39-374823 (Zoom 28k8)
v32b/HST, 16 nodes +358-39-374311 (ringdown)
Snailmail Address:
-------------------
Craig Baker
PO Box D.
Pinecliffe, Colorado USA 80471
For internet users, please use the address avij@spt.fi for
questions instead of the author's address for a quicker reply.
The current version is now UltraBBS II v3.01 revision B,
filename ubbs301b.zip.
------------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.32] - VISION-X
VISION-X FEATURES
------------------
- USER Configurable MENU Support
- 100 Conference Support
- Real-time multinode chat
- Leech Z-MODEM dectection (Anti-Hacker utility to detect
illegal file transfer)
- File Deletion after D/L w/ user access of 20
- 100 Independent Message/File Conferences
- Unique and fully secure MATRIX for Loging on and Applying
- Built in Netmail Support
- File Upload Checker
- Rumours and One Liners
- Up to 99 welcome screens displayed randomly
- HST and 16.8k support with locking up to 38400
- Coloured messages
- Configurable color selections for sysops and users
- VGA Support
- Configurable Matrix/Pulldowns
- Online User Editor
- Turbo Chat
- Multi-Node Support
- Desqview and OS/2 Aware
- Network Capable
- New User Voting with Comments
- FULL ANSI support (and detection)
- Animated screen open and closing (Terminator 2 inspired)
- Online Doors
VISION-X ORDERING INFORMATION as of May 1st, 1994
--------------------------------------------------
Introductory price - $99 and $5 for shipping and handling.
Phone number to contact: (214) 361-8249 (voice)
e-mail: golla@seas.smu.edu - (Prasad Golla)
----------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.33] - Waffle BBS
Waffle was designed to connect to the UUCP network, which is a
network of many thousands of machines, the majority of them
running some variety of Unix.
CAPABILITIES & FUNCTIONS OF WAFFLE/DOS
---------------------------------------
* Allows a PC to communicate with Unix systems using the UUCP
"g" protocol, giving them capability to exchange UUCP mail and
Usenet news. Contains DOS equivalents for UUCICO, UUXQT, UUX,
UUQ, UUCP, RMAIL, RNEWS, and a news & mail reader.
* Can be run as an single-user, individual UUCP node.
* Can be run as a BBS program, including electronic mail,
messages, editor, transfer section, access controls, external
programs, cookies and numerous other amenities.
* A scheduler can execute DOS commands (such as polling
neighboring sites) at specific times or on a regular basis.
* Mail facilities include mail aliases, address routing,
folders, gatewaying of E-Mail into Usenet newsgroups.
* Usenet News facilities include support for batched &
compressed news, the ability to give other sites newsfeeds,
access control on a per newsgroup basis.
* Hooks are provided for gating both mail & news into external
networks (or specific programs).
* Supports FOSSIL communications driver in addition to native
interrupt package, for those with high speed modems.
Other resources
----------------
The Waffle FAQ is available via anon ftp from rtfm.mit.edu
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.34] - WWIV
Info needed for WWIV.
------------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.35] - ProBoard
INTRODUCTION
-------------
ProBoard provides the ability to run a multi-node BBS, allowing
more than one user to be online at a time. It's small size and
lightning fast speed make it ideal for running under a
multi-tasker like DESQview, or on a network.
ProBoard also fully supports the ability to interface with mail
networks such as FidoNet, UseNet, EchoNet, and mail processors
such as SQUISH, FastEcho, GEcho, Fmail, and others.
The greatest asset of ProBoard, is it's ability to be enhanced
by you the user, through the use of programs written in C/C++
using the provided ProBoard SDK (Software Development Kit).
You can do virtually anything with your BBS using the SDK and a
C/C++ compiler. Programs written with the ProBoard SDK are
called PEX (ProBoard Executable) files. This built in
"PEXability" assures you that there's nothing ProBoard can't do!
You do not have to be a C/C++ programmer to enjoy the benefits of
ProBoard's SDK or these PEX files. There are many 3rd party PEX
files available for ProBoard right now with more being released
every day. Call one of our support BBS locations or get the
PROBOARD file distribution echo from 1:282/30 or 2:291/1905.
Through it's SDK, ProBoard offers the user with a desire to
learn C/C++, the ability to do so with a more gentle learning curve.
ProBoard has the ability to run most, if not all doors programs
and other utilities written for other BBS systems such as
PCBoard, QuickBBS (QBBS), SuperBBS, RemoteAccess (RA), etc.
When running an external program, ProBoard can swap itself to
disk/EMS, and stay resident in approximately 2KB of memory!!
ProBoard is highly configurable because it allows you to use
either the SQUISH, Fido Compatible *.MSG, JAM or the HUDSON
message base formats for the contents of your message base. In
addition to supporting all four of these formats for the
message base, ProBoard allows you to configure your BBS to use
all four at the same time. Name one other BBS that allows you
this flexibility!
Not flexible enough yet? Consider then that ProBoard allows
you to configure up to 10,000 message areas, and additionally
10,000 file areas. ProBoard also supports the use of CD-ROM
drives.
Most, if not all, known utilities for RemoteAccess (RA) v1.11
as well as RemoteAccess v2.x, will work with this version of
ProBoard.
ProBoard is remarkably easy to setup with the supplied
PROCFG.EXE file. Most users are up and running within a few
short painless (even enjoyable) hours.
FEATURES
---------
This following is a list of the most important features found
in ProBoard.
- ProBoard is a fast QuickBBS-style BBS program! It's
completely written in highly optimized C++ and assembly
language.
- Full multi-line/multi-user support. Up to 255 nodes can
share the same user database, message base and file database.
- Support for 4 message base types: Squish, Hudson JAM and
*.MSG, all at the same time.
- Support for up to 10,000 message areas and 10,000 file areas.
- Compatible with most, if not all, doors written for other BBS
software such as RemoteAccess, QuickBBS, PCBoard, etc.
- A software development kit is included with ProBoard! You
can write your own extensions to ProBoard using C or C++.
Programs written with the SDK run "inside" ProBoard, for
maximum flexibility and speed. The programmer doesn't have to
worry about modem communications, user files, etc. This is
totally unique! No other BBS software offers anything that
even comes close.
- Integrated, lightning-fast duplicate file checking on uploads.
- Extremely fast indexed file system, while still using the
standard FILES.BBS-based file system.
- Full CD-ROM support. The CD-ROM drive is not accessed until
a file is actually downloaded. It is then only accessed to
copy files to a local drive of your choice freeing up the
CD-ROM for other requests.
- Flexible protocol configuration. You can install any protocol
directly in ProBoard (even bi-directional protocols are
supported). Protocols that can be installed in ProBoard
include X/Y/Zmodem, MPT, BiModem, HS/Link, etc.
- Very flexible security system with over 65,000 security
levels and 32 security flags as well as "reverse" flags.
- TTY, ANSI, Avatar (0 and 0+) terminal emulation.
- Swaps itself to disk or EMS when shelling to an external
program (door), leaving only 2 (two) Kb resident!
- REAL-TIME multi-line chat built in. No stupid line-per-line
chat.
- Direct support for all high speed modems (up to 64,000 bps).
- Extremely user-friendly configuration/maintenance utilities.
- Full RIP support, and unlike other BBS packages that leave
the sysop looking at cryptic RIP codes, we even display the
menus your non-RIP callers see, on your end so you can see
what's happening on your BBS.
- Built in file tagging system.
- Automatic validation of users using a sophisticated
"template" system.
- Powerful User Editor including filter function, allows you to
easily find and work with only the users you specify.
- (TheBank) time bank included, provided as a PEX file for
seamless integration into ProBoard.
- Ability to specify an external message editor either as door
or as a PEX file.
- Ability to specify an external chat program, either as a door
or as a PEX file.
- Fully "data driven" system usage graphs, even in RIP mode.
- Ability to limit menu selections by age, baud rate, sex of
user, time online, or time of day.
- Full Language support. Every prompt in the system can be
changed (including color) and saved in a language file, as well
as multi-language support for menus and textfiles.
- Internal QWK support, provided as a PEX file for seamless
integration into your BBS.
- User name can optionally be added to FILES.BBS when user
uploads files.
- Powerful "Free Files" functions, great if you're running a
support BBS, or a BBS to promote your company.
- Fully buffered I/O for optimum system performance.
- Fully definable paging hours for every day of the week.
- Support for OS/2 2.x time-slicing.
- "Sysop Next" function, with definable "alert" music, as well
as semaphore file support.
- Ability to call menu editor while user is online (or in local
mode) and edit the current menu. Great for testing, or in case
you see something that just HAS to be fixed while a user is
online.
- Built in file counters, shows which of your files are the
most popular.
- Built in "flag description" editor, helps you remember just
what all of those flags you have are for.
SUPPORT
-------
For problems, bug-reports, etc. please write to:
ProBoard International ProBoard USA
---------------------- -------------
Philippe Leybaert Jim Biggs
Groenplein 15 P.O. Box 22444
B-9060 Zelzate Robbinsdale, MN 55422-0444
BELGIUM USA
Or you can fax to the following numbers:
+32-9-343-0592 (Europe)
+49-711-581319 (Germany)
(612) 537-8613 (U.S.A.)
+61-2-560-5755 (Australia)
You can reach the author and support team by sending E-mail:
- Philippe Leybaert : FidoNet (2:291/1905)
: CompuServe (70314,2021)
- Jim Biggs : FidoNet (1:282/30)
: CompuServe (70712,3030)
- Constantin Spiess : FidoNet (2:246/1013)
: PB-NET (246:6106/0)
- Christian Kraus : FidoNet (3:712/607)
If you have any questions or comments, or you need utilities
for ProBoard, call one of these support boards:
- The O-Zone BBS - ProBoard Support/Registration USA
Sysop: Jim Biggs
Hours: 24/24
Speed: 1200-19200 (v.32bis/ZyXEL 19200)
BBS : (612) 537-8659
FAX : (612) 537-8613
Fido : 1:282/30
- The Home of ProBoard - Worldwide ProBoard Support
Sysop: Philippe Leybaert
Hours: 24/24
Speed: 1200-19200 (v.32bis/ZyXEL 19200)
BBS : +32-9-343-0592
Fido : 2:291/1905
- Base 999 - ProBoard Support Luxembourg
Sysop: Alain Fontaine
Hours: 24/24
Speed: 2400-16800 (v.32bis/ZyXEL 16800)
BBS : +352-95273
Fido : 2:270/24
- City BBS - ProBoard Support Sweden
Sysop: Mattias Pettersson
Hours: 24/24
Speed: 2400-16800 (v.32bis/ZyXEL 16800)
BBS : +46-26-141740
Fido : 2:205/206
- The Dealer's BBS, ProBoard Support/Registration Germany
Sysop: Constantin Spiess
Hours: 24/24
Speed: 1200-19200 (v.32bis/ZyXEL 19200)
BBS : +49-711-581319
FAX : +49-711-581319
Fido : 2:246/1013
- OnTron Australia BBS, ProBoard Support Australia
Sysop: Christian Kraus
Hours: 24/24
Speed: 1200-14400 (v.32bis)
BBS : +61-2-564-2172
FAX : +61-2-560-5755
Voice: +61-2-564-2545
Fido : 3:712/607
- The Happy House
Sysop: Alain Schellinck
Hours: 24/24
Speed: 1200-19200 (v.32bis)
BBS : +32-9-238-1610
Fido : 2:291/1900
ProBoard is available on CompuServe (IBMBBS forum).
From: Alvin Brinson <elfren@usis.com>
Newsgroups: alt.bbs,alt.bbs.allsysop,alt.bbs.internet,alt.bbs.ads
Subject: Proboard Mailing List
Date: Sun, 14 May 1995 01:45:14 -0500
Organization: USiS Internet Services +713 682 1666
Lines: 18
NNTP-Posting-Host: usis.com
Mime-Version: 1.0
Check out the Proboard Mailing List - for ProBoard sysops, PEX
coders, and anyone interested in Proboard!
[ Alvin Brinson - elfren@usis.com ]
[ alternate address: alvin_brinson@eterninc.blkbox.com ]
[ FidoNet 1:106/7008 ]
----------------------------------------------
[ **>> Proboard Mailing List Coordinator <** ]
[ send to: listserver@eterninc.blkbox.com ]
[ "CONNECT proboardlist" in body of message! ]
REGISTERING PROBOARD
---------------------
ProBoard is shareware. This means that you are granted a 60-day
evaluation period, after which you must register. You will
receive a registration key file through netmail or it will be
uploaded to your BBS if you don't have a FidoNet node number.
If none of this is possible, please indicate this on your
registration form, along with what size diskette you need and
we will mail you your key on a diskette. Arrangements can also
be made for you to download your key from the ProBoard USA
support BBS.
Registration fees for commercial and non-commercial use are as
follows:
Non-commercial Non-commercial Commercial
Registration Registration Registration
only + manual + manual
USA & Canada 49 US$ 69 US$ 249 US$
Belgium & Luxembrg 1850 BF 2400 BF 8995 BF
The Netherlands 99 FL 129 FL 599 FL
Germany 99 DM 129 DM 599 DM
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.36] - VBBS/Virtual BBS
FEATURES
---------
- Extremely easy setup
- Multinode support for up to 9,999 users online available
(SHAREWARE version supports up to 4 users online)
- Supports up to 999 networks completely transparently at any
one time (including VirtualNET, Fido, UUCP, WWIV based, QWK
format, and VRIME is in development for RIME based)
- Unsurpassed menuing and BBS presentation options
- Easy to learn VSCRIPT script language programming and
modifying
- Built in QWK door for Offline Readers
- Built in ansi Full Screen Editor (w/ 36+ text color choices)
- X,Y,Zmodem, Zmodem Batch and HS-Link downloads and uploads
(BBS & Network)
- Automatically adds Archive comments to uploads
- Files attached to email local and Network
- Automated offline file requesting
- Automated Networked File requesting (networked feature).
- Surveys and Voting
- Multiuser Teleconferencing with port status, paging and
seperate "rooms"
- Prepared text uploads in email & messaging (even from
inside of the editor).
- Easy to use quoting feature in email and messaging
(Configurable Quoter)
- Configurable 'N' scans
- Easy to set up Games and other external online programs
(nearly unlimited presentation options)
- Save to ascii/ansi text any public or private message
- Form letters
- Unlimited number of message subs, file dirs, games and other
databases
- User defined macros (32,767 lines per macro)
- Built in user time bank
- System bulletins and textfiles across drives
- Random messages (up to 3 lines)
- User phone charge accounting system
- Up to 20 seperate timed events per day (or put multiple in
a batch file)
- 36+ user definable ansi screen colors (including
background color)
- File archive viewing.
- Access coding throughout
- Unique Dual purpose (ansi color and ascii) menuing system.
- Pull down menus (PDM) configurable.
- Full messaging and file search functions
- Efficient binary storage of messages and all system text
- Built in daily clean-up.
- Optional System activity display at logon
- Fast Login from console
- Configurable WFC Screen blanking
- Mail forwarding (even across multiple networks, and
multiple types)
- Assignable function key Control Panel at WFC
- Highly informational and customizable WFC.COM screen. use
THEDRAW to customize
- Full CD Rom or WORM capable databases
- Runs as a door in whole OR in components from nearly any
other BBS program
- Extensive log information
- Macro capable Networking software included
- Built in Ansi/RIP Autodetect
- Read and write Email from WFC
- Enhanced and definable Sysop functions
- Split Screen Chat
- "Pseudo" Dos (allows sysop to perform Dos functions w/
user online)
- Multi-Mail Mailing lists (up to 9 lists)
- Multi network CC:s
- Definable Moderator (SubOp) fields for message and file bases
- SysOp security uploads
- Uses full advantage of DSZ for upload and log info
- Ansi Taglines (optionally random)
- Built in BBS Diagnostics
- Definable Function Blocks for totally configurable hot key
menus
- STACKed menu functioning capable (Up to 999,999 menus
stacked upon 1)
- Configurable Autovalidation of SysOps
- Supports optional use of FOSSIL driver
- Ascii, Ansi, and Enhanced Ansi operation with Pull Down Menus
- Multiple SysOp/Co-SysOp feedback.
- Handles/Real Names/Annon toggle for each messaging sub and
file uploads.
- Auto-callback account verification and reverse call capability
- Message bases and file areas can be either "Flat" or
"Layered" arrangements
- Online Hypertext help system
- Built-in Online User Test/Quiz system
Who is the author of VBBS?
---------------------------
Roland De Graff
Holland MI
CORE Support BBS
-----------------
Virtual ComTech International Inc.
VirtualComTech Node 1 --> 1 616 399 4818
VirtualComTech Node 2 --> 1 616 399 8791
Secondary Support BBS/On-line registrations:
VBBS Business Board Node 1 --> 1 210 787 8974
VBBS Business Board Node 2 --> 1 210 787 0088
------------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.37] - GRAPEVINE BBS v.022
INTRODUCTION
-------------
Multi-node; FidoNET(s) support (MSG tosser included); built-in
QWK and BlueWave mail; ASCII, ANSI, AVATAR, RIP, and NAPLPS
support; multi-node; editable prompts; Desqview aware; and much
more! Easy setup, maintainance, and use.
GRAPEVINE'S PRICES
--------------------
$55 (canadian) registration.
$40 US
27 (British Pounds Sterling).
AUTHOR
-------
mike.hindle@f700.n353.z1.fidonet.org
For Grapevine utilities write:
------------------------------
Internet E-Mail:
jschone@eis.calstate.edu
jeff.schoner@solar.org OR
FidoNET Net-Mail to Jeff Schoner @ 1:103/900.985.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.38] - Tiny Host
Info needed for Tiny Host
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[3.1.39] - GAP BBS
- Name of program: GAP BBS v6.2 (Shareware)
- Requirements to run the BBS software:
IBM AT or 100% compatible (386 required to run Multi User
under a Multi Tasking system such as Desqview).
640K memory
1 360K floppy drive
1 Hard Disk (20MB minimum)
CGA, EGA, or Monochrome monitor
Hayes Smartmodem or 100% compatible
DOS 3.3 or greater.
ANSI.SYS which is loaded upon boot up
SHARE.EXE (if running on a network or other type of multi-user
system)
- Main features:
None specified beyond the usual message bases, file areas, text
sections, and DOOR.SYS type doors.
- Author's name: Unknown (Never mentioned in the manual)
GAP Development Company
24242 Porto Fino
Dana Point, CA 92629
- Sales info: Single Node - $ 79.00
3 Node - 159.00
6 Node - 259.00
99 Node - 359.00
Upgrades (difference in total price)
Product Support Renewal (1 year) 35.00
Printed Manual 10.00
GAP Development Company
24242 Porto Fino
Dana Point, CA 92629
- Tech support info:
Unknown (Says to call their support board but never gives
name/number of the support board in the manual.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
3.2 - OPEN YOUR WINDOWS TO THE WORLD!
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
[3.2.01] - What is Ghost BBS?
Ghost BBS is an enhanced host for Procom for Windows. Author of
Ghost is Greg Hommel - Internet address: gregg.hommel@canrem.com
------------------------------------------------------------------
[3.2.02] - POWER BBS
PowerBBS for Windows 4.0
Hicksville, NY, January 2 -- PowerBBS for Windows 4.0 is
scheduled for release January 20, 1994. This latest incarnation
of the first Windows BBS program breaks new ground with a
proprietary Windows terminal program for use as a client.
This new client, PowerAccess 1.0, allows callers to PowerBBS
4.0 systems to interact with the BBS using a Windows multimedia
interface. Callers connecting to PowerBBS systems with
PowerAccess will see icons, buttons, shapes and graphics. They
will also hear Windows WAV and MIDI files if they have a sound
card. This makes PowerBBS systems much easier to use than
standard ANSI based systems.
Unlike standard ANSI and RIP systems, this client-server
approach to BBSing permits callers to perform tasks
simultaneously. Callers will be able to transfer files while
chatting in teleconferrence, reading mail, or performing other
BBS related operations. All operations are easily handled with
a simple point and click interface. Callers can even upload and
download files at the same time, all while still interacting
with the other parts of the BBS.
PowerAccess also has strong graphics support. Callers can
request previews of graphics from the BBS before downloading.
Previews are only about 7,000 bytes and provide true 24 bit
color. If a caller decides to download a graphic, he can choose
to view it directly from within PowerAccess. There's no need to
switch to another program just to see the file.
PowerAccess also has its own built-in mail reader. Downloading
mail and reading it off-line is fully automated. Callers can
even download and upload mail simultaneously. The mail reader
comes with an address book where callers can enter commonly
used E-Mail addresses. There is also a special "groups" feature
that permits the callers to group E-Mail addresses for
broadcasting a message.
PowerAccess also supports ANSI and ASCII. This enables a caller
to run ANSI based doors on PowerBBS systems. Callers can use
PowerAccess to call standard ASCII and ANSI BBSs eliminating
the need to switch to an ANSI based terminal.
PowerAccess is distributed royalty free to PowerBBS sysops and
is free to all callers.
PowerBBS for Windows 4.0 is a full featured BBS package that
has grown considerably since its release in 1989. The BBS
supports ANSI/ASCII/RIP callers in addition to callers with
PowerAccess giving it the broadest possible caller base. The
Telnet/FTP add-on gives the sysop instant access to callers
from around the world through a SLIP connection.
Below are just a few of the features of PowerBBS for Windows 4.0
Messaging
----------
Up to 1,000 message areas (public or private)
Internal QWK Mail Support
Support for Internet mail and newsgroups
Support for FIDO style mail
Public and private file enclosures
Flexible security for message areas
Support for Microsoft Mail via MAPI Gateway
Files
------
Windows based file manager for easy file maintenance
Bulletproof security
Multiple file areas
Support for third party upload checking programs
Automatic importing of file_id.diz files
Built in support for viewing contents of ZIP files
CD-ROM support
Internal X/Y/Z-modem and Kermit protocols
Proprietary bidrectional protocol for PowerAccess connections
Teleconference
----------------
Supports multiple "rooms"
Each room can have separate actions and/or moderators
Restrict room access by security level
Actions can have sound for PowerAccess callers
Database
--------
Support for dBASE compatible databases via PowerBase add-on
Single record and multirecord views
One database can be linked to teleconference as a User Registry
Support for indexing
Download files directly from a database
Other features
---------------
Built in programming language with over 60 commands
Over 80 "macros" to display caller information
Support for doors using DOOR.SYS even for PowerAccess callers
Caller ID support
Send/Receive Fax support
Free Software Developer's Kit to create BBS add-ons
Highly customizable
Multiple language support
Support for ratios and/or credit systems
Support for handles
PowerGenerator
---------------
PowerGenerator is required to make custom screens for callers
to your BBS using PowerAccess. If PowerGenerator screens are
not available, PowerBBS will use ANSI versions of those
screens. Menu screens can be created using PowerGenerator. If
these custom screens are not available, PowerBBS will
automatically create generic versions of these screens.
PowerGenerator is an extremely easy to use and very powerful
screen creation program. Features include:
Color icons that can be inset or raised
3-D fonts that can be inset, raised or shadowed
Buttons
Various shapes with different borders
Import graphics as background bitmaps or pictures on the screen
or both!
Objects can have sound attached to them
Full access to all internal PowerBBS menu commands
Special proprietary PowerAccess only commands
Hardware
---------
Supports modems up to 28.8
Supports ports locked at up to 57600
Up to 8 remote nodes per PC
Local nodes only limited by memory
PCs can be networked together to add more nodes
Runs on any Windows compatible network
Network log-ins supported
Support for multiport cards such as Digiboard
Requires 386 with 4M RAM and Windows 3.1 or WFWG 3.1
Installation and Support
-------------------------
Four line BBS open 24 hours a day for free unlimited tech
support Comes with 200 page illustrated manual
PowerBBS for Windows 4.0
Order Form
Pricing and Ordering Information
PowerBBS comes complete with 3.5" disks and a bound manual.
If you continue to use PowerBBS beyond a reasonable trial
period (45 days), you are legally and morally obligated to
register the software or discontinue using it.
PowerAccess is a royalty free terminal package. No charge is
required for its use.
Upgraders: If you have not received an upgrade notification in
the mail, contact Russell Frey on the Support BBS with your
sysop name and serial number to get the latest pricing
information.
Product Pricing
----------------
PowerBBS v4.0 (1 Node) $109
PowerBBS v4.0 (2 Nodes) $199
PowerBBS v4.0 (4 Nodes) $399
PowerBBS v4.0 (16 Nodes) $699
PowerBBS v4.0 (255 Nodes) $1299
PowerSuite* $199
Telnet/FTP Add-On** $149
PowerBase $149
[included in PowerSuite]
PowerGen $50
[included in PowerSuite]
*PowerSuite includes PowerEdit, PowerBase, PowerGen, and MAPI!
**Allows both Incoming & Outgoing TELNET & FTP sessions for
complete INTERNET connectivity!
Note: Orders may be placed by credit card at 1-800-242-4775 or
1-713-524-6394. Or Fax your order to: 713-524-6398: include
your Credit Card Number, expiration date, and card holders name
when faxing an order. Make Check or Money orders in $US$ drawn
on a US bank, payable to Russell Frey. Send it to:
Russell Frey
35 Fox Court
Hicksville, NY 11801
Please leave any inquiries about pricing to Russell Frey on the
Support BBS.
Call 800-242-4775 voice or BBS 516-822-7396 for additional
pricing information Download the fully functional shareware
version from the Support BBS at 516-822-6948 (2400),
516-822-7396 (14400) or 516-822-7568 (28800) or FTP
Powerbbs.ic.net
PowerBBS Support Sites:
------------------------
- PowerBBS Support BBS:
516-822-7396 or 516-822-7568
- Compuserve:
GO PBBS
- America Online:
Search the Telecom Forum files for "PowerBBS"
- FTP sites:
powerbbs.ic.net or powerbbs.mhv.net
Share your thoughts with other PowerBBS Sysops:
- PowerBBS Internet Mailing List:
Send mail to "majordomo@ic.net" and write "Subscribe PowerBBS"
in the body of the message.
************************************************************************
=- PowerBBS App Reference List -=
-=- 2/27/95 -=-
************************************************************************
"*" = New or updated since last group send of the "App Reference List"
PowerBBS Files
==============
* PowerBBS v4.01 (PBBS401A.ZIP/PBBS401B.ZIP)
Russell Frey
* PowerAccess v1.01 (PACC101.ZIP) PowerBBS Computing
* PowerGenerator v1.01 (PGEN101.ZIP) Brad Friedman
Quick Patches
=============
* PowerBBS v4.0 --> v4.01 (BBS401.ZIP) Russell Frey
* PowerAccess 1.00 --> 1.01 (P100-101.ZIP) PowerBBS Computing
PowerBBS Information
====================
* PowerBBS 4.0 Press Release & screen shots (PBBS4INF.ZIP)
* PowerGenerator Press Release & screen shots (PG1INFO.ZIP)
PowerBBS Utilities
==================
* Powredit v2.2 (POWRED22.ZIP) Bill Ebina
* WhoCalld v4.0 (WHOCALL4.ZIP) Bill Ebina
* TopUser v4.0 (TOPUSER4.ZIP) Bill Ebina
* LogOff v1.0 (LOGOFF.ZIP) Bill Ebina
PowrUSER v1.0a (POWRUS1A.ZIP) Brad Friedman & James Carr
PowrNODE v1.0 (POWRND1.ZIP) Brad Friedman
PowrSTRIP v0.4 (POWRST04.ZIP) Brad Friedman
PowrNEWS v1.1 (POWRNW11.ZIP) Brad Friedman & Ronny Brodin
Pdoor*sys v2.6 (PDRSYS26.ZIP) Stephen Nolan
* PBBS Administrator v4.01(ADMN401.ZIP) Todd Calvin
PowrSort v0.8 (POWRSRT8.ZIP) Mark Newton
PowerBBS - MS Mail Gateway v1.6 (?) Ronny Brodin
ZipView v1.0 (?) Ronny Brodin
PBBS Interactive Help v0.9(?) James Carr
Birthday Generator v0.2 (BDAY02.ZIP) James Carr
PB3ALV96 (PB3ALV96.ZIP) COOKWARE Software
* PowerTICK v1.0 (?) Charles Jones
PBBS File List Manager v1.32 (PFLM131.ZIP & PFLMUP32.ZIP)
Gerral Reeves
PowerBBS-Only Doors
===================
* Poker for PowerBBS v1.0 (CSSPOK1.ZIP) Bill Ebina
* BlackJack for PowerBBS v1.0 (CSSBJK1.ZIP) Bill Ebina
* In-Between for PowerBBS v1.0 (CSSINB1.ZIP) Bill Ebina
* Pyramid Solitaire v1.01 (CSSPYS1.ZIP) Bill Ebina
* Hi-Lo for PowerBBS v1.01 (CSSHILO1.ZIP) Bill Ebina
* Golf Solitaire for PowerBBS v1.0 (CSSGLF1.ZIP)Bill Ebina
Graffitti Wall v0.1 (?) James Carr
General Store v0.1 (?) James Carr
************************************************************************
+ PowerBBS Software and utilities are available for download on
the 4-line PowerBBS support bulletin board at (516) 822-7396 [9600-14400]
connections or (516) 822-7568 [2400-28800 bps] .
+ Also available on both Compuserve (GO PBBS), America Online, and
via FTP at powerbbs.ic.net
(If anyone has updates or can fill in missing or incorrect
info, please send info to Brad_Friedman@cville.com. Apologies
in advance. BF)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[3.2.03] - Front Line for Windows v3.8
INTRODUCTION
-------------
Front Line is basically a replacement for Terminal For Windows.
More importantly it can be used as a Front End for Excalibur
(PDQComm Replacement) or as a simple host for the desktop.
Frontline is very simple to use and the only part that is
different from other terminal programs is the host options.
Features Include:
------------------
- Potocols: Xmodem Checksum, XmodemCRC, XMODEM -1K(YMODEM),
Ymodem-G, Ymodem Batch, Zmodem, Compuserve B +, ASCII
- Multiple Comm Port Configurations
- ANSI, TTY, VT100, VT52 Terminal Modes
- Font Settings on the Fly
- Change Terminal Colors
- Support Serial Ports 1 - 8
- Scroll Back Features
- Capture Data
- Baud Rates - 1200 - 57600
- HOST MENUS
- Basic Message System for the SysOp
- Configurable Basic Menus (Host Mode)
- Use Ansi Screens
- Uploading / Downloading
Host Mode Features
--------------------
The Host subsytem of FrontLine supports:
- X/Y, Kermit, ZModem Download/Upload protocols.
- Log Manager which is very useful with MultiLine Systems
- Editable Logon
- Ansi Menu Support
- Email To Sysop
- User Listing which can request Address Information if the Sysop
Desires.
- Comm 1-8 support, Bauds 1200-57600.
Where can I download Frontline?
--------------------------------
Frontline is currently available on America Online in the
Windows Forum as FLINE38A.ZIP.
Contacting the Author
----------------------
Internet: mcsonic@netcom.com
AOL: Sonic Mike or Via Internet: sonicmike@aol.com
BBS: 916-349-8517/8540 (ANSI or Excalibur Users)
Registering Front Line
------------------------
To register send a self addresses stamped envelope with one
high density (1.44) three & a half inch floppy disk &
registration fee of $20, to:
SONIC SOFTWARE
P.O. BOX 41073
SACRAMENTO,CA
95841
**********************************************************************
Chapter 4 - BBSing With OS/2
**********************************************************************
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
4.1 - OS/2 Q&A
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
[4.1.01] - WHAT IS OS/2?
Os/2 is a preemptive, multitasking operating system with a
windowing, grapihcal interface developed and distributed by
IBM. The current version is 2.1.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[4.1.02] - WHY NOT JUST DOS?
In most cases, a BBS needs a multtiasking operating system to
run multinode. The major contenders for this functionality are
Desqview, Windows, and OS/2. Desqview runs on top of DOS and
therefore carries the extra overhead. Windows, while also
running on top of DOS, is not a true preemptive, operating
system.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
[4.1.03] - WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF OS/2 AS A BBS?
OS/2 does not run on top of DOS, and is a preemptive,
multitasking operating system. It not only runs OS/2 BBS
systems, but also multitasks DOS-based BBS systems.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
[4.1.04] - WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF OS/2 AS A BBS?
It is a full operating system. It is not dedicated to the BBS
processes. The BBS proecsses are competing with operating
system processes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
[4.1.05] - WHAT BBS SOFTWARE RUNS IN OS/2?
Most DOS-based BBS systems will run in a OS/2 DOS shell. A few
other developers have built special versions of their BBS
systems, optimized to run in OS/2's DOS shell. A still smaller
number of BBS systems are written specifically for OS/2.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
4.2 - OS/2 SHAREWARE/FREEWARE BBS's
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
[4.2.01] - Oblivion/2 2.10
Info needed for Oblivion.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[4.2.02] - KITTEN
TelPro Technologies
BBS: 804-442-5865
Registration Fee: $195
FEATURES
---------
DOS and OS/2 optimized versions.
RIP support
Multiline
Multilanguage
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[4.2.03] - LORA v2.33-1
FEATURES
---------
- Shareware DOS and OS/2 optimized evrsions
- Supporting up to fuor different message bases ta the same
time, Fido-Base (*.MSG), the QuickBBS(also known as Hudson
message base), the PIP-Base and the new Squish-Mail<Tm> made by
Scott J. Dudley.
- Supporting up to 500 message/file areas.
- Compatible built-in Front-End Fidonet Mailer, FTSC-0001,
WaZOO and full EMSI capable.
- Supporting multitaskers, leaving not used time to the active
task, and local networks.
- Integrated multiline chat.
- Supporting up to twenty different languages, for a full
international system.
- Support for RemoteAccess 1.11, Maximus CBCS 2.00 and SuperBBS
1.16 compatible Embedded Commands.
- Built-in TimeBank, FileBank, BBS List and UserVote doors.
- Support for off-line mail readers compatible witht he QWK
packet format.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[4.2.04] - MAGNUM v7.00C
Gilmore Systems
BBS: 805-379-3210
FAX: 805-379-1340
Registration Fee: $75
Features
---------
- True OS/2 BBS.
- 33-node(1 LAN, 32 dialup) capable.
- A DEMO version (2-node: - 1 dialup + console) is also
available, restricted to 128 users, 128 files, 128 messages,
Magnum to Magnum remote mail is deactivated.
- Supports IBM Artic and Digiboard cards.
- 26 Message Conferences, Optional 'Extended MessageBase'
module provides up to 6,656
- 26 File Xfer areas, Optional 'Extended FileBase' module
provides up to 6,656
- Thread supporting message sysetm.
- "MILC" commands(MAGNUM Interpreted Language Commands)
- Off-line message format supported: Magnum's POWER, and QWK
format.
- Remote Job Entry (RJE) allows users to start jobs (programs)
which run concurrently to their session which will continue to
run after the user has logged off.
- QWK mail format for off-line reading (and message
entry/reply) is supported.
- Games and other programs which run under OS/2 can all be run
as a Child Process. A publicly available tihrd-party program
(downloadable from MAGNMU BBS) will allow Magnum to run
virtually any DOS-based door program. This capability reqiures
both Magnum version 7.00 and OS/2 2.1.
- Group Chat is available on all nodes.
- Magnum BBS will run on a Local Area Network by purchasing
additional copies of Magnum BBS for more DIAL-IN lines.
- Optional CALLBACK available separately.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[4.2.05] - Maximus v2.01wb
Support BBS#(613)389-8315
FEATURES
----------
DOS and OS/2 optmiized versions.
Free for non-commercial use.
Multilingual
Multinode
Multinode chat
MECCA macro language programming
Support for the following doors:
LASTUSER.BBS(Opus 1.03),
DORINFO1.DEF (QuickBBS andR BBS),
CHAIN.TXT (WWIV),
ACLLINFO.BBS (WildCat!), and
DOOR.SYS.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[4.2.06] - Virtual BBS v6.10 (VBBS)
Virtual Technologies
BBS#(616)399-4818
FAX:616-399-8934
Registration Fee: $99
FEATURES
---------
- DOS and OS/2 optimized versions.
