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From: jmbarry@infoport.com
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.comm
Subject: Macintosh BBS FAQ First version
Message-ID: <1.47519142.InfoPort@infoport.com>
Date: 7 May 94 14:42:54 GMT
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I am working on a project to publish a BBS FAQ for the Internet. The Mac
section is chapter #3 in the overall FAQ. I need help defining the Mac
products available, especially the shareware products. Please E-mail me at
jmbarry@infoport.com. I had several writers at one point, but they all
fizzled out. Excuse any inaccuracies in this first pre-publication. Just
help me get it right!
James Barry in Denver Colorado USA
jmbarry@infoport.com
****************************************************************
* THE MACINTOSH BBS FAQ
*
****************************************************************
* Version 0.0 beta May 7, 1994
*
****************************************************************
Coordinated by: James Barry
Internet: jmbarry@infoport.com
This is the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) list for Macintosh BBS's
=============================================================
This list of frequently asked questions and answers is intended to help
reduce the number of "often asked questions" that make the rounds concerning
setting up, maintaining and accessing BBS using a Macintosh.
This FAQ will be posted periodically (about once a month) to the Usenet
groups comp.bbs, alt.bbs, alt.bbs.allsysop, and comp.sys.mac.comm. Feel
free to post it anywhere else you would like so long as it is not modified
in any way. The editor reserves all rights to the contents of this
Macintosh BBS FAQ.
Latest versions of the FAQ can be retrieved via anonymous FTP from several
sites to be announced
-------------
DISCLAIMER
-------------
The purpose of this section of the BBS FAQ is to aid in helping interested
parties in setting up a bulletin board system utilizing Macintosh computers.
This FAQ is purely a volunteer effort. Although every effort has been
made to insure that answers are as complete and accurate as possible, NO
GUARANTEE IS IMPLIED OR INTENDED. The editor and contributors have developed
this FAQ as a service to Usenet. We hope you find it useful.
There are numerous authors of this information including sources ranging
from product literature to experiences of BBS Sysops , who are noted in the
appropriate section and at the end of the Macintosh BBS FAQ section. Please
send corrections, additions or deletions to the Macintosh section
coordinator - jmbarry@infoport.com
==========================================================
TABLE OF CONTENTS
==========================================================
Chapter [3.1]: Is it possible to run a bulletin board system on a Macintosh?
CHAPTER [3.2]: What hardware is needed to run a bulletin board system on a
Macintosh?
3.2.1 A minimum machine
3.2.2 Hard drives and accessing information
3.2.3 Accelerating your Macintosh BBS
3.2.4 CD ROMS and your BBS
3.2.5-Networking Macs to create larger BBS's
CHAPTER [3.3]: Setting up the phone lines with a Macintosh
3.3.1 Serial ports on a Mac
3.3.2 Multiport cards for expanding the number of lines
3.3.3 SCSI interfaces for expansion
CHAPTER [3.4]: Modems and a Macintosh BBS
3.4.1 Modems
3.4.2 Carrier detect and the Macintosh
3.4.3 Hardware handshaking and the Macintosh
3.4.4 High speed modems
3.4.5 Sysop pricing on modems
CHAPTER [3.5]: Commercial BBS software for the Macintosh
3.5.1 NovaLink Pro
3.5.2 First Class
3.5.3 Telefinder
3.5.4 Commercial software comparison chart
CHAPTER [3.6]: Shareware Macintosh BBS software
3.6.1 Hermes II
3.6.2 Hi BBS
3.6.3 Public Access
3.6.4 Mansion
3.6.5 Second Sight
3.6.6 Shareware software comparison chart
CHAPTER [3.7]: The Macintosh and Public Networks
3.7.1 NovaWorld
3.7.2 OneNet
3.7.3 FidoNet
3.7.4 Internet
CHAPTER [3.8] Compression of Files to save disk space
3.8.1 Why compress files?
3.8.2 Stuffit format
3.8.3 Compact Pro Format
3.8.4 Binhex
3.8.5 Zip format
CHAPTER [3.9] Other useful sources of information for BBS operators
3.9.1 comp.sys.mac.com FAQ
3.9.2 good bbs books
==========================================================
CHAPTER [3.1]: 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.
==========================================================
CHAPTER [3.2]: What hardware is needed to run a bulletin board system 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.
