BBS Software and Utilities

Mac BBS software

NovaLink Professional v2.0
                       $200/3 lines and 20 client packages (serial only)
                                                                                      
$50/additional 3 lines
                                                                                      
$60/50 additional client packages
                                                                                      
$200/200 additional client packages
                                                                                      
$299/unlimited client packages
                                                                                      
$400/3 AppleTalk sessions and 20 client packages
                                                                                      
$20/AppleTalk client

After many years as a shareware product, NovaLink is now commercial.  This is multiline BBS software which can handle both AppleTalk and serial line sessions simultaneously. Up to 24 serial and 24 AppleTalk sessions can be open at one time, but you better have a Quadra to handle this. 

The pricing structure is fairly complicated. For an installation with 8 serial lines and 8 AppleTalk sessions, and a user base of 6000, NovaLink Professional would end up costing $1850. 

Res Nova Software, Inc., 16458 Bolsa Chica St., Unit 193, Huntington Beach, CA 92649, (714)840–6082.

MUBBS v0.5
                                                        free

MultiUser BBS for Macintosh (MUBBS) is the first publicly distributable multiline Macintosh BBS. It has generated a lot of excitement because it is free, and has an architecture that makes it easy to add external modules. 

MUBBS maintains a ListServ. To join the mai list, send mail to the following addresses: 

mubbs!request@quake.sylmar.ca.us
To put yourself on the list
mubbs!cancel@quake.sylmar.ca.us

To remove yourself from the list
mubbs!submit@quake.sylmar.ca.us

To send something to the whole echo
ssbbs!nateh@quake.sylmar.ca.us

This is a real human, if you want one

N. Hawthorne, AOL: “N Hawthorne”; MUBBS is available on the Space Sciences BBS, 
(805) 259-6407, (818) 998-2076 or from Palmdale (805) 268-8815

AXiON serial switch
                                     $159

The AXiON serial switch lets you connect three serial devices to one of the Mac’s serial ports, and switch among them via a control panel device. Don’t change cables again!

AXiON, 1150 Kifer Road, Sunnyvale, CA 94086, (408)235–0227; Fax: (408)247–3673.

Multiple Line BBS Software – MS-DOS

Recommendation
TBBS v2.2
                                                                 $300/1;$895/16;$1495/32
TDBS v