- Multinode support for up ot 1028 users on-line is available;
the shareware version supports up to 4 users on-line
- Supports up to 999 networks completely transparently at any
one time, including VNETtype, FIDOtype, WWIVtype, and
UUCP-type.
- Built-in FIDO front end mailer (No need for Front Door)
- DigiBoard support in channel configuration
- Built-in QWK door for off-line readers
- VSCRIPT <tm> script alnguage programming
- Multi-user teleconferencing
- User-defined macros
- Full CD-ROM or WORM capable databases
- Split-screen chat function available
- Supports optional use fo FOSSIL driver
- Support for the following doors:
DORINFO1.DEF( QuickBBS an dRBBS),
CHAIN.TXT (WWIV),
DOOR.SYS.
------------------------------------------------------------------
[4.2.07] - AdeptXBBS (Info current as of 01/20/95)
AdeptSoft of Boca Raton, FL., announces a public wide beta of
their AdeptXBBS 32-bit BBS Software.
AdeptXBBS is an OS/2, 32-bit, multi-threaded, multi-user,
Presentation Manager BBS.
AdeptXBBS incorporates the best that is OS/2: speed,
reliability, power, and flexibility combined with a user
interface is totally customizable; every prompt and menu can be
changed, edited and configured.
AdeptXBBS gives robust support for DOS and OS/2 doors, built-in
QWK and Bluewave offline mail support; built-in FILE_ID.DIZ and
CD-Rom support
AdeptXBBS also supports any valid OS/2 serial device, named
pipes and network connections.
Also available as add-ons are: a REXX programming subsystem and
an INTERNET subsystem. AdeptXBBS's REXX programming subsystem
gives total access and complete control over all aspects of the
BBS software, including all memory variables and all internal
functions.
AdeptXBBS's INTERNET subsystem features seamless e-mail
(POP/SMTP), newsgroups, FTP, TELNET, Finger and LISTSERV
capabilities.
AdeptSoft can be reached via e-mail at adeptsft@gate.net.
DOWNLOADING AdeptXBBS
----------------------
AdeptXBBS can be FTP'd from the following Internet sites:
gate.net - /pub/users/adeptsft - adept_90.zip
hobbes.nmsu.edu - /os2/incoming - adept_90.zip
AdeptXBBS is available from the following Fidonet BBS's:
The Abandoned Land I - 1:213/760.0@Fidonet - (702)359-1138
The Abandoned Land Ii - 1:213/761.0@Fidonet - (702)359-0629
Erasmus - 1:142/113.0@Fidonet - (203)666-5113
The DogStar BBS - 1:222/10.0@Fidonet - (705)946-6209
The DogStar BBS - 1:222/11.0@Fidonet - (705)942-8370
OS/2 Shareware BBS - 1:109/347.0@Fidonet - (703)385-6268 VFC
*AdeptXBBS requires the OS/2 HPFS File System.
********** AdeptXBBS features in detail **********
AdeptXBBS has support for:
o DOS and OS/2 Doors, using the DOOR.SYS, and Session Info drop
files
o The ability to run redirected OS/2 programs
o Completely custom menu system
o Completely custom prompts system
o Multi-Lingual support
o TTY, ANSI, AVATAR, ANSI-TE2 graphics, auto ANSI, and ANSI-TE2
detection
o Multi-node, multi-user chat
o Internet Telnet Support
o Named Pipe Support
AdeptXBBS file system supports:
o Multi CD-Rom changers
o FILE_ID.DIZ
o File Tagging
o Virus Checking
o Archive Conversion
o Archive Viewing/Extraction
o Files.BBS/00index.txt importing
o Password protected files, and file areas
o Age limited files, and file areas
o Extensive file area and individual file security
o Built in support for the Xmodem, Ymodem, Ymodem-G, Sealink,
Zmodem, and ZedZap protocols
AdeptXBBS message base system has support for:
o File Attaches
o Password Protection
o Extensive security features
o Context sensitive searches
o Message tagging
o .QWK, Bluewave, Fidonet Point, and Text exporting
o Last Read Pointer Manipulation
o Unlimited Message Areas, Message Per Area, and Message Size.
(The current file system (FAT, and HPFS) will break before the
BBS does)
o Full Screen, and Text Message Editors
o Full Reply Linking/Threading
o On the fly compression of messages.
AdeptXBBS mailer has support for:
o FTS-001 through FTS-009 Fidonet standards
o Around 20 additional FSC proposals
o File Attaches, File Requests
o WAZOO, EMSI, and DietIFNA mail sessions
o Complete events handling, with external program support
o Fidonet v7 Nodelist support
o Auto Execution of a fax program for FAX connects
o Completely and seamlessly integrated into the software
o Remote mailer function requests
ALSO AVAILABLE as add-ons are:
REXX programming subsystem and an INTERNET subsystem.
AdeptXBBS's REXX programming subsystem gives total access and
complete control over all aspects of the BBS software,
including all memory variables and all internal functions.
AdeptXBBS's INTERNET subsystem features seamless e-mail
(POP/SMTP), newsgroups, FTP, TELNET, Finger and LISTSERV
capabilities.
AdeptXBBS's Internet sub-system requires a OS/2 TCP/IP stack or
OS/2 Warp.
ADDITIONAL third-party Internet products currently under
development:
OS2CHAT is a third- party product in development for AdeptXBBS.
IRCII is a third-party product that will have an AdeptXBBS
specific version.
UUCP is a third-party product written to seamlessly integrate
into AdeptXBBS.
Beta versions of these products will be available to registered
users.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
4.3 - OS/2 COMMERCIAL BBS's
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
[4.3.01] - OraComm
- More info for OraComm BBS will be available in future
versions of the BBS FAQ.
Oracomm Support BBS, (612)894-5879
Sales and Support for Oracomm Multiline BBS Software
Surf Computer Services, Minneapolis, MN
------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------
Claire Walters ** E-MAIL: Clairew@pluto.njcc.com
D.B.A WindsorWare ** Author/Editor-The Official BBS FAQ
FTP SITE: FTP.NJCC.COM ** http://pluto.njcc.com/~clairew/
--------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Path: news1.ucsd.edu!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!dog.ee.lbl.gov!overload.lbl.gov!lll-winken.llnl.gov!hookup!usenet.eel.ufl.edu!news.mathworks.com!uunet!in1.uu.net!spcuna!earth.njcc.com!pluto.njcc.com!clairew
From: Claire Walters <clairew@pluto.njcc.com>
Newsgroups: alt.bbs,alt.bbs.allsysop,alt.allsysop,comp.bbs.misc
Subject: BBS FAQ Part 4/6
Date: Thu, 13 Jul 1995 17:23:53 -0400
Organization: New Jersey Computer Connection, Lawrenceville, NJ
Lines: 2239
Message-ID: <Pine.BSI.3.91.950713172208.11439F-100000@pluto.njcc.com>
NNTP-Posting-Host: pluto.njcc.com
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Xref: news1.ucsd.edu alt.bbs:33498 alt.bbs.allsysop:10862 alt.allsysop:15 comp.bbs.misc:19985
From: clairew@pluto.njcc.com (Claire Walters)
Newsgroups: alt.bbs, alt.bbs.sysop, comp.bbs.misc, comp.answers, news.answers
Subject: BBS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), Part 4/6
Followup-To: poster
Reply-To: clairew@pluto.njcc.com (Claire Walters)
Summary: This posting contains Frequently Asked Questions (and
their answers) including information to help those wanting to
setup an Online Service/BBS.
Archive-name: ftp.njcc.com
pub/bbsfaq/bbsfaq03.004
Last-modified: 02/23/95
Version: v3.0
URL: http://pluto.njcc.com/~clairew/
**********************************************************************
Chapter 5 - PC HARDWARE
**********************************************************************
[5.1.01] - What basic hardware do I need to start a BBS?
[5.1.02] - What hardware is needed to add more phone lines?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
5.2 - NETWORKING YOUR PC BBS
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
[5.2.01] - INTRODUCTION
This section (Networking you PC BBS) is designed to give the
basics on how to make a networked BBS. There are a lot of FAQ's
out there that can be more helpful than what can be written
here, especially with the networking and using individual BBS
software, but this will give you a place to work from.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[5.2.02] - WHAT IS A NETWORK?
A networked BBS is one that has multiple computers 'hardwired'
through some non-phone connection to each other, and they can
send information to each other. If this is in a corporate
environment, there might be just one computer with modems, with
not only people calling in, but calling out as well, for
telecommuting and the like. For most private use BBS's out
there, however, all the machines on the network have modems on
them taking calls. We'll look mainly at that aspect.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[5.2.03] - WHAT DO I NEED FOR A NETWORK?
Assuming that your BBS software can handle multiple computers
with multiple modems, all you need to make a network is an
Network Interface Card (NIC), the wires going to each computer,
the 'topology' of the network, and a Network Operating System
(NOS).
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[5.2.04] - THE TOPOLOGY
This is a fancy term for how the wiring will be laid. This is
mainly dependent on the wiring used. There's two main types:
The Bus and the Star.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[5.2.05] - HOP ON THE BUS
The bus is a series connection of computers. One to the other
to the other to the other, with resistors at the end of the
cable to tell the network you've hit the edge. It's probably
the cheapest way to get into networking. However, if you are
worried about one node (a computer on the network) going down,
this is a bad way to go. The wire breaks in any way, shape or
form, and the whole net comes crashing down.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
[5.2.06] - HITCH YOUR DREAMS TO A STAR
The other way to connect them is in a star configuration. All
computers talking to one central hub. It's more expensive
because you have to buy that hub. That costs from about $150 to
easily over $1000. Unless this network will also support a few
hundred other users, stick with the cheap, non-SNMP, non
manageable hubs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
[5.2.07] - THE NIC
This is a card that will be installed into the computer and is
dedicated to network transmission. There are a lot of them out
there. You can easily pay from $30 to over $400. However,
sometimes, you do get what you pay for. It is suggested to find
a big company that will stand behind their product, both with
driver updates and tech support when things don't work. You can
do 3Com, Intel, Allied Telesis, SMC, Eagle, or others.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
[5.2.08] - THE NOS & NETWORK TYPE
Now this one is a very good problem. A lot of people are
looking into this, not just for a BBS setup but for a variety
of other applications too. The following is a list and brief
description of some of the more popular networking software.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
[5.2.09] - NOVELL NETWARE
Netware, by Novell, has to be by far the most popular NOS. Alot
of companies run Netware, and there's all sorts of addons and
support for it. It's a good, reliable, robust operating system.
There's version 3.x and 4.x, with 3.x being more for small to
medium companies and 4.x for Wide Area Networks and large
companies. You'll be looking (as of 1 July 1994) at Netware
3.12 for your setup. 3.11 is also acceptable. Now, there's one
major drawback to Netware: It has to be installed on one
dedicated server. Dedicated means you can't do anything else
with that machine but run it as a server. Netware 3.12 will run
on a 386.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[5.2.10] - LANTASTIC
Lantastic, by Artisoft, is a peer-to-peer NOS. What does that
mean to you? No dedicated server machine. So you don't have all
sorts of money tied up in a machine that does nothing but
manage your network. Before Windows for WorkGroups came along,
this was the ONLY reliable and cheap peer-to-peer setup. It
still is extremely popular, for one very important reason: it
runs in DOS. Windows for WorkGroups is great as long as you're
in Windows. As of 1 July 1994, Lantastic 6.0 has just hit the
streets, and the price is very reasonable.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[5.2.11] - Windows for WorkGroups
As mentioned in the Lantastic section, this is Windows only.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[5.2.12 ] - The New Kid In Town: CoActive
I'll quickly glance over CoActive, because there's one major
problem with it: speed. The idea is simple enough: Give
everyone an adapter to hang off the parallel port of your
computer, run regular phone line between the machines, and run
a peer to peer network with the greatest of ease. Each node
takes about 10 mintues to set up, and that's pretty darn good.
The price makes it even more attractive. However, it is not
recommended if speed is a factor, it has an extremely slow
transfer rate. It runs as a serial port, so the max it can do
is 115K/second, where standard Ethernet pulls about 10 times
that. If you have small files, or run a message-only board, you
could get away with CoActive, but for anyone else it is not
recommended.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[5.2.13] - EtherWave
This is another new one, very fresh on the market. It's from
Farallon, and it's called Etherwave. Main claim to fame: You
can 'daisy chain' machines on Ethernet. big problem: The ones
near the end of the chain are very slow, and you still need a
NOS to run this thing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[5.2.14] - Timbuktu Pro for Windows
From: amy@farallon.com (Amy Roberts)
Newsgroups: comp.newprod
Subject: Timbuktu(r) Pro for Windows
Date: 8 May 1995 20:37:26 -0400
Sender: zorch@ftp.UU.NET
Approved: zorch@uunet.UU.NET
Distribution: world
Message-ID: <n1412239645.17331@waygate.farallon.com>
NNTP-Posting-Host: ftp.uu.net
Keywords: Farallon; Timbuktu Pro for Windows; LAN, WAN, Internet, network management, novell, pc, software, windows
Timbuktu(r) Pro for Windows
Access anything or anyone on your network, from anywhere.
Farallon's Timbuktu Pro for Windows is networked remote control
with integrated remote node software for workgroups, remote
workers, and help desk administrators. Timbuktu Pro works over
your LAN, WAN, the Internet, or over dial-up or ISDN lines to
give you total LAN access. You can remotely control not only
your own PC, but any PC on your network. Provide instant user
support to anyone, wherever they are. Retrieve and transfer
files. Read e-mail. Update client/server databases and
workgroup applications like Lotus Notes from afar. For the
business user, Timbuktu Pro for Windows lets you stay in touch
from home or on the road. For the network manager and help desk
administrator, Timbuktu Pro is ideal for troubleshooting a
user's computer, updating software, and training--all from
where you are.
System Requirements
* One license required per computer
* Novell IPX v2.12 (or higher) and/or a Windows Sockets-compatible
TCP/IP-based network such as:
+ Microsoft TCP/IP-32
+ NetManage Chameleon v4.01
+ Novell LAN Workplace v4.2
+ Trumpet Winsock v2.0
+ Network TeleSystems TCP Pro v1.0
+ For an updated list call Farallon
* 386 or higher with 4MB RAM (8MB highly recommended)
* Approximately 3MB hard disk space required for installation
* Windows 3.1 or Windows for Workgroups 3.11
* DOS 5.0 or higher
* Optional: For remote dial-in, you will need a Shiva LanRover, Windows
NT 3.5 Remote Access server, Windows 95 Dial-UP Server, or any other
PPP-compliant remote access server.
Timbuktu Pro for Windows version 1.0 is now shipping. The
product is available in twin-pack, 10-pack, 30-pack and
100-pack configurations. US street prices range from $70 per
user for a twin pack to $42 per user for a 100-pack. Farallon
also offers volume purchase pricing. All of Farallon's products
are available from resellers worldwide.
For more information,
URL: http://www.farallon.com
Anonymous ftp: ftp.farallon.com/pub
Customer Service: info@farallon.com
1-510-814-5000
-----------------------------------------------------------
[5.2.15] - How does all this hardware help me?
Well, suddenly you can share your BBS files over your whole
setup. In the Netware setup, you have one central location for
all your files, for easy backup and maintenance options. In
3.12, you can hang a CDROM or two off the server, to give even
more storage capability and value to your BBS. Suddenly, your
nodes can be 'light' nodes, doing nothing but answering calls,
with an 80 MB or so HD, and all the file storage is kept on the
server. For the Peer-to-peer, each machine can have one special
section for each file area, like games or utilities, and all
the other people look to that area for the files. Still easy to
maintain. Also, a network is a heck of a lot faster than
standard serial ports, and easier to send big files from one
machine to the other.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
5.3 - CD-ROMS & YOUR PC BBS
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
[5.3.01] - How do I add a CD-rom to my BBS?
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[5.3.02] - Can I have more than one CD-Rom for my users to access?
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[5.3.03] - Do I need any special software to run a CD-rom(s)?
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[5.3.04] - Books & other resources when using a Cd-rom on your BBS
From: FZDX57A@prodigy.com (Karen Thomas)
Newsgroups: alt.bbs.allsysop
Subject: PUT YOUR FILES ON CD-ROM!!!
Date: 2 May 1995 04:08:39 GMT
C U S T O M C D
Description:
--------------
Utilizing the latest in CD-ROM technology, CUSTOM CD will
create an IBM compatible DOS or Windows CD-ROM according to
your specifications, using your source material, on a high
quality compact disc of your choice, in about a week.* It's
that simple. CD-ROMs can hold up to 650 MB of data.
+ Each customized CD-ROM is carefully mastered, produced, and
tested, to assure error-free duplications. Satisfaction is
guaranteed!
+ Customized CD-ROMs are ideal for system back-ups and data
storage.
Source Material accepted:
--------------------------
CD-ROM
5.25" floppy
3.5" floppy
DC-2120 (QIC-80)
Ordering Info:
---------------
You specify HOW you would like the data to be "set-up" on the
CD-ROM. You specify what directories and sub-directories you
would like created, and were files should be placed. (The
mastering technician will be happy to answer and questions or
to help you do this.)
We offer three brands of compact discs, Maxell, Sony, and TDK.
These are ALL high-quality "gold" discs.
Pricing information:
--------------------
540 MB disc $28
650 MB disc $35
additional $17
*turn-around time averages one 3-5 days plus shipping time on a
single disc order.
If you would like to receive more information and an order
form, send your US mail address to:
CUSTOM CDS@AOL.COM
SASE to:
CUSTOM CD
3870 Central Ave, #202
Ft. Myers, FL 33901-8241
**********************************************************************
CHAPTER 6 - Add-ons & Utilities for PC BBSes
**********************************************************************
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
6.1 - BBS ADD-ONS/UTILITIES
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
[6.1.01] - What is RIPScript?
RIPscript graphics are EGA quality graphics that are displayed
over the modem. The BBS sends special codes which are
interpreted by a special term program and draws the screen for
the user. The results can be impressive. While there are
other graphic protocols, such as NAPLPS and ROBO/FX, which are
better than RIP (supporting VGA and better resolutions), RIP is
the only one which can be made with simple ASCII sequences.
This is good, since when you understand which codes do what
(they are confusing), you can actually edit the screens in any
text editor (although you won't see the picture, just the
codes). There are a bunch of shareware programs which give you
the power to draw your own RIP screens, using lines, circles,
boxes, fonts, and other cool stuff. Several BBS programs also
have special support for RIP, such as (but not limited to)
Renegade, WildCat, and Synchronet. Other BBS authors are
planning to RIP-enable their systems soon.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[6.1.02] - What is a fossil driver?
Fossil drivers were invented in the mid 80's, when not every
modem and/or serial device was 100% compatible. Fossils made
sure that your program could talk to your modem, regardless of
how oddball the modem. It does this by intercepting signals
from the program, and converting them into something the modem
can understand. These days, fortunately, the problems are much
less severe. Fossils are used mostly because a BBS program
that supports them doesn't have to be constantly updated to
handle new speeds or protocols, just the fossil.
The word "fossil" is actually an acronym for "Fido-Opus-Seadog
Standard Interface Layer".
Where can I download a fossil driver?
---------------------------------------
FTP: XMISSION.COM
The following available to download,
- Fossil driver BNU v1.70
- X00 fossil, version 1.50
- A program called Video Fossil v1.10, which is needed if you
want to run Binkley Term with colors.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[6.1.03] - What do I need to offer fax services to my users?
Below is a list of BBS software programs that offer fax
features while running your BBS. Please refer to the proper
section of this FAQ where the BBS software is explained in
detail.
- Procomm Plus for Windows v2.0
(Refer to chapter 2 - under the topic, "What s Ghost BBS")
- FirstClass BBS
(Refer to chapter 3 for further details about FirstClass)
- PCBoard (Version 15.1)
(please see section 2.03 for more information about PCBoard)
- Remote Access
(Refer to chapter 2)
NOTE: Several BBS packages support fax capabilities. Check with
the software vendor/author first.
BGFAX 1.40
===========
<<< BRIEF SUMMARY OF MAJOR NEW FEATURES >>>
a. OS/2 executables now included (in addition to the DOS
executables)
b. EXAR based fax modem related bugs in BGFAX addressed
c. VIEW now supports VESA SVGA display modes for viewing faxes
d. VIEW now supports printing in PCL mode (LaserJet, DeskJet)
e. CALLER ID info in /HOST mode is now saved to DOBBS.BAT files
BGFAX allows SYSOPs to accept faxes on their BBS line. BGFAX
can also send faxes. (While BGFAX was originally designed just
for sysops, it can also be used by Mr. Joe User who hates TSR
based fax programs.)
BGFAX is a tool designed for use with any Class 2 compliant fax
modem. The fax modem must also support fully functional
ADAPTIVE ANSWERING.
Common Class 2 fax modems include the Supra, Practical
Peripherials (may require purchase of a newer ROM revision if
you are using an older model), Zoom, etc.
BGFAX also directly supports ZyXEL fax mode. (AT#B1+FCLASS=6).
BGFAX will not function with Class 1 only fax modems. Common
Class 1 only fax modems include all non-v.32 turbo USR fax
modems, Digicom Scouts, the AT&T Dataport, and the SupraLC.
BGFAX can be used in FOUR distinct modes.
FRONTEND MODE
-------------
BGFAX will answer the telephone line ITSELF, handle events,
pass data calls to a front end compatible BBS, and take fax
calls.
REAR END MODE
--------------
BGFAX will be called from another program when an incoming fax
is detected. FidoNet sysops using front end mailers such as
FrontDoor, Intermail, D'Bridge, Dutchie, etc. are required to
use this mode. The mailer must support the ability to exit to
BGFAX when a fax is coming.
SEND MODE
---------
BGFAX has the ability to send faxes to another fax machine.
(At this time, the file to be sent must already be in converted
fax format.)
INITIALIZATION
---------------
BGFAX will only initialize the modem, and then quit. This mode
is provided for people who need to use BGFAX in rear end mode,
but their Fido mailer (or BBS software) will not allow the long
initialization strings required for fax usage.
CONTACTING THE AUTHOR OF BGFAX
-------------------------------
B.J. Guillot
2611 Rushwood Circle
Houston Texas 77067-1941
Voice
713-893-9320
Data/Fax
713-893-9124
INTERNET: st1r8@jetson.uh.edu
Fido 1:106/400
Tranquility Base (BGFAX support BBS) is now on the Internet!
You can TELNET/FTP/VMODEM to IP address 199.3.234.248 to logon.
[BGFAX140.ARJ is located in "..\BGFAX" on the FTP:199.3.234.248]
BGFAX140.ARJ is available at FTP.CSN.NET in the "/Computech"
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[6.1.04] - Front-End Mailers
The FTP site XMISSION.COM carries the following Front-End
mailing programs.
- FrontDoor 2.02/NC
- FrontDoor 2.12/Shareware
- D'Bridge 1.54
--------------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
6.2 - FILE CHECKING PROGRAMS
=-=-=-=-=-=-==-==-=-==-==-=-=
[6.2.01] - When users upload files, what utilities are avilable
to check for viruses & duplicates?
--------------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
6.3 - QWK MAIL
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
[6.3.01] - What is QWK mail?
[6.3.02] - The BBS software I chose did not include QWK mail
capabilties, how do I add QWK mail to my BBS?
[6.3.03] - What QWK mail software is available?
---------------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
6.4 - BBS DOORS
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
[6.4.01] - What is a BBS door?
Loosely put, a door, as the name implies, is a gateway outside
the BBS software. Doors can be anything, games, database
applications, credit card registration systems, just about
anything. Most doors are run by the BBS itself or by a batch
file outside the BBS. The door program itself interfaces with
the communications and the modem, and takes over from the BBS
software after it unloads.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
[6.4.02] - What doors are available?
Doors are so numerous that this question is hard to answer. If
you have a purpose in mind, you can generally find a door to
suit it.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
[6.4.03] - How do I install a door?
Say you just found the perfect game you want to add to your
BBS, but you're unsure on how to configure it. This is a
general set of steps to follow to configure most door programs
out there:
1. Install the program. Some programs are compressed, needing
uncompression programs such as PKUnzip, ARJ, etc. Others have
their own installation software, which may or may not
uncompress it. Others have a set of instructions in a file like
READ.ME, READTHIS.1ST, README.NOW, etc. Make sure to follow the
instructions as they are written, and try not to shortcut it
unless you know what you are doing.
2. Doors usually have a configuration program or file
containing various options. While most doors have options of
their own, here are a few setup options and guidelines that are
fairly common:
a. DROP FILE NAME/TYPE: This file is the file that the door
software gets most of its information from. From this file, the
door can get the user name, speed, location, and many more
items, some BBS dependant. In order for a door program to be
supported, your BBS usually must support a similar drop file
type. For instance, PCBoard, which supports it's own
PCBOARD.SYS file and a generic file called DOOR.SYS, could only
be used with door programs that can use one of these two files.
Here are some sample BBS packages and their drop files:
------------------------------
BBS Drop File(s)
------------------------------
WWIV CHAIN.TXT
PCBoard PCBOARD.SYS, DOOR.SYS
RBBS DORINFO1.DEF
RyBBS CURRUSER.BBS
WildCat! CALLINFO.BBS
There are some shareware programs that will translate door drop
files into (probably) a format readable by your BBS. Check your
local BBS's for such converters. After you know what drop file
to use, configure the door to use it, as said in the docs.
NOTE: Some drop files, depending on the BBS system, may also
include the below configuration options, in which case you may
not have to configure for them.
b. COM PORT: The COM port the BBS is on. If you are running
more than two lines, you may have trouble with this DOOR
program unless it has controls over options b and c. This is
because after going past two lines, you cannot assign standard
COM port designations to each line. (See section on Multi-line
door setups)
c. IRQ - This is the Interrupt the communications port is on.
If you are running one or two lines, you should select the
default choice, or leave this option out, unless your serial
board is oddly configured. For multi-line systems, you should
choose the IRQ of the port it's on. (See section on Multi-line
door setups)
d. Base Address - This is the base address of the
communications port. As with IRQ, unless running a multi-line
system or an abnormal serial card, keep the defaults.
If the door does not have defaults, the standard values for
these are:
- COM1, COM3: IRQ - 4 Base Address - 3f8
- COM2, COM4: IRQ - 3 Base Address - 2f8
e. Other modem/hardware information - Some doors will ask for
various other information, such as whether to use hardware or
software handshaking. Most of this should be set the same as
the BBS is. If you are unsure, check the documentation.
f. A note about VBRUN: Some doors that are written in basic
need a utility called VBRUN in order to execute. This utility
is BASIC's runtime module, and is usually not included in the
door package. If, during testing, the door wants the location
of a runtime module, this is what you need to look for. Most
BBS's should have a copy, or know where to find one.
After these are configured, various items about the door
itself must be configured. For a game, it may be the number of
turns per day, for a credit card system what types of cards are
supported, etc. Configure these as you wish.
3. Test the door in local mode, if it is has such an option.
Most doors have a command line switch, or some other way of
runing the door in 'local' mode. Local mode allows you to use
the door without a modem/serial line attached, and is usually
good for testing. The purpose of testing ahead of time before
adding it to the BBS is to make sure the the door itself is
properly configured. Testing in local mode will pick up errors
such as bad/missing filenames, improper configuration files,
etc.
4. Install on the BBS itself - In all cases, check the
documentation of the BBS software you have selected for proper
configuration. Most BBS's do it one of two ways:
(1) The door is run by the BBS itself. In this case, you need
to configure the BBS software, which will usually have a set of
configuration options relating to doors. When it asks you for
the path to execute the door, input the path of the
executable/batch file for the door. NOTE: Doors run on BBS's of
this type may have problems with memory usage. For this reason,
some BBS's have a special option to let you 'minimize' the
memory usage. If you're experiencing memory problems, use this
option.
(2) The door is run outside the BBS in another batch file. In
this case, an sample external batch is usually included with
the BBS package. Most of these look similar to this:
:cycle
RunBBS ; Run the BBS program
if errorlevel 50 goto DOOR_A
if errorlevel 40 goto DOOR_B
if errorlevel 30 goto DOOR_C
if errorlevel 20 goto end ; test for each
:DOOR_A
tw2002 ; Run Trade Wars, a game
goto cycle ; go back to the bbs
:DOOR_B
vote
goto cycle ; vote and return
:DOOR_C
ccard
goto cycle ; get a credit card, return
:end ; end it off.
In this manner, when the BBS exits, depending on the DOS
errorlevel the batch file will execute a myriad of different
programs. Some BBS's have preset errorlevels, and such BBS
packages, like SpitFire, should have sample batch files with
these presets. Others have configuration options to let you
change the errorlevels, in which case you might have to create
your own, personal batch file. The above should work for most
BBS's of the batch file type. If you change this, remember that
the 'if errorlevel' calls MUST be in descending order, because
of the nature of the call.
After the door itself is configured, you may have to add a menu
entry or some other way of accessing it. Make sure, if sure BBS
is up and running at the time, with non-sysop callers calling
in, that the menu entry is set at sysop security level to
prevent others from trying a potentially faulty door.
5. Test it online - This is a MUST. If you have another line,
call into your BBS and test the door online, or have a friend
do it if you don't have another line/modem to spare. If the
door fails to operate, try tweaking the settings some, making
sure that it has the same hardware/software setup as the BBS.
If all goes well, you're ready to open it to the public. You
can now change that sysop-only menu entry to a normal one.
6. Open it to the public - Now it's ready to be released into
the wide world of BBS doors.
After following these guidelines, you should be able to install
and configure most door softwares.
------------------------------------------------------------------
[6.4.04] - Notes of Multi-line systems
1. Multi-node systems, systems that use Windows, or DesqView,
or OS/2, etc., should be aware that not all door programs were
meant to be running at the same time. For instance, the old
version of Trade Wars, a popular BBS game, could not have more
than one node running it at one time. This is because of
various restrictions that DOS, and the door program itself, put
on file sharing. The door program will usually say in the
documentation whether it supports Multi-node systems. If it
does, follow the above configuration. If your BBS system does
not share its configuration files, you must configure it for
each node, or some nodes will be missing it.
2. Internal Multitaskers. These BBSs, such as The Major BBS,
TBBS, Falken and more, do their multitasking internally,
instead of with something like DesqView or Windows. Such
BBS's may have an interface to use normal doors, but most
require you to use only option modules meant for their BBS,
since they didn't build it to multitask all kinds of
programs. Use your manual to install such software, since it
varies system to system.
----------------------------------------------------------------
[6.4.05] - Notes on DOORWAY
DOORWAY is a program that lets you run normal DOS programs that
do not support comm routines, as doors. There is an inherent
problem in this, though, because DOS programs are very finicky.
Several DOS programs use direct screen writes, and, while
DOORWAY supports these, can be very tricky. Graphics programs,
obviously, are not supported. Another problem with common DOS
programs is security. If the program offers anything like a
shell to dos or a command running option, you probably don't
want to offer it, unless you trust the people using it, or you
found a way around. To install DOORWAY, use the above
instructions, but when it comes to running the executable, run
DOORWAY with its command line instead. If in need, most BBSs
will carry a copy of DOORWAY, usually as DRWY____.ZIP or
DOORWAY.ZIP.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[6.5] - ANSI & THE PC BBS
- No outline provided in this version of the FAQ.
*********************************************************************
CHAPTER - 7 SYSOPING WITH MACINTOSH/APPLE
*********************************************************************
Changes from the last Macintosh BBS FAQ version 1.1 published 7/15/94:
Pancake Description
Power PC changes
An Internet set-up comparison
Upcoming announcements by Manufacturers
Any help to keep filling out this FAQ with useful information
would be appreciated.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
7.1 - Is it possible to run a bulletin board system on a Macintosh?
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Yes, the most powerful bulletin board systems available on any
computer run on a Macintosh. As might be expected , the best
of the systems offer an easy to use graphical interface for the
user, making the Macintosh BBS systems among the easiest to use.
Another interesting development is that the broadest range of
BBS access support is on the Macintosh platform. Perhaps out
of necessity ( too many IBM clones out there), the Mac packages
excel in allowing almost any type of computer and type of
connection hook into the BBS. Examples range from the Mac GUI
Client software, Windows Client software, RIP graphics support,
color ANSI, VT100, and TTY. The client software packages are
used to access a particular brand of BBS software and allow for
a graphical interface to make using the BBS easier, and in
several cases simultaneous upload/ download/read messages
capabilities are built into the client software.
In summary, the Macintosh BBS packages are pushing the BBS
capabilities to the limit.
------------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
7.2 - What hardware is needed to run a BBS on a Macintosh?
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
The Basics - Almost any Macintosh from a Macintosh Plus on can
run a BBS, but the most powerful packages require a 68030 and
higher to run effectively. Speed on BBS's can be increased by
getting a faster drive, because much of what a BBS does is
access the hard drive to gain information.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[7.2.01] - A minimum machine
Using text only (ANSI or VT100) packages, you can use almost
any Mac with 1 meg of memory. Using the graphical BBS's can be
used on a Mac Plus and up, but performance severely degrades.
But the bright point is that being the Mac, most packages will
run on any machine from a Plus up.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[7.2.02] - Hard drives and accessing information
The hard drive will be the most important factor in speed on
you BBS. With a BBS you are accessing information contained on
your hard drive. So relative speed is increased by increasing
the speed of your hard drive. Thus the fast the hard drive
used, the faster your BBS will be. The new Macintoshes the 630
serires uses slower IDE drives ( and cheaper to Apple) They
will slow your BBS down and should not be used in operating a
BBS.
The relative speed of your CPU will have more of an effect on
NovaLink Pro than it will on First Class, Hermes and
TeleFinder. This is because NovaLink Pro caches into RAM much
of its information, and is more dependent on its processor. As
I hear of other BBS's performance I will update this section.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[7.2.03] - Accelerating your Macintosh BBS
A BBS relies heavily on disk drive access in order to access
information on your hard drive so as much of your BBS as
possible should be loaded into RAM in order to speed up
access. RAM is much faster than any hard drive available. You
can do this by adding a RAM Disk from your control panel ( as
much RAM as is available from your configuration). Your Disk
Cache should be set at a megabyte for optimum performance.
FWB Hammer also has a SCSI accelerator that is supposed to
increase disk access time dramatically.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[7.2.04] - CD ROMS and your BBS
Most of the BBS packages will allow you to easily add a CD ROM
to your set-up. This easily allows for large amounts of
shareware to be available for your users. With a sit-c
resource ( a descriptor of the file contained in a "stuffed" or
otherwise compressed file) you can have a brief explanation of
every program on the CD explained to your callers.
The Arizona Mac Users Group(AMUG) publishes a semi-yearly
update called "BBS in a Box" that has the latest versions of
the most important Mac Shareware ( 9,000 files). It is also
organized for easy insertion into your BBS. ( Call Wanzata
Technology 1-800-735-7321 ) for ordering information. Educorp
Publishes multiple shareware volumes also. ( 1-800843-9497)
Mega ROM and Giga ROM are also titles that may still be
published.
With the Apple Control Panel - PC Exchange - an IBM DOS or
Windows CD can be mounted for your BBS.
------------------------------------------------------------------
[7.2.05] - Networking Macs to create larger BBSes
A Mac BBS can expand the number of simultaneous connections
that it can handle bynetworking the BBS into multiple servers,
each handling a part of the load.
Instead of using modems to connect Mac BBSUs, you can have a
BBS provide the same function as your modem users, but over the
network. Many corporations use their Mac BBS as a mail server
or a groupware coordinator.
------------------------------------------------------------------
[7.2.06] - Can I use my BBS software on a PowerPC and will it
perform better?
As of the writing of this FAQ, only NovaLink Pro and TeleFinder
runs in native Power PC code. Since most BBS speed is related
to the hard drive, the Power PC will not by itself speed up
your BBS. For CPU intensive applications like NovaLink Pro, it
will make a significant difference.
There are two severe known problems with the Power PC as a BBS
server. The first is that no more than four NUBUS cards can be
added to a Power PC. This is an operating system limitation.
Quadra and below can address 16 NUBUS slots. Because of the
way expansion boxes work, and that three slots are all the
largest Power PC has at this time, this is a severe limitation
to 14 lines per Mac physically possible.
