811 lines
30 KiB
Plaintext
811 lines
30 KiB
Plaintext
>>>>> THE OFFICIAL BBS FAQ <<<<<
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********************************************************************
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CHAPTER 1 -INTRODUCTION TO THE FAQ
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********************************************************************
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-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
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1.01 - INTRODUCTION
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-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
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Why was The Official BBS FAQ written?
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======================================
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Every day, I'd sign-on to local BBSes to download my e-mail and review
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the Usenet newsgroups. After reading alt.bbs for a few months, I
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noticed the same questions being asked over and over again. One day,
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I read a message asking if there was a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
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for the alt.bbs newsgroups. If not, the poster asked if someone would
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be willing to write one. The idea appealed to me.
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I've never run a BBS of my own; however, I've signed-on a wide variety
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of bulletin board services all over the United States. I've helped
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sysops setup their boards plus I've done computer tech support.
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Additionally, as a consultant and writer, I was particularly
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attracted to the idea of assisting computer users in their enjoyment
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of BBSing. From all of this combined experience, I decided to develop
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the much-needed FAQ.
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To begin the project, I posted a message in March of 1994 to alt.bbs
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newsgroups, calling for people to contribute to the BBS FAQ. The mail
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started flowing-in immediately and continued for weeks. The overall
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response was great! All sorts of people were willing to offer their
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time and knowledge to the long-awaited FAQ.
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I created a Table of Contents based on my own knowledge and on the
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questions/suggestions I saw in the newsgroups. I then gathered
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information from various sources to build the comprehensive guide
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that follows. The end-product is intended to aid those who use
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bulletin boards as well as to assist those who run them or want to
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setup BBSes of their own.
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The Official BBS FAQ was built BY the people of the Net, FOR the
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people of the Net. Many thanks to all who contributed.
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Regards,
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Claire Walters
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Where do I send e-mail regarding the BBS FAQ?
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==============================================
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Any comments, corrections, deletions or additions for this FAQ
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please send e-mail to the editor/author (Claire Walters) at:
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- clairew@pluto.njcc.com
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- BBSFAQ@AOL.COM
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Any corrections, additions, or deletions for Chapter 3
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(Sysoping with Macintosh/Apple) please send e-mail to:
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Internet: jmbarry@infoport.com (James Barry)
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Refer to chapter 3 for further information on how to contact
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James Barry.
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=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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1.02 - DISCLAIMERS
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=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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This article answers frequently asked questions (FAQ) for the
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alt.bbs, alt.bbs.allsysop, and comp.bbs.misc Usenet newsgroups. It
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is intended for those who want to start a BBS or for those sysops
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already running a BBS who may be seeking further information.
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All information in this article is believed to be correct at the
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time of writing. However, please recognize that this is an evolving
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document and that the information that follows may contain
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inaccuracies. Please direct suggestions for improvement or
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corrections to the editor/author at, BBSFAQ@AOL.COM or
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clairew@pluto.njcc.com.
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The editor/author is not affiliated with any of the companies
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mentioned herein.
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=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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1.03 COPYRIGHT NOTICE
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=-=-=-==-=-==-=-=-=-=
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The Official BBS FAQ is Copyright 1994, by Claire Walters. All
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rights reserved.
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You are granted the following rights:
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I. To make copies of this work in original form, so long as
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(a) The copies are exact and complete.
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(b) The copies include the copyright notice and these paragraphs in
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their entirety.
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(c) The copies give obvious credit to the author, Claire Walters.
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(d) The copies are in electronic form only.
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II. To distribute this work, or copies made under the provisions
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above, so long as,
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(a) this is the original work and not a derivative form.
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(b) you do not charge a fee for copying or for distribution.
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(c) you ensure that the distributed form includes the copyright
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notice, this paragraph, the disclaimer of warranty in their
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entirety and credit to the author. (Claire Walters)
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(d) the distributed form is not in an electronic magazine or within
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computer software (prior explicit permission may be obtained
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from Claire Walters)
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(e) the distributed form is the NEWEST version of the article to
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the best of the knowledge of the distributor.
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(f) the distributed form is electronic.
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You may not distribute this work by any non-electronic
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media, including but not limited to books, newsletters, magazines,
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manuals, catalogs, and speech. You may not distribute this work in
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electronic magazines, CD-ROMS or within computer software without
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prior written explicit permission. These rights are temporary and
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revocable upon written, oral, or other notice by Claire Walters.
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This copyright notice shall be governed by the laws of the state of
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New Jersey.
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If you would like additional rights beyond those granted above,
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write to the author at, Internet: BBSFAQ@AOL.COM or
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clairew@pluto.njcc.com
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=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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1.04 - TRADEMARK INFORMATION
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=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
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The software & products mentioned in this FAQ is the properties and
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trademark of their respective owners.