3.2.1 A minimum machine
3.2.2 Hard drives and accessing information
3.2.3 Accelerating your Macintosh BBS
3.2.4 CD ROMS and your BBS
==========================================================
CHAPTER [3.3]: Setting up the phone lines with a Macintosh
==========================================================
3.3.1 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? "
3.3.2 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
Hurdler card from Creative systems
3.3.3 SCSI interfaces for expansion
==========================================================
CHAPTER [3.4]: Modems and a Macintosh BBS
==========================================================
3.4.1 Modems
3.4.2 Carrier detect and the Macintosh
3.4.3 Hardware handshaking and the Macintosh
3.4.4 High speed modems
==========================================================
CHAPTER [3.5]: Commercial BBS software for the Macintosh
==========================================================
**********************************************
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
**********************************************
First Class 2.5
**********************************************
FirstClass is a multi-platform communications system that integrates full
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 UNIX 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
**********************************************
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 fast
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
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Comparison Chart of BBS's
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
NovaLink Pro First Class
TeleFinder
Interfaces
TTY Y Y
Y
VT100 Y( custom) Y (fixed)
Y(fixed)
Color ANSI Y NO
NO
Mac Client Y Y
Y
Custom Graphical mode Y (full window) Y (Partial window) NO
RIP Y NO
NO
Windows Client NO Y
Y
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Number of Connections
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Max# of modem
nodes per server 40 22
6
Max # of telnet
nodes per server 64 NA
NA
Max # of Network
Nodes per server 60 40
6
Total number of
nodes in system 160 100
6
(Based on largest claimed system operating, known as "sessions" by First
Class)
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Connection types
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Local Y Y
Y
Modem Y Y
Y
Appletalk Y Y
Y
Communication Toolbox Y Y
Y
x25 Y (thru comm toolbox)
N
TCP/IP Y Y
N
Telnet in Y (3rd party -1
port) Y
Telnet out Y N
N
UUCP (3rd party) Y
N
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 N
N
ACOE Y N
N
Apple Search Y N
N
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Transfer Protocols
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Own Background Y Y
N
Z- Modem Y Y
Y
Z-Modem batch Y N
N
X- Modem Y Y
Y
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
System Features
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Chat Y Y
Y
Conferencing Y Y
Y
# of simultaneous users 40 22
3
Voting Y N
N
Background transfer Y Y
N
Picture Previews Y Y
Y
CD ROM support Y Y
Y
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
System Expansion
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Max # of users disk space 32,000
32,000
Max # of forums disk space 32,000
?
Max number of access codes 1 billion 32,000 ?
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Messaging
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Message length 1,000k 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
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
External development
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Programmable externals (doors) Y N
N
Scripting Y N
N
Third Party expansion Y N
N
==========================================================
CHAPTER [3.6]: Shareware Macintosh BBS software
==========================================================
**********************************************
Hermes II
**********************************************
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
**********************************************
Hi BBS
**********************************************
A graphical Macintosh BBS system that appears to have disappeared.
Please leave any information as to its existence to: jmbarry@infoport.com
**********************************************
Mansion
**********************************************
ZSys Software
P.O. Box 65981
West Des Moines, Iowa 50265-0981
Mansion is actively being supported in a number of ways. First, there is
the Mansion support board The ZSys BBS in Des Moines, Iowa (515-279-3073).
This board offers access to other Mansion SysOps, and up to the minute
information concerning Mansion, including bug reports, and bug fixes.
Second, are the two regional support people, James Podlasek @ The Board BBS
Omaha, NE (402-331-4521) and Jim Creighton @ SEA/MAC Seattle, WA
(206-725-6629). These two people provide support whenever I become
unavailable. They are also unpaid, so please be nice to them. The ZSys BBS
and The Board BBS are sister BBS's and carry the same support message echo
and support files as they become available. Finally, ZSys. Software
maintains the following accounts:
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
**********************************************
Public Access
**********************************************
**********************************************
Second Sight
**********************************************
2 lines max
FreeSoft Co.
Scott Watson
BBS (412) 846-5312
Voice ( 412) 846-2700
**********************************************
WWIV
**********************************************
Please address any correspondence/donations 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)
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Comparison Chart
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
==========================================================
CHAPTER [3.7]: The Macintosh and Public Networks
==========================================================
**********************************************
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 50 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
**********************************************
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
**********************************************
Fido Net on the Mac
**********************************************
==========================================================
CHAPTER [3.8] Compression of Files to save disk space
==========================================================
3.8.1 Why compress files?
3.8.2 Stuffit format
3.8.3 Compact Pro Format
3.8.4 Binhex
3.8.5 Zip format
==========================================================
CHAPTER [3.9] Other useful sources of information for BBS operators
==========================================================
3.9.1 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.
3.9.2 Good bbs books
In summary, BBS on the Macintosh can be rewarding while being effortless by
using the famed Macintosh friendly operating system.
For additions, comment, corrections, errors, or submissions
--------------------------------------------------------------
| James Barry | InfoPort BBS
|
| jmbarry@infoport.com | BBS (303)429-0291 |
| Denver, Colorado, USA | telnet infoport.com
|
--------------------------------------------------------------