The other is that TCP runs in emulation not native mode, so TCP
throughput is slowed considerably over a Quadra. System 7.5
will offer TCP built into the system. Apple will introduce a
new way of dealing with communication with System 7.6 in
January where the native Power PC TCP will be included in a new
implementation of TCP.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
7.3 - Setting up the phone lines with a Macintosh
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
[7.3.01] - Serial ports on a Mac
"I'd like to start my BBS with a few phone lines, how do I
setup multiple phone lines on a Macintosh? "
Each Mac comes equipped with two serial ports both of which can
be used by most BBS packages. They will support transfer rates
up to 38,400 baud ( the maximum rate that a Mac serial port can
transfer information without buffering of the NUBUS Cards.)
Since the Mac comes standard with a multi-tasking operating
system, simultaneous connections are easy to set up with the
Mac.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[7.3.02] - Multiport cards for expanding the number of lines
What hardware is needed?" To go beyond two phone lines, you
will need to add a multiport serial card or a SCSI expansion
box. The NUBUS cards are meant to be inserted in the expansion
slots on your Macintosh.
Hurdler Nubus cards from Creative Systems - Dual and Quad
serial port cards for the Mac. Capable of up to 57,000 baud
performance per port. 2 port $299, 4 port $379.
Hustler Nubus cards from Creative Systems - a card designed
for the new V. Fast modem. Capable of speeds up to 230,000
baud on one port, or 115,000 baud on two ports. Available in
two port versions only. $329
QuadraLink - These cards can still be found, but the
manufacturer is out of business. They did not have buffering
necessary for multiple high speed connections, though they
offered economical 4 serial port cards.
Digiboard by Digitek offers an eight port card, but as of this
writing the board has numerous software bugs and is not
recommended by ANY of the Mac BBS manufactuers. The board also
does not offer a carrier detect pin (for detecting when the
callers modem hangs up) in its current mode, making it less
attractive for sysops.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[7.3.03] - SCSI interfaces for expansion
The SCSI expansion box connects like a hard drive to your SCSI
chain, but adds four additional serial ports to you system.
Creative Systems - Hurdler standalone - SEQS - Adds four serial
ports to any Mac with a SCSI interface in a standalone box.
$695.00
Creative Systems
4701 Randolph Road, Suite #12
Rockville, MD 20852 USA
(301) 984 - 0261 Fax (301) 770-1675
------------------------------------------------------------------
[7.3.04] - Other connection types for the Macintosh
TCP - The standard interface to TCP/IP network hardware,
MacTCP also makes it possible for more than one TCP/IP based
application to run on a Macintosh at any one time. For example,
you can simultaneously use a Telnet program, an FTP program,
andshare a file system via NFS when you use MacTCP to provide
the interface to your TCP/IP network.
MacTCP is Apple's implementation of the Defense Advanced
Research Projects Agency (DARPA) TCP/IP Protocols. MacTCP's
software interface is a Control Panel, which means that it
loads when your Macintosh boots. It will be built into version
7.5 of the Macintosh system.
UUCP - UNIX to UNIX protocol. Used for receiving batch news
and mail from the Internet
X.25 An economical network used to give local presence to
a national networks. ( Compuserve for example uses an X.25
network to give local access all across the US)
ISDN A new way of sharing voice and high speed data
transmissions on the same line. Very popular in Europe and
expanding use in the US.
SLIP - SLIP stands for Serial Line Internet Protocol.
SLIP is a "non-standard" for framing IP packets and shipping
them over a serial line (e.g. a cable, or a pair of modems),
thus allowing a home machine to dial up and become part of the
Internet. Effectively, SLIP turns a serial port into a logical
ethernet port.
Many workstations and terminal servers can support SLIP.
On the Macintosh side, several vendors offer SLIP modules
forMacTCP. Macintosh software which communicates with the
outside world via MacTCP will continue to work over SLIP,albeit
somewhat more slowly due to the relatively low bandwidth of
modem connections.
CSLIP - CSLIP stands for Compressed SLIP. CSLIP reduces
the size of the headers in IP packets by eliminating a certain
amount of redundancy. This improves interactive performance.
PPP - PPP stands for Point-to-Point Protocol. PPP can
support both synchronous and asynchronous connections and
protocols that are not IP-based (such as AppleTalk). It
provides specifications for error correction, feature
negotiation, escaping control characters, etc. PPP is becoming
more and more popular, especially as MacPPP, a MacTCP extension
available via anonymous FTP from merit.edu in pub/ppp, has
matured into a stable and viable alternative to the various
available MacTCP SLIP LAPs. Although SLIP continues to be
more prevalent than PPP, PPP is likely to become more popular
in the future.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
[7.3.05] - Setting up a high speed Macintosh Network on the Internet.
Required items for this implementation:
1. MacTCP (or equivalent)
2. Network Cabling and Software (10 Base T Etherwave recommended)
3. Internet connection (T-1 , though 57K or 14.4 Slip will do.)
4. Router, CSU, and DSU for direct connection (can be rented).
5. Modem (14.4 or better preferred) for dial up slip connection.
6. Server software and/or client software for Internet access.
There are two limitations on any use of Internet. One set
from your system, and another set from any other system you
work with. The closer any system is to the Internet's main
backbone(s), the faster access to it is, and the smaller the
chance of non-delivery of any packet. Other factors are,
Telnetable or not, FTPable or not, Gopher server or not, WAIS
or not, and many more. You must keep in mind what kind of
people will be connecting to the Internet through you, and what
kind of people will be connecting to you through the Internet.
Is your information valuable, or is your information something
people can have for free? Do you feel safe without good
security, or do you need something in the lines of a firewall?
All these things can limit your services. Do not think that
all limitations are bad though, many are required tokeep your
service viable.
Once you have decided what you would like your server to do, it
is time to pick the software. There are many different
applications that provide many different services. Some of the
things that are very important in all software are:
1) The ability to directly connect to Internet (no add ons).
2) The ability to handle long messages.( above 32k) There
may not be too many, but its the important one that is that will
get you every time.
A strong commitment from the developers to continue to develop
the software along multi-purpose lines for Internet use.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
7.4 - Modems and a Macintosh BBS
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
[7.4.01] - Modems
Because of the Macintosh's closed box design for
most Mac's the most common modem is an external modem.
See section: 14.06 - Carrier Dedected for a list of modem
companies.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[7.4.02] - Carrier detect and the Macintosh
Carrier detect allows your program to determine when a caller
is still connected to your server. If the connection is
un-expectantly broken, your software should immediately reset
the modem and wait for the next call. Early Macs, 128, 512k,
Mac Plus, LC, LCII, MacIIvx, some Performas, , Powerbook 100,
have no carrier detect pin in their serial ports. Newer Macs
all have this implemented. Your BBS should allays use Carrier
Detect cables in order to make sure that this important
function works.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[7.4.03] - Hardware handshaking and the Macintosh
Hardware handshaking is a system whereby the Macintosh and
modem ensure that no data is lost. If a Macintoshes internal
buffer of data becomes full it asserts a DTR line telling the
modem to stop transmitting. Your cables must support hardware
handshaking as well as Carrier detect.
Your standard modem cables may not have carrier detect and
hardware handshaking capabilities built in. Most cables
shipped with modems do NOT have these capabilities, as do most
mail order cables. If you can buy your cable from your BBS
software supplier, you should.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[7.4.04] - High speed modems
With the advent of high speed modem capable of 230,400 baud
with compression, can my Mac handle them?
Sure, you should make sure that your software has a modem
driverfor your particular 28k modem. Also make sure you are
using a high speed serial Nubus card couple with a high speed
hardware handshaking and carrier detect cable. Or you can use
an Ethernet connection to the Internet.
The Macintosh will handle any v.fast or v.34 modem with no
problem, but realize that the standard is not complete (as of
8/94) and that the modem purchased with a v.fast chip will have
to be upgraded to a v.34 standard later - though some modem
manufacturers are offering FREE upgrades.
With the cost being within $50 per modem of a 14.4 all sysops
should consider buying only 28k modems because of the speed
difference it will offer callers, and the time that it will
free up your BBS for more callers by allowing faster downloads.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[7.4.05] - Special pricing on modems for SYSOPS.
Read any of the Magazines mentioned at the end of this FAQ and
they will have charts showing the latest special ( cheaper?)
pricing for Sysops from modem manufacturers. I have found that
your local giant electronic discounter may have better prices
than the manufacturer offers today.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
7.5 - Commercial BBS software for the Macintosh
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
[7.5.01] - NovaLink Pro 3.1
NovaLink offers a complete line of bulletin board services.
Clients access electronic mail, message forums, file libraries
including CD-ROM, databases, real-time conferences and chats as
well as access public networks including the Internet and
FidoNet, perform high speed text searches, write scripts,
gateway to popular e-mail packages and create custom
applications. NovaLink clients can logon through serial,
AppleTalk, Communications Toolbox, X.25 and TCP/IP connections.
NovaLink features include InfoLink, Distributed Processing,
NovaScript, Internet Access, AppleSearch support, Gateways,
Interface Flexibility, External Applications and Automatic Menu
Generation. InfoLink is a wide area networking solution that
links multiple NLP servers together, to exchange messages and
keep files and information synchronized and up-to-date that is
a standard capability built into every NovaLink system.
NovaLink Professional can distribute server loads among
multiple Mac computers for greater capacity. A single Mac
Quadra can handle 40-60 simultaneous users (depending on
connection type). Adding additional CPU's gives NLP virtually
unlimited expandability.
NovaLink Professional provides its own scripting language,
NovaScript. NovaScript, English-like in syntax, can fine-tune
the performance and capabilities of your server. External
applications can be developed by any C programmer and several
external programs can be obtained ( Freeware or shareware) to
enhance NLP. NovaLink enables users to access an AppleSearch
server on-line, which allows users to conduct powerful high
speed text searches of unstructured documents with English-like
queries.
NovaLink's MacTCP support means that anyone using the Internet
can Telnet into an NLP server or users can Telnet out to other
host systems on the Internet. NovaLink Professional 3.1
supports Internet standards for e-mail (SMTP) and Usenet News
Groups (NNTP). NovaLink also supports UUCP through an external
gateway. Finally, NovaLink provides direct TCP support without
using the Macintosh Communications Toolbox.
NovaLink supports NovaTerm* Graphics for Mac users and
RIPscrip* for Windows and DOS users. . NLP supports more than
one configuration file, so that Sysops can offer alternate user
interfaces to their clients. For conventional terminal
programs, NovaLink also supports ANSI, VT100 and TTY, so that
anyone can logon to your server regardless of platform type.
NovaLink Professional automatically generates a graphical and
command line interface for each type of interface supported.
ResNova Software, Inc.
5011 Argosy Drive, Suite #13
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Sales: (714)379-9000
Info Server: (BBS)- (714)379-9004
Internet: Sales@ResNova.com
Fax: (714)379-9014
NovaLink Professional 3.1 Base Configuration-$119.00 The Base
Configuration includes one modem connection, 10 NovaTerm modem
clients, unlimited VT100 clients, unlimited DOS graphical
clients , acarrier detect modem cable and a free One-Year
subscription to NovaCentral for on-line technical support and
update information.
Additional Modem and Network Connections-$100.00 Ea.
NovaTerm Modem Clients
NovaTerm modem clients, depicted below, are purchased in groups.
Additional Clients-Price
50-$60.00
100-$120.00
200-$200.00
500-$299.00
1,000-$499.00
Call for pricing above 1,000
Internet Kit (NNTP & SMTP only)-$500.00
UUCP Gateway-$500.00
TCP/IP Professional Option-$1,200.00
This package includes four simultaneous TCP connections, 20
NovaTerm network clients and Unlimited VT100 support. The TCP/IP
option allows NovaLink to connect to a TCP LAN and the Internet.
With this option, NovaLink can send and receive Internet mail
(SMTP) and Network News groups (NNTP) and provide full Telnet
access. This package requires Mac TCP.
FidoNet Point Mailer $75
QuickMail Gateway-$500.00
NovaLink AppleSearch Gateway-$1,500.00
AppleSearch Server-$1,799.00
High speed text search engine licensed by Apple
NovaLink AppleSearch Server & Gateway-$3,000.00
NovaLink AppleTalk Access-$150.00
NovaLink AppleTalk Option-$600.00
NovaLink X.25 Option-$1,750.00
NovaTerm Network Clients
NovaTerm network clients, depicted below, are purchased in
groups (network users include AppleTalk, X.25 and TCP/IP).
Additional Clients-Price
25-$500.00
50-$900.00
100-$1,600.00
200-$2,800.00
500-$5,000.00
Above 500-Call for larger site licensing information
------------------------------------------------------------------
[7.5.02] - First Class 2.5
FirstClass is a multi-platform communications system that
integratesfull fledged e-mail with workgroup communication
servicesQand offers the same ease of use, functionality and
high performance over network or modem.
One FirstClass server combines the following application
functionality in one integrated system:
Complete office electronic mail
Network conferencing for electronic discussions
Remote-access or network bulletin board system (BBS)
Conferencing
Multi-Platform & Language Support
Of course one of the primary reasons to use FirstClass as an
on-line system lies in the strength of its multitasking
graphical interface. Modem access is efficient and permits
background transfer of files (in both directions
simultaneously) even while reading mail, chatting or using
other system features.
FirstClass as a BBS , has the ability to access and search
CD-ROMS or other volumes on-line is very useful, as is the
ability to send mail to any user or conference the BBS user has
permission to. Administrators may accurately track what users
have uploaded or downloaded what through statistics and billing
features. They can create custom icons and background
pictures. Accommodate users of any computer type through a
command-line interface to FirstClass similar to the shell
if they call with a VT100 compatible terminal.
SoftArc Inc.
Global-Area Communications
805 Middlefield Road,
Suite 102,
Scarborough, Ontario, CANADA,
M1V 2T9
1902 Ridge Road,
#325,
West Seneca,
New York, USA, 14224
Tel: 416-299-4723
Fax: 416- 754-1856
FirstClass: 416-609-2250
Internet: sales@softarc.com
FirstClass Price List
Effective 93/05/01
You may choose between two classes of users for your FirstClass
system: regular users who can access the system via network or
modem and telcom users who may access via modem only. You may
configure your system with both regular and telcom users to
meet your requirements. Every server includes a license for
two regular users, plus an admin and user manual. Additional
users and manuals are available as below.
FirstClass Server:
S10-FCSRVR FirstClass Macintosh Server $ 95.00
Regular User License Upgrades:
U20-FC5R 5 Regular User Pack $ 395.00
U21-FC10R 10 Regular User Pack $ 595.00
U22-FC25R 25 Regular User Pack $ 995.00
U23-FC50R 50 Regular User Pack $ 1495.00
U24-FC100R 100 Regular User Pack $ 2495.00
U25-FC250R 250 Regular User Pack $ 5995.00
U26-FC500R 500 Regular User Pack $ 9995.00
U27-FC1000R 1000 Regular User Pack $14995.00
Telecom User License Upgrades:
U35-FC50T 50 Telecom User Pack $ 395.00
U30-FC100T 100 Telecom User Pack $ 595.00
U31-FC250T 250 Telecom User Pack $ 995.00
U33-FC500T 500 Telecom User Pack $ 1495.00
U34-FC1000T 1000 Telecom User Pack $ 2495.00
Optional Upgrades:
U11-FCCLUI Command Line User Interface $ 295.00
U12-FCWIN Windows User Interface $ 295.00
U13-FCIPX IPX Protocol Module $ 495.00
TCP Protocol Module $ 995.00
U15-FCFP Four Port Server Upgrade Software $ 395.00
Gateways:
G11-MUUCP FirstClass UUCP Internet Gateway $ 495.00
G12-FCFAX FirstClass Fax Gateway $ 495.00
G13-FCMHS FirstClass MHS Gateway $ 995.00
FirstClass is available in a number of configurations for those
wanting touse it as a public, not for profit online service.
The stipulations: yoursystem must be advertised to the general
public, it may not be in any wayassociated with a profit-making
entity, you must register your phone numberand settings file
with us, you may not charge for basic access to your systemand
you must consider joining the OneNet-the worldwide public
affiliation of FirstClass BBSes.
Hobbiest Pricing
FirstClass is available in a number of configurations for those
wanting to use it as a public, not for profit online service.
The stipulations: your system must be advertised to the general
public, it may not be in any way associated with a
profit-making entity, you must register your phone number and
settings file with SoftArc, you may not charge for basic access
to your system and you must consider joining the OneNet-the
worldwide public affiliation ofFirstClass BBS's.
If you're able to meet these conditions, SoftArc can sell you a
250 telecom user license plus command line interface and
Windows interface for $195. SoftArc also offers a 500 telecom
user system with command line interface and Windows interface
for $295 and a 1000 telecom system with command line interface
and Windowsinterface for $395. None of the above packages
includes the FirstClass Server, which you must purchase for an
additional $95. A BBS discount on the UUCP Internet gateway
for $295. The four port licensing software is discounted to
$295. The pricing on all other items on the published price
list, including shipping, are applicable to public BBS's as
published.
NOTE: For info on the FirstClass Windows Server, see section:
2.2.07 of this FAQ.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[7.5.03] - TeleFinder 3.2
TeleFinder 3.2 runs on all Macs from the Plus through the
Quadras, and is 32-bit clean, System 7 "Savvy," and includes
full balloon help for the user.
Its administrative and program modules can be fully controlled
via AppleEvents. Multi-node chat ( up to three nodes) and
Instant Messages.Use of styled text in text files, e-mail and
message topics using proprietary client software.
On-line previews of GIF, JPEG images, QuickTime movies and PICT
files.
Expanded file descriptions up to 32K.
Resizable e-mail windows.
Automatic template for electronic mail.
Capable of managing up to 32,000 users, its icon- and
menu-based graphical user proprietary interface provides
electronic mail, conferencing, and Z-modem file transfers.
TeleFinder's multi-server architecture supports multiple BBS
nodes running on separate Macs on a network. Additionally,
TeleFinder's full implementation of AppleEvents supports
advanced functionality such as automatic on-line registration,
full remote administrative capabilities, and control of the
BBS's server programs. Features include a menu-driven terminal
interface with user- selectable TTY or ANSI graphics options,
and unlimited paths using Access Groups. Each access group
supports separate welcome messages, privileges and custom
icons. TeleFinder Group Edition supports a find file
function. Using "BBS TeleFinder" also supports caller and file
transfer statistics.
Spider Island Software
tel (714) 669-9260
fax (714) 669-1383
BBS (714) 730-5785
Internet: support@spiderisland.com
AppleLink: D4955
America Online: SpiderIsla
Spider Island Software
Price List ( World-Wide )
As of 5/1/94
TeleFinder Group Edition version 3.2 multi-line BBS system for
unlimited users and multiple nodes. $425
NetConnect version 1.01
Single-zone license $149 Multi-zone license $295
TeleFinder Pro version 2.2 Macintosh communications software
with off-line reader for Telefinder BBS's. $15
TeleFinder/User for Windows 1.0.3 $250
------------------------------------------------------------------
[7.5.04] Hi BBS
Below is e-mail which I (Claire Walters) received from: Laurent
Zagury, Manager, Consulting services XBR Communications Inc
------------------------------------------------------------------
Unit Price Qty discount Unit Price
(US$) 3 to 9 (US$)
hi-BBS SoHo 88$ 15% 75$
(1 channel and 5 mail boxes)
Additional 5 mail boxes * 30$ 15% 25$
Windows for Soho 50$ 15% 43$
hi-BBS-2 channels 369$ 15% 314$
hi-BBS-Windows interface 170$ 15% 145$
Interface for 2 channels only
hi-BBS-4 channels 569$ 15% 484$
hi-BBS-8 channels 1,069$ 15% 909$
hi-BBS-16 channels 1,569$ 15% 1,334$
hi-BBS-32 channels 2,069$ 15% 1,759$
hi-BBS-64 channels 2,569$ 15 2,184$
hi-BBS-256 channels 3,069$ 15% 2,609$
hi-BBS-Windows interface 270$ 15% 230$
for 4 channels and up
Thank you for listing XBR in this listing.
Best regards,
__________________
Laurent Zagury
Manager, Consulting services
XBR Communications Inc
E-mail: laurent@xbrcom.qc.ca
----------------------- Headers ------------------------
From laurent@xbrcom.qc.ca Tue Oct 4 15:17:44 1994
Return-Path: <laurent@xbrcom.qc.ca>
Received: from sales by xbrcom.qc.ca (NX5.67c/NX3.0M)
---------------------------------------------------------------
- Unlimited number of modem lines with their networked server
option.
- Unlimited number of files. Hi-BBS files can be split over as
many remote volumes as you care.
- Finder-based organization of files.
- CD's and remote volumes can be added at any time, without
disruption of the server or users.
- Server does garbage collection tasks in the background,
without disruption of connected users.
- AppleTalk support included. TCP/IP, X.25 and ISDN fully
supported as well.
- Mac & Windows graphic user interfaces.
- Command Line Interface included.
- Apple Events and alias support
- Apple's XTND translation technology fully supported. Open any
kind of document as a memo.
- Offline mail composition included.
- Upload sections. The Upload sections can be located anywhere,
locally or on a remote volume.
- E-mail section with multiple attachments (incl. sound),
return request, mail forwarding and replies.
- Multiple online conferences. Users can participate in more
than one at a time.
- Fully threaded public forums, with multiple attachments and
text formatting.
- Multi-volumes file transfer/information sections.
- File tagging for postponed downloading, and auto-disconnect
at end of transfer.
XBR Communication
voice 514-489-1001
Fax 514-489-4996
BBS 514-489-0445
Internet - Support@XBRcom.qc.ca
JP@xbrcom.qc.ca
Applelink : XBR
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[7.5.05] - Commercial software comparison chart
NovaLink Pro First Class TeleFinder
Interfaces
-----------
TTY Y Y Y
VT100 Y(custom) Y (fixed) Y(fixed)
Color ANSI Y NO Y
Mac Client Y Y Y
Custom Graphical mode Y Y NO
RIP 1.5 Y NO NO
RIP 2.0 Y NO NO
Windows Client NO Y Y
Number of Connections
----------------------
NovaLink Pro First Class TeleFinder
Max# of modem
nodes per server 40 40 12
Max # of telnet
nodes per server 64 NA* NA*
Max # of Network
Nodes per server 64 100 10
Total number of
nodes in system 160 300 6
(Based on largest claimed system operating, known as "sessions"
by First Class)
* By using software such as NetConnect, one can use the Mac
Communications Toolbox and Telnet into a BBS as a network
user. I have used two BBS's that have one telnet node using
this method. It is not part of the native software
configuration of these BBS's, and thus might be considered an
option for any BBS that can support the Mac Communications
Toolbox and network connections.
Connection types
-------------------
NovaLink Pro First Class TeleFinder
Local Y Y Y
Modem Y Y Y
Appletalk Y Y Y
Communication Toolbox Y Y Y
x.25 Y (thru comm toolbox) N
TCP/IP Y N N
ISDN Y Y ?
Novell Y Y N
Netware N Y N
Telnet in Y <<<(3rd party -1 port)>>>>
Telnet out Y N N
UUCP (3rd party) Y (3rd Party)
Internet Mail Y Y (3rd Party)
FidoNet (3rd Party) (3rd Party) (3rd Party)
Application Network Y Y N
Multi-Hop Mail Y Y N
QuickMail tm Y Y N
AOCE Y N N
Transfer Protocols
-------------------
NovaLink Pro First Class TeleFinder
Own Background Y Y N
Z- Modem Y Y Y
Z-Modem batch Y N N*
X- Modem Y Y Y
* In the Macintosh client only, not command line access.
System Features
----------------
NovaLink Pro First Class TeleFinder
Power PC native Y N Y
Chat Y Y Y
Conferencing Y Y Y
# of simultaneous users 40 40 12
(Modem)
Voting Y N* N
* (can through messages)
Background transfer Y Y N
Picture Previews Y Y Y
CD ROM support Y Y Y
Apple Search Y N N
System Expansion
------------------
NovaLink Pro First Class TeleFinder
Max # of users disk space disk space 32,000
Max # of forums disk space disk space 32,000
Max number of
access codes Unlimited Unlimited 32,000
Messaging
----------
NovaLink Pro First Class TeleFinder
Message length disk space 32k 32k
Message attachments Y Y Y
Stylized fonts and text Y Y Y
Resumes N Y N
Histories N Y N
User lookup Y Y N
+ Can through an external program
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
External development
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
NovaLink Pro First Class TeleFinder
Programmable externals Y Y Y
(doors)
Scripting Y N N
Third Party expansion Y Y Y
By using a network configuration software such as Net Connect,
a Sysop could make a Internet connection through the Macintosh
comm toolbox and create a system on the Internet.
----------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
7.6 - Text based, Keyware & Shareware Macintosh BBS software
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
[7.6.01] Hermes II
Hermes II is distributed as keyware (i.e. you can use it for
30 days , but if you don't register it within 30 days, the
software will not work). Registering Hermes II gives you a
serial number that allows you to use it further. Hermes II will
run on the Macintosh Plus and above.
Hermes II must be run on System 6.0.4 or above. It also
requires that you install the Macintosh Communications Toolbox
if you donUt use System 7. It also requires 2000K of memory to
run, more if you run more than one node, have file directories
with more than 200-300 files each, or run external
applications. It supports both ANSI and VT100 mode. Hermes
allows up to 64 file directories, 10 message forums, with up to
30 sub-forums within each forum.
Hermes II supports many features such as external applications,
CD-ROM and Tabby support, threading in message forums, even an
internal screen saver. Hermes also supports a feature called
"Multiple Feedback" which will allow feedback to be sent to
cosysops or any other users. The users to be sent mail can be
configured by the sysop. Hermes has a feature called the File
Manager for uploading new files and deleting or editing files
already online. It also allows you to multiple select files for
deleting. You can also select whether you want your file
libraries to be sorted alphabetically or by date. You can also
add descriptions for your files from the File Manager.
As far as sysop options, Hermes II will also allow both a local
and a fast logon as well. Hermes also provides many options in
user features that a sysop may set up for each user, such as
whether the user can post, chat, send e-mail, etc. But it also
allows the sysop to decide if the user can post or read
anonymous messages, list users, change a message, or see upload
info. Also, you can restrict any user below a certain age from
accessing certain areas of your board...
The host also allows you to chat with users, squelch users
(prevent them from typing any commands while you are modifying
something such as their access), give temporary sysop
privileges just for the time he/she is online, etc.
Finally, Hermes has a few features such as allowing you to
create form letters (such as validation messages, expired
accounts, etc.), store them, then later retrieve and send them
easily. There is a status bar on your screen that displays
information about who's online now and that users' statistics,
who called last, the number of posts, uploads and downloads for
the day . Hermes II can also allow you to create a "Trash
Users" file, that will not allow users to log on with certain
handles that might be slightly offensive.
Computer Classifieds
12819 SE 38th #101
Bellevue, WA 98006
206-643-2316 (voice)
206-643-7830 (fax)
206-643-2874 (BBS)
Current Programmer - Robert Rebbun
Documentation by Lloyd Woodall
Primary Program by Frank Price, III
----------------------------------------------------------------
[7.6.02] Mansion
ZSys Software
P.O. Box 65981
West Des Moines, Iowa 50265-0981
Mansion will run on a Macintosh Plus or better, and supports
speeds from 300 to 38400 baud. Mansion also allows the sysop to
use multiple drives for file libraries, supports the use of
CD-ROMs, and uses several different flavors of Xmodem for
downloading. It allows up to 32767 conferences, 999 library
sections, 32767 membership accounts, and up to 999 messages per
conference. Some of Mansion's features supported include ASCII
graphics, the ability for users to move very quickly around the
BBS using the teleport command. Users can page the sysop if
there is a problem, or use the help folder provided with
Mansion to help with such topics as using the conferences,
downloading files, sending messages, and so on.
Mansion also has the ability to assign sounds to certain key
events. Events such as when a user pages the sysop, when mail
is sent to the sysop, when a caller drops carrier or times out,
and at what speed the caller is calling in at.
Users also have search ability with Mansion. Users can search
for other members, search for members with similar interests
(users can enter up to a 40 character string upon first logging
in), can check for new messages addressed to them since their
last call, or can look for new files since last logon or from
any date they choose.
Mansion provides support for the sysop. It can provide a
detailed account of the activities on your conferences,
generate a list of applications that have not been approved by
the system, and give you information about the activities of
callers such as number of messages posted, files uploaded, and
download. Mansion also creates logs of any errors the BBS
encounters, a log file used by Mansion external applications,
and a list of logons to the BBS. It also allows the sysop to
do a fast local login to get on the board quickly, without
having to input account name and password.
Finally, Mansion allows the use of external applications
written for Mansion, and scripting capability to enhance the
BBS. It has a random quote feature built-in, allows callers to
send packages (files) to other members, and allows the sysop to
send garbage across the line before hanging up on a user.
America On-line: MarkT15
JamesP51
FidoNet: 1:290/2.1
1:285/13.1
Internet: Mark_Toland%cedsm@uunet.uu.net
James_Podlasek@theboard.omahug.org
QuickMail: Mark Toland 515-224-1721
FidoNet: MANSION echo
ZSys BBS (515) 279-3073 The Board BBS (402) 331-4521
Price:
$94.95 per New Registration of Mansion Nine BBS Software.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[7.6.03] - Public Address
Public Address v0.9b9
Public Address offers serial/modem, AppleTalk ADSP and
TCP/IP-telnet connections, all-asynchronous serial IO, as many
ports/lines as memory will allow, as many concurrently
connected users as memory will allow, as many BBS users as disk
space will allow, no maximum number of message bases or
transfer directories, as many messages or files in each message
base or transfer directory as disk space will allow. It also
supports XModem (Checksum & CRC), YModem, YModem-G, and ZModem
transfers, uses a very fast 16-color ANSI screen driver,
supports external mailers, and can sublaunch an external mailer
for events as well as crashmail
Public Address is completely modular. Everything the online
user sees is controlled by modules, which can be added and
rearranged by the Sysop. The interface information for writing
modules in Pascal, C and C++ is currently available to all
those who are interested on the authors BBS at (503)485-7781.
The interface consists of over 200 routines passed from the
application/engine. This documentation also contains the
source code to all stock modules.
How to contact the author :
colengc@efn.org
Support BBS: (503)485-7781 (28.8K baud)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[7.6.04] Second Sight
Second Sight
The FreeSoft Company
Second Sight Order Department
105 McKinley Road
Beaver Falls, PA 15010
Voice (412) 846-2700.
Fax (412) 847-4436.
BBS (412) 846-5312
Originally Written by Scott Watson.
Version 3.0 by Jeff Dripps.
Second Sight 3.0 is a multi-line Bulletin Board System for the
Macintosh. Within this complete integrated package is
everything a Sysop needs to set up, run and maintain a full
featured multi-line, Color ANSI Bulletin Board System.
Second Sight 3.0 requires 750K of RAM per node. The number of
nodes is limited only by machine memory and Nubus slots
available (NuBus slots are required for additional serial
ports). Each node would consist of a copy of Second Sight, a
modem cable, a modem and a telephone line.
Second Sight is a menu driven system, that is, it operates by
offering the connected client a list of choices. There is no
limit to the number of menus that you can define.
Group mail is supported. A single message can now be sent to a
group of users. Supports NewUser.Survey and LogOff.Survey at
logon and logoff time.
Price $199
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[7.6.05] WWIV
WWIV
A Macintosh version of the WWIV software available as
shareware/donation ware. Full setup available on the BBS in a
Box CD. Has not been updates since 1992. ANSI and VT100
access only.
Please address any correspondence to :
T. R. Teague,
530 W. Dana St,
Mountain View,
CA 94041
Correspondence from registered users may also be left on the
following systems :
GENIE : T.TEAGUE1
CompuServe : 76354,324
MCI : SSI (279-2400)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[7.6.06] PANCAKE
New shareware BBS.
Features:
Uses little memory (200k for 2 nodes)
Gen Import (TabbyNet or MacKennel) importing (ditto)
Importing occurs in a seperate app that multitasks!
Editor Externals (Line Editor implemented, Full Screen left for
third party) Sysop Internal Editor (A nice Text Edit window for
the sysop's posts and mails)
User Directories (Every user has his own directory that holds
all his stuff)
Command Line Shell for those who like it CLI
Hotkey Shell for those who like hotkeys
Percent variables (used everywhere, in all strings, and in all
text files)
Port negotiation so that your favorite term program can be
launched without screwing up a port!
Built in screen saver (Customizable with percent variables)
Status Bar is completly customizable also!
News reading optimized for ease of use
Vax type help system that is completely customizable
Chat can use Speech Manager to speak the Chat Reason!
Paging options (Users can page a sysops Numeric pager)
Nodes are dynamically created and detroyed (much like PA).
Contact:
ferrari@netaxs.com
Ferrari's Shop at 610-971-9172.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[7.6.07] Shareware software comparison chart
-------------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
7.7 The Macintosh and Public Networks
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
[7.7.01] Internet access
Internet
---------
In the past few weeks I have seen many posts about making a Mac
an Internet site. One way of doing this is through BBS's
running on a Mac platform. There are two Mac BBS platforms
that can support Internet services in varying capacities. I
have not included platforms that support UUCP only, or a use of
the Mac comm toolbox and networking through there to supply a
limited telnet in capability. I wanted to concentrate on the
more robust and graphical interfaces of NovaLink Pro and First
Class.
These two packages post quite a bit of traffic on the Internet
through various schemes and below is a comparison of their
basic Internet capabilities as of 9/15/94:
TELNET IN
Novalink - Telnet in capabilities built in. Installed with a
key file. Users access the machine like a modem user, but they
come in over a telnet session. The terminal program (NovaTerm)
can be used so long as the machine its on has a SLIP or other
Internet connection running. Instead of selecting modem as
connection type, the user selects TCP and enters the server
address. Supports up to 64 connections - limited only by
MacTCP. Cost $1200 ( Included as package telnet in telnet out,
SMTP mail and NNTP newsgroups for $1200 total for ALL features)
Shipping since 1993.
First Class - Telnet capabilities. Should work like any other
inbound network connection. Supports up to 64 connections -
limited only by MacTCP. Cost $995 Promised in fourth quarter
1994
TELNET OUT
NovaLink - Telnet out built in. Installed with a key file.
Just click on a Telnet icon and enter the address to where you
want to go. Works the same as any other telnet server. A user
can also pre-defined area to telnet to so you can have your
users click on an icon and they telnet over to another server.
Cost $1200 ( Included as package telnet in telnet out, SMTP
mail and NNTP newsgroups for $1200 total for ALL features)
Shipping since 1993
First Class - Not available or announced. Maury Markowitz has
said that they will leave this to outside third party
developers. No third party announcement of telnet out have
been made to the best of my knowledge.
INTERNET E-MAIL
NovaLink - SMTP or UUCP.
Cost - SMTP $1200 - ( Included as package telnet in telnet out,
SMTP mail and NNTP newsgroups for $1200 total for ALL features)
UUCP from Hologate $495
Shipping since 1993
First Class - UUCP or SMTP No internally developed product,
even though it has been on the Softarc price list for over one
year. Latest word is will be "in the future". The only SMTP
mail server is from third party developer Delphic Software.
Needs separate machine to get the feed, and then gates over to
the First Class server. Need to Ethernet (or Appletalk) the
two machines together. Hologate is also testing a future
product to offer SMTP access. SMTP Cost $995.00 (includes NNTP
news) Shipping 9/94
UUCP - Softarc has their own UUCP product in late
beta(currently on version 26) to ship 4th quarter 1994.
Hologate and one other company offer UUCP gateways at $495 each
I believe.
USENET NEWSGROUPS
NovaLink - NNTP
Cost - (Included as package telnet in telnet out, SMTP mail and
NNTP newsgroups for $1200 total for ALL features)
Shipping since 1993
First Class - NNTP Included as part of the SMTP mail server
from third party developer Delphic Software. Needs separate
machine to get the feed, and then gates over to the First Class
server. Need to Ethernet (or Appletalk) the two machines
together.
ExpressNet/SMTP can handle SMTP mail, NNTP and INN news, has a
built-in mail list server, finger server, signature line
management utility, alias manager, and gives the FirstClass
administrator complete control over the font, size, style, and
color of the Internet messages being imported to FirstClass.