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=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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1.05 - WHERE CAN I DOWNLOAD THE BBS FAQ?
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=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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The Official BBS FAQ will be posted periodically in the, alt.bbs,
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alt.bbs.allsysop, comp.bbs.misc, news.answers, and comp.answers
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Usenet newsgroups.
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It is also available to download from America Online in the
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PC Telecom forum as BBSFAQ01.ZIP
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FTP SITE:
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==========
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FTP to pluto.njcc.com
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FILES: /pub/bbsfaq/bbsfaq.toc
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bbsfaq01.txt
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bbsfaq02.txt
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bbsfaq03.txt
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bbsfaq04.txt
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bbsfaq05.txt
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bbsfaq06.txt
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bbsfaq07.txt
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bbsfaq08.txt
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bbsfaq09.txt
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bbsfaq10.txt
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bbsfaq11.txt
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Requesting the BBS FAQ via e-mail:
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===================================
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To be announced
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=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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1.06 - MEET THE BBS FAQ WRITERS
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=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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About the author/editor
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========================
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- Claire Walters, DBA Windsorware
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FAQ Author/Editor
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Computer Consultant, Freelance Writer, Custom Windows HLP files
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Internet: clairew@pluto.njcc.com or BBSFAQ@AOL.COM
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Credits & Acknowledgments
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==========================
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My special thanks goes to:
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- My family & JT
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- Brian Kramer
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Owner/Systems Administrator - bjkramer@pluto.njcc.com
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New Jersey Computer Connection
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Home of The Official BBS FAQ
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Public Access Unix Site - pluto.njcc.com
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Voice: 609-896-2799 - Fax: 609-896-2994 - Dialups: 609-896-3191
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Dialup or Telnet to pluto.njcc.com and log in as,
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guest for more information.
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Contributors
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-------------
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- Anssi Johansson
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Internet: avij@spt.fi.
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- Bill McDermott
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- Bill Shefski
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Internet: bill.shefski@pics.com
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- Bjorn Hermans
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Internet: B.T.Hermans@kub.nl
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- Carl J. Elitz,
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Internet: carl.elitz@n9csa.com or reds@ripco.com
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- Dan Birchall
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Internet: birchall@pilot.njin.net
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- Dan D. Gutierrez
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- David McGuire
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Internet: PCCKDR@AOl.COM
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- Derek Douville
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Internet: derek@ocean.pinetree.org
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- Dave Shaw
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Internet: DSHAW@CURVET.COM
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- Eric Hoffmann
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Internet: ehfm@midway.uchicago.edu
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- James Barry
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Internet: jmbarry@infoport.com
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- Mike Bryeans
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Internet: wizard@camelot.itc.com
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- Prasad Golla
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Internet: golla@seas.smu.edu
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- Rikk Streng
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Internet: rikk@cnj.digex.net
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- Scott Wiard
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Internet: scott@ddreams.chs.wa.com
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- Stan P. Barrack
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Internet: sbarrack@interaccess.com
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- Tom Snider-Lotz
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Internet: bombadil@netcom.com
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- Uri Hasson
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Internet: urihason@www-mail.huji.ac.il
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- William Bell
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Internet: wnbell@aol.com
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- Zachary M. Loafman
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Internet: zml@metronet.com
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- Hank Leukart
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Internet: ap641@cleveland.freenet.edu
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Thanks to those I might have missed who sent info or offered
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suggestions.
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*********************************************************************
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CHAPTER 2 - THE WORLD OF BBSING INSIDE YOUR PC
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*********************************************************************
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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COMMERCIAL BBS SOFTWARE
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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2.01 - EXCALIBUR BBS
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=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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- Info for Excalibur BBS will be available in future versions of
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the FAQ.
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=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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2.02 - MAJOR BBS
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=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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- Info for Major BBS will be available in future versions of the
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FAQ.
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=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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2.03 - SEARCHLIGHT BBS
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=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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by, Tom Snider-Lotz
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We (my co-conspirator Nancy, and I) operate a two-line BBS from
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our office in order to provide files and other information to our
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customers. We've been using Searchlight BBS (SLBBS) software
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since the beginning, about 3 years ago, and have never regretted
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the decision.
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Our boss conceived of the idea of having an office BBS, and he
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tapped Nancy and I because we were computer literate and had some
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experience online (I was a sysop on GEnie at the time). He had
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some other requirements, too: it had to be done quickly, very
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cheaply, and without diverting too much of our time from our
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"real work." Though we had plenty of experience calling BBSs,
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neither of us had ever had to program one, so that added one more
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requirement: it had to be friendly to newbie sysops. And, since
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most of our callers would also be new to BBSing, it had to be
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user-friendly. We set about looking for software that was easy
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to get running, full-featured, easy to use, and inexpensive.