Cost $995 ( Includes SMTP Mail)
Shipping 9/94
WWW ( HTML - Mosaic access)
NovaLink - Announced HTML incorporated into all messages,
whether E-mail, newsgroups, forums, etc. The local server
option will be included in the base package. The networked
HTML Novalink will serve as a Web server for the Internet or
your own private network. The client NovaTerm will serve as an
HTML client to the NovaLink server. These features will be
featured in a fourth quarter 1994 release of NovaLink.
Cost - Each server will come with local HTML links ( including
GIF's, Quicktime movies and sound) at the base price.
Networked links version price is unknown.
First Class - Best explained with a quote from Maury
Markowitz(of Softarc - makers of First Class) in
alt.bbs.first-class on 9/6/94 "I DID say that we tend to leave
CLIENT support to 3rd parties. For example, we will most
likely not build in HTML decoders ourselves, that's something
we leave to our talented developers..."
FTP, Gopher etc. - These items are not yet available on any
package. The developers of NovaLink and First Class have made
noises that they or third party developers will develop these
options for their packages. None have been formally announced
that I am aware of. Please note that with HTML built into
Novalink, gophering will be available as a web function.
FILE HANDLING PROBLEMS.....
The Internet and its vast information resources put a severe
strain on the average Mac trying to handle the information flow.
PROBLEMS THAT MAY OCCUR:
Large amount of messages. - The Macintosh operating system in
its current form limits to 32,000 files per volume ( hard drive
partition) If your Mac handles a lot of Usenet groups, and you
keep the messages for several days, 32,000 messages could
easily overflow your partition if it were set up as one message
per file.
NovaLink - Has gotten around this by creating only one file per
message forum, no matter how many messages are in that forum.
This is a solution used on the PC side by many developers, and
is used only by NovaLink on the Mac side.
First Class - can handle 32,000 messages per volume.
Solution is to segment your hard disk into several volumes.
Message Length. The Macintosh operating system uses a text
editor that has a maximum message length of 32k. Many Internet
posting are over 32k in length.
NovaLink - Has rewritten the text editor to handle message
length only limited by available RAM when tossing messages into
the forum/mail area that it belongs in NovaLink.
First Class - Can only handle 32k message lengths. When a
message is longer, it breaks them up into 32k chunks and
automatically numbers then 1/4, 2/4 etc.. Softarc says this
will be fixed in mid-1995.
All major Mac BBS's can use UUCP for mail/news but the best
combo for being "live on the Internet for
Telnet/mail/newsgroups is:
NovaLink - Buy the professional package ( $1200) and have a
SLIP or better connection to the Internet. This will allow
telnet in and out, SMTP ( Direct access) mail and NNTP
newsfeeds. This package has been shipping for a year.
First Class - Buy the telnet kit from Softarc (available 4th
quarter 1994) for INBOUND connections ($995) and the SMTP kit
from Delphic software ($995) and Ethernet your two Macs ( one
is needed for the SMTP gateway the other for First Class)
together for faster access. This will allow inbound telnet,
SMTP mail, NNTP newsfeeds, and finger capabilites.
ExpressNet/SMTP can handle SMTP mail, NNTP and INN news, has a
built-in mail list server, finger server, signature line
management utility, alias manager, and gives the FirstClass
administrator complete control over the font, size, style, and
color of the Internet messages being imported to FirstClass.
---------------------------------------------------------------
[7.7.02] NovaWorld
Unlike any other network, NovaWorld is breaking ground
revolutionizing the electronic communication networking with an
simple to use, yet very powerful linking system.
Integration into the Internet. Any system can link into the
master hub, InfoPort in Denver via Telnet and exchange
messages, mail and files. By using the Internet as a backbone,
the speed of the system increases and the costs decrease. Of
course systems can also call via modem to link into the system
on regular phone lines.
Internet E-Mail for any network connection. No other software
needed. No fancy scripts need to find the Internet, just
address your mail and link into your hub.
Multi-hop mail to any system (or the Internet) simply by
putting the user name/ system name. Replies are automatically
routed back to the originating system.
ANY Internet newsgroup needed can be gated to your BBS.
Replies are sent seamlessly as a reply, with no special
characters needed.
Easy linking through InfoLink. Just a few mouse clicks and a
SYSOP can link a message forum or file forum.
Subscription to the system forums is easy. No need to have
your network hub set your distribution, It is all automatic.
Thus a SYSOP can start or stop forums automatically, without
human intervention.
Files can be shared with ease among all of the system, making it a
good shareware system for authors.
PC compatible as well as Macintosh shareware will be distributed.
Multiple interface options to call into the net with a Macintosh
GUI, RIP graphics for the PC, ANSI, or VT100.
NovaWorld the first Network designed with a human in mind.
Hub sites have been established in Europe, and Canada. Over 100
systems have joined since its 3/94 inception.
NovaWorld inquiries should be sent to:
James Barry jmbarry@infoport.com
jmbarry/InfoPort on any NovaWorld system
InfoPort BBS (303) 429-0291 or telnet infoport.com
Snail Mail to:
P.O. BOX 620805 Littleton, CO 80162-0805
Voice messages (303)657-9667
---------------------------------------------------------------
[7.7.03] OneNet
The OneNet Member Network is an organization of private
individuals around the world who own FirstClass systems and
hook them together to exchange mail and conferences. While
OneNet members use FirstClass and take advantage of its
built-in gateway features, the OneNet is completely
arm's-length from SoftArcQwhich has nothing to do with its
operation.
A core set of conferences is shared by all systems in the
network and contains discussions of interest to all computer
users. These conferences cover a wide variety of topics and
include networked support conferences from many computer
industry vendors, including SoftArc Inc., developers of
FirstClass. One of the most popular conferences on the network
is one in which Apple employees routinely log on to give
unofficial advice to other users. Gatewaying systems can pick
their choice of conferences they wish to carry from the
backbone hub systems, which already distribute more than 400
forums (much as a magazine distributor gives retailers many
choices from which to pick.)
The OneNet Member network now includes more than 500 systems
across the world. There are regional hub sites in Europe,
Japan, Australia, Africa, North and South America and Hong
Kong. More than a half of a million people use the OneNet at
the time of this writing. The OneNet Member Network Primary
Hub is located in Boulder Colorado. For questions on how to
find your local OneNet Member Network system, or how to get a
'feed' into the OneNet, call 303-444-2205. To get more general
information about the OneNet, call the OneNet Los Altos system
by modem at 415-948-1349 or try our voicemail system
415-948-4775.
Earthmail inquires should go to:
Scott Converse, OneNet Executive Director
4546 El Camino Real, # 127
Los Altos, California
94022
USA
Internet address:
OneNet@OneNet.com or Scotto@OneNet.com
Scott Converse, Executive Director, OneNet Member Network
Contact via modem @ 415-948-1349, via voice line @ 415-948-4775
------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------
Claire Walters ** E-MAIL: Clairew@pluto.njcc.com
D.B.A WindsorWare ** Author/Editor-The Official BBS FAQ
FTP SITE: FTP.NJCC.COM ** http://pluto.njcc.com/~clairew/
--------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Path: news1.ucsd.edu!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!dog.ee.lbl.gov!overload.lbl.gov!lll-winken.llnl.gov!hookup!usenet.eel.ufl.edu!news.mathworks.com!uunet!in1.uu.net!spcuna!earth.njcc.com!pluto.njcc.com!clairew
From: Claire Walters <clairew@pluto.njcc.com>
Newsgroups: alt.bbs,alt.bbs.allsysop,alt.allsysop,comp.bbs.misc
Subject: BBS FAQ Part 5/6
Date: Thu, 13 Jul 1995 17:24:56 -0400
Organization: New Jersey Computer Connection, Lawrenceville, NJ
Lines: 2499
Message-ID: <Pine.BSI.3.91.950713172400.11439G-100000@pluto.njcc.com>
NNTP-Posting-Host: pluto.njcc.com
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Xref: news1.ucsd.edu alt.bbs:33499 alt.bbs.allsysop:10863 alt.allsysop:16 comp.bbs.misc:19986
From: clairew@pluto.njcc.com (Claire Walters)
Newsgroups: alt.bbs, alt.bbs.sysop, comp.bbs.misc, comp.answers, news.answers
Subject: BBS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), Part 5/6
Followup-To: poster
Reply-To: clairew@pluto.njcc.com (Claire Walters)
Summary: This posting contains Frequently Asked Questions (and
their answers) including information to help those wanting to
setup an Online Service/BBS.
Archive-name: ftp.njcc.com
pub/bbsfaq/bbsfaq03.005
Last-modified: 02/23/95
Version: v3.0
URL: http://pluto.njcc.com/~clairew/
----------------------------------------------------------------
[7.7.04] Fido Net on the Mac
FidoNet is a network of BBS's linked worldwide by using common
technology to share messages and E-mail in a series. Almost
every kind of computer has a way of accessing FidoNet. All Mac
BBS's have the ability to tap into the amateur BBS network.
There are thousands of BBS's linked to the various Fido based
networks and many Mac BBS's are amoung them.
FidoNet is available through the Mac by using several packages
as externals that then import the FidoNet messages in bulk and
sort them out to the Macintosh BBS in a separate step.
There are several packages available for Mac BBS software.
Tabby is the grandfather of all packages, but appears to have
been stopped being supported. MacKennel, and Aeolus are the
other two packages that appear to still be around. Please
E-mail the editor with any changes to this, as I feel there
must be other Fido packages out there.
MacKennel<tm> is a series of FidoNet compatible mailers written
by Craig Vaughan, author of the MacWoof<tm> point package for
the Macintosh. MacKennel offers two levels of performance for
the Macintosh BBS operator:
Level 1 - Basic Point Mailer:
* Manual or Automatic session operation
* Supports seamless integration with NLP, Telefinder, Hermes
and Tabby<tm> compatible BBS systems.
* Unlimited echo support
* ARC and ZIP mail bundle processing with automatic compression
type detection
* Supports both 4D and "pointnet" addressing methods
* WaZoo (ZedZap) and FTS-0001 sessions
Level 2 - FidoNet Node Mailer:
All the features of Level 1 plus:
* Multiple modes of operation:
* "Front end" mailer for any BBS that accepts ADSP nodes
* Smart Doggie<tm> backend mailer
* Tabby style backend mailer
* Stand alone mailer - no BBS required (requires MacWoof to
read/create messages)
* Operations can be fully scheduled on a daily or weekly basis.
Scheduled operations
include:
* Automatic polling of multiple nodes
* Scheduled launching of other applications for maintenance or
utility functions
* System Restart or Shutdown
* Can be configured for "Continuous/Crash" mail operation
* Allows the Sysop to "lock out" callers during specified time
periods such as Zone mail hour
* Fully "zone" and aware with both direct and "host" routing of
netmail
* Fully supports points and/or other nodes for echomail
distribution
* No limit on the number of nodes receiving an echo
* Nodelist support with automatic "nodediff" updating
Pricing:
Level 1 $75.00
Level 2 $150.00
MacKennel - Craig Vaughn (703) 241-5492 (BBS)
FE.MAN@Genie.GEIS.COM
Also up and coming is Aeolus Fido Net point mailer
Aeolus
For more details, contact:
Delphic Software
ExpressNet/SMTP
PO Box 7604 Internet: info@delphic.com
Redlands, CA 92375-0604 America Online: Delphic Sw
(909) 792-7932 Voice eWorld: Delphic Sw
(909) 792-4902 FirstClass
Tabby is the name of a program that is no longer made or
supported for importing Fido files to your Mac. Tabby may be
still found at various sites around the BBS community
(including BBS in a Box CDUs)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
7.8 - Compression of Files to save disk space
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
7.8.01 Why compress files?
7.8.02 Stuffit format
7.8.03 Compact Pro Format
7.8.04 Binhex
7.8.05 Zip format
---------------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
7.9 - Other useful sources of information for BBS operators
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
[7.9.1] The comp.sys.mac.comm FAQ has great answers to modem
questions, communications programs questions and Internet access
as they all relate to the Macintosh.
The comp.sys.mac.comm FAQ is posted periodically (about once a
month) to the Usenet groups comp.sys.mac.comm, news.answers,
and comp.answers. Latest versions of the FAQ can be retrieved
via anonymous FTP from the following sites:
mac.archive.umich.edu:
mac/misc/documentation/compsysmaccommfaq.txt
sumex-aim.stanford.edu: info-mac/report/comp-sys-mac-comm-
faq.txt
rtfm.mit.edu: pub/usenet/comp.sys.mac.comm/c.s.m.c_FAQ_[1_4]
c.s.m.c_FAQ_[2_4]
c.s.m.c_FAQ_[3_4]
c.s.m.c_FAQ_[4_4]
It also available in the Macintosh SIG on Delphi for Delphi
members.
------------------------------------------------------------------
[7.9.2] Good BBS Books and Magazines
Most of the books on BBS'ing are for IBM systems. There are
several good books on the Internet including "The Internet
Starter Kit" by Adam Engst, and "The Mac Internet Tour Guide"
by Michael Fraase.
All three of the Major BBS magazines have a Macintosh column
dedicated to BBS'ing on the Macintosh. They should be generally
distributed, but the phone numbers for subscriptions are below:
Boardwatch - (800) 933-6038
BBS Magazine (800) 822-0437
Connect Magazine (800) Get-connect
In summary, BBS on the Macintosh can be rewarding while being
effortless by using the famed Macintosh friendly operating system.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
7.10 - Future Features of mac BBS's
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
LATE BREAKING ANNOUNCEMENTS
At One BBSCOM in Atlanta, several announcements were made of
upcoming products:
ResNova of NovaLink Professional announced Full Internal HTML
(World Wide Web) support internal into their servers ( 12/94
ship date) , a new Power PC native version (shipping 12/94),
RIP 2.0 support including 24bit JPEG images on the fly
(shipping 8/94), A Widows client (12/94 ship date) and RIP
support internal into their client program ( as of 12/94).
Softarc of First Class announced an internal TCP connection
(4th qtr 1994 ship date) and a Windows NT based server (1st
Quarter 1995).
Contributors to the Macintosh chapter of the BBS FAQ:
James Barry - jmbarry@infoport.com BBS 303-429-0291
- Overall editor
- NovaLink Pro section
- modem, networks, phone lines and most sections
Andy Kuykendall - andykirk@aol.com BBS#404-988-9904
- Mansion and Hermes
Bill Linder - Bill.Linder@cpbx.com BBS -812-372-9099
- Networking and Internet Internet provider
Danny Haynes - afchaynes@aol.com America On-Line BBS coordinator
- general information
Eric Hoffman - ehfm@midway.uchicago.edu BBS#312-702-2146
- Telefinder section
Darryl Wattenburg - darrylw4@aol.com BBS #810-644-0674
- Smilies and acronyms
For additions, comment, corrections, errors, or submissions
James Barry | InfoPort BBS
jmbarry@infoport.com | BBS (303)429-0291
Denver, Colorado, USA | telnet infoport.com
*********************************************************************
CHAPTER 8 - UNIX AT YOUR SERVICE
*********************************************************************
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
8.1 - Unix Q&A
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
[8.1.01] - What's a Unix?
UNIX is an operating system. The original version, called
Unics, was written by Ken Thompson at AT&T's Bell Laboratories
in 1969. In 1973, Thompson and Dennis Ritchie (co-creator of
the C programming language) rewrote it in C. Since C compilers
are available for many systems, UNIX has been "ported" or
rewritten to run on various systems under various names. If
you've ever used Solaris or SunOS on a Sun workstation, HP/UX
on a Hewlett-Packard, AIX on an IBM, AUX on a Mac, IRIX on a
Silicon Graphics workstation, or Xenix or Linux on a PC, you've
used a version of UNIX.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[8.1.02] - The Pro's & Cons of a Unix BBS
The greatest strength of UNIX is that it was written from the
ground up, as a multi-user system for networked computers.
Therefore, almost any BBS running on UNIX automatically has
multi-user capabilities, and providing network and
communication services is also simple. UNIX is not a system
for the novice, though. It's a fairly technical system, and
for a BBS written on one version of UNIX to run on another
version, the source code usually must be reconfigured and
recompiled. The cheapest UNIX systems usually cost $3000
or more.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[8.1.03] - What factors should I consider when starting BBS on
UNIX?
First and foremost, you should consider what sort of service
you want to provide. If you want fast-moving message areas,
perhaps a small chat area, and possibly a link to some sort of
informational system, one of the Citadels would be your best
choice. If you want to focus on the informational system, with
the BBS as part of it, PANDA would be best. For e-mail and
net-news, XBBS is the way to go, and if you have a Linux PC,
you can use UniBoard or DOC.
Secondly, you need to consider how large a system your UNIX
computer can support. A fast PC can probably handle four or
five users at once. A ten-thousand dollar workstation can
probably handle twenty or thirty. If you want to handle a
thousand users at once, you'd better have deep pockets.
Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, you need to consider how
users will connect to your system. You can connect modems to
your UNIX computer and let them dial in, or you can establish a
connection to the Internet and let them connect over the
network, or both. The Internet lets multiple users from around
the world connect over the same link, so its appeal is obvious,
but if you just want to serve your local community, you might
do just as well without it. You can even go halfway, and have
your computer call the network just to send and receive
electronic mail every night.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[8.1.04] - Where can I get the UNIX BBS FAQ?
While surfing around the net looking for info on UNIX BBS
software I found the UNIX BBS FAQ. This section is a pointer to
the UNIX BBS FAQ. I will continue to add to the UNIX sections
of the BBS FAQ, however, the UNIX FAQ may have additional info
that might be helpful as well.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: tree@bbs.dsnet.com (System Administrator)
Newsgroups: alt.bbs.unixbbs,alt.bbs,alt.answers,news.answers
Subject: Unix BBS Software Frequently Asked Questions
Followup-To: poster
Organization: DSnet
Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.EDU
Reply-To: unixbbs@dsnet.com
Archive-name: unix-faq/bbs-software/faq
Posting-Frequency: every 15 days
Version: 1.4
Last-modified: 1994/12/07
Contributions to the UNIX BBS FAQ can be emailed to:
unixbbs@dsnet.com
This FAQ was previously maintained by news@wolves.durham.nc.us
(Gregory G. "Wolfe" Woodbury). Unfortunately Greg found he
didn't have the time to keep the FAQ updated so I have taken
over the job.
Duane Davis
root@dsnet.com
The following packages are covered in the UNIX BBS FAQ:
AKCS
AWBBS
Caucus
Citadel/UX
Commune/IX
drealm
EBBS (Eagle's Nest)
GDXBBS
ix/MBox
Magpie
MBS
QueBBS
pbbs (Pink BBS)
PBBS (Pirate BBS)
brand-x
TEAMate
TERM
UBBS (Ultimate)
Unidel
UniBoard (UnixBBS)
VA.PEN
Waffle
WhatBBS (a perl BBS)
XBBS
Z/Max Xchange
yabbs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
8.2 - UNIX SHAREWARE/FREEWARE BBS SOFTWARE
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
[8.2.01] - Citadel/UX
Citadel/UX runs on UNIX, but looks and feels just like a
Citadel on a PC, Amiga, or Atari ST. At least a half-dozen
BBSes on Internet run versions of this software. It focuses
on fast-moving message bases.
----------------------------------------------------------------
[8.2.02] - DOC
DOC - short for "Dave's Own Citadel" - is descended from
Citadel/UX. It adds a few new functions, and supports more
users. Internet's biggest DOC BBS can handle nearly 1,000
users at once.
----------------------------------------------------------------
[8.2.03] - PANDA
PANDA is an information server developed at the University of
Iowa. It's not explicitly a BBS, but it can provide BBS-style
message bases within a larger information system. It isn't
truly shareware, but it doesn't have a set price either - you
get to work out your own deal.
------------------------------------------------------------------
[8.2.04] - UBBS 1.01 (Linux)
From chris@quicksys.net Tue Jan 24 20:08:07 1995
Message-Id: <m0rWwDL-001D91C@future.quicksys.net>
From: chris@quicksys.net (Christoph Strozyk)
Subject: BBS FAQ Unix Section
To: clairew@pluto.njcc.com
Date: Wed, 25 Jan 1995 02:08:03 +0100 (MET)
Ubbs productinformations, Textrelease 1.1
(This is a fast translation from German, please ignore any
language errors for now.)
These are the answers to some common questions about Ubbs. We
hope, this informations are helpfull for you.
What is Ubbs?
Ubbs stays for Unix Bulletin Board System. The author of the
basic version is Jean Francois Gagnon from Quebec in Canada.
The actual developement of Ubbs is made by quick System
Service. quickSyS owns all rights on Ubbs source.
Ubbs is a clone of Remote Access 0.04 with many Unix based
enhancements, it comes with all features needed for a
professional multiline mailbox. for first time users it look
simmilar to RA.
Why is Ubbs so flexible?
You can generate with the prg `umenu` you own menus. The hole
menu system is in your hands. Menus can be combined with files
for displaying, supported are ASCII and ANSI files. Ubbs gets
the correct file dependent on the users configurations/terminal
emulation. These files may contain a lot of extra escape
sequences for displaying statistic (online time, download
ratios,user name, ...) and more.
Configure your own menu system, based on our provided samples.
This feature gives your mailbox your own look and feel, and
yourself an unlimited freedom in flexibility.
You can edit the standard system files and change them. Some
standard files are:
logo, maxlogon, newsuser1, welcome, nospace, readhelp, sleep,
notfound, notavail, private, xferhelp, paged, ... .
All messages in Ubbs come from changeable ASCII/ANSI Files.
All internal messages come from textfiles, actually we provide
the languages english, german and french. You can add your
preverred languages very easy. While running Ubbs, the user can
change the actual message language on the fly.
Q: Since when does Ubbs exist?
A: 1990.
Q: Who was the first customer in europe?
A:In 1993 the europan union looked for an easy to use multiline
mailbox to include into a project. Ubbs was, and is, the best
choice.
The projects name is:
"Agricultural Extension Service Project, Ungarn, Proj. Nr.
7.991.731"
Within this project, quickSyS installed Ubbs and teached users
and administrators about Ubbs.
Q:Documentation?
A:The documentation for Ubbs is written in english. It contains
all essential informations on about 100 pages. The
documentation will be always adapted to new features by our
technical documentation stuff.
Q:How can your users access Ubbs?
A:User can login via modem, terminal, rlogin, telnet, xterm,
multiscreens or any other login feature of your unix system.
Some of our customers use extensive access methods by ISDN and
X.25.
Q:What message system does Ubbs support?
A:Ubbs has it's own message database. There exist gateways to
Unix Mail (RFC #822) and News (rnews).
Coming soon:
We work on an ftp interface with full accounting.
Updates?
Registered customers can get updates from our service mailbox,
ftp server or by nuucp for a limited time of 6 month for free.
We offer no general free access to our ftp servers.
Q:Which platforms does Ubbs support?
Linux
SVR4.2 (Unixware,..)
SCO Unix SVR3.2
SVR4.0 (Dell, ..)
Solaris 2.3, 2.4 (Sparc)
Sun OS 4.1.x
NextStep
Here is a SHORT overview of the features:
multiline, multilanguage, multiline Chat
message database, user database
mail and news interfaces
configuration programs curses based
user database editor/analyse tool, curses based
logfile for every tty
user online time and up/download accounting
interactive questionary language
menu functions:
Goto Menu, Gosub Menu, Return from Gosub, Goto StkClr, Display,
Select Menu, Execute, Version, Logoff, Usage Graph, Page Sysop,
Questionary, User List, Time, Stats, Exit to OS, Change Location,
Change Password, Change Length, Page Clearing, Page Pausing,
Change ANSI Mode, Mail Check, Read Messages, Scan Messages,
QuickScan Messages, Delete Messages, Post a Message, Pick Areas,
Move File, Directory, Files List, Download, Upload a File,
ist archive contents, Search for keyword, Search Name, New Files,
View File, File path, Display w/hotkeys, Message Editor,
Change Hotkeys, New Mail, Clear Areas, Display and Wait, Stamp Log,
Download W/Spec, Message Areas, File Areas, Today's Callers,
Who's online, Change Disturb, Send Message, Download any file,
Browse Node, Change Home Phone, Change Data Phone,
hange Escape Sequence, Define Escape Sequence, Change Language.
Price:
$25 Demo Version, any platforms, 2 lines, limited for
30 day usage period. Documentation as PostScript file.
$99 Linux version, limited to 2 lines. Not expandable.
Not for commercial use. Documentation as PostScript file.
$399 commercial version, all platforms, 2 lines
$675 commercial version, all platforms, 4 lines
$1995 commercial version, all platforms, 16 lines
$3495 commercial version, all platforms, 32 lines
$5995 commercial version, all platforms, 64 lines
call commercial version, all platforms, unlimited lines
$25 documentation set
All commercial version include printed documentation.
We limit only the numbers of same time logins, not the number
of devices. You can limit/allow access by devices and speed.
Please ask for special versions.
Further questions?
Call us, or write to chris@quicksys.net
Company informations:
quick System Service
Christoph Strozyk
Sprockhoeveler Str. 55
58455 Witten
Germany
Tel. +49-2302-28133-0
Fax. +49-2302-28133-6
--
Christoph Strozyk | quick System Service, chris@quicksys.net
Sprockhoeveler Str. 55 | Consulting and Software Development
58455 Witten, Germany | +49-2302-28133-0 voice, +49-2302-28133-6 fax
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[8.2.05] - UniBoard
From: pizzi@nervous.com (Riccardo Pizzi)
Subject: UniBoard 2.0 beta2 uploaded on ftp.wariat.org
Message-ID: <D4HEzu.n4r@nervous.com>
Sender: pizzi@nervous.com (Riccardo Pizzi)
Organization: the Nervous Consulting Headquarters, Rimini, Italy
Date: Fri, 24 Feb 1995 03:02:17 CET
UniBoard 2.0beta2 is available for FTP:
ftp.wariat.org:/pub/uniboard/svr3 binaries for SCO/ISC and
other 386 SVR3s
ftp.wariat.org:/pub/uniboard/svr4 binaries for UnixWare and
other 386 SVR4s
ftp.wariat.org:/pub/uniboard/linux binaries for Linux 1.0.8
or later
Sun Sparc and FreeBSD 2,0 versions should be available on the
same site in a couple days.
For those who doesn't know about UniBoard, point your favourite
browser to: gopher://gopher.apk.net:70/00/uniboard/uniboard
- or -
send mail to <uniboard@nervous.com> with the following in the
message body:
SEND LIST
QUIT
This is a little mail server that can send you most of the info
you need.
Ciao,
Rick
--
Riccardo Pizzi @ the Nervous Consulting Headquarters, Rimini,
ITALY
E-Mail: pizzi@nervous.com
ZyX/FAX: +39-541-23111 V.FC: +39-541-27135
Nervous Consulting brought you UniBoard, the great UNIX BBS
package.
INFO: uniboard@nervous.com or
gopher://gopher.apk.net:70/00/uniboard/uniboard
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[8.2.06] - XBBS 7.21
XBBS is a menu-driven system which offers message bases,
e-mail, and Usenet news-reading capabilities. Users can't move
through it quite as quickly as they can in Citadel, so it's
easier to keep up with the discussions.
Sanford <sandy> Zelkovitz sandy@alphacm.rmii.com
Home of XBBS 1200/2400/Telebit PEP/FAX 719-548-0782
4800/9600/14.4K/28.8K 719-548-0757
Voice: 719-548-9971
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[8.2.07] - Magpie BBS
Magpie BBS, (212)420-0527
Support/Demo System for Magpie BBS/Conferencing Software
Steve Manes, New York, NY
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[8.2.08] - UnixBBS v1.03
Introduction
--------------
UnixBBS is a complete USENET-compliant BBS package for Unix
SYSV R3/R4 on Intel platforms (386/486). For more info, send
e-mail to pizzi@nervous.com.
UnixBBS v1.03 is available on Akademia Pana Kleksa Public
Unix by calling: (216)241-7541
Log in either as 'bbs' (for [x,y,z]modem download) or 'nuucp'
(for an uucico session) and request these files:
UBBS103a.tar.Z # PD archiver programs
UBBS103b.tar.Z # the UnixBBS binaries
UBBS103c.tar.Z # the config files and dirs
UBBS103d.tar.Z # documentation
UBBS103p.tar.Z # PD file transfer protocols
If you are in Europe, you could call the Development Site instead:
+39 541 27135 HST,PEP,V32 log in as 'bbs' and download
from file area #8.
What's new in UnixBBS 1.03
--------------------------
* Added support for carbon copies in email section when sending
mail.
* Added support for carbon copies in email section when
replying to mail.
* Multiple newsgroups posting is now allowed. A new token named
'AdditionalGroupsAskLevel' in Config.bbs is used to declare the
minimum access level required to be asked for additional
newsgroups when posting new messages. Also, the 'a' flag in the
message base definition files should be used to designate the
groups that allow this feature. To post to additional groups as
well as the current one, the user should have access and post
permissions to all the groups specified.
* A new token in Config.bbs 'EnableQuestionnaire' can be used to
turn the questionnaire function on or off. If disabled, the
questionnaires can still be accessed from the Main Menu, but
new users will no longer be prompted for questionnaire
compilation when they first log in.
* Support for four different outbound mail address formats have
been added. The new token 'MailboxAddressFormat' should be
used to specify which format to use for outgoing email.
* An RFC822 "Reply-To:" header has been added to outgoing news
articles.
* The separator character used in mailbox names is now definable
from the Config.bbs file by modifying the value of the
'MailboxNameSeparator' token. Although the dot '.' used by
UnixBBS 1.02 is correct from the RFC point of view, it has been
reported to that some mailers are not compatible.
* A minor bug in bbsmon was fixed that caused the input command
in chat or kill screen to be executed even if no ENTER key was
pressed if the refresh timeout occurred while some value was
being entered on the input line. The bbsmon release id was
changed from 1.20 to 1.21.
* A check on the device names given on bbsmon command line has
been added to make sure the names correspond to existing
devices.
* A serious bug in the preferred newsgroup reading routine has
been fixed. Now the program shouldn't dump core when removing
newsgroup from the preferred list. Please note also that
disabling the preferred newsgroup reading via the Config file
switch will now save some run-time memory.
* Followups to other newsgroups are now allowed when posting an
article. A new token named 'FollowupToAskLevel' in Config.bbs
is used to declare the minimum access level required to be
asked for followups when posting new messages. Also, the 'w'
flag in the message base definition files should be used to
designate the groups that allow this feature. To be able to
follow up to a certain newsgroup, the user should have access
permissions to that group. The keyword 'poster' in either upper
or lower case is parsed correctly and is used to redirect
followups to the original article's poster by means of e-mail.
NOTE: only a single newsgroup can be specified for the followup.
Also, when following up to an article who has the "Followup-To"
header specifying several newsgroups, only the first one is used
for the followup.
- Fixed a bug that caused the info regarding the last newsgroup
visited to be lost when an user was choosing the 'Top Level' listing
from the Message Menu and then aborting with the 'Q' option.
- The message base navigation system has changed slightly. Now the
user is automatically asked for subgroups (if any) without having to
see the message section menu and to choose the <D>own command once
for each group in the path.
- The file list command in the file section now shows even files
without a description entry (those files without the mirror file in
the description directory)
- The file list command now displays long file descriptions correcty,
pausing after the selected number of screen lines.
- New "Messages Of The Day" function that allows you to create a file
similar to the Unix /etc/motd, useful for telling user news about
the system.
- The 'WelcomePathname' token in Config.bbs has been changed to
'WelcomeExtProgram' for the sake of clearness.
- A new token 'LogoffExtProgram' has been introduced to allow a sysop-
defined program to be run *after* an user has been disconnected
from the BBS. Its main use is to run some dtr-dropping
program if for some reason your serial port driver doesn't drop DTR
when the process dies (i.e. HUPCL doesn't work properly).
- Fixed a bug that caused an error to be reported when a
'Who's on line' command was issued while another user was logging in.
- If colors were enabled, the message editors used to appear colored
when posting or replying in the email section. Now their color will
default to white.
- The sender information in the email section is now correctly
displayed even if the name or address is longer than the reserved
screen size.
- The low-level I/O routines have been optimized
- Fixed a bug that made some newsgroups hierarchies not specified
in the msgroot file visible inside UnixBBS.
- New "Message Dump" function allows users to pack and compress unread
messages in the preferred groups and to download them using the
available transfer protocols. This new option is available from the
Main Menu and should be specified in the mapkey file as
'Main:<key>:MsgDump'.
Contacing the author of UnixBBS:
--------------------------------
Riccardo Pizzi @ the Nervous XTC Public Access Unix System,
Rimini, ITALY E-Mail -> pizzi@nervous.com
Nervous XTC, the home of the UnixBBS package
Data: +39-541-27135 HST/PEP/V32
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[8.2.09] - VU BBS
From: dyfett@aol.com (DyfetT)
Newsgroups: alt.bbs
Subject: Announce: VU BBS Beta-2 for Linux Released
Date: 5 May 1995 16:44:13 -0400
Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364)
Lines: 59
Sender: root@newsbf02.news.aol.com
Message-ID: <3oe2mt$15j@newsbf02.news.aol.com>
Reply-To: dyfett@aol.com (DyfetT)
NNTP-Posting-Host: newsbf02.mail.aol.com
The VU BBS Beta-2 update for Linux has been released. This
update has replacements and bug fixes for all VU BBS files as
well as enhancements and new functionality. Some of the new
features includes:
* Flash support for pop-up messages between online users
* Direct telnet support
* Customizable personal terminal definitions
* Multiple colorsets support
* Automatic log file trimming and event processing
* Generic usage tracking of login time usage per day
As always, VU BBS features a consistent and easy to use object
oriented color windowing user interface accessible from most
terminals, powerful point and view tools for user
administration, visual file and email browsers, a friendly
generic menu shell environment, and very friendly new user
registration. A visual news reader and dos door support under
dosemu will be available separately. VU BBS provides the tools
you need, whether used separately or together, to integrate,
manage, and deploy anything from a personal BBS system to an
online internet services platform.
Beta-2 represents the last free beta for VU BBS. We have
already begun development of a shareware and commercial version
of VU BBS under Linux and other UNIX variants which will expand
upon our base VU BBS platform and offer many new and exciting
features including more VU based internet services. For
commercial customers, we will be the first BBS to offer direct
PBX integration through our new VU BBS Telephony Services! VU
BBS Beta-2 will remain available as a free introductory system,
and a fully functional shareware version of VU BBS will always
remain available as an affordable option for the home
hobbyist.
VU BBS resources include mailing lists hosted through
majordomo@julie.pond.com. These include: vubbs-sysop,
vubbs-announce, and vubbs-dev.
Existing VU BBS beta sites can look for updatevu-b2.tar.gz AND
updatevu-fix2.tar.gz at sunsite.unc.edu very shortly under
/pub/Linux/systems/BBS/vubbs, at various VU BBS beta sites, or
from Marvin BBS, 1 703 492 9301 / 9101. Both files are needed.
Newly interested VU BBS users can expect a full vubbs-b2 and
vuapi-b2 to be released shortly afterward, along with a first
cut of the VU news reader and MS-DOS doors support module.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
8.3 - COMMERCIAL UNIX BBS SOFTWARE
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
[8.3.01] - TEAMate
TEAMate Unix Bulletin Board, (310)318-5302
Demo/Support for TEAMate BBS Software for Unix
Bob Baskerville/MMB Development Corp., Manhattan Beach, CA
---------------------------------------------------------------
[8.3.02] - Tera BBS v2.1
Subject: PRESS RELEASE: Tera BBS v2.1 Released
From: mike@myhost.subdomain.domain (Mike C.)
Date: 7 Sep 1994 13:13:37 GMT
Message-ID: <34kea1$q17@news.panix.com>
Dynamis Software Announces the availability of Tera BBS
v2.1/UNIX
Staten Island, NY, September 7th, 1994 - Dynamis Software today
announced that it was ready to begin selling Tera BBS
v2.1/UNIX, the successor to the multi-national Tera BBS
v2.0/UNIX. Since August 1993, Tera BBS has been leading the
pack with features including RIPscrip and ANSI support.
"From the smallest UNIX box to the most powerful, Tera BBS will
bring you into the future with it's expandibility," noted
Dynamis Software President and CEO, Brian Cummings. The heart
of the expandibility is Dynamis Software's programming language
that has been in use for over two years, and has spanned
multiple platforms with ports to other operating systems, like
Windows, in the planning stages. "We have been in the
telecommunications industry for many years as either callers,
SysOps, or developers, and we think we understand what each set
wants. We believe Tera BBS is that product," commented
Cummings. Through TPL, SysOps can modify the BBS source code in
a simple BASIC-like language. Current SysOps of Tera BBS
v2.0/UNIX comment that Tera BBS is a "BBS engine."
"We have noticed that UNIX SysOps want to have the same
features as DOS BBS programs, and Tera BBS fulfills the
majority of these requests," noted Cummings. The package
includes alot of utilities for the SysOp that range from
checking user's disk space usage to checking the size of their
E-Mail file, notifying them and/or the SysOp of people who go
over the limit.
Other features that set Tera BBS apart from the rest of the
UNIX based BBS programs are its programming language that
allows for the modification of *EVERY* aspect of the BBS, and
new modules to be easily written, complete graphical FTP,
E-Mail, Gopher, NetNews (Usenet) and File Manager using the
popular RIPscrip protocol. Also included are a database query
program that can interpret human sentences, local/remote file
bases, online user editting for the modification of user's
attributes while they are online, multi-user teleconference
with action words, and even a node monitor that allows for the
SysOp to watch in real-time what users are doing with the
ability to log any user off in a keystroke.
Tera BBS v2.1/UNIX has binaries for Linux and SunOS, with ports
to other unices when there is a need for it, and resources can
accompany the request.
Tera BBS's FTP module doubles as a file base system. Using it,
you can set up transfer limits on a single directory, either
local or remote, a complete system, or standard defaults. These
limits include bytes, time or files. It will automatically try
to grab either two types of file descriptions that are
compatible with the FILES.BBS format popular on most CD-ROMs.
The Tera News Reader allows for the manipulation of any number
of newsgroups, local or remote. It uses existing Mail Delivery
Agents (MDAs) to deliver mail, but handles NNTP on its own. It
also has it's own derivative of NNTP that will only read in the
bases a user has subscribed to. This is ideal for SysOps with a
slow link to their provider.
Tera's File Manager provides a point and click interface to the
local file system. Using the 0-9 keys, users can define shell
commands that get run on the current file with variables to
handle parameters that might change each run time. Also
included is the ability to associate extensions with commands.
For instance, a user might associate *.txt files with a command
like vi @FILENAME@, which would load the current file into the
vi editor.
Tera BBS v2.1/UNIX is available now for a suggested retail
price of $395, which includes free technical support. There are
plans for a monthly newsletter that will be run by Dynamis
Software that handles monthly Q&A, third party advertisements,
and other types of Tera BBS related items.
Dynamis Software has been producing telecommunications products
for the past seven years. Tera BBS has been being developed for
over four years, and for over a year under UNIX. Dynamis
Software can be reached by voice at (718)966-6840, or by E-Mail
at brianc@escape.com. Those wishing to try out Tera BBS can
send E-Mail to brianc@escape.com for the place to telnet into.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
8.4 - UNIX HARDWARE
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
8.4.01 - What hardware do I need to start a dial-up BBS to run
on a UNIX box?
**********************************************************************
CHAPTER 9 - BBSing WITH AMIGA
**********************************************************************
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
9.1 AMIGA COMMERCIAL BBS SOFTWARE
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
[9.1.01] - AmiExpress
[9.1.02] - BBX
[9.1.03] - CNet Amiga
NOTE: Any info for the BBS titles above would be appreciated.
Please send e-mail to; clairew@pluto.njcc.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[9.1.04] - DLG Pro. v1.0 (Dialog Professional)
FEATURES
----------
* up to 65000 users
* 255 different user levels
* 9999 different message areas
* 9999 different file areas
* number of BBS lines is limited only by serial port
availability
* all text strings and ANSI colors are completely definable by
the sysop
* string sets are available in several languages
* each user can choose what language he wants to use for their
session
* custom international character mapping is supported
* 7/8 bit character transparency is configurable
Not all of DLG is built big, though. DLG was also designed to
work on even modest Amiga setups. Here are the facts:
* DLG's modular, disk based operating system design allows for
low memory usage
* DLG uses from 40-150K per active BBS line depending on setup
and usage
* low CPU usage for excellent performance on multiple lines
* works with as little as 512K of system memory
* works on Amiga 500, 1000, 2000, 2500, and 3000 under AmigaDOS
1.3 & 2.0
* works with even modest Hard Drive setups.
USER PREFERENCES
-----------------
Each DLG user can set a number of preferences for his on-line
session:
* help level (novice / intermediate / expert)
* screen length and width settings to match his terminal
software
* optional MORE prompt for paced system output
* ANSI colour, smart ANSI screen positioning, screen clears, and
partial screen scrolling are all definable independently
* optional hot keys for fast single letter command input
* preference settings for personal upload/download protocols
* choice of message editors
* automatic command sequence (command stack) to be executed at
login
* alias name (handle)
* create and edit personal signatures (4 types) to be
automatically appended to messages and file descriptions
* create lists of message and file areas to search
* custom menu sets with different BBS languages attached to them
* custom character maps
CONFERENCES
--------------
In addition, there are a number of DLG features that users find
helpful:
* online user manual and help text files for individual commands
* full user list and search capabilities
* list of important events since last call - list is kept for
each user while he is off-line
* list of waiting public mail is kept for the user and marked for
easy retrieval at login
* ability to see who is on other BBS lines and what they are
doing
* ability to send online messages to users on other lines
* smart menus that show only those commands the user can actually
use, moment to moment
* fully customizable smart menu displays that allow the SysOp to
be creative with his menus
* quote of the moment module
* today in history module
* quick and easy searching for new messages and files
MESSAGING
==========
Here are some features of DLG's full online public/private mail
system:
* powerful, full-screen free-form ANSI based message editor
* free-form paragraph oriented message editor with query search
and replace and the ability to back up over lines using a
standard terminal program
* use of an external Amiga message editor/word processor is
allowed from a local session
* support for third-party online editors
* up to 9999 separate message areas
* users can automatically scan the areas they choose for new
messages
* messages can be packed up and archived in the background
while the user does other things online, or the user can start
the mail packing and pick it up on a future call to the system
* users can edit their own custom message and file signatures
* message header scan with message TTagging' is supported to
quickly scan for messages in large message areas
* a smart message thread reading mode can be enabled to
automatically follow conversations as you read
* continuous read mode with optional ANSI/more-prompt disable
* ability to continuous read all areas at once
* active readers of an area can be listed
* individual privileges can be assigned to each user in each
area separately, or automatically assigned based on user level
* users are informed of all types of mail received
* users can kill their own messages depending on access
* maximum number of messages allowed in each area can be set
* messages can be renumbered at any time
* message areas can be searched based on who the messages are
from, who they are addressed to, or on the subject line of the
message
* messages can be forwarded and transferred from public, to
private, to UUCP, to Newsgroups, to NetMail, to EchoMail or any
combination of the above
* messages can be re-edited by their author or by users with
SysOp access in the message area
* messages can be Lex checked and analyzed for readability
* messages can be sent to online group mailing lists
* translated message areas can be created with the help of PD
novelty programs such as Jive, ValSpeak etc.
* message areas can be set to have inappropriate language
automatically filtered out of messages as they are saved
* each user has a private mail directory
* user can keep a carbon copy of private mail sent
* message reading in forward and reverse directions
* private mail traffic can be monitored by the sysop
* messages can be automatically sent by the system or from
batch files using the off-line message sending module
FILES
------
Features of DLG's online file system:
* up to 9999 file areas are supported
* validated uploads are supported so that files may be checked
by the SysOp before they are made available
* each user's access can be tailored individually for each file
area or defaults can be set for each area based on user level
* full file searching of all available areas with wild card
support files can be searched by name, date, range of dates,
since last call, since number of days, or by description
* files can be sorted by natural forward/reverse, or
alphabetical forward/reverse
* users can easily scan file areas they wish to monitor for new
files
* each file can have up to a 32K description
* users can add comments to existing file descriptions to aid
others with their downloading decision
* choice of quick or verbose listing of all files in an area
* users can kill files that they upload if their access permits
* trash-can-like directory saves deleted files as a backup
against accidental or unwanted deletions
* uploader's custom file signature is applied to file
descriptions
* archive content viewing supported for any archiver with that
ability
* protocols are completely configurable to allow the use of
external file transfer protocols (XPR) and DLG-compatible
protocols
* custom Xmodem (Checksum / CRC / 1K) and Zmodem protocols
included
* super fast Zmodem transfers that auto adjust to the CPU and
current load conditions to give optimum performance without
'bogging' the rest of the system down
* files can be uploaded to another user's private directory
* users can have size limits placed on their private directories
* batch uploads are supported for appropriate protocols
* partially uploaded or downloaded files can be resumed at a
later date
* files can be Ttagged' for batch download using appropriate
protocols
* partial 'tagged list' and 'partial file' downloads are
supported
* a tagged file list is retained from call to call and is not
deleted until the user does so, or downloads the files it
contains
* user can list and edit his tagged file list
* DLG supports upload / download ratios
* individual files can be marked as FREE and will not count on
ratios
* default protocol can be set, or can be selected at time of
download
* optional auto-log-off after download (5 second bail out)
* files can be transferred from public to public, private to
private, private to public or public to private
* file descriptions indicate number of times downloaded
* files show approximate download time based on protocol
efficiency
* protocols are definable and defaults are selectable by the
user
* SysOp can upload and download from a local session
* sysop can have up to 127 global file paths where files from
any section can be stored
* CD Rom drives are fully supported with the use of alternate
and global paths
* ADS file areas are supported with the use of third party
'tick' programs
FIDONET
--------
* Includes TTrapdoor' - the Amiga's premier network mailer
* high speed nodelist compiler
* cost and call accounting
* ZedZip, ZedZap, DirectZap, Dietlfna and FTS-1 protocols
* FTS-1, FTS-6 and EMSI handshaking
* four dimensional addressing
* supports AKA's
* FidoNet - Echomail and Netmail areas are fully integrated
into the message system
* separate origin lines can be defined for each Echomail area
* support for multiple domains, multiple networks, multiple
zones
* can feed points
* automatic dupe elimination
* supports all known types of mail bundling
* extensive routing capabilities
* can be used for hubbing or in network coordinator positions
* echo area traffic reports
* incoming Netmail is sent to the users' private mail directory
for assured reception
* full cost implementation allows charging for Netmail via a
user account credit system
* users are informed of incoming Echo/Netmail in real time if
they are online, or via their event log if they are not
* support for outgoing file attaches and file requests
* can accept file requests from other systems
* a list of requestable 'magic file names' can be created with
optional password protection
* file areas can be designated as File Requestable
* crashmail is supported
* can zonegate FidoNet messages
* can receive and send/reply to point systems
* full nodelist support
* echomail is imported in the background while even users are
reading the areas receiving mail
* incoming Netmail mail can be addressed to online group
mailing lists
* is capable of running as a point
DLG Professional includes everything you need to set up a
FidoNet system.
DLG & USENET
=============
* Each user has their own personal UUCP account
* UUCP mail can be received in a user's private directory
* UUCP mail can be entered by any user with the proper access
* UUCP messages can be replied to with one easy key-stroke
* UUCP mail can be sent to online mailing lists
* UseNet newsgroups are treated as normal DLG message areas
* UUCICO accounts may be set up to allow the system to provide
UUCP feeds to other sites
PEOPLETALK
===========
Message and file area support is standard for most Bulletin
Board System software. DLG adds to that the excitement of
PeopleTalk - multi-user real time conferencing. Here are some
features of DLG's PeopleTalk system:
* users can create rooms at any time
* minimum baud rate and user level can be set for each room
* people can view users in a room
* users in conference can send private messages to others in
the same room
* system wide message broadcast upon room creation
CONTROLS
=========
DLG has powerful options for SysOp control of the entire
system: Here are some features:
* a full point and click install program will have you up and
running within minutes 47 different attributes of each user can
be edited, including:
* user level which determines access to auto-access message and
file areas, and to menu command selections
* daily and session time limits
* time used today
* 'K' uploaded / downloaded
* upload / download ratio
* netmail credit
* bulletin write access
* UUCP write and client privileges
* definable archivers that users can select for mail packing
and the system can use for viewing archives
* multiple user validation templates make validating new users
fast and easy
* batch user editing capabilities
* users can be purged based on number of days since last call
and can be excluded from this based on user level
* message and file areas can be easily created/edited/deleted
* groups of users can be created for batch private mailing
OTHER FUNCTIONS INCLUDE:
=========================
* the language / format of the new user application form is
configurable
* SysOp can break into chat with a user at any time
* user can page the SysOp for chat
* a requester is popped on the workbench screen that indicates
who is paging and the SysOp can answer or ignore the chat
request
* two colour chat display with full word wrap
* chat keeps a full log file of all text entered in chat mode
* single or double linefeeds can be selected for chat
* configurable log entries
* internal log entries can be assigned the user level required
to view them
* additional custom log entries can be defined
* a logging utility is provided so that external tasks such as
online games and network mail events can be monitored
* File maintenance section
* All files from a particular directory can be uploaded at
once. The SysOp can individually enter file descriptions,
specify a single file description for all files, or take
descriptions from filenotes
* All attributes of a file can be edited
* message and file areas can be easily renumbered
Each BBS line can be configured separately. IE:
================================================
* modem configuration
* BBS Name
* public vs private (only users in a certain group have access)
* idle timeout delay
* minimum baud rate
* initial menu to be used
* default login command stack
* screen colors
* forced login command stack (applied before a user's personal
login command stack)
* language
* character mapping
* SysOp can easily monitor users who are online
* custom and workbench screens are supported
* screens for current online users can be open and closed from
AmigaDos
* any screen resolution / depth can be used
* any non-proportional font can be used
* can have a screen open automatically as each user logs in or
have them remain closed for more memory / CPU efficiency
* can configure screens to open only for designated users
MANAGEMENT
===========
* access to serial ports is managed so that term programs and
network mail software will not interfere with the BBS
* automated tasks that use the serial port are executed one at
a time as the serial port becomes available
* access to message and file areas is managed so that conflicts
do not arise between users and network mail software
* a powerful event scheduler is provided necessary for a 24hr
automated system especially if networked mail is being used
* events can be scheduled to occur on any combination of
minute, hour, day of week, day of month, month of year
* typical uses include scheduling of mail events, renumbering
of message areas, dynamically regulating access to phone lines
DROP TO DOS
* SysOp has full access to DOS from remote
* limited access to DOS can be given to users
* access to DOS commands is configured based on user level
* number of arguments allowed for each DOS command can be set
MENUS & DOORS
=============
* powerful menu configuration
* any number of menus can be configured
* menu items can launch batch files, executables, other menus,
command stacks, or special DLG batch files
* any program that runs with standard input / output from a CLI
can be run from a menu
* menu items are accessible by user level
* user's only see the menu items they can access
* SysOp-editable help files can be attached to any menu item
* up to 128 custom menu TSETS' can be added to the system to
allow thousands of custom displays to be defined
* custom menu displays have no limits - they are totally
free-form can still maintain the Tsmart menu' philosophy where
the user only sees the commands that are available at the time
OBTAINING A DEMO OF DLG
------------------------
For a live demo of DLG Professional BB/OS, call the DLG
development BBS at:
BBS: (306) 249-2352
(306) 652-2084
Voice: (306) 665-3811
Fax: (306) 665-3811
FidoNet address: 1:140/90
Mailing address: #20 - 1524 Rayner Avenue,
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
S7N 1Y1
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[9.1.05] - Excelsior! BBS
- Info for Excelsior! BBS will be available in future versions
of the BBS FAQ.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[9.1.06] - MEBBS
MEBBSNet v1.0 highlights
-------------------------
Fixes, and changes you can expect to see in MEBBSNet v1.0 are:
Reduction in executable size. The MEBBSNet executable is now
under 270k vs. 380k+ for StarNet. (Possibilities are good it
will shrink even further before release as fine tuning
continues).
Reduction in the amount of system STACK usage. MEBBSNet only
requires a 20k stack for operation (Down from 60k in StarNet).
Increase in execution speed. Sophisticated programming
techniques and removal of 'busy loops' have resulted in
incredible speed increases in system operation.
Removal of all Enforcer and MungWall problems. The software has
been converted to TRUE 32bit base-relative addressing, and uses
a 'vanilla' compile (no switches needed at compile time).
All Date handling code rewritten from the ground up for proper
operation.
WorkBench v1.3 Compatable.
Complete new file transfer protocol operation. Existing file
transfer protocols have been completely removed (and subjected
to a horrible, fiery death). XPR protocols are now used for
file transfers, and are Sysop configurable via an included GUI
utility. There is no hardcoded limit to the number of XPR's you
may use. (Hooks are in place to allow XPR protocols to be
configurable by accesslevel in v2.0)
Libraritized Task Management system keeps memory usage to a
minimum while maintaining a secure and stable environment.
3rd Party Developers Library and programming support
(MEBBSutility.library). Developers are furnished full library
information, example code, and complete documentation in
'autodoc' format.
- 3rd Party Developers are assured upwards compatability with new
releases of the MEBBSutility.library. No more recompiling when
a new version is released. If it works under MEBBSNet v1.0, it
will work under future releases.
- Graphic User Interface (GUI) utilities for Editing system
configuration, Users, and Files (MEBBScfg, MEBBSue, MEBBSfl).
MEBBSue (User Editor) feature highlights:
-----------------------------------------
Hotkey launch from BBS screen.
Find New users
Add new users
FAST searching. Point/click search ability on upto 2 fields at
once.
Ability to delete user(s) waiting mail file.
Full report generating capabilities w/definable path:filename.
MEBBScfg (System configuration) feature highlights:
-----------------------------------------------------
Hotkey launch from BBS screen.
Full report generating capabilities w/definable path:filename.
Changes made are updated immediately, not just upon exit.
Full point-n-click operation for adding file/message areas,
access levels, and all system paths.
MEBBSfl (File Area Maintenance) feature highlights:
-----------------------------------------------------
Hotkey launch from BBS screen.
Built-in Help. Ability to 'localize' language used for Help
functions.
ARexx port.
Adopt/OnDisk functions for adding/removing files.
Check/Change file extensions (great when using re-archivers)
Filenote files with short descriptions.
Kill/Move/Rename/Edit file functions.
Update file information (size, etc.)
Sort existing files in file catalog.
Fully configuable filelist generation via Point-n-click or
Arexx.
Includes all aspects of file catalog entries such as
uploader,default description, <Free Download>
All features are configurable to operate on either individual
file areas or on a global basis.
Full report generating capabilities w/definable path:filename.
o Support for alternate character sets.
o Full Internal ASCII string configurability. This includes not
only the text itself, but also the Menu Command letters.
o Sysop-definable font for bbs screen(s).
o Serial I/O has been rewritten from the ground up with an eye
on stability and speed.
o Support for 16,800, 19,200, 21,600 bps modems and ISDN lines.
o NEW Modem Compiler.
o NEW Menu Compiler.
o NEW ARexx port (with MORE features).
o NEW Nodelist Compiler (MEBBSnlp) is full-featured and FAST.
o CLI Door support.
o Emulator for running existing StarNet doors (games).
o NEW Line-oriented Message Editor
o Line Editor has the ability to upload a message from disk and
dump a message to disk (or printer).
o All file I/O code rewritten. (No more 'lost' files.)
o Internal File Indexing routines rewritten using linked-lists.
ReIndexing now is fast (system dependant) as well as easy on
the CPU.
o Support for alternate 'FrontEnds' rewritten for proper
operation.
o Internal FrontEnd now supports EMSI. EMSI is sysop
configurable (On/Off) and will properly fall-back to YooHoo
(then lotek) if it fails to get an EMSI connect. Support for 9
(nine) network addresses. Addresses now use a common
inbound/outbound area. No more multiple inbound/outbound
directories!
o NEW Tosser/Packer (MEBBStoss), is 5x faster than the previous
Tosser/Packer. MEBBStoss supports 4-D Addressing, FidoNet 2.2
packet headers, and Packet-level passwording. Exports conform
to Fidonet 2.0 message standards.
o MEBBStoss has the ability to generate a report on your mail
areas for debugging purposes when setting up FidoNet.
o Packet-level passwords are Sysop configuable for inbound
mail, outbound mail, or both.
o Mail packets are processed in chronological order. No more
reading replies before the original.
o Poll packet generation can be done on a z:n/n.p basis, or use
the Call_<line>.ctl file to generate multiple poll packets at
once.
o Tosser/Packer has the (Sysop definable) ability to
auto-create new echomail areas as they are received. MEBBStoss
generates E-Mail to Sysop with full stats on the area(s)
created. MEBBStoss auto-updates the Areas.cfg file with the new
tagname(s) for reduced Sysop maintenance requirements. Path to
new message areas is configuable.
o EchoMail security features abound (even with nodes you
already connect to). Network connections and mail processing
now have security features which are several orders of
magnitude above that which existed previously.
o Netmail routing as Originator or Passthru.
o Point.CTL file removed. All point information is contained in
Areas.CFG and is listed in 4D format.
o PassThru.ctl removed. All Passthru information is contained
in Areas.CFG. PassThru areas do not need a message base (or any
other directory space) on your system other than the space the
outbound (passthru) mail packet(s) will occupy.
o Tagnames are no longer tied to a particular messagebase #. If
you move a messagebase from one area to another, Areas.CFG no
longer needs to be modified.
o MEBBStoss has a RESET commandline switch to auto-update all
high message counters automatically.
o .TIC files are deleted upon sucessful transmission. Reduced
maintenance for those who Hub in file networks is a result.
o Netmail/Fido File attaches now can use complete
Path:To/Filename in .FLO files for both convienience and space
savings.
o Event handling completely rewritten. The old problem of a
user getting shorted daily time because an upcoming event was
near is no longer a factor if the next event also allows
callers (MEBBSNet will execute the script(s) in the
background). 64,000 (sixtyfour thousand) scripts supported for
your convienience. Flags for start of event script, fidoin,
fidoout, and user logoff. Also configurable are file requests,
crashmail, mailonly, and nonetwork. If NoNetwork is selected,
the bbs will not display the 'Press Escape' prompt, and go
directly to the Welcome screen. This has been added for those
systems who do not belong to any network(s).
o NewUser Login has been rewritten for more logical operation.
The old problem of a newuser entering an existing handle no
longer dumps them back to the beginning.
o NodeList search function rewritten for proper operation.
Display has been reorganized to show Net address, system name,
and phone number.
o MEBBSbase now removes 'holes' (deleted file #'s) from the
filebases upon initialization (aka 'NOGAPS'). A CLI/Shell
utility is supplied (CleanCatalog) to automatically remove
duplicate filenames from your file areas. CleanCatalog
generates a batch file which (if executed) will also delete the
files themselves.
o General reorganization of the system for more logical
operation. For FidoNet(c) systems, Areas.cfg now handles 4-D
Addressing, Passthrus, and tagnames.
o All user-configurable text files (.ctl) now reside in the
MEBBSnet:Configfiles directory. A Sysop now need only look
there to find configurable textfiles. 3rd party developers are
encouraged to use this reorganizational change for their
utilities also. Binary configuration files are located in
MEBBSNet:S
o Log files now are more descriptive and consistant. This will
allow for 3rd party utilities for billing, and other things
that rely upon system logs for operation to operate easier and
with greater efficiency.
o Modem Dial-out functions have been completely rewritten.
o New miscellaneous CLI/Shell utilities include:
BBSStringParse
Compile ASCII strings within the executable into binary.
BBSStringDump
Take bbs stings (binary) file and dump to ASCII
CheckEvent
Returns information about current running event.
CleanCatalogs
Remove duplicate filenames from file catalogs. Generates script
file that can be edited and executed to remove duplicate
filenames themselves.
DinkyRobo
WB2.0 GUI message posting utility.
FrekIt
Generates list of file-requestable files. Supports 'magicnames'
include file, ability to remove file extensions from
requestable names, attach passwords.
KillEmpty
Kill any file listed by AmigaDOS as <Empty>
ProtocolConfig
WB2.0 XPR protocol configuration.
NLSearch
Find a node in the nodelist.
ReScanStrings
Edit BBS ASCII strings, recompile, then use this utility to
make MEBBSNet aware of the new changes.
TestMessage
View message headers.
TestPacket
View Fido packet headers.
TestRoute
View Fido routed netmail.
ShowModemDat
View compiled Modem_<line>.Dat file as MEBBSNet sees it.
o This is not to mention the dozens of little changes and
refinements to remove backwards logic in things that worked
before.
o Eight Support Site systems available 24 hours a day to
registered users. Four are located in the United States, 1 each
in Australia, Denmark, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. All are
available via FidoNet(c) and some are available via alternate
networks.
o Software Upgrade Fees, MEBBSNet v1.0:
Registered StarNet licensees: NO CHARGE
o Documentation Upgrade Fees, MEBBSNet v1.0: (Not set at this
time)
A completely new manual will be made available upon release.
Due to printing costs, it will be made available at our cost
(We are NOT in the manual selling business!). Cost has not been
determined at this time, and will be set after quotes have been
received from printers.
Roger Walker
Director, MEBBSNet BBS Product Development
MEBBS Engineering and Software
----------------------------------------------------------------------
[9.1.07] - X E N O L I N K v1.90
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRODUCT: XENOLINK 1.90
-------------------------------------------------
Next Generation Professional Bulletin Board Software
Copyright (C) 1990-1994 Xenomiga Technology
Available: March, 1994
The principle upon which Xenolink has been designed:
"If a QuickSort in C is faster than a Bubble Sort in Assembly
Language, then let Xenolink be the QuickSort in Assembly
Language."
Xenolink's efficient new architecture is now faster and more
compact than ever.
The changes are obviously far too numerous to list, but a brief
synopsis of the areas affected is listed below:
- Attractive AmigaDOS Release 2 interface
- Vastly enhanced security features
- Improved door support
- Completely redesigned FidoNet support
- Decrease in the already low usage of memory and disk space
- Even faster operation than before
Xenolink 1.90 has been tested as never before, by countless
beta testers with setups ranging from Amiga 500's to 4000's,
68000's to 68040's, CD-ROMs, FAX-Modems, HST 16.8k modems,
Point hosts, Network hubs, multi-line systems - the list goes
on.
Overview
---------
- Designed and written for AmigaDOS Release 2 and above.
- Superlative reliability
- Very easy to use
- Attractive interface
- State of the art software design and system architecture
- Full multi-line capability
- Configurability to an almost sinful degree
- Foreign language support
- Highly efficient use of memory and disk space
- Optimised high speed performance
- Object Oriented library and door interface
- Full XPR (External Protocol) support
- Low CPU usage
- Supports all serial cards and all baud rates
- Uses Commodore's (GUI) Installer program for easy installation
- Mature software; large amount of third party Xenolink
software available.
- Large private support network linking together hundreds of
Xenolink owners with Xenomiga Technology.
Base Software Architecture
---------------------------
- Xenolink Resource Handler controls access to all Xenolink
resources.
- Avoids unnecessary disk activity if a resource (such as a
message. base or file area) is in use by more than one process.
- Crash protection; if a door crashes or hangs a Xenolink node,
system data files and log files are preserved, even on the node
that crashed.
- Automatic resource preloading enables Xenolink to
asynchronously open files before they are required, thus
reducing the bottleneck caused by disk activity.
MEMORY USAGE
-------------
- Dynamic memory and resource allocation
- Xenolink and its accompanying utilities are residentable
(extremely low memory usage for multiple nodes)
- Extensive use of xenolink.library shared library routines
- All executables are very compact (needless compiler overhead
eliminated)
DISK SPACE USAGE
----------------
- Two files per message area, for unequalled speed and
compactness
- Three files per file area
- Compact user data files
- Real-time data compression used on compiled nodelist
- Xenolink's compact data files have numerous advantages:
o Very high speed operation due to the small number of files
used
o Minimises disk fragmentation
o Data files are easily archived
o Makes backing up very easy (very few files to back up)
SPEED
------
- Very fast implementation of fast algorithms (both are
important!)
- Enhanced Global Quick Indexing (EQDX) algorithms enable
virtually instantaneous location of any file catalogue entry or
user.
- Written in C and assembly language, using SAS/C Version 6
- Any area requiring speed has been written directly in
assembly language; this includes:
o Screen/modem i/o
o Mail processing parsing and i/o
o Searching
o Sorting
o Hashing
o Semaphoring
o CRC checking
- Only a few assign statements required.
o Xenolink does not require you to add countless assign
statements to your startup-sequence
o Location of all directories specified in "dir.config" file
- Separate configuration files, stored in a single directory:
o General/global configuration options
o Node configuration
o Message bases
o File areas
o User access templates
o Bulletins
o Archivers
o External protocols
o BBS text
o BBS entry points
o Access restrictions
- FidoNet configuration files stored in a separate directory:
o Node security (password, default protocol, archive type, send
type)
o Nodelist configuration
o NetMail routing and forwarding
o EchoMail area configuration (origin lines, feeds, passthrough
are as)
DOOR SOFTWARE SUPPORTED:
=========================
- Full CLI door support
o Any program that runs in your CLI (shell) can be run as a door
o Does NOT require the use of fifo.library or custom handler
files
- DOS Shell feature allows the CLI shell to be run within
Xenolink
- AREXX interface
o Complies with the ABBEREXX door standard
o Supports many commands used by other BBS programs
o Many Xenolink specific commands
- Can run many Paragon/Star-Net doors
- Xenolink doors run in the same task context as Xenolink
itself:
o Eliminates task context switching
o Door interface provides direct hooks into Xenolink functions
- Xenolink's shared library (xenolink.library) provides an easy
to use Object Oriented Interface for door programmers:
o Complete access to users, messages, the file catalogue,
system configuration, linked lists, node operations & tilde
codes.
o Doors may initiate file transfers, send messages to other
nodes.
o Doors which use the Xenolink library routines extensively are
often as fast as Xenolink.
- Internal BBS commands can be replaced by external modules.
Xenolink can be ordered from the author:
-----------------------------------------
Jonathan Forbes
1132 Bay Street
Suite 1101
Toronto, Ontario
M5S 2Z4 Canada
COST:
------
US$ 150 + $15 P&P if ordered directly from the author, contact
your local support board for the price in your currency.
Contact your local support board for the latest information
file and demoversion of Xenolink.
Local support sites:
----------------------
BBS Name: The Castle Arrgh!
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Fido #: 1:153/727.0
Phone #: 604-327-9494
SysOp: Jeno Horvath
Baud/Modem: 1200/14.4k - SupraFAX
BBS Name: Electronic Image
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Fido #: 1:167/165.0
Phone #: 514-937-9984
SysOp: Sean Mollitt
Baud/Modem: 1200/14.4k - Dual Standard
BBS Name: The Amiga Alliance
Location: Sedalia, MO USA
Fido #: 1:280/81.0
Phone #: 816-827-1688
SysOp: Ron Teague
Baud/Modem: 2400/14.4k - Dual Standard
BBS Name: The Attic
Location: Methuen, MA, USA
Fido #: 1:324/125.0
Phone #: 508-975-2340
SysOp: Mike Soucy
Baud/Modem: 1200/14.4k - v32bis Sportster
BBS Name: Destroyers Den
Location: Napa, CA, USA
Fido #: 1:161/903.0
Phone #: 707-255-0784
SysOp: Robert Thaller
Baud/Modem: 2400/21.6 - Dual Standard
BBS Name: The Mouse Trap
Location: San Diego, CA, USA
Fido #: 1:202/121.0 1:202/122.0
Phone #: 619-464-2134
SysOp: Bruce Lawson
Baud/Modem: 1200/21.6 - Dual Standard (v32/HST)
BBS Name: Arkham Asylum
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Fido #: 2:201/244.0
UseNet Add: Daniel_Frost@bad.se
Phone #: +46-8-626-9355
SysOp: Daniel Frost
Baud/Modem: 1200/28.8k - V32bis/V.FC
BBS Name: Disaster Teams BBS
Location: Landskrona, Sweden
Fido #: 2:200/219.0
Phone #: +46-418-36999
SysOp: Micke Persson
Baud/Modem: 2400/14,4k - Dual Standard
BBS Name: Fish Disc Office Switzerland
Location: Buttwil, Switzerland
Fido # : 2:301/562.0
Phone #: +41-57-443222
SysOp: Adrian Glutz
Baud/Modem: 1200/14,4k - HST
BBS Name: Echo BBS Dordrecht
Location: Dordrecht, Holland
Fido #: 2:285/312.0
Phone #: +31-78-180305
Usenet: bart@xecho.wlink.nl
Sysop: Bart Schraa
Baud/Modem: 1200/14.4k - ZYX/V32bis
BBS Name: BAT
Location: Lisboa, Portugal
Fido #: 2:362/4.0
Phone #: +351-1-705070
SysOp: Paulo Laureano
Baud/Modem: 1200/14.4k - V32bis
BBS Name: Pertos Asshole
Location: Aarhus, Denmark
Fido #: 2:230/815
Phone #: +45-867-20273
SysOp: Kenneth Perto
Baud/Modem: 1200/16.8k - Dual Standard
BBS Name: Amiga Central
Location: Redditch, United Kingdom
Fido #: 2:253/167
Phone #: +44-527-69701
Usenet: marjon@martinac.demon.co.uk
SysOp: Martin Wasley
Baud/Modem: 300/21.6k - Dual Standard Terbo
BBS Name: Sidecar Express BBS
Location: Logan Village, Queensland, Australia
Fido #: 3:640/463.0
Phone #: +61-75-463-252 - MultiLine
Usenet: bpratt@splat.paxnet.com.au
SysOp: Brendan Pratt
Baud/Modem: 300 - 14400 v32bis + ZyXEL 19200
BBS Name: Pipeline BBS
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Fido #: 3:772/250.0
AmigaNet #: 41:649/250.0
Phone #: +64-9-262-3563 - MultiLine
SysOp: Dan Croft
Baud/Modem: 1200 - 14400 v32bis
---------------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
9.2 - AMIGA SHAREWARE/FREEWARE BBS SOFTWARE
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
[9.2.01] - 4D-BBS
Info Needed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[9.2.02] - ABBS Software
Info needed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
[9.2.03] - AXsh
Info needed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[9.2.04] - AMIGA CITADEL
ADDRESS:
---------
SNAIL MAIL:
Custom Services
P. O. Box 254
Moorestown, NJ 08057
BBS: The Amiga Zone (609) 953-8159
Internet: apreston@isd.csc.com, or tony-preston@portal.com
COST:
-----
FREEWARE, but donations accepted.
Brief Description Of Amiga Citadel BBS(also know as Citadel 68K)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Minimum System
----------------
Can be run on an A500 with 1.3 ROM and 512K with 2 floppies,
but is very limited.
Recommended System
--------------------
Any Amiga with 2.04 ROM or better, 20 MB HD space, and 2 MBs
or more of memory.
Citadel is a FREEWARE BBS project that is supported on the
Amiga, IBM, MAC(although the MAC is inactive now), and Atari.
Citadel is a room-based system. It is excellent for
messaging. The basic organization is in floors and rooms.
While other BBS programs have a message base as a secondary
item attacked to the BBS, in Citadel it is the BBS. Floors are
a group of rooms. Floors are a partitioning of the rooms into
groups so that sysops and users can manipulate their view of
the system(you can for example forget a whole floor). Think of
floors as similar to conferences. The basic unit is a room. A
room is a location of a conversation. Messages are that
conversation. Most rooms will have a topic (Like Amiga,
MS-DOS, ect), some rooms can be shared with other
systems(networked). Room-based systems like Citadle have an
extremely streamlined set of commands for fast access to the
messages.
History Of Amiga Citadel
-------------------------
Citadel was created in Nov. 1981 from something called
DandD.pas, a Dungeons and Dragons an adventure game
editor/driver It then was substantially revised and made to run
on a CP/M based system. Somewhere around April to June 1985 is
became Citadel-86 with automatic networking.