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What we chose was Searchlight.
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IT'S EASY TO GET RUNNING
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==========================
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Setting up SLBBS is a snap. As it comes "out of the box," it's
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ready to run with Mail, Bulletins, and a message area (SLBBS
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calls them "subboards") already set up. Adding one or more File
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Directories and additional Subboards is merely a matter of
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filling in the blanks on the Setup menus. If you want to limit
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access to Subboards and File Directories, that's easy. Users can
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be assigned any combination of 24 "security attributes" as well
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as one of 256 numerical access levels. You can then use these
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attributes as requirements for entry into Subboards and File
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Directories. You can also apply these requirements to any option
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on the SLBBS menus.
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The default SLBBS menus are pretty much like any other BBS I've
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seen -- a couple of columns of commands, with a highlighted
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letter for choosing each command (does "G" for "Goodbye" sound
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familiar?). This is easy to change if you want something
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different. For example, we changed the menus so the commands
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were selected by a number instead of a letter. If you wish,
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SLBBS will lay out the menu for you -- you tell SLBBS what the
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choices are and what the access levels are for each choice, and
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SLBBS will figure out how to display the menu. Users who don't
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have proper access level for a menu choice won't even see that
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choice.
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If you want more creative menus, you can design your own menus
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using a text editor -- including special effects like colors,
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blinking, underlining, etc.
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We haven't tried setting up RIP graphics menus, so I can't
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comment too much on that. I gather from the manual that it's
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very similar: SLBBS will do it for you, or you can customize.
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IT'S FULLY-FEATURED
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====================
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One of the really nice features of SLBBS is its text editor. The
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e-mail system and the message boards both use a full-screen
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editor that allows full-screen cursor movement, scrolling, and
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the use of function keys. The user can insert codes for colors
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and other special effects, upload text, and insert text from
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other files. For users without ANSI capability, there's also a
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standard line editor.
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SLBBS supports all the standard file transfer protocols,
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including built-in ZMODEM. You can add external protocols as
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well, such as YMODEM-Batch and HS/LINK. SLBBS can access CD-ROM
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drives as well as the hard disk.
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The message and the mail system allow uploaded messages and
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attached files. Users also can download entire message threads.
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QWK mail support is built in.
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Other nice features include:
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============================
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* the ability to be run from a LAN;
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* the ability to connect with Fidonet and RIME/UTI-compatible
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networks;
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* inter-user chat;
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* the ability to run many DOS programs as Doors without using
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an intermediate Door program;
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* accurate recognition of connect speeds up to 38.4 Kbps;
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* name completion -- SLBBS will complete a user's name or file
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name automatically if you type in partial information;
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* single menu commands that can trigger execution of long
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sequences of commands;
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* easy setup of additional nodes (SLBBS is designed to use
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DesqView as a multi-tasker when using multiple nodes; others
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have used it successfully with OS/2 and Windows NT as well);
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and
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* the ability to tag files for future downloading.
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IT'S EASY FOR CALLERS TO USE
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=============================
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As we discovered, whether a system is easy for callers to use is
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mostly up to the sysops. The good news about SLBBS is that it's
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so flexible, so adaptable, that we could modify it to fit our
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conception of ease of use. Want to change the colors? No
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problem. Want to nest the menus five deep? No problem. Want to
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arrange the menu choices in a circle? No problem. Want to give
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users a visual map of the entire BBS, available from each menu?
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You guessed it.
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IT'S INEXPENSIVE
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==================
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One thing that kept bothering me as we were "interviewing"
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potential software was why SLBBS was so inexpensive compared to
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many of the big-name BBS programs? What did they have that SLBBS
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didn't? We still haven't figured that one out!
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As I write this, SLBBS comes in four versions, priced according
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to how many lines (nodes) the software will support. For a
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single line, the price is $99; one to three lines, $179; one to
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ten lines, $299; and an unlimited number of lines, $399.
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EXCELLENT PRODUCT SUPPORT
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===========================
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The people at Searchlight Software are very helpful. We've never
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been disappointed. The primary source of support is the main
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Searchlight BBS in Cleveland (numbers are given below). The
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program's author, Frank LaRosa, is active on the BBS, and you can
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also get input from the sysops of lots of other Searchlight
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systems. If the BBS-based support isn't enough, you can talk to
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real live people by telephone.
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RIP GRAPHICS
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===============
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Everything I've described so far refers to SLBBS's standard text-
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based interface. However, in the minds of the Searchlight
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Software folks, their most impressive feature is their built-in
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RIP graphical interface. RIP technology, if you aren't aware,
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provides your BBS with an attractive graphical user interface
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(GUI). Every SLBBS program sold, if called by RIP-capable
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communications program, can provide a full GUI interface,
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including scroll bars, push buttons, and dialog boxes. You can
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also have eye-catching logon screens, mouse-able online games,
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and even animation. Many BBS software programs are jumping on
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the RIP bandwagon, but (I'm told) SLBBS offers more complete
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built-in support for RIP graphics than any other BBS software.
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We haven't activated the RIP interface feature on our BBS,
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primarily because our most of our users don't use a mouse with
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their computer, and don't use a communications program that
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supports RIP. Also, my experience is that, at 2400 bps (our
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maximum) and with a slow monitor, RIP graphics can be a bit slow.
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To me, the current RIP technology is sort of like the early
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versions of Windows -- the concept is there, but its time hasn't
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come quite yet. (Others would disagree with me.)
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CALL SEARCHLIGHT
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================
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The best introduction to Searchlight is first-hand experience.
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If you call the main Searchlight BBS, you can;
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* see SLBBS in action;
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* see RIP graphics in action (if you've got RIP-capable
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communications software);
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* get a freeware RIP-capable communications program (RIPterm,
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from TeleGrafix);
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* get a list of Searchlight BBSs in your geographical area;
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* get a feel for the support available from Searchlight
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Software; and
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* download a demo copy of Searchlight to try out on your own.
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After you've seen SLBBS in action, and tried it out for yourself,
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you can decide whether it's what you want. We're very happy with
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it.
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Searchlight Software
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6516 Detroit Avenue
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Cleveland, OH 44102
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voice: (216) 631-9290
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fax: (216) 631-9289
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BBS: (216) 631-9285
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orders: (800) 780-LITE
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=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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2.04 - PC BOARD
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=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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FEATURES:
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===========
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- Packet switch support
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- Full Internationalization of dates & code page
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- FOSSIL support for virtually any intelligent serial card(/M code)
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- File attachment to messages
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- Multiple daily events
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- Full support for 2 byte international character sets
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- Built-in .QWK message packet support
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- Jukebox & "slow" CD-ROM support
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- Incoming Fax support
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- Carbon-Copy list support
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- Return Receipt message support
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- Caller-ID support
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- ALIAS support by conference area
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- RIPscrip support for remote callers
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- PPL (PCBoard Programming Language Compiler) (Optional)
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- Automatic 16550 UART recognition & support
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- Intelligent & non-intelligent multi-port serial card support
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- Full screen text editor
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- ANSI graphics support
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- Full color operation
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- Thread reading of messages
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- Supports up to 65,535 conference (message base) areas
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- 36 file transfer protocols supported
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- Supports 37,767 DOORS per conference
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- Real-Time 255 channel node chat (CB chat)
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- Long message headers for all NetMail programs including
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Internet, Usenet & others.
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- Local network logins for in-house e-mail support
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- Direct connect support for in-house serial networks & PADS
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- Communicates directly with OS/2 COMM drivers to allow large
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number of multiple nodes under OS/2
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- Automatically detects OS/2 operation for time-slice control
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- Full network support for any NetBIOS compatible network, including
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Netware, LAN tastic, 3-Com, Vines & more.
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- Full remote DOS access for SysOp if desired
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- True & complete multi-lingual language support
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REQUIREMENTS
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==============
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IBM PC compatible
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Minimum 320k RAM
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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
|
|
=================
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=
|
|
2.05 - TBBS-The Bread Board System
|
|
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=
|
|
- Info for TBBS will be available in future versions of the FAQ.
|
|
|
|
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
|
|
2.06 - 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
|
|
|
|
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)
|
|
|
|
FEATURES
|
|
=========
|
|
This section will point out some of Wildcat's 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
|
|
|
|
Ordering Wildcat! BBS
|
|
======================
|
|
To order Wildcat send a check or money order for the correct amount
|
|
plus $10 shipping to:
|
|
Mustang Software Inc.
|
|
P.O. Box 2264
|
|
Bakersfield, CA 93303-9943
|
|
For information on pricing or ordering, call (805) 873-2500.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
HOST PROGRAMS FOR WINDOWS
|
|
=========================
|
|
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
|
|
2.07 - FILEX
|
|
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
|
|
- Info for Filex will be available in future versions of the
|
|
BBS FAQ.
|
|
|
|
-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=
|
|
2.08 - FREEMAIL
|
|
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
|
|
- Info for Freemail will be available in future versions of the
|
|
BBS FAQ.
|
|
|
|
--------- Continued in next message -----------
|
|
|