Later, versions for the Amiga, Atari, and MAC were created by
various people along with other variants for the IBM. The
source was public domain and spreading like wildfile! I have
maintained the Amiga Citadel since Jan 92 after complaining of
bugs and was told by the current maintainer to put up or shut
up... I inherited the source and have since done additional
ports from the IBM source. Citadel is not perfect or bug free,
but all the major features work and it is Enforcer hit free!
Basic functionality of Amiga Citadel
---------------------------------------
A Room is the basic unit. it may be:
- Shared, networked with other systems on the C86Net, or even
other networks(like FIDOnet, USENET) via external programs.
- Private, Public, Hidden, or Invitational. Rooms default to
public, with all users invited. Hidden rooms are available to
users if they know the name(a user tells the bbs to goto the
room) after which it is public to them. The Invitational rooms
are private and the room moderator must invite them to the room.
- Anonymous, where there is no user identification as to who
posted the messages. This is great for door games where users
can create their own identification using their door names.
- Directory, where a sysop or aide can attach a directory for
uploading and downloading of files. Files have a short and
long display format. Users can not only up and download files,
they can examine the contents of archives, extract and download
just one file! Citadel has a powerful command set.
- Doors may be attached to a room or globally accessable.
Citadel uses a stdio door interface and can run many popular
door. The interface is flexible enough that you can run any
program that runs from a cli shell window. Citadel comes with a
full set of documentations, help files for the user, and both a
68000 version and a 68030/20 version. Included in the
documentation is a list of about 100 systems in Canada and the
USA that are on the C86Net so you can call and ask questions.
All required files can be found on the Amiga Zone BBS (609)
953-8159 along with door, external protocol and archives
information.
CLOSING
--------
Citadel comes with several large documentation files that
detail all the inner workings of the configuration file and the
BBS setup. Much of this is the IBM documentation, but there
are Amiga specific files.
Citadel is FREEWARE and may not be sold. It may be distributed
with any hardware or software collection so long as no charge
is made for it.
Commercial use of Citadel may only be made to the extent that a
BBS is being run. Pay BBSes must get prior approval from the
authors or current maintianers before charging users for access.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[9.2.05] - Reccoon
Features in Rcn v0.55:
-----------------------
* A nice GUI configuration-program using gadtools.
* Alternative text-based configuration-program that can be used
from remote.
* All textstrings in the BBS can be replaced with whatever you
want.
* Multi-language, up to 65536 different languages supported!
* Different textfiles for different users, accesslevels and
graphics modes.
* Different task-priorities for each node when
uploading/downloading.
* Up to 65536 telephonelines (nodes) supported.
* Support for multiple serial port board.
* Speeds up to 4Gbaud supported (if your hardware and device
driver does)
* Highspeed modems supported.
* RTS/CTS handshaking.
* Configurable serial device driver and unit for each node.
* More than 4 billion messageareas!
* More than 4 billion fileareas!
* Up to 65536 different accesslevels!
* Lots of displaycodes that can be used almost everywhere.
* Displaycodes uses sprintf(), making it possible to make
strings adjusted to the right, left, integers written in
decimal, hexadecimal, octal, padded with zeros etc etc!
* Conditional displaycodes, such as "Send <string> if the
private flag is set", or "display textfile"
* Action displaycodes, such as hangup and pause.
* IEMSI support!
* All nodes are opened as resizeable and movable windows on the
shared ReccControl screen.
* ReccControl supervises the system, avoiding conflicts of
files, users etc.
* VERY low CPU-usage!
* ANSI support.
* Textoutput optimizing. Replaces five or more spaces in a row
with an ANSI-sequence.
* Remote-DOS, using FIFO - Makes it just as your normal shell
window!
* Almost every Rcn-program are PURE, making it possible to make
them resident!
* Reccoon.library, making utilities small and uses less memory!
They're real easy to code too, using that library!
* Statistic such as total byte UL, DL, calls etc are stored on
disk and displayed on the ReccControl screen.
* All Reccoon-lines and ReccControl can be iconified as
APP-Icons on the workbench-screen.
* Pulldown menus. (with 3.0 look with OS v39 and higher)
* OS 2.0 look.
* AGA screenresolutions supported.
* Macro-keys that can be used everywhere.
* String-edit - the user can use arrowkeys in any string-prompt.
* Very powerful custimized doorinterface making the door
possible to almost everything. It has access to almost all
internal data, and lots of internal functions, such as
DisplayMessage() & ListFiles()
* Possible to run multiple doors at the same time!
* Run-back doors that works in the background.
* Doors may add its own fields in the userstructure!
* Action-doors such as Snake.
* ARexx interface.
* Paragon-Door interface.
* Doorlink interface.
* FPL interface (FPL is a script-language that looks and feels
like C)
* The entire logon-sequence can be replaced with an fpl-script.
* Possible to run CLI-doors.
* A GUI usereditor, with ARexx interface!
* Possible to edit multiple users at the same time (each user
in one window)
* Alternative textbased user-editor which can be used from
remote.
* Possible to edit users being online, and they wont even
notice.
* Different keymaps supported.
* Different fonts supported.
* Character-translation - the user can chose between sysop
configurable tables.
* Up to 65536 different translation-tables supported.
* 8-bit ASCII supported.
* All programs are written in C, and smaller parts in fast
68000+ assembler.
* Requires OS 2.0 (v37) or higher.
* Users get congratulated on their birthday.
* Smooth hotkeys.
* Ctrl-C breaking
* Multicolor-chat, which can be started any time, even when
running doors.
* VERY stable! Havent hanged my BBS since Oct-92 !!
* NO Enforcer and Mungwall hits!
* Crash-protection.
Network:
----------
* FidoNet support.
* 10 different AKAs supported.
* Very Fast and good mailprocessor!
* SEEN-BY processing, making it possible to add/remove nodes
from the Seen-By lines. (For both files and msgs)
* 4D network addressing.
* Pointsupport.
* Areafix for both msgareas and fileareas!
* Access-restrictions in areafix.
* Passthru areas.
* Fileechos!
* Filerequest handler.
* Possible to disable filerequest for certain nodes.
* Magic filenames.
* Wildcards supported in filerequests.
* Possible to password protect files and whole areas for file
request.
* File request report sent to the Sysop on the remote system,
and to the local sysop. (configurable)
* Checks the nodelist for unlisted systems.
* Byte and file-limit for freqs.
* Multiple Netmailareas supported.
* Crashmail.
* Direct Netmails.
* Very powerful routing capabilities.
* Different archivers for different nodes.
* Uses Trapdoor!
* MSGID dupechecking.
* MSGID/REPLY message linking.
* Works fine in a HUB/HOST environment.
* Accesses the nodelist using Traplist.library, so you wont
need to have serveral nodelist-formats when you use Trapdoor
as mailer.
Messages
---------
* As said, more than four billions different messageareas!
* Messages are stored in two files per messagearea, making
it possible to scan messages EXTREMELY faaaast!
* Possible to send messages to ALL users, so they receive
it when then logon.
* Fileattaches. The attached files are stored in a special
filearea, so you as a sysop get a good overview of all
attached files.
* Handles.
* Each user can have diffrent accessrestrictions for each
message area.
* Private messages.
* Access-level restrictions on certain messages.
* Possible to reply-protect areas.
* Netmail reply.
* Sysop menu that allows the message-writer and the Sysops
to edit message-flags.
* Each user have an own set of access-flags for each message-
area, so you got 100% access-control!
* Possible to age-protect areas, so very young users wont
have access to adult message-areas.
* Messages displayed in different colors (configurable)
when quoted text, Seen-by lines, cludges etc. making
it very easy to find the important parts in messages.
* Possible to hide message-cludges (users option)
* Message-display is hotkeyed, so you can proceed to the next
message without to wait for the end.
* The message header looks just as you want it to look.
* Full-screen editor.
Files
------
* Uses XPR = External protocols.
* Opens a nice little window when transfering files.
* Files can be marked by entering a number, a wildcard or the
whole filename.
* Both * wildcards and Amiga #? wildcards supported.
* Very fast global-search function.
* Each user has an own set of access-flags for each file-
area, so you got 100% access-control!
* View-archive function.
* Test-archive function.
* The uploader may edit his files, such as changing the
description etc. The sysops for that area can also do other
things such as remove credits, change area etc.
* Auto-logoff after download.
* Hotkeyed file-listing.
* Files can be marked and downloaded at a later time.
* Files can be a free download.
* Some users can have free download in some areas.
* Bps-restrictions for DL and UL (different for each filearea)
Menus
------
* All menucommands can be used in any menu.
* Supports both FPL menus and less advanced menus.
* Lots of menucommands.
* Possible to do serveral things on one single keyhit.
* Access-restrictions on every menucommand.
* A password menu-command, making it possible to password-
protect certain things.
* Possible to do certain things for certain access-levels.
* Menucommands takes arguments and return results, example:
/* this is a short FPL-script */
prevarea=msgarea;
if(MsgArea(2)){
WriteMsg("Niclas Emdelius");
MsgArea(prevarea);
}else Send("Area not found");
* You can trap almost every key, even the return key.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[9.2.06] - TransAmiga
Info needed for TransAmiga.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
[9.2.07] - Max's BBS v1.52
Info needed for Max's BBS.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
9.3 - AMIGA HARDWARE
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Q: WHAT BASIC HARDWARE WOULD I NEED TO SET UP AN AMIGA BBS?
[9.3.01] - INTRODUCTION
This part of the BBS FAQ explains the basic hardware
requirements for those interested in setting up a BBS on a
Commodore Amiga computer. This section covers the advantages to
the Amiga's internal hardware, and how the hardware affects the
BBS software that you will be running. In addition, this
section will display some of the advantages and disadvantages
to running a BBS on the Amiga.
Terms enclosed in asteriks (*) are defined at the bottom of
this article under "GLOSSARY".
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[9.3.02] - COMMODORE AMIGA ON THE INSIDE
The CBM (Commodore Business Machine) line of computers are
based on the Motorola 68000 processor series (68000, 68020,
68030 etc.). Yet the Amiga is built unlike any other computer,
in that it has a very customized chip set within the computer.
These chips allow the computer to hardware *multitask* (see
GLOSSARY at end of file), display graphics in a flash, and
provide the Amiga with an effective *GUI* (Graphic User
Interface).
The first thing you need is obviously an Amiga computer, but
don't go out and grab just any one. You should choose the
computer suited to your needs. All of the Amigas multitask,
and thus all of them are capable of running software that
supports multiple lines; however, this may be misleading in
that not all Amiga computers support multiple lines. Also, the
older Amigas have slower processors and useless operating
systems.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
- KNOWING YOUR NEEDS WHEN SETTING UP A BBS
(or your company's needs)
This is the first step in setting up any BBS, Amiga, IBM, or
otherwise. I won't go into detail here, but there are some
things you should keep in mind:
(1) Do you need a large online file base, or are you
message-oriented?
(2) Do you need/will you need multiple lines? (Don't limit
yourself!)
(3) If so, How many multiple lines will you need?
(4) Will you be hooking up to a network (such as FIDO or
UUCP/UseNet)?
The above considerations will affect your choice of hardware.
The following chart will attempt to offer some guidelines your
hardware requirements based on your needs. Note, however,
that if you are buying a computer new, you should gather some
information on your own, and the author is not responsible for
any misconceptions you may have had before your purchase.
Msgs-Base Files 1Line Multi-Line Comp. RAM Notes
|--------|-----|-----|----------|------|-----|------|
| X | | X | | A500 1MB *,!
| X | X | X | | A500 2MB **,!
| | | | | A600 @
| X | X | X | X | A1200 3MB+ #
| X | | X | | A2000 1MB+ $,!
| X | X | X | X | A2000 3MB+ %,!
| X | X | X | X | A3000 4MB+ &,!
| X | X | X | X | A4000 4MB+ ***
Notes:
! This machine is either now obselete or is being faded out.
* The A500 cannot be expanded to multiple ports. It is
possible to run a BBS off of floppy disks, but nowadays it's
hard to find good software to support this. Also, you would be
quite limited in your expandability.
** The A500 cannot be expanded to multiple ports, and
hard-drive controllers, harddrives, and RAM expansions are to
be added seperately. If this is the computer you have, I would
recommend a hard-drive and a BIG RAM expansion first before
starting a BBS. The reason why the RAM requirement is higher
than the previous listing is because harddrives take up RAM
when mounted, and you need enough to run the software.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[9.3.04] - AN EXPLANATION OF AMIGA SYSTEMS
@ The A600 is strictly a games computer and is useless for the
purposes of running a BBS.
# The A1200 is one of Commodore's newest machines. It has the
latest state of the art graphics chip sets, supports a
multi-port serial card, comes with a harddrive controller
installed. In addition, it uses one of Motorola's latest
processors, and is quite the quick machine. Perfect for a
small yet expandable single or multi-line BBS.
$ The A2000, unexpanded, is the same as an Amiga 500. Same
processor, same features.
% The A2000, expanded, can hold a muliple serial card,
harddrives, RAM, etc., as is needed. However, the standard
CPU is quite slow for multi-line systems, so you may want to
buy an accelorator for this machine if this is what you'll be
using to set up your BBS.
& The A3000 is a great machine. It comes with a 68030
processor and a math co-processor (for much faster
calculations), and has a suitable starting amount of RAM, and
can take a multi-serial card.
*** The A4000 is Commodore's latest benchmark, and if you
can afford it, is excellent for running pretty much any kind of
BBS you have in mind.
Please note that the above are only guidlines and are not
hard-coded theory. The number of lines you can support also
depends on the software amount of RAM you have available, and
the speed of your computer. Also remember that the larger your
hard drive space, the larger your file-base; the more RAM you
have, the less chance you have of crashing the computer. A big
11-line system in Ottawa, Ontario is running C-Net/3 software
on an Amiga 4000 with 1.2 Gigabytes of harddrive space and 14
Megs of RAM, just to give you an idea.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
- PRO'S & CON'S ABOUT AMIGA HARDWARE WHEN RUNNING A BBS
Advantages
-----------
Hardware multitasking is much faster and more efficient than
software multitasking systems; GUI makes things easy to use,
with point-and-click type mouse operations; Amiga supports a
GUI as well as a Dos-Shell, for the best of both worlds,
making setting up a BBS easier to do; most Amiga BBS software
has multiple-line support built right into the software.
------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------
Claire Walters ** E-MAIL: Clairew@pluto.njcc.com
D.B.A WindsorWare ** Author/Editor-The Official BBS FAQ
FTP SITE: FTP.NJCC.COM ** http://pluto.njcc.com/~clairew/
--------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Path: news1.ucsd.edu!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!dog.ee.lbl.gov!overload.lbl.gov!lll-winken.llnl.gov!simtel!swidir.switch.ch!newsfeed.ACO.net!Austria.EU.net!EU.net!news.sprintlink.net!uunet!in1.uu.net!spcuna!earth.njcc.com!pluto.njcc.com!clairew
From: Claire Walters <clairew@pluto.njcc.com>
Newsgroups: alt.bbs,alt.bbs.allsysop,alt.allsysop,comp.bbs.misc
Subject: BBS FAQ Part 6/6
Date: Thu, 13 Jul 1995 17:25:58 -0400
Organization: New Jersey Computer Connection, Lawrenceville, NJ
Lines: 2663
Message-ID: <Pine.BSI.3.91.950713172502.11439H-100000@pluto.njcc.com>
NNTP-Posting-Host: pluto.njcc.com
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Xref: news1.ucsd.edu alt.bbs:33500 alt.bbs.allsysop:10864 alt.allsysop:17 comp.bbs.misc:19987
From: clairew@pluto.njcc.com (Claire Walters)
Newsgroups: alt.bbs, alt.bbs.sysop, comp.bbs.misc, comp.answers, news.answers
Subject: BBS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), Part 6/6
Followup-To: poster
Reply-To: clairew@pluto.njcc.com (Claire Walters)
Summary: This posting contains Frequently Asked Questions (and
their answers) including information to help those wanting to
setup an Online Service/BBS.
Archive-name: ftp.njcc.com
pub/bbsfaq/bbsfaq03.006
Last-modified: 02/23/95
Version: v3.0
URL: http://pluto.njcc.com/~clairew/
*********************************************************************
CHAPTER 10 - SYSOPS SURFING THE INTERNET HIGHWAY
*********************************************************************
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=
10.1 - CONNECTING YOUR ONLINE SERVICE TO THE INTERNET Q&A
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=
[10.1.01] - What type of software do I need to have an Internet
connection?
Several BBS/Server packages have built-in abilities to connect
to the internet. A slip connection or 56k leased line is needed
for a full internet connection.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION - Anyone willing to provide information for
this section please send e-mail to: ClaireW@pluto.njcc.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[10.1.02] - What type of hardware is needed for an Internet
connection?
A good PC system to start out with is:
* Pentium
* Gig hard drive (expect to add hard drive space fast if you pull
in a large amount of newsgroups)
* CD-ROM
* Tape Drive for back-up
UNDER CONSTRUCTION - Anyone willing to provide information for
this section please send e-mail to: ClaireW@pluto.njcc.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
[10.1.03] - What is TCP/IP, SLIP, UUCP, ISDN, leased lines?
Below is a pointer to the TCP/IP FAQ. It explains how to use
TCP/IP with your BBS & more.
Subject: comp.protocols.tcp-ip.ibmpc Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ), part 1 of 3
Summary: Frequently Asked Questions (and answers) about TCP/IP
on PC-Compatible Computers
From: aboba@netcom.com (Bernard Aboba)
NEWSGROUPS:
comp.protocols.tcp-ip.ibmpc,
comp.protocols.tcp-ip,
alt.winsock,
comp.os.ms-windows.networking.
tcp-ip,
alt.answers,
comp.answers,
news.answers
This FAQ is posted monthly. In between it will be available as:
ftp://ftp.netcom.com/pub/mailcom/IBMTCP/ibmtcp.zip
After each posting, this FAQ is automatically converted to HTML
by Ohio State, and made available on the Web. This means that
if you have a WWW browser, you can read the FAQ online, and
click on links to download individual files.
http://www.zilker.net/users/internaut/update.html
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[10.1.04] - Internet Mail Gateway for your BBS
Newsgroups: alt.bbs.allsysop
From: jbutler@bamanet.ua.edu (Jeremy Butler)
Subject: BBS-Internet Gateway via QWK Format
Message-ID: <jbutler.38.0013566F@bamanet.ua.edu>
Keywords: BBS QWK Internet
Sender: news@ua1ix.ua.edu
Nntp-Posting-Host: jeremy.tcf.ua.edu
Organization: TCF Dept., University of Alabama
Date: Sat, 22 Oct 1994 00:20:07 GMT
Announcing the beta release of a shareware Internet mail gateway
for BBS's.
QWKgate ("quick-gate"): a QWK to/from Internet Gateway
(Formerly known as QWKIT.)
QWKgate serves as an e-mail gateway between a LAN-based
BBS and the Internet. It accomplishes this by converting
QWK/REP-format files (generated by a BBS) into SMTP-format
(Simple Mail Transport Protocol) files which may be flung into
and sucked out of the Internet by Mercury, David Harris's free
e-mail transport system. The Internet becomes, in effect, the hub
(a really *big* hub) of a QWK network.
QWKgate is *not* a UUCP mail gateway.
QWKgate enables individual users to send personal Internet e-mail
and, further, it allows sysops to echo Internet discussion groups.
REQUIREMENTS
1. A computer on a local area network with a TCP/IP connection
to the Internet.
2. BBS software capable of QWK networking (e.g., Wildcat!).
3. Mercury, a free e-mail transport system (a Netware-
compatible NLM available for anonymous FTP from risc.ua.edu,
in /pub/network/pegasus).
4. Archiving software, such as PKZIP.
REGISTRATION FEE
QWKgate is being released as a shareware product. Registration
is US$15.
OBTAINING QWKgate
QWKgate may be downloaded from The PoV BBS: (205) 348-9552
(14.4k maximum b.p.s., 24 hours a day). There is no charge
(aside from long distance charges) for using PoV.
QWKgate will also be uploaded to Mustang Software's BBS:
(805) 873-2400.
In addition, QWKgate and Mercury are available for anonymous FTP
from risc.ua.edu. Look in /pub/network/pegasus and
/pub/network/pegasus/misc. The files are named mercxxx.zip and
qgatexxx.zip (replace "xxx" with the version number).
QGATE092.ZIP was just uploaded to risc.ua.edu today (10/21/94).
It will be a few days before it is publicly available.
CONTACTING THE AUTHORS
QWKgate was written by Scott Tullos, with assistance from Jeremy
Butler. They may be contacted through PoV BBS or the Internet.
Scott Tullos JTULLOS1@UA1IX.UA.EDU
SCOTT.TULLOS.POV@TCF.UA.EDU
Jeremy Butler JBUTLER@BAMANET.UA.EDU
JEREMY.BUTLER.POV@TCF.UA.EDU
**************************************************************
Jeremy Butler jbutler@bamanet.ua.edu
Associate Professor jbutler@UA1VM.ua.edu
Telecommunication & Film Dept Univ. of Alabama * Tuscaloosa
***************************************************************
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[10.1.05] - How to add Usnet to your BBS.
From: bungee@primenet.com (Robert Basil)
Newsgroups: alt.bbs.allsysop
Subject: How to add Usnet to your BBS.
Date: 13 Jan 1995 00:46:54 GMT
Organization: Arizona Internet Gateway
Message-ID: <3f4ihu$pqh@news.primenet.com>
I have seen a lot of questions on what programs SysOp's need to
setup usnet newsgroups and Internet E-Mail on there BBS. Well
ask no more. Here is what you will need and where to get it all
in one place! Hope this helps everybody. Once you get the
programs please read the docs and set them up. I cannott offer
any help on Installation, I am to busy with my own gateway.
Just to warn you though, plan on spending a lot of time getting
everything set up.
To get Usnet messages this is what you will need:
1. A UUCP account with your provider. NOT a shell or slipp/ppp
account. Those are something different all together.
2. A Program to call your provider and pick up the packets. I
use FXUUCICO
3. A archiver to uncompress the packets if your provider packs
them before sending them to you. <Most do> I use compress.exe
and uncompress.exe
4. A Gateway program to transfer the UUCP style packets to Fido
style packets. I use MailGate.
5. And then all you need is a working Front End Mailer and BBS
software. I use PcBoard. It has a Front end Mailer built in.
EVERYTHING you will need to set up a gateway is available in my
personal ftp directory. Just ftp to: ftp.primenet.com and go to
directory /users/b/bungee
Hope this helps!
--
System Operator
Arizona Internet Gateway
sysop@azgate.com
finger: bungee@primenet.com
ftp: ftp.primenet.com \users\b\bungee
----------------------------------------------------------------------
[10.1.05.1] - UUCP FAQ
From: ian@airs.com (Ian Lance Taylor)
Newsgroups: comp.mail.uucp,comp.answers,news.answers
Subject: UUCP Internals Frequently Asked Questions
Keywords: UUCP, protocol, FAQ
Reply-To: ian@airs.com (Ian Lance Taylor)
Followup-To: comp.mail.uucp
Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.Edu
Archive-name: uucp-internals
Version: $Revision: 1.101 $
Last-modified: $Date: 1995/06/29 19:26:01 $
This article was written by Ian Lance Taylor `<ian@airs.com>' and I may
even update it periodically. Please send me mail about suggestions or
inaccuracies.
This article describes how the various UUCP protocols work, and
discusses some other internal UUCP issues. It does not describe how to
configure UUCP, nor how to solve UUCP connection problems, nor how to
deal with UUCP mail. I do not know of any FAQ postings on these topics.
There are some documents on the net describing UUCP configuration, but I
can not keep an up to date list here; try using archie.
If you haven't read the `news.announce.newusers' articles, read them.
This article is in digest format. Some newsreaders will be able to
break it apart into separate articles. Please don't ask me how to do
this, though.
This article covers the following topics. If questions about one of
these topics is posted to `comp.mail.uucp', please send mail to the
poster referring her or him to this FAQ. There is no reason to post a
followup, as most of us know the answer already.
UUCP Protocol Sources
Alarm in Debugging Output
UUCP Grades
UUCP Lock Files
Execution File Format
UUCP Protocol
UUCP `g' Protocol
UUCP `f' Protocol
UUCP `t' Protocol
UUCP `e' Protocol
UUCP `G' Protocol
UUCP `i' Protocol
UUCP `j' Protocol
UUCP `x' Protocol
UUCP `y' Protocol
UUCP `d' Protocol
UUCP `h' Protocol
UUCP `v' Protocol
------------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
10.02 - INTERNET PROVIDERS
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
[10.2.01] - Who do I contact to get Internet on my BBS?
UNDER CONSTRUCTION - Anyone willing to provide information for
this section please send e-mail to: ClaireW@pluto.njcc.com
------------------------------------------------------------------
[10.2.02] - How much does it cost?
UNDER CONSTRUCTION - Anyone willing to provide information for
this section please send e-mail to: ClaireW@pluto.njcc.com
------------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
10.03 - SATELLITE SERVICES
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
[10.3.01] - What are Satelite services?
[10.3.02] - Connecting your online service to a satelite dish.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
10.3.03 - Satelite Service Providers
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
[10.3.03.1] - PAGESAT
PageSat is a direct-broadcast satellite service carrying news
groups from several major networks, principally the Internet.
PageSat uplinks in Mountain View, CA, to a transponder on GE
Americom's Ku-band K2 domestic satellite. It covers the entire
continental United States and parts of southern Canada and
northern Mexico. Coverage in Europe and Asia is planned for
3Qtr 1994. On average, PageSat delivers approx. 50 - 60
megabytes a day of Usenet News.
Hardware consists of a 0.63-m (or larger where required)
parabolic Ku-band antenna system and a PCSAT 100 Wireless
Usenet Data Terminal. Any 286 or higher processor running DOS
3.1 is acceptable. You still need a land-line to an Internet
host for outgoing mail.
Contact: Duane J. Dubay
PageSat Inc.
992 San Antonio Rd.
Palo Alto, CA. 94303
(415) 424-0384
Email: djd@pagesat.net
----------------------------------------------------------------
[10.3.03.2] - PLANET CONNECT
Planet Connect is a direct-broadcast satellite service. The
base system uses a 2-foot dish with a flat roof mount, wall
mount, or pole mount, Ku LNB and feed and Planet Connect Data
Receiver (19,200 baud).
Base service includes: FidoNET backbone NaNet
Contact: Planet Systems, Inc.
213 Abbey Road
Newport, TN 37821
Voice: 615-623-9335
Fax: 615-625-8831
BBS: 615-623-8203
V32: 615-623-8111
------------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
10.4 - CONNECTING YOUR ONLINE SERVICE TO THE WEB
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
[10.4.01] - How do I setup a Web server?
A www server primer by Nathan Torkington, available at the URL
http://www.vuw.ac.nz/who/Nathan.Torkington/ideas/www-servers.html
To find out which server is best for your needs, you will want
to consult Paul Hoffman's Server Comparison Chart (URL is
http://sunsite.unc.edu/boutell/faq/chart.html ). That document
is also available by anonymous FTP from ftp.netcom.com in the
directory pub/bo/boutell/faq.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION - Anyone willing to provide information for
this section please send e-mail to: ClaireW@pluto.njcc.com
--------------------------------------------
*********************************************************************
CHAPTER 11 - NET IT UP
*********************************************************************
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
11.1 - GETTING YOUR BBS ON AN ECHO NETWORK
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
[11.1.01] - Why network?
As electronic bulletin boards proliferate like particles
in a nuclear reaction, the opportunities to "net" will
likewise explode. Why do it? Well, why not? The costs are
minuscule compared to the benefits offered by a well-
operated BBS "echo" network. In real terms, the long
distance phone charges applied to networked message have
probably gone DOWN in the ten short years that individual
computerists began linking up. actual outlay, though, may
not have decreased -- since the amount of traffic has
expanded like as super nova.
Your users will benefit from the networks through the
connections that link them with folks from all over the
country and the globe, gaining insights and points-of-
view unavailable in any other medium. Correspondingly,
the users of other member boards in the network can
benefit from the thoughts and opinions of *your* users.
The many-to-many discussions offered in these nearly
gatekeeper-free, nearly unedited channels may be one of
the biggest attractions for users to gravitate to your
BBS.
The reason to net may not have changed much from the
desire that led Tom Jennings to found the biggest and
oldest self-sustaining echo net of them all -- FidoNet
<tm>. He found himself on one coast and a friend on the
other. He figured a way to auto-send messages at night
when the rates were low. The technique spread. And now
the BBS that is not networked in some way is a rarity.
-----------------------------------------------------------
[11.1.02] - What is an echo net?
"Echo" is the word that came to describe the act of
netting chains of home-grown BBSs together because it is
descriptive of the technique most commonly used. Your
voice echoes when you send it through a canyon and it
reverberates after striking each successive rockface.
Your users' messages will do the same as they pass from
your board to your UPLINK BBS in the chain. Later, often
the next night, that uplink calls another NODE in the
net, perhaps, which merely collects and passes your
board's messages on; or it may call a HUB, which collects
messages from its own users, as well as many other node
BBSs like yours. Hubs of this kind do specially arranged
exchanges among themselves in many network set-ups.
Sometimes called "star" systems these central and
regionally placed systems act as collection and
distribution points and add measurable efficiencies to
the passing of communications around the continents.
There are also systems which do not merely echo messages
but which also echo software and other data, usually in
compressed form. Keep an eye out for the Shareware
Distribution Network (SDN), a well-established collection
of BBSs that spreads useful utility, entertainment and
educational software.
--------------------------------------------------------------
[11.1.03] - Where do I find information?
Call any BBS of which you are now aware, and you will
probably finds a net attached to it. Normally each system
in a net makes available the latest version of an
information archive -- most often known as an "info pac".
Ask the sysop for the name or how to get it.
If you have no nets locally that you'd like to carry on
your own system, there are places where networking folk
gather to discuss issues and disseminate information.
Look at all the nets local to you to see if any carry a
conference on the topic of "networking". Sometimes these
conferences are devoted to discussions of the LAN (local
area networking) techniques of business and government,
but ask anyway. You're sure to get a lead or two.
You're probably not too far from a BBS carrying the
FidoNet conference called OTHERNETS. For a sysop
interested in networking, even long-distance contact with
this conference will be well worth it. Messages by
administrators and member sysops of other BBS networks
(hence the name of the conference) comprise the vast bulk
of the messaging activity there.
Lastly, there is a certain book, (Surely, the reader
knows that even if I wasn't the author, I'd mention it.
Surely.) the current edition of which contains the
complete NODELISTs (compilation of phone numbers) of
member boards of 69 self-sustaining echo networks (and a
partial list of one huge one). With the listings of the
conferences carried, the entries in the directory range
from the dependable and mainstream (RIME, a general
interest net with its own elaborate technology and nearly
a thousand member boards,) through the meditative
(DharmaNet, devoted to Buddism) through the bizarre
(Furnet, which, apparently, has something to do with
anthromorphy, the role-playing of animals).
The book is called _Free Electronic Networks_ (Prima
Computer Books, Rocklin CA, ISBN 1-55958-415-7). Your
local library may have it. (Library books are, after all,
the original shareware.) Or browse through it at your
local bookstore (but try not to make it too dog-eared.)
----------------------------------------------------------
[11.1.04] - Do echo networks charge fees?
By and large the echo networks almost religiously DO NOT
charge for the privilege of joining them. Many, if they
have thought to include the rule, even forbid their
member board sysops from withholding the network
conferences from users in exchange for fees (or
"donations," as many sysops like to call them.)
There are some that require fees for administrative
reasons and some try to establish emergency funds to keep
the systems up. A few may even exact charges from the
individual users. This is rare.
Some common charges may involve "hub" fees, where node
systems are asked for a nominal monthly or weekly
contribution in order to help offset the phone toll
charges that accrue to the operators of network hubs,
which sometimes haul huge amounts of data through their
phone links. A well-run net will easily make these
charges worth your while. And you can be sure that no one
is making a killing, just sharing the load.
The software used to network, in most cases is open
and/or shareware, meaning the inventors don't mind if you
tinker and the payment you make to them are on the honor
system. Some networks require the software be
"registered" (paid for) before allowing a hook-up.
----------------------------------------------------------------
[11.1.05] - What are the differences between networking
technologies?
The basic known forms of net tech are the following:
Fido; QWK; PostLink, WWIV, Citadel.
Fido is a net and a tech. Your board can be part of the
big FidoNet, or it can be part of a stand-alone
organization that merely uses the same techniques and
similar software to the Big Dog. The software has evolved
but remains in the same basic form. The BBS interacts
with the net through a software link called a "fossil"
driver and another called a "mailer." Getting your board
up and going in a Fido tech network can be somewhat
technically daunting for the casual computerist, and may
require more know-how than the other network forms. But
the tradition of Fido has grown from the achievement of
dedicated independent computerists, and they'd prefer the
company of those who can muster up the minimum expertise
it takes to join them. Search the BBSs near you -- or
the commercial online services you patronize -- for a
file named something like BIGDUMMY.* Inside will probably
be a text file entitled "The Big Dummy's Guide to
FidoNet" by Michael Schuyler. It's an informative and
witty espousal of the Fido ways, whys and wherefores.
QWK is a networking standard that grew out of the most
successful of the mail reader formats to emerge over the
last few years. A mail reader is a software device that
allows a user to call your board and take messages away,
for reading and responding at their leisure. The mail
reader hooks up with a "door" on your board that knows
the format used, and deals out the messages according to
the users wants. It was not a far jump from this task to
using the same pieces, with a bit of adjustment, for the
task of networking between the boards themselves.
Naturally then, since the form was founded for the use of
your average users, the networking techniques cannot be
too trying on the intellect. The ease of use has its
drawbacks. QWK nets rarely offer "netmail" or "receiver-
only" mail (sometimes erroneously known as "private e-
mail." There is very little privacy available). WildNet
is a large and active net based on QWK tech.
PostLink is a proprietary technology (in that the
developer would prefer you not use it if you haven't paid
for it, and tinkering is not encouraged.) The large
network based on this tech is the RelayNet International
Message Exchange (RIME), a stable network which offers a
modicum of security by providing encrypting netmail and
other features not available in your average hacked,
cobbled and tweaked net tech.
WWIV is a technology that seems to attract those
hobbyists (read as "hacker" in the mostly benign meaning
of the word) with a penchant for "handles" and wild talk.
WWIV offers conferences that are known as "subs" -- which
is short for "sub-boards" or smaller divisions of the
main board. The topics tend to be wild and the "sub"
names wildly descriptive, since the technology allows for
longer names. (i.e., The Wesley Crusher Must Die Club).
The subs can be started on a BBS anywhere in the net and
will spread around according to their popularity and
audience -- a method the online radicals like to think of
as anarchy, but which is really a demonstration of your
basic orderly market economics. Like Fido, there is the
big WWIV and there are some few other networks based on
the tech that are stand-alone.
Citadel is a technology nearly as old as FidoNet, with a
core group of unshakable enthusiasts who would run
nothing else. It is really a style of BBSing that
naturally branched out into networking. There are BBS
versions for nearly every computer technology that has
been used since the early 1980's, including the extinct
DOS predecessor CP/M and the widely ignored
Ataris/Amigas. (Possibly excluding Macintosh. Do Macs
net? Still can't say for sure. Haven't come across one.)
Started as a BBS that could serve as a form of on-line
role-playing game, the Citadels are "room-based" in that
the conference areas are called Rooms. Groups of rooms
related by topic are organized into floors (for instance,
the "networking floor" and the "computer talk floor").
The individual rooms are networked in the catch-as-catch-
can anarchic mode, where the sysops take and share the
rooms they want. If you want a room that is not available
on a board you net with locally, you are welcome to cast
your line long distance and get it yourself. Topics are
esoteric, indeed, in some rooms "topic" as a description
would be a stretch. Interaction with a Citadel is a
pleasant, primitive, sort of a welcome throwback to a
younger computing day. Learning the commands may take bit
more effort than today's menu-driven, hand-holdy BBS
systems, but the old-timers don't mind if those without
the patience stay away after the first call. They're in
it for the long haul.
------------------------------------------------------------
[11.1.06] - What do I have to do to join?
You might not want to think about joining a network until
you have your BBS up and stabilized. Be sure that you
will be around longer than a few months before trying for
a net. Sysoping can be trying and demanding. Attrition of
new boards is high. Adding a network may only add to your
early frustration and gain you some ill will with the
administrators if you falter and fade away.
Once you decide to join one and have picked one out, you
are likely to be put through one of a widely varying
system of application processes. Some networks require
little more than the achievement of a BBS up and running,
and are thankful to have any nodes they can attract
(these tend to be smaller, struggling nets); while others
have a somewhat selective application process -- though
the requirements most often are not extremely testing,
normally consisting of pledges that you will try to
control your users.)
In the extreme case, there is a minority of BBSs with
demanding -- nay, oppressive -- membership application
processes. One might even call them "ordeals" -- which
may include up-time minimums, lengthy, detailed
applications and virtual "visits" by the "selection
committee" to determine suitability. The trade off is
that the sysop who lands a spot on a net like this can be
assured a certain amount of civility. Often it is
deceiving though, since these organizations are as
subject to the biases and petty politics of any of the
loosest net, even though they think their overbearing
requirements make them immune.
Each individual sysop will gravitate -- as you will --
toward the style of networking that suits them. Don't
worry about acceptance, since for the most part, people
realize eventually that they didn't really want to be
anyplace where they weren't wanted anyway.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[11.1.07] - Do the echo nets have e-mail?
Some offer what's called "netmail". It is not
instantaneous transfer e-mail like one may be used to on
an internetted business or school system, but the
messages travel at the same leisurely pace (usually one
hop per night) as the other messages.
Some net tech offer a form of somewhat instant mail
called "crash mail". But it entails a direct long-
distance call from one board to another, incurring the
long-distance charges. Sysops won't allow this unless
there is a plan to pay the costs.
Also, even though the best sysops attempt to give a
semblance privacy, no user should ever consider that
their mail is completely free of snooping. Advise your
readers that they should never commit to netmail anything
they would be ashamed of if it were somehow to be made
public.
This will slowly change. If no one in this FAQ has
mentioned it yet, every sysop should have a look at a
book called _Syslaw_, by attorneys Lance Rose and
Jonathan Wallace. It is their legal opinion that sysops
should make every effort to provide their users with as
much privacy as possible. Many sysops at present are
under the impression that the government requires the
opposite.
A note on the grossly misused term -- censorship.
Remember the First Amendment applies to governments ONLY,
a private institution -- which your BBS will be -- is not
required to allow any expression deemed inappropriate by
its owner. This bears on networking in that no network
can require you to carry a conference you consider in bad
taste. Private organizations are well within their rights
to edit and select what they present to their public.
Think of yourself as a publisher, and don't shudder if
some less-knowledgeable-than-you user shouts
"censorship." They have no basis.
---------------------------------------------------------
[11.1.08] - How can I start my own net?
Starting a net requires little more than a knowledge of
the networking software and at least one other sysop of
like mind. Establishing a large general interest network
might be a staggering undertaking, but you can try your
hand at a small narrowly themed network and see what
happens. If it spreads, then go on from there. If it
stagnates, then bide your time, learn, and try again some
other time.
-----------------------------------------------------------
[11.1.09] - How will my users interact with the nets?
Few BBS networks apply any sort of draconian "moderation"
(And those few are easy to identify, and avoid, if
desired). Alternately, the security of a heavily
controlled net may cause a sysop less loss of sleep over
what sort of verbiage comes to reside in his or her
storage memory.
Expect to have an occasional user who draws the ire of
the network brass. Your users may consider that you --
their friendly neighborhood sysop -- may have more
loyalty to a local, possibly paying customer, than to
some faceless network. Consider the pros and cons of
backing a user against a network administration.
Experience has shown that in the vast majority of
instances, the sysop will side with the net, not wanting
to endanger a feed that pleases so many other users, and
offends but one. The issues involved in most network
disputes are notoriously sticky and hard to resolve, if
they can even be pinned down. There is a surprising
amount of territoriality involved, and a not-very-
surprising amount of -- as there is in every other human
endeavor -- power madness.
In practical matters, your users, the hip ones anyway,
will use offline mail readers to grab messages from your
local and network conferences. They can then be read
offline and responded to at leisure. For this the sysop
will have to provide a "mail door". There are many
shareware models of these doors circulating. Most, if not
all, adhere to the QWK/REP formats.
--------------------------------------------------------------
[11.1.10] - How can I avoid becoming merely a "net outlet?"
The act of establishing a non-networked BBS, which
attracts users and has a life of its own, before hooking
up to a net is the best way to insure that there is
activity unrelated to your network feed. This can be done
by establishing message areas with local flavor, or with
topics that appeal to the users you will most likely
attract. The best way to think of a BBS is as a "news
service" and if you make it lively and different every
day -- by initiating conversation and exciting interest
in local issues -- you will go a long way to insure a
loyal local following.
--------------------------------------------------------------
[11.1.11] - What are some of the network that are out there?
Here's a shorthand list of the echo networks whose
administrators made the effort to get their nodelists
into FENs (_Free Electronic Networks_). If one or more
strike your fancy then perhaps you can pop over to the
bookstore or book-carrying computer store and browse
through for the numbers, committing the number of the
closest to your locale to memory. This is not nearly a
complete list of all the networks out there. Such a list
might be impossible to compile.
Network Topic
-------- ------
ACONET Dutch network of Acorn computer
users
APEX Virtual reality
ATARINET Atari users
AUTHORSNET Writing
BIGNET Large folk
BIRDNET Exotic birds
BIZYNET Business (requires individual
user fee)
CENTIPEDE Writing, philosophy and
speculative history
CHESS NET Chess
CINEMA-NET Movies and show business
CITADEL Nets The unnamed association of
Citadel BBSs
DHARMANET Buddhism
DOORNET Online door software
DUCKNET General interest
EDA NET Fantasy role-playing
EICNET General interest
EPUBNET Electronic publishing
EROSNET Adult
ESN Enterprise computing
FEDNET Canadian government agencies
FIDONET General interest
FISH NET General interest
FRANCOMEDIA French language
FURNET Anthropomorphism
GEO INFO NET Geology
HOME NET Homebodies
HSANET N/A
ICN General interest
ILINK General interest
INDRANET General interest
INFINET Computing
INFINITYNET General interest
INFONET General interest
INTELEC General interest
ISANET BBSing
ISG BBSing
ISN Italian shareware distribution
ITCNET General interest
LION NET Adult
MAGNET General Interest
MARANATHA! NET Christian
MHZ NET Computers
MTLNET Internetting
NORTHSTARNET General interest
ODYSSEY-NET Networking
OS2NET Operating System 2
PRIME Christian
QBBSNET BBSing
QUIXNET General interest
RESHET Jewish
RIME General interest
RUSHNET Music
SCURVY NET Alternative
SING General interest
SNJ NET General interest
SOURCENET Computing
STARNET General interest
STORMNET General interest
ThrobNet Adult
TOADNET General interest
TGNET Cross-gender issues
TSA-NET Computing
ULINK General interest
USERNET General interest
USPOLNET U.S. Politics
UTAHNET General interest
VEGASNET Gambling
VETLINK Military veterans
WILDNET General interest
WISHNET General interest
WWIVNET General interest
Contacting ThrobNet:
Available in any ThrobNet conference, or through Laura's Lair
BBS at 417-683-5534 or Laura's Lair South BBS at 214-750-5894.
Faxes are accepted at 417-683-6187 or 214-750-5892. You may
call Joe & Laura voice at 417-683-6196 or Doug Kent & Violet at
214-750-5893. ThrobNet Administration: Joe Crosby, Laura Brito,
Doug Kent, Violet. Internet; laura.brito@llpb.com
------------------
Subject: Free Network!
From: elpus@freenet3.scri.fsu.edu (Ken Elpus)
Date: 4 Sep 1994 00:30:46 -0400
Message-ID: <34bihm$sia@freenet3.scri.fsu.edu>
[ Article crossposted from alt.bbs ]
[ Author was Ken Elpus ]
[ Posted on 3 Sep 1994 12:12:46 -0400 ]
MorrisNet/2! is a free network for all interested sysops. We
use the FidoNet protocol, offer Internet Gating, Fidonet
Gating, Gofer files System (NOT Internet Gopher), and a
Network-wide game of BRE.
MorrisNet/2 is not the largest FidoStyle network in the world.
An we like it that way. Do you really want all the hassles of
the largest? A Nodelist larger than most commercial software?
Thousands of echo's that none of your users participate in?
Tyrannical moderators?
You just don't need the hassle.
Check out MorrisNet/2... we're smaller, friendlier. And we're
free. We have Networked message areas that you can actually
follow.. Our files system allows you to request files from any
other node - even if you aren't a sysop!
For more information, mail fc298@cleveland.freenet.edu.
Or, FTP to:
oak.oakland.edu : /SimTel/msdos/bbs/mnet2app.zip
ftp.uu.net : /vendor/mnet2/*.*
--
Ken Elpus, Resident Sesquipedalianist
elpus@freenet.fsu.edu
E-Mail for PGP Public Key
-------------------------------------------------------
Good luck and see you on the nets.
*********************************************************************
CHAPTER 12 -SETTING UP FILE LIBRARIES
*********************************************************************
Q: Where can I get an assorted selection of shareware/freeware
files to start up the file libraries on my BBS?
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
12.01 - SHAREWARE VENDORS
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
The following is a list of shareware vendors.
[12.01.1] - Public Brand Software
Public Brand Software BBS, (317)856-2087
Commercial Shareware Vendor
Public Brand Software, Indianapolis, IN
----------------------------------------------------------------------
[12.01.2] - Megafile Distribution System - Eastern Shore
Communications
The Megafile Distribution System (MDS) is a sysop-only file
collection system designed to fulfill the needs of established
and growing bulletin board systems.
Long-distance calling for file collection is expensive. Those
bulletin board systems able to afford this type of file
collection have the luxury of being current, collecting files
on the day that they are released.
For those systems not able to afford the long-distance luxury,
CD-ROMs have traditionally been used to increase a bulletin
board system's capacity, with the drawback that files are four
to six months old when they are placed online.
MDS fits in between these two methods. File collection is done
in the same manner as the large systems do, each and every day.
Depending on the plan you choose, one or two 60-megabyte tapes
are delivered to you each week at consistent 3- to 4-day
intervals (e.g., Monday/Thursday, Tuesday/Friday,
Wednesday/Saturday, etc). This turnaround maintains currency in
your file collection while at the same time keeping your
collection costs low.
All files are virus checked using two different programs, all
known BBS advertising is removed, and AV-stamped or
ARJ-security-envelope file integrity is maintained wherever
possible. File listings are delivered in both FILES.BBS and
PCBoard formats, allowing their immediate addition to your
system without further processing.
MDS pricing is based on volume, reflected below:
-------------------------------------------------
One-Week Package: (Cost Per Tape in) (Cost Per Tape in)
----------------- (Canadian Dollars) (U.S. Dollars)
(Total Order Value) (Total Order Value)
(in Brackets) (in Brackets)
------------------ ------------------
Single Tape $37.50 ($37.50) $26.75 ($26.75)
Total Number of Tapes in Package: 1
Two Tapes $28.50 ($57.00) $20.35 ($40.70)
Total Number of Tapes in Package: 2
4-Week Package: (Cost Per Tape in) (Cost Per Tape in)
----------------- (Canadian Dollars) (U.S. Dollars)
(Total Order Value) (Total Order Value)
(in Brackets) (in Brackets)
------------------ ------------------
Single Tape $30.00 ($120.00) $21.50 ($86.00)
Total Number of Tapes in Package: 4
Two Tapes $22.50 ($180.00) $16.00 ($128.55)
Total Number of Tapes in Package: 8
13-Week Package: (Cost Per Tape in) (Cost Per Tape in)
---------------- (Canadian Dollars) (U.S. Dollars)
(Total Order Value) (Total Order Value)
(in Brackets) (in Brackets)
------------------ ------------------
Single Tape $25.00 ($325.00) $17.85 ($232.15)
Total Number of Tapes in Package: 13
Two Tapes $18.75 ($487.50) $13.40 ($348.20)
Total Number of Tapes in Package: 26
Rates are calculated based on customer-supplied tapes,
deliverable with prepayment. C.O.D. and credit-card orders are
not accepted. All shipping costs (your choice of carrier) and
applicable taxes extra.
For further information, please contact:
------------------------------------------
Richard Munro
Eastern Shore Communications
Voice: 416-428-1056
BBS: 416-683-7368
FidoNet Address: 1:229/112
Internet: richard.munro@westonia.com (Richard Munro)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
[12.01.3] - HOF TAPE NETWORK
- Get 100-120 megs of files on tape For $14.99
- All files are no later then four months old
- Files range from PCBoard, Windows, games, utilities, etc..
- Each directory has its own FILES.BBS
- All Files Have Been Scanned For Viruses
- You can either send HOF tape network the tape or buy one from
them.
- If You Send HOF Tape Network A Tape It Must Be Formatted
- HOF Tape Network Ships 2nd Day Air
- There Is A New Issue Every Month. That Means 100-120 Every
Month For You or Your BBS.
- Orders Can Be Taken via: Netmail, Internet E-Mail, or Via BBS
- New Issues Are Shipped the 1st Of Every Month
Contacting HOF Tape Network
---------------------------------------------
Fidonet: 1:2215/600 or 1:2215/610
Internet: hoftape@scpcug.com
BBS: (216)493-3522 or (216)492-2871
NUMBER YOU WISH TO PURCHASE: ___ @ $14.99
TAPES WISH TO PURCHASE : __ @ $15.00
SHIPPING / ORDER : ___ @ $10.00 / TAPE
---------------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
12.02 - Encouraging your users to upload
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
- Topic 12.02 will be available in future versions of
the BBS FAQ.
*********************************************************************
CHAPTER 13 - LEGAL ISSUES FACING THE BBS SYSOP
*********************************************************************
Version 0.9 - June 24, 1994.
Copyright (c) 1994 Carl J. Elitz
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
13.1 Introduction
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
This chapter contains a general discussion of some of the
legal risks facing those who run computer bulletin board
systems (BBS' or boards), along with some suggestions for
reducing those risks. It is not yet in the familiar Q&A format,
but may be modified in future revisions.
Please consider the discussion that follows for
educational purposes only and not as a substitute for legal
advice. The suggestions made below should be used only as a
starting point for your own consideration of the issues
presented and may not be suitable for your individual
situation. If you need legal advice, consult with an attorney
licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.
Those with a practical interest in the subject are
referred to Lance Rose's and Jonathan Wallace's book, SYSLAW
(2nd Ed. 1992), (available by calling PC Information Group at
1-800-321-8285). At present, this is the definitive book on the
subject and a good source of information for the new or
experienced sysop. Cost is about $38.
A more scholarly treatment of many of the same issues can
be found in a law review article written by David J. Loundy,
"E-Law: Legal Issues Affecting Computer Information Systems and
System Operator Liability," 80 Alb. L. J. Sci. & Tech. Vol 3
(1993). Loundy's article is available in many law libraries and
on the internet via anonymous ftp from the Electronic Frontier
Foundation: ftp.eff.org (path /pub/EFF/policy/Legal/e-law.paper).
Please note: the following does not necessarily apply to
BBS' running outside the United States. Obviously, the laws of
other jurisdictions may be quite different.
Finally, please recognize that this chapter is an evolving
document in its early stages of development. Suggestions for
improvement are welcome. The author can be reached at either of
the following internet address sites: carl.elitz@n9csa.com or
reds@ripco.com.
----------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
13.2 The Legal Risks
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Your legal exposure as a BBS sysop is not insignificant.
Even if your intentions are good, mistakes or errors in
judgment expose you to both civil and criminal liability. This
is due, in large part, to the fact that there will be so many
people calling your board, each with his or her own agenda. If
you fail to educate yourself on the basic risks, your exposure
increases dramatically.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[13.2.1] Civil Lawsuits
Filing a civil suit in the United States is a relatively
simple and inexpensive process for a plaintiff, usually costing
less than the latest version of your favorite word processing
software. Indeed, a caller or other person who believes she has
a case against you may find an attorney willing to represent
her for a "contingency fee," charging only if the suit results
in money damages against you.
The costs of litigation for you as the defendant, on the
other hand, will undoubtably be high -- right from the
beginning. Unlike the plaintiff's attorney, your attorney
cannot work on a contingency fee and will insist upon being
paid whether you win or lose, perhaps well before the case is
even over. In almost all cases, you will not be able to recover
your attorney's fees, even if you prevail. So called
"reasonable fees" can grow into the thousands of dollars in a
matter of weeks, ending up costing many more times the price of
your entire BBS equipment and software. Moreover, failure to
win a lawsuit can have devastating implications for you, your
business, even your family. This is because, in the United
States at least, the law gives to a wrongfully injured
plaintiff the right to recover all damages which were "caused"
by your improper actions. There are few limits on the amount
that can be recovered in most civil cases.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[13.2.2] Criminal Liability
In addition to civil liability, the BBS sysop can
encounter problems with the local, state or federal government
under the criminal laws. This exposure should be obvious. For
example, if you knowingly use your BBS to store or distribute
copyrighted material, obscene photographs, child pornography or
stolen information, or if you encourage others to do so, you
may face severe penalties -- perhaps even time in jail.
Your legal exposure in a criminal case is not limited to
those situations, however, where you yourself deliberately
commit criminal acts. If the authorities come to suspect your
board contains evidence necessary to prove a criminal case
against one of your callers, you may find yourself in the
middle, trying to protect yourself from the effects of the
investigation.
Do not underestimate the trouble that can be caused by
improper caller conduct. Four years ago federal agents and
local authorities raided boards in twelve cities around the
country as part of something the federal government named
"Operation Sun Devil." Agents conducting the searches carried
warrants which gave them the right to seize computer equipment
in an attempt to locate "hackers" believed to be exchanging
stolen credit card numbers through the use of computer bulletin
board systems. Agents searched both homes and businesses and
confiscated computers and peripheral equipment such as monitors
and printers. While there has been just one conviction relating
to computer crime so far, agents have yet to return all of the
equipment.
----------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
13.3 The Major Issues and Some Suggestions
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
There is some good news: most of the risks your board
faces can be minimized if you take an active approach to the
problem. Your first step should be to familiarize yourself with
the types of claims that may be brought against you or which
may involve your board, and then proceed with this knowledge in
mind.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[13.3.01] Negligence
Negligence actions are the most common type of civil claim
brought in the United States. At the heart of the negligence
claim is the legal concept of "duty." Duty is the standard by
which the law judges a defendant's conduct when a plaintiff is
harmed. It is your "duty" as a sysop that exposes you to
liability. If you violate your duty to your callers or others
and create an "unreasonable risk" which causes harm, you may be
held liable for negligence and be required to pay money damages
as compensation.
Like the BBS technology itself, BBS law is quite new and
the "duties" applicable to BBS sysops and the "unreasonable
risks" callers may face are not well established. In general,
and in the absence of legislation on the subject, it will be
judges who will decide what legal duties systems operators have
toward callers. In making this type of decision, judges will
consider the costs of imposing a specific duty upon a sysop in
comparison to the benefits of imposing that duty in favor of
callers and others who may be affected by the BBS. In the
absence of cases on the subject (and their are very few),
judges will simply make the decision based upon what they
believe is reasonable in light of the facts.
There is simply no way of knowing what specific duties a
plaintiff might claim you have breached and, therefore, no easy
way of protecting yourself. This means that you must consider
carefully the possible legal duties judges may one day place
upon you as a BBS system operator. No doubt lawyers will
someday argue that a sysop should have the legal duty to scan
for viruses, process electronic mail in a way that prevents it
from being destroyed or unreasonably delayed and to protect
caller passwords. There are no doubt other potential duties BBS
sysops will be required to meet. In cases where you are accused
of violating a legal duty, a jury could be asked to decide if
your failure to meet your duty caused the defendant harm. In a
jurisdiction that allows it, the plaintiff may be able to claim
that a virus destroyed important business records or that
misdelivered mail caused an important meeting to be missed.
Damages for such loses could be extremely costly.
There is no simple or easy way to avoid negligence claims.
However, legal "disclaimers" can help. A disclaimer is a
statement which gives notice to your callers that you do not
intend to be held responsible for specific harm which may occur
from the use of your BBS. For example, you might explain to
callers that electronic mail may be accidentally lost or
destroyed and that you will not be liable for any harm that may
come from such an accident. If a disclaimer is properly made,
it can be quite effective in limiting your liability. Cases
filed against defendants are often dismissed early on the
strength of a well written disclaimer. The best disclaimers
clearly describe a specific risk a caller may face and then
state that it is the caller, and not you, who will bear the
risk of any injury.
Admittedly, the law in this area is vague. There is also
no way of knowing for sure what specific duties the law is
likely to place upon you. It is rarely ever a certainty that a
particular disclaimer will be upheld in court. Indeed, even the
fact that you do not charge callers for access may not provide
you with a defense to a negligence claim.
The following are suggestions that you should consider:
1. Tell your callers what you will do and what you will
not do in your role as sysop and be sure to follow through on
your commitments to your callers. Give your users fair notice
when you decide to change your policies.
2. Keep copious records as to the board's formal policies,
including when changes are made and any problems you may have
in enforcing rules. If you discover a caller violating the
rules, record the details of what has happened and put these
records in a safe place. Law suits sometimes are filed long
after an event happens. Three months later you might not
otherwise remember the incident.
3. Put BBS disclaimers in a prominent location. Consider
using capital and/or bold letters to emphasize the risk of harm
callers may face from using your board. Get some form of
affirmative act from each caller that indicates they have read
the disclaimers -- this will be useful someday should you ever
need to show that the caller was aware of its terms. While this
does not have to be on paper, each caller should at some point
have to proceed through a screen in which he or she
acknowledges having read the disclaimers and agrees to them. In
an ideal world, your BBS software would create a log of this
event and store it permanently.
4. Recognize that you can not disclaim certain legal
duties and do not put too much faith in any disclaimer -- you
can never be sure what will and will not be legally
enforceable. Consider the disclaimer as additional protection,
not your first line of defense.
5. Finally, if some factual situation arises which has the
potential to harm your callers, react promptly to take control
of the situation. Think of your BBS as an extension of your
home and your callers as your guests. If you believe that there
is something or someone who may expose your callers to an
"unreasonable risk" of harm or loss, recognize the fact that it
is you who could be ultimately liable.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[13.3.02] Breach of Contract
Another very common type of civil suit is one based upon
contract law. In many ways a breach of contract case is similar
to a negligence case. Indeed, often a plaintiff will allege
both breach of contract and negligence claims in the same suit.
Contrary to what some may think, there is no general
requirement that contracts be signed or that they be in
writing. One requirement of every contract, however, is
"consideration." You generally cannot be held liable in a
contract action unless you have somehow agreed to do something
for your callers AND your callers have agreed, as a
corresponding obligation, to do something for you.
Note that a sysop who asks nothing from his callers is
unlikely to be faced with a contract claim. In such a situation
the callers cannot claim to have provided the sysop any
"consideration" sufficient to create a contract. One way a
sysop can reduce legal liability, therefore, is to run a "free"
board open to anyone who wishes to use it.
Many sysops recognize the liabilities that may attach if
they enter into a contractual relationship with callers. In
order to avoid doing so they ask for "donations" instead of
payments. Be aware, however, that if you grant access to
special areas of your BBS to "donating" members or provide them
with special services, you may be creating a contract with
them. In such a situation, you give access to the restricted
area in return for the donation. The fact that the payment is
called a "donation" does not prevent it from being
"consideration" sufficient to support the creation of a
contract.
Be aware also that consideration does not have to be in
the form of money. By way if illustration, consider the fact
that many boards have upload/download ratios whereby a caller's
download privileges are set proportionally to the number or
amount of data he uploads to the board. A good argument can be
made that the caller's uploaded data constitutes legal
consideration for a contract with the sysop. The sysop's BBS
receives the benefit of the uploaded data. In return, the
caller has the right to receive the downloaded data. If
you and your callers have a contractual relationship, it is
important for you to recognize what your obligations toward
your callers are. For example, if you tell callers that mail
dropped off on your board will be uploaded to a network at
least four times a day, do not be surprised if users come to
rely upon your representation and begin to consider it part of
the services you contractually agreed to provide to them. If
you accept payment from callers for a month of BBS access, you
have an obligation to see that the board, in fact, remains open
for that month.
As noted, one way to avoid liability is to avoid entering
into any contractual arrangements with callers. A better
approach, however, is to deliberately enter into a contractual
relationship with your callers, being very specific about what
obligations you will and will not assume and what benefits you
expect your callers to provide to you. By stating up front what
rules govern the use of your board and what obligations you are
willing to take on, and by making clear to callers that these
rules are a condition of using your board, you create the
"consideration" necessary to make a contract.
An example of one possible caller contract is found in the
SYSLAW book mentioned in the introduction above. There is no
magic formula, however, for creating a formal caller contract.
Before investing in a BBS, call around and take a look at what
other sysops require from their callers. At a minimum, a
"caller contract" should include:
(1) a statement recognizing that your BBS receives some
tangible benefit from callers. Remember, consideration must run
in two directions for a valid contract to exist. If your
callers provide payment to you, this is sufficient. If you do
not charge callers, you have to be more creative in stating
what it is that your board receives. If you do not charge
callers, caller "participation" in your board may be sufficient.
(2) an indication that callers must comply with the rules
of the BBS as a condition of using the board;
(3) a statement that the rules may be changed as the sysop
feels necessary;
(4) a provision that caller questions about the agreement
will be answered by the sysop and changes to the agreement will
be made if necessary;
(5) a description of the BBS and its various services and
areas, including a statement indicating that these may be
changed at the sysop's discretion (see below for special
provisions regarding "adult" areas);
(6) the costs to the caller of using the system, including
any "upload/download" ratio requirements;
(7) a statement regarding how electronic mail will be
treated (see below);
(8) an indication that the law governing any dispute will
be the law of the place where the BBS is located (as opposed to
the law of the place where the caller is located);
(9) notice that you reserve the right to shut the BBS down
and refund any payments made by callers, as well as a provision
giving notice to callers that you reserve the right to ban
callers for violating the board's rules as you deem necessary.
In creating a caller contract, keep in mind that plain
language that your callers can understand is far better than
any "legalese." If your callers are incapable of understanding
the language of your agreement, it is possible that the
agreement would not be enforced in your favor, should you ever
need to rely upon it.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[13.3.03] Viruses
Viruses present one of the most well-known problems facing
the on-line community. These programs are often written to
produce unexpected or disastrous results for an unwary user
such as erasing the user's hard drive. Hiding viruses inside
other programs and then uploading the contaminated programs to
a BBS is a favorite way of spreading a computer virus.
Fortunately, there are programs that search for, and then
eliminate, most computer viruses. Many BBS sysops provide, as a
service to callers, basic virus scanning. This service allows
callers to exchange programs with some degree of protection.
Scanning for viruses is probably a good idea. Many callers
expect it and it is possible that the law could hold you to
such a duty. What is not a good idea, however, is
misrepresenting to your callers the extent of what can be done
to protect them from such programs. Viruses are often written
with the goal of avoiding detection. There is always a degree
of risk that scanning may fail and you should be up-front with
your callers about this possibility.
To protect yourself, consider the following suggestions:
1. Scan for viruses regularly and do not post programs for
general use until they have undergone a virus scan. Do not
assume that commercially produced programs or programs
distributed on CD ROM are virus-free.
2. Let your callers know that you cannot guarantee that
programs on your board are safe. Disclose prominently that
there are risks that the virus scanning program you use may
miss something harmful.
3. If you are unwilling or unable to scan for viruses,
make this fact clearly known and include it in your contract
with callers.
----------------------------------------------------------------
[13.3.04] Public Messages and Defamation
A defamation is a false statement made publicly which has
the effect of harming another's reputation. Sometimes
defamation is referred to as "libel" or "slander".
While the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution
guarantees the right of individuals to say almost anything they
desire, the First Amendment does not always protect a speaker
from being held liable for the harm caused by his or her
speech. Thus, a person whose reputation has been wrongly
injured may bring suit against those who "publish" the
statement, even if the "publisher" is not the original speaker.
Note that a "publisher" does not have to "print" the
defamation. For example, radio and television stations have
been sued for "publishing" defamatory statements. You may be
surprised to find that defendants can be sued for defamation
even when the statements made by the defendant are reported in
the form of an accurate quotation of another's words. Put in a
slightly different way, accurate "re-publications" of a
defamatory statement may create liability for the re-publisher.
There are several defenses a publisher of a statement may
have against a plaintiff claiming defamation. For example, the
U.S. constitution protects a publisher from law suits by
"public figures" to a certain extent. Those who have
deliberately become "public figures" may sue for defamation
only if able to show that the defendant published the statement
with actual knowledge that the statement was false or with
"reckless disregard" of whether it was false. This
constitutional defense protects defendants from being sued by
famous people for things said about them reasonably believed by
the speaker to be true.
Notice that a defendant who makes defamatory statements
about someone who is not a "public figure" does not get the
same constitutional protections. In other words, you can be
liable for making false statements about a private person, even
if you believed the statements were true when you made them.
Obviously, you must be careful what you "publish" on your board
about anyone whose reputation might be harmed.
There are other important defenses a "publisher" may have.
Simple name-calling is not defamatory as a general rule, even
when it is offensive. Such statements are not thought to bring
actual harm to a person's reputation.
A defendant who can show that the statement alleged to be
defamatory is truthful will also prevail in a defamation suit
because a defamation is, by definition, an untrue statement.
Another useful rule to keep in mind is that the dead
cannot be defamed, at least not in most jurisdictions.
There are many other defenses. The savvy sysop will not,
however, rely upon legal defenses to protect herself against
defamation suits. It may cost nearly as much to defend a
defamation suit as it would to settle a case with a caller or
other third person. It is far better to prevent yourself from
becoming a legal target in the first place.
In order to protect yourself from a defamation claims
before the fact, consider these suggestions:
1. Think carefully about the two types of defamation risks
you face as a sysop before you act. These are the risk that you
may: (1) directly defame a caller or some other person, either
through a deliberate or carelessly made statement and (2)
re-publish a defamatory statement initially made by one of your
callers or someone else. Passing on a false rumor can amount to
actionable defamation.
2. Actively discourage callers from "flaming" one another
in public message areas. Some callers take great pride in using
sharp wit to make others look stupid. Such comments quickly
deteriorate into personal attacks. Personal attacks can quickly
deteriorate into libel.
3. Keep in mind that your callers may not be who they say
they are and that some callers may be using aliases. This means
that you must be particularly careful. Posting a public notice
that you have banned a caller who you name because "he has been
uploading child pornography" may seem like a perfectly
reasonable thing to announce a system bulletin, until it turns
out that the person you have named has never logged onto your
board and that an imposter is the real culprit. In handling
sensitive matters, discretion is always the best advice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[13.3.05] E-mail, Privacy, and ECPA
Unlike public messages, callers who send e-mail to
specific individuals do not expect their messages to be
publicized or read by anyone but the intended recipient. Many
sysops are concerned, however, that without monitoring caller
e-mail they cannot be sure that users are not violating the law
and exposing their board to legal risk such as that faced by
the sysops in the Operation Sun Devil raids.
Before you make any policy for your BBS involving
electronic mail, you should be aware of federal legislation
called the Electronic Communications Privacy Act or "ECPA."
ECPA is a federal law which governs electronic mail in all 50
states.
Under ECPA, BBS communications are protected under federal
wiretapping laws. BBS callers now have the statutory right to
expect that their electronic mail will not be intercepted or
read by others. This means that you, as a BBS sysop, have a
federally mandated obligation to keep caller communications
private. Only the sender or intended recipient may make the
message public.
The good news is that ECPA mandates a higher level of
protection for you and your callers against authorities who
want to search your BBS for evidence of criminal activity.
Because of ECPA and the existence of private electronic mail on
your board, authorities are theoretically limited by ECPA in
the types of searches they may lawfully conduct against you.
ECPA does not mean that a sysop is prohibited from viewing
caller e-mail. The law creates a specific exception for sysops
who provide "electronic communication services." The exception
is narrow, however, and there is the potential for a sysop to
get into trouble if he or she does not treat caller e-mail with
a certain degree of care and professionalism.
Under ECPA, a sysop may intercept and view user e-mail,
disclose its contents to others or use information found there
ONLY to the extent necessary for the operation of the board
and/or for the protection of the sysop or with the "lawful
consent" of one of the parties sending or receiving the
message. While sysops may monitor callers to ensure that they
are not transmitting copyrighted materials or violating some
other aspect of the law, they must act like the doctor or
lawyer who learns a client secret. The information must be kept
in confidence.
THIS POINT BEARS REPEATING: You may not use information
you learn from your caller's private messages to your advantage
or disclose e-mail to others outside of what is necessary to
protect yourself and your property. This requires the sysop to
exercise a fair degree of restraint.
Suggestions in this area include:
1. Monitor electronic mail, but do so only occasionally
and to the extent necessary to assure yourself that there is
nothing improper occurring on the board. Resist the urge to
disclose or otherwise comment on items you discover through
reading your callers' e-mail. Again, it is important that you
act with a high degree of professionalism and DO NOT use
information learned in reading electronic mail to your own
personal or business advantage.
2. Do not put too much faith in any disclaimer you may
make about there not being any facilities for "private" e-mail.
While many sysops appear to have bought into the idea that the
ECPA privacy requirements may be avoided by stating that there
"are no facilities provided for private electronic mail," and
while such a disclaimer may provide you with some level of
protection, recognize that there are not yet any cases
discussing the legal effect of these disclaimers in the BBS
context.
3. Process all e-mail in the same way and in a routine
manner and do not delay in processing mail. Your rights to
monitor electronic mail under ECPA apply only to your
activities undertaken "in the normal course" of running your
board.
---------------------------------------------------------------
[13.3.06] Encryption
Perhaps the "hottest" topic right now in the BBS privacy
area concerns "encryption." Encryption allows a user to
scramble e-mail messages so that only the person who knows a
secret key can read the message. Sysops who understand their
legal exposure are rightfully nervous about encryption. No
doubt drug cartels, racketeers and terrorists are using this
new technology. It is now widely believed that encryption
technology has gotten to the point where even the U.S.
government is unable to "break the code" and the uses to which
encryption programs can be put will not be lost on those who
are determined to break the law.
It is reasonable to assume that callers who cannot encrypt
their messages are less likely to violate the law when using
your BBS. This means that the use of encryption on your BBS
increases your legal exposure. If encryption creates exposure,
should you ban encryption from use on your board? Some would
argue that you should. After all, why take unnecessary chances?
Others are not so quick to ban encryption. While
encryption may allow abuses to occur on your board, encryption
also allows law-abiding people the opportunity to transact
business and conduct discussions of a private nature without
fear that someone may be eavesdropping. Lawyers can exchange
information with clients. People can transmit their credit card
numbers without fear of having this information stolen.
Americans have long-claimed to cherish the right to express
ideas freely and to associate with others in privacy and
without interference. While there is no general prohibition
whatsoever against a sysop denying his callers the right to use
encryption, there is something distasteful about such a rule.
To help protect yourself against the improper use of your
board by callers who encrypt messages consider the following:
1. Pay attention to who is using encryption and consider
why this may be necessary for the specific caller. It should be
a rare caller who feels the need to encrypt all outgoing
messages or who receives only encrypted messages.
2. If you decide to allow encrypted messages, try to gauge
whether there is an unusual volume of encrypted traffic and, if
suspicious, feel free to call a user's attention to your
concerns. You are within your rights to ask the caller for the
encryption key to messages that pass through the board if you
wish (although you will certainly then have a legal duty to
protect that key if you accept it). If you are still
uncomfortable after discussing the issue with a specific
caller, let him or her know that you will no longer allow the
posting of encrypted messages. If he or she complains, refer
them to another board and, if necessary, refund any fees paid
to you for the use of the BBS.
3. Set out your policies regarding encryption up-front,
along with other BBS rules. Make clear if you allow encryption
that you reserve the right to take any action you feel
necessary to protect your BBS.
4. Inform yourself about an encryption program currently
being distributed called PGP. PGP stands for "Pretty Good
Privacy" and the use of PGP on computer bulletin boards is
quickly growing in popularity. While there is probably little
chance of being sued for distributing recent copies of PGP, you
should be aware that early versions of program may violate U.S.
patent laws. Moreover, PGP and programs like it have been
classified by the U.S. government as a being "munitions"
(weapons or military supplies) due to their high level of
sophistication. It is currently illegal to export this program
or even deliver it to a non-U.S. citizen inside the U.S. You
may wish to restrict the distribution of PGP to callers who are
located in the U.S. and who verify to you their U.S.
citizenship status.
----------------------------------------------------------------
[13.3.07] Copyright Infringement
To a large extent, copyright law is what the name implies:
the exclusive right to copy something. Only the holder of the
copyright may reproduce her work. There are other rights
enjoyed by the copyright holder. These include the exclusive
right to distribute the work and the exclusive right to modify
the work. Those who violate these exclusive rights are said to
"infringe" the copyright.
Copyright infringement is rampant in the BBS world:
computer programs, magazine and newspaper articles, scanned
photographs from magazines, music and video files. As a sysop,
it is important for you to keep in mind that any "original
work" that is put in electronic form IS copyrighted. This point
is lost on many people: ANY ORIGINAL WORK IS COPYRIGHTED FROM
THE MOMENT IT IS PUT IN TANGIBLE FORM, SUCH AS ON PAPER OR ON A
FLOPPY DISK OR HARD DRIVE. There is nothing "official" that the
creator of copyrighted material must do to create a copyright,
although there are certain advantages to labelling the material
as copyrighted and to filing notice of the copyright with the
federal government.
If almost all original works are copyrighted, does this
mean you cannot distribute or copy other people's work in
running your BBS? Certainly not. You may use someone else's
work, but you must have some form of permission to do so or
some form of legally recognized privilege. You will not
infringe another's copyright, for example, if the person who
owns the copyright gives you permission to use the work and if
you actually use the work in conformity with that permission.
This permission is most often called a "license."
Sometimes, an author may give permission to the whole
world to use her work, as when she places the work into the
"public domain." In such a case, the author actually gives up
all of her rights and allows anyone to use the work in any way
they wish. The government publishes a huge amount of material
that is put in the public domain. There are also any number of
computer programs that have been placed into the public domain
solely because the author of the program wanted to see the
program widely used.
Public domain programs are sometimes referred to as
"freeware." If something has been placed in the public domain,
you may copy it, distribute it or modify it as you please: it
is no longer copyrighted. The word "freeware" is sometimes used
in a different way, however, indicating that the program can be
"freely" distributed and used without cost, but with certain
restrictions. For example, you may be allowed to use the
program for free, but be prohibited from modifying it in any
way. Such programs are still technically "copyrighted."
"Shareware" is another example of copyrighted material
that may be used in conformity with the copyright law.
Shareware always comes with restrictions on use which typically
involves requiring that a payment be made to the author after
the program is used for a short period of time. The law
requires those who use or copy this material to abide by these
rules.
Some copyrighted material is too old to be protected.
Eventually, all copyrights expire. In general, modern
copyrights last for the life of the work's author, plus 50
years.
Note that something does not have to be created in the
United States to be copyrighted under U.S. law. The United
States has signed the "Berne Convention" treaty with a large
number of other countries. Under this agreement, each signing
government has agreed to recognize the copyright rights of
foreign citizens.
The key to avoiding copyright liability is good faith. Do
not allow your users to upload documents, programs, pictures or
any other "original work" which you believe the creator of the
work would not want you to copy or distribute. Assume that all
commercial produced material falls within this catagory.
Failure to act promptly to avoid copyright infringement could
result in your board being shut down. If you are egregious in
the way in which you violate the copyright law, your board may
be shut down permanently and you could be exposed to criminal
penalties.
Here are some suggestions for you to consider so as to
avoid copyright infringement:
1. Read and save a copy of Terry Carroll's "Frequently
Asked Questions About Copyright." This should be required
reading for every BBS sysop. The most current copy is available
through the internet via anonymous ftp from rtfm.mit.edu,
directory /pub/usenet/news.answers/law/Copyright-FAQ, files
part1 - part6. This document may also be available by the time
you read this at ftp.netcom.com in directory
/pub/carrollt/copyright-faq. It is also posted periodically to
the Usenet newsgroups misc.legal, misc.legal.computing, and
misc.int-property.
2. React promptly to anything that should put you on
notice of infringing material. Do not ignore messages from
callers who tell you that something is copyrighted. While you
only face copyright liability for "knowing" violations of the
law, you do not have the right to ignore the obvious.
------------------------------------------------------------------
[13.3.08] Obscene Material, Child Pornography and Indecent Speech
Almost all forms of communication are granted some level
of constitutional protection. The exception is obscene
communication, often simply referred to as "obscene speech." If
something on your board is obscene, federal, state or local
governments are within their power in making its promotion or
distribution a criminal offense.
One of the many difficulties in the obscenity area is that
the laws governing obscenity are so varied. One guidepost,
however, is the United States Supreme Court's declaration on
what may and may not be treated as obscene. The three part test
for obscene material is:
(1) whether the average person, applying contemporary
community standards would find the work, taken as a whole,
appeals to the prurient interest;
(2) whether the work depicts or describes, in a patently
offensive way, sexual conduct specifically defined by the
applicable state law; and
(3) whether the work, taken as a whole, lacks serious
literary, artistic, political or scientific value.
Notice that all three parts of the test must be met before
something may be considered obscene. The first and second parts
of the test have been held to be issues for local juries to
decide. The third part is within the province of local or
federal judges. Because of the vagueness of this test, and
because of its reliance upon "community standards," there is
really no way to tell for sure whether particular material is
or is not obscene. If there is a law describing the conduct or
acts depicted in the material, and if the work does not have
obvious "value," there is the risk that those who distribute
the work may be prosecuted under an obscenity statute. Clearly,
the standards in San Francisco or New York City are different
than might exist in Salt Lake City or Lancaster.
By the way, "prurient" as used in the first part of the
three- part test has been unhelpfully defined as being "sexual
responses over and above those that would be characterized as
normal."
The bad news for sysops: there is no national obscenity
standard and very few "safe havens" of conduct when it comes to
adult material. Arguably, the law of the place where the
obscene material is received may govern whether the download or
upload is unlawful. Indeed, the federal government is currently
prosecuting a California BBS for material that was downloaded
in Tennessee. As a practical matter, this means that the BBS
that offers "adult" type material are at risk of being
prosecuted criminally from suit anywhere a caller may be
located.
"Child pornography" is classified differently than obscene
material. The tests are less vague and the penalties, as a
practical matter, more extreme because of the need to prevent
the exploitation and sexual abuse of children. The federal
government has specifically enacted a statute which governs
child pornography in all fifty states. The act makes it a
criminal offense to knowingly transport or receive "by any
means" visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit
conduct. Such "conduct" includes the "lascivious exhibition of
the genitals or pubic area of any person." Under the statute,
the mere knowing possession of three or more visual depictions
of child pornography may result in serious fines or
imprisonment for up to five years. For purposes of the statute,
a child is anyone under the age of 18. The fact that the sysop
believes a model is over 18 is not a defense to prosecution.
"Indecent" material is yet a third area of interest to
sysops. Indecent material falls short of being obscene, but it
may be regulated by the government. As practical matter, it is
probably safe to say that most of the "adult" material
available electronically is "indecent." Under one
interpretation of current Federal Communication Commission
regulations, BBS' must take an active role in prohibiting the
dissemination of indecent materials to minors.
If your board contains an adult area, this probably
presents your greatest legal exposure. To minimize risk of
prosecution:
1. Subscribe to a BBS newsletter such as Computer
Underground Digest or EFFector. The law in this area is
changing rapidly. If you run an adult area, you cannot afford
to not stay on top of developments. These newsletters, and
others, may be the quickest way for you to find out about a
development in this area. Further information on Computer
Underground Digest and EFFector may be found at the end of this
chapter.
2. Be wary of uploaded material and do not make uploads
available to callers until you have had a chance to review them
yourself. If you allow adult area uploads, discontinue this
option when you are unable to supervise your board, as when you
go away on vacation. The child pornography laws are
particularly unforgiving. If someone uploads something you feel
may be "obscene," do not post it. (You cannot be prosecuted for
possessing obscene material, only distributing or knowingly
receiving it.) If someone uploads something you feel may be
child pornography, destroy it immediately and take action to
assure yourself that it does not happen again -- remember, you
commit a CRIMINAL act when you knowingly possess three such
"depictions." You simply cannot afford to trust callers not to
upload unlawful material.
3. Be prepared to shut down the adult section quickly, if
necessary. This might be necessary, for example, should you
discover new legislation applicable to the material you carry.
A common technique to minimize exposure in this area is not to
charge callers for access to the adult area, but instead, make
this area available as a "bonus" to callers who can verify
their adult status. If the adult area is truly run as a "bonus"
area, and if callers are given clear notification of this fact,
you can discontinue this section of the board with little or no
notice to your callers, if necessary.
4. Carefully verify caller ages who are given access to
the adult area. The F.C.C. regulations mentioned above state
that you have a defense to prosecution under the provisions of
the federal Communications Act if you: take reasonable steps to
confirm that callers are 18 years of age and then: (1) require
payment by credit card for BBS services or (2) obtain a written
(on paper) application from callers who desire access to the
adult areas of your board and mail a special access code to
them allowing access. If the second option is used, it is also
necessary that you establish a procedure where the special
access code can be cancelled "immediately" upon being notified
that the code has been lost, stolen, used by someone under 18,
or if the caller simply no longer desires access.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
[13.3.09] Regulated Activities
There is only a minor point to be made here, but one which
you cannot afford to overlook. Keep in mind that your status as
a BBS sysop does not give you the right to do things that you
otherwise might not be permitted to do in person or over the
phone. Areas regulated by law may not always be so obvious to
you, so you must be careful. For example, in some states you
may need a license to buy, sell or trade used automobile parts
or give counseling advice. It is possible to get yourself in
trouble even if you do not set out to charge for services. If
you plan to do something outside the ordinary, good advice is
to proceed with a heightened level of caution.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[13.3.10] Taxes
If your BBS is run strictly as a hobby without charging
your callers, it is unlikely you will face any issues relating
to taxes. Once you charge money or receive services from your
callers, however, the IRS and state governments are likely to
consider these "payments" to be part of your taxable income.
Obviously, it is impossible to summarize the tax laws in
such a short article. Nonetheless, this is an area of the law
which should not be overlooked. Even if you run your board
strictly for fun, you should keep careful and accurate records
as to how much is spent to set-up and maintain the board. It is
entirely possible that you may one day decide to charge your
callers and the costs involved in setting up and maintaining
the BBS will be important for you both in computing your tax
liabilities and in deciding how much to charge for access.
There are also a host of state and local taxes which may
be applied to your BBS. Again, it is unlikely that you will
face any form of tax burden for running a "free" board. Local
sales taxes often apply to bulletin boards, however, and if you
charge your callers the state government is likely to claim a
fraction of your revenue through some form of sales tax.
The following suggestions will help protect you from
unexpected tax liability:
1. Carefully record the costs you incur in running your
BBS. Try, as best possible, to differentiate between other
expenses related to your personal use of your computer, and
costs related to your BBS.
2. Review your expenses and revenues with whomever
prepares your tax returns. If you are concerned about a certain
tax issue, consult with an accountant or call the relevant
taxing authority for help. Consulting with an accountant or tax
professional is a particularly good idea if you intend to
charge in any way for access.
3. Save your receipts and keep them organized. Remember,
you may someday need to explain what each receipt was for in
some degree of detail.
------------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
13.4 Incorporation
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
One of the best ways to protect yourself from personal
liability is to incorporate your BBS. Incorporation works by
setting up a fictitious legal barrier between you and the BBS.
If your BBS is an incorporated entity, you technically own the
corporation, not the BBS. The law will consider the company
itself as liable in many situations for your mistakes or errors
in judgment. Only the company's assets will be at risk should
you be sued. In effect, incorporating your BBS provides a
fairly low-cost type of insurance.
Incorporating is not a difficult thing to do. In general,
you simply request the appropriate forms from your state's
Secretary of State's office and file them. Self-incorporation
is not recommended, however, unless you are willing to take the
time and effort to do it carefully and correctly. Failure to
incorporate properly or to perform the necessary tasks to keep
the corporation in good standing will have the effect of
destroying the corporate shell. In effect, you will have wasted
your time and money. Nonetheless, there are many widely
available books that describe how to do it.
A corporation is usually required to pay a small fee
up-front and then to pay corporate taxes each year. In most
states the corporation must also hold formal "meetings" of the
corporation's directors and keep "minutes" of the corporation's
affairs. These are not generally too burdensome, but again,
these tasks must be done correctly. It is also important for
the BBS sysop to establish a separate bank account for the
corporation and pay all necessary bills from the BBS' corporate
account. Finally, callers must also be put on notice in some
way that they are not dealing with you personally when they
call your board, but rather, your corporation.
After considering what must be done and the extra
paperwork and costs, many sysops conclude incorporating is
simply not worth the effort, particularly when the budget is
tight. This is not an irrational decision, but one that should
be made carefully. There is always the risk that you could be
sued. At such a time you may be quite relieved to know that it
is only the BBS and its associated assets that are at risk.
In making the decision on whether to incorporate, ask
yourself:
1. Do I have significant assets that need to be protected
from a lawsuit such as a house, investments or another
business? Keep in mind that one of the first things a plaintiff
will often do after filing suit against you is to require you
to formally list your assets. The more money or other assets
the defendant has, the less likely the plaintiff will be to
drop the suit and the more important it is that the BBS be
incorporated.
2. Am I running the board for profit, or fun? If you are
running your BBS as a business, incorporation may make sense.
The costs associated with incorporating are relatively small,
perhaps only a few hundred dollars a year. Corporate status may
also make your board seem more professional to callers. Keep in
mind that the more callers you have, the more likely it is that
you could be sued.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
13.5 Closing Thoughts and Some Legal Resources
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Perhaps the most important way of avoiding legal liability
in running your BBS is to stay informed as to what is happening
in the BBS world. Keep in contact with other sysops and your
callers and discuss the issues covered in this chapter. As
mentioned, a good place to start is by reading Computer
Underground Digest and EFFector:
Computer Underground Digest
"An open forum dedicated to sharing information among
computerists and to the presentation and debate of
diverse views."
Editor(s): Jim Thomas and Gordon Meyer <TK0JUT2@NIU.BITNET>
Format: ASCII text
Gopher: ftp.etext.org:/CuD
gopher.cic.net:/e-serials/alphabetic/c/cud
FTP: ftp.etext.org:/pub/CuD
aql.gatech.edu:/pub/eff/cud
ftp.ee.mu.oz.au:/pub/text/CuD
nic.funet.fi:pub/doc/cud
ftp.warwick.ac.uk:pub/cud
ftp.cic.net:/pub/e-serials/alphabetic/c/cud
Usenet: comp.society.cu-digest
Compuserve: DL0 and DL4 of the IBMBBS SIG, DL1 of LAWSIG, DL1
of TELECOM
America Online: PC Telecom forum under "computing newsletters"
FidoNet: File Request from 1:11/70
Other: GEnie: PF*NPC RT libraries, VIRUS/SECURITY library
Delphi: General Discussion database of the Internet
SIG
PC-EXEC BBS (+1 414 789 4210)
Rune Stone BBS (IIRG WHQ) (+1 203 832 8441)
NUP:Conspiracy
RIPCO BBS (+1 312 528 5020)
ComNet in LUXEMBOURG BBS (+352 466893)
Bits against the Empire BBS (+39 461 980493)
(Italy)
Phone: +1 815 753 0303
Fax: +1 815 753 6302
Postal: Jim Thomas, Department of Sociology, NIU, DeKalb,
IL 60115, USA
EFFector:
"EFFector Online is a bi-weekly electronic-only
publication, available on Usenet's comp.org.eff.news, or
via mailing list subscription. To subscribe to the list,
send a message containing `subscribe eff-news' to
eff@eff.org."
Another resource of which sysops should take advantage is
the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). The Electronic
Frontier Foundation is a non-profit organization founded to
assist and promote the issues affecting the on-line community.
Part of EFF's mission statement provides:
LEGAL SERVICES. EFF was born to defend the rights of
computer users against overzealous and uninformed law
enforcement officials. This continues to be an important
focus of EFF's work. We provide legal information to
individuals who request it and support for attorneys who
are litigating. We maintain print and online legal
archives, disseminate this information, and make it
available for downloading.
Anyone seriously considering starting a BBS should contact EFF
and ask for any information that may be available. In addition,
anyone facing specific legal issues is well advised to contact
EFF lawyers. EFF is a particularly good resource for attorneys
whose clients face legal issues related to maintaining a BBS.
EFF can be contacted by writing:
Electronic Frontier Foundation
1001 G St., NW
Suite 950 East
Washington, DC 20001
+1 202 347 5400
+1 202 393 5509 FAX
Internet: eff@eff.org
*********************************************************************
CHAPTER 14 - DECSIONS OF A SYSOP
*********************************************************************
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
14.1 - So you want to be a sysop?
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
- Under construction -
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
14.2 - How much do I charge my users?
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
[14.2.01] - Introduction
With online services growing at a rapid pace, vendors are
popping up just as fast making it an easy task for sysops to
collect money from their users. These services are a plus for
both the sysop & user calling the online service. This section
will list the various ways sysops can collect money from their
callers.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
[14.2.02] - WHAT IS TABS?
Telephone Access Billing System (TABS) allows you to pay for
your subscription by calling 1-900 -622-8227. When you call the
900-number, a computer-automated voice system will ask you for
the seven digit number of the BBS. When you enter the number,
two things will happen. The automated voice system will read
off your 7-digit subscription ID and a flat fee charge will
appear on your next phone bill. Have a pencil and paper ready
to write down this number. Your subscription will start only
after you call and redeem your subscription ID on the BBS.
TABS is a service of
True Media, Inc.
1270 Clearmont Street
Palm Bay, FL 32905
(407) 722-3150
------------------------------------------------------------------------
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
[14.2.03] - Accepting credit cards as payment from your users.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
[14.2.03.1] First Choice Merchant Systems
SYSOPS - ACCEPT VISA, MC, AND CHECKS BY MODEM.
If you would like to get "on-line" payment of registration fees
or recurring monthly fees, First Choice Merchant Systems can
provide home based and phone order companies with the ability
to accept credit cards. First Choice also has a program where
your customer's can enter information from their checking
account into your BBS. You transmit this info to the First
Choice processing center, and they will send you an actual
check drawn on the customer's checking account.
If you have ongoing monthly fees, First Choice can make
withdraws directly from your customer's checking account each
month, and forward the proceeds to you.
For more information about these programs, call First Choice at
1-800-944-7164.
----------------------------------------------------------------
[14.2.03.2] ABS Checks Online
Please take the time to read the article regarding our services
in the October 1994 *BOARDWATCH MAGAZINE* and October 1994
*SYSOP NEWS*!
The following was prepared with the sysop in mind. This new
service was an overwhelming success at ONE BBSCON. Over 700
systems signed up at the show.
Thank you for your interest concerning American Banking Systems
Corporation and the services that we provide. We are happy to
announce our new merchant accounts for online and BBS
services. We hope the following information of CHECKS ONLINE
will be helpful to you.
Following, will be some information concerning the features of
our programs, along with the benefits that we have to offer
your company..
ABS is very interested in conducting business with your
company. ABS feels that it has very definite, cost-effective
programs that we can place at your disposal, designed to both
facilitate ease of ordering for your customers, and reduce your
firms operating costs.
The way our programs work is very simple. Your company allows
customers to pay for their purchase with checking or savings
account over the phone or fax. You then send those dollar
transactions to ABS via fax, our custom designed software, or
in standard file format over a modem.
ABS immediately processes those transactions, and generates
either an Authorized Paper Draft (Checks Direct), or an
Electronic Funds Transfer (Dollars Direct). At this point, the
money is deposited into your account within 24 to 48 hours.
ABS does not act as a factoring company. Your customers' money
is deposited into your account 100% of the time.
ABS also offers a variety of value added services to our
clients such stringent fraud algorithms and controls, including
a bad check writer search. We also offer as an optional service
Check Guarantee, whereby your company has the security of
knowing that you will receive full payment on your item(s).
Please see the following pages for additional information.
Finally, I am sure at this point you are thinking to yourself
this sounds like a great service, but I imagine it is
expensive. This could not be further from the truth. In every
instance, we come in below the costs of Credit Card Processing,
and shipping C.O.D.. We provide extraordinary services at cost
effective prices.
Sincerely,
David Goldfarb
Marketing Director for SysOp Program (CHECKS ONLINE)
National Sales Office (805) 379-9271
BENEFITS OF OUR PROGRAMS
TELEPHONE ORDER CONVENIENCE
Offer telephone order convenience to checking or savings
account holders by allowing purchases to be charged to their
account!. For any service, product, reservation, collection or
donation, your telephone customers can purchase by depository
account just like they would with a credit card. Your customers
will enjoy this added convenience that your company offers.
IMMEDIATELY EXPAND MARKET POTENTIAL
According to Financial Services Report ( July 1992 ) 48% of
consumers prefer to pay by check, with cash following at 32%,
and credit cards a mere 18%. How many sales do you miss because
someone will not get out a checkbook, write the check, fill out
an order form, address and stuff the envelope, find a stamp,
and actually mail in the check with the purchase?
AVOID THE CREDIT CARD CRUNCH
Seventy million buying consumers do not have a credit card, or
they prefer not to purchase with their credit card due to the
high interest rates and penalties for late payments imposed on
them. Other card holders have maxed out their credit cards and
cannot use them. It is conservatively estimated that $258
billion a year is spent by people who have no credit cards!
ELIMINATE THE HIGH COST OF C.O.D.S AND CHECKS IN THE MAIL
With our programs, your company can significantly eliminate the
hassles of C.O.D.'s being returned for any number of reasons
including the lost impulse of your buyer, or your customer not
being home. No more waiting for payments that often do not come
( or come after great delay ) through the mail. Now, when your
customer gets their order, it is already paid for.
IMPROVE IMMEDIATE CASH FLOW
Not only do our programs give your customers the satisfaction
of immediate purchasing power without your company needing to
extend credit or bill monthly (and wait for payments to
arrive), but you will stop wondering when your payments are
going to arrive. All funds from transactions processed by
American Banking Systems will be available in your account for
your use in 48 hours or less in most instances!
REDUCE RETURNED ITEM CHARGES FROM YOUR BANK
Automatic check verification insures you that your customer is
not a bad check writer. We have so much confidence in our bad
check writer database, that we make the following guarantee to
all clients: If an item does turn out to be bad, we will
collect that item for free, and then remit 100% of the
collection directly to you!
GUARANTEED MONEY
If your company chooses to sign up for our optional check
guaranty service, you can actually have every item you process
through American Banking Systems guaranteed! If for some
reason, an item is returned by your bank, we will pay you 100%
of the item in a timely fashion. The collection of the item
becomes our responsibility, you get paid for your product or
service!
PERFECT FOR ONE TIME OR RECURRING TRANSACTIONS
Whether your customer base tends to be the one time sale type
or consists of repeat customers ABS programs are designed to
facilitate ease of payment for your customer. On any kind of
repeat business, or even monthly billing of your customers, ABS
can arrange for you to have your customers' accounts charged
automatically, without obtaining information each month. Common
clients for our programs are Bulletin Board Systems, Charities,
Direct Response Organizations, Mail Order / Phone Order
Companies, Cable Companies, Satellite Programming Companies,
etc. The applications are limitless.
ENHANCE THE RETURN OF YOUR ADVERTISING DOLLAR
Only 1 out of every 4 checking account consumers hold credit
cards with available lines of credit! No matter how effective
your current marketing campaign may be, your immediate or
impulse market is being severely reduced. Expand your market
base and maximize your advertising dollars by offering the ABS
programs.
EXPEDITE DELIVERY
Orders can be shipped immediately. Your customers account
information is captured over the phone, thus reducing the time
it would have taken to mail a payment. The customer no longer
needs to wait for the payment to
----------------------- Headers ------------------------
From david.goldfarb@ibsabbs.com Sun Oct 2 12:52:33 1994
Received: from netcomsv.netcom.com by mail03.mail.aol.com with SMTP
Return-Path: <david.goldfarb@ibsabbs.com>
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14.3 - Can I make money running a BBS?
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
The BBS As A Profit Center
How To Successfully Run a BBS for Profit:
By S. Carol Allen
___________________________________________
Review by Dan D. Gutierrez, SYSOP, AMULET:vc BBS: A Collection
of Virtual Communities (specializing in Virtual Reality,
Artificial Life, Nanotechnology, Cyberpunk Lifestyles,
Cyberspace). 310-453-7705 dataline.
As a Sysop who has been running boards since 1984, the
idea of charging for what in the past has been a labor of love,
a hobby, a way to communicate with my students at UCLA, and the
occasionally useful tool for my business, is new to me. The
realities of this economy, a mortgage, and the desire to excel
in virtual reality, have been the impetus for me to look around
for information about making my board self supporting. There
is not much out there that I could find and when I received a
copy of this book from the publisher, the title intrigued me -
How to Successfully Run a BBS for Profit.
Being a skeptic by nature, I approached this new release
in my usual fashion. I read the foreword, checked out the
table of contents, then started to scan the chapters that most
interested me. I was instantly hooked. For me, chapters 8-10,
Getting the Word Out, Hooking Your Caller's Interest and
Assuring Your Callers Return, were exactly what I had been
looking for. I read those chapters then proceeded to read the
entire thing (unusual for me). When I finished, I couldn't wait
to put several of the creative and inexpensive marketing ideas
to work.
As I assume is the case with most Sysops, when setting up
my board I concentrated on the technical needs of the board
while the marketing needs seemed unimportant. In my case, they
were also unknown. The author of this book obviously recognizes
that for most of us, marketing experience is not part of our
past. She tutors the reader, not with just an explanation or
description of what needs to be done, but with numerous
worksheets and a collection of sample marketing tools (press
release, direct mail letter to potential subscribers, a "report
card" for user feedback, etc.) that can easily be customized
for any BBSes use.
Don't think that this book is just for the hobbyist turned
entrepreneur. Any individual or business that is running or
planning a BBS will benefit from the marketing secrets revealed
throughout this book. True, there is the basic business
information on putting together a business plan, determining
start-up costs and long term costs, and getting financing if
you need it. But, then there are the BBS focused tips on
attracting new callers, getting them to call back and to pay
you top dollar, collecting the fees by credit card (even if you
don't presently have a merchant account) and guaranteed ways to
generate other revenues besides subscription fees. There are
phone numbers, board numbers and addresses for a long list of
BBS resources.
Some of the suggestions seemed pretty simple and were just
common sense, but I hadn't know about them so they gave me
ideas for my board. Other marketing avenues seemed too
advanced for me, but on the other hand, I can see myself
growing into them. In essence, the tools are laid out in the
book, it's now up to me to choose the timing and implementation.
For all of us, the timeliness of this book seems
significant. Although I found little information out there on
making money with my BBS, it's hard to read a magazine these
days without seeing references to the explosion of the BBS
industry. With this book has come the realization that a BBS
can be a significant profit center.
Not only does it contain the marketing tools described, it
also includes over $1,000 worth of money saving coupons from
vendors of products and services for Sysops. Also included with
the book is a disk with the full version of a DOS based
decision support program. It proved to be very useful and lots
of fun whenever I needed to choose between alternatives the
book recommended.
Here's a list of the Chapters from the book:
1) Winning in the 21st Century
2) Surveying the Marketplace
3) If You Fail to Plan Then Plan to Fail
4) Choosing the Theme of Your BBS
5) Value Adding Options For Your Customers
6) Pricing for Profits
7) Increasing Profits by Reducing Costs
8) Getting the Word Out
9) Hooking Your Caller's Interest
10) Assuring Your Callers Return
11) Collecting Your Money
12) Owning a Gold Mine
13) Growing and Expanding Successfully
14) Achieving Your Goals
Appendix A - BestChoice3 Documentation (software disk included)
Appendix B - Marketing Toolkit
Appendix C - Bibliography, Glossary and Quick Phone Directory
Appendix D - Coupons
Index
The publisher is so confident that a reader who applies
the techniques described in this book will be making profits
within 90 days that they offer a 90 day money back guarantee
for the book. I would be surprised if they get many back. It's
on my reference shelf with a 5 star rating.
So, bottom line, this is probably the BEST investment you
can make for your BBS!
The book has 304 pages and costs $49.95. You can call the
publisher, InfoLink, to order this book by credit card (Visa/
Mastercard/AMEX) by calling toll free 800-776-3818 Ext. FG20
(US) or 619-228-9653 Ext. FG20 or Faxing an order to
1-619-369-1185. FAX orders please include: "ATTN Dept.
254-FG20". Orders with checks can be mailed to InfoLink, 56089
Twentynine Palms Highway, Suite 254-FG20, Yucca Valley, CA
92284. $49.95 + $5.00 shipping and handling + California sales
tax.
* Reprinted by permission of AMULET:VC BBS
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=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
14.4 - Building your online commmunity.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
The text below was added to this section to show one example of
what can be added to your online service.
More will be added in future versions of this FAQ.
============================================
Subject: New Magazine
From: xpressli@news.delphi.com (XPRESSLINK@DELPHI.COM)
Date: 30 Sep 1994 22:07:56 -0000
Message-ID: <36i27s$k0d@news.delphi.com>
Xpress LiNK
We are pleased to announce the release of Xpress LiNK, a unique
on-line magazine featuring dazzling graphics and an impressive
GUI (Graphical User Interface). The magazine will be offered to
SysOps at no-charge and supported by selected companies
offering support forums for their products. Xpress LiNK focuses
on the on-line community with an assortment of articles
designed to appeal to its readers. For example the premier
issue includes articles covering the Internet, Shareware
reviews, BBS Software, Online services and many other topics.
The magazine will be offered as a door, and currently supports
PCBoard, Wildcat, Searchlight, spitfire, GAP, RBBS and any
other BBS software that writes the CHAIN.TXT, DOOR.SYS
DORINFOx,DEF, CALLINFO.BBS, PCBOARD.SYS, or the GENERIC.SYS
drop file. Xpress Link also supports non-standard IRQs, fossil
drivers, and digiboards.
The magazine requires any communication program that supports
the RIPscrip graphics protocol. Currently all the major
Communication packages either have RIPScrip support or will
incororate it shortly. A partial list of communications
software currently offering RipScrip support follows:
Qmodem Pro
Telix(shareware)
SoftTerm(sharware)
WinRamp(shareware)
RIPterm(freeware)
Procomm and RESNOVA (a macintosh based terminal package) are in
the process of being updated to include the RIPscrip standard.
Xpress Link will autodetect the absence of a RIPScript
compatible terminal and will provide single-key downloading of
the freeware version of RIPTerm.
Xpress Link will premier with the November issue, which will be
released October 20th. If interested, we will upload an issue a
month starting October 20th.
Respond by E-mail to start your free subscription. Double your
money back if not fully satisfied ;)
Mike Dispirito, Distribution Manager
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=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
14.5 - BOOKS & OTHER SOURCES FOR SYSOPS
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
[14.5.01] - QUICK REFERENCE PHONE NUMBERS
----------------------------------------------------------------
PRODUCT COMPANY BBS# VOICE
-----------------------------------------------------------------
DLX Baudtown 206-525-0995 206-527-1964
Excalibur Excalibur Comm. 918-496-8113 918-496-7881
Kitten Telpro Technol 804-442-5867 804-442-5865
Major BBS Galacticomm 305-321-2404 305-583-5990
Megahost ASCII Comp. 209-836-2402 ---
OPUS-CBCS -- 214-528-4943 214-528-4687
PcBoard Clark Dev. 801-261-8976 801-261-1686
Powerboard NUIQ Softw. 914-833-1479 914-833-3479
Proboard Proboard Intl. 612-537-8655 612-537-8655
Remote Access Wantree 913-441-0595 913-441-1336
RoboBoard F/X Hamilton Tele. 819-685-0994 800-363-7626
RY BBS The Ryco Co. 414-962-1097 414-962-5967
Spitfire BBS Buffalo Crk. So 515-225-8495 515-225-9552
Sapphire Pinnacle Softw. 514-345-8654 514-345-9578
Searchlight Searchlight Sw. 216-631-9285 800-780-5483
Synchronet Digital Dyn. 714-529-9547 714-529-6328
TBBS eSoft 303-699-8222 303-699-6565
TinyHost Bruce Krobusek 716-924-4193 716-924-8284
TriBBS TriSOFT 207-941-0805
Virtual BBS Virtual Tech. 616-399-4818 210-787-2443
Wildcat! Mustang Soft. 805-873-2400 805-873-2500
WWIV WWIV Soft. Svcs 210-631-5841
TO: Vendors/BBS programmers
If you want your software company listed here please send
e-mail to the author of this FAQ.
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[14.5.02] - INTERNET USENET NEWSGROUPS
alt.bbs.ads
alt.bbs.allsysop
alt.bbs.allsysup
alt.bbs
alt.bbs.doors Discussions about BBS doors
alt.bbs.internet Discussions about Internet-based or
connected BBSes
alt.bbs.lists
alt.bbs.lists.d
alt.first-class First Class (Mac)
alt.bbs.majorbbs MajorBBS, Galacticomm Inc
alt.bbs.pcboard PCBoard
alt.pcbuucp PCBoard UUCP gateway
alt.bbs.qmodempro
alt.bbs.searchlight Searchlight BBS discussion
alt.bbs.unixbbs Unix BBS discussion
alt.bbs.unixbbs.uniboard
alt.bbs.uupcb
alt.bbs.waffle
alt.bbs.wildcat Wildcat!, Mustang Software
comp.bbs.misc
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[14.5.03] - BOOKS
- The BBS Construction Kit
Author: David Wolfe
- Creating Successful Bulletin Board Systems
Author: Alan Bryant
- How To Successfully Run a BBS for Profit:
Author: S. Carol Allen
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
14.06 - Carrier Dedected
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Below is a list of companies which offer reduced prices for sysop's
when purchasing a modem for BBS's.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
VENDOR BBS# VOICE FAX
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AT&T Paradyne 813-532-5254 813-530-8276 813-530-2398
ATI Technologies 905-764-9404 905-882-2600 905-882-2620
Cardinal Technologies 717-293-3074 717-293-3000 717-293-3104
Computer Peripherals 805-499-9646 805-499-5751 805-498-8306
Digicom Systems 408-262-1412 408-262-1277 408-262-1390
Galaxy Networks No BBS 818-998-7851 818-998-1758
GVC Technologies 201-579-2380 201-579-3630 201-579-2702
Hayes Microcomputer 404-446-6336 404-840-9200 404-449-0087
Image Communications No BBS 201-935-8880 201-935-6548
Intel Corporation 503-645-6275 503-629-7000 503-228-8707
Microcom 617-255-1125 617-551-1000 617-551-1988
Multi-Tech Systems 612-785-9875 612-785-3500 612-785-9874
Practical Peripherals 805-496-4445 805-497-4774 805-374-7202
Supra Corporation 503-967-2444 503-967-2400 503-967-2401
Telebit corporation 408-745-3861 408-734-4333 408-734-3333
U.S Robotics 708-982-5092 708-982-5010 708-982-0823
Ven-Tel 408-922-0988 408-436-7400 408-436-7451
ZyXEL 714-693-0762 714-693-0904 714-693-0705
Zoom Telephonics 617-423-3733 617-423-1072 617-423-9231
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14.7 - Takin' a spin through the CD-ROM showroom
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-==-=-==-=-==-==-=
- Info for section 14.07 will be included in furture versions
of The Official BBS FAQ
------------------- End of The Official BBSFAQ ----------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------
Claire Walters ** E-MAIL: Clairew@pluto.njcc.com
D.B.A WindsorWare ** Author/Editor-The Official BBS FAQ
FTP SITE: FTP.NJCC.COM ** http://pluto.njcc.com/~clairew/
--------------------------------------------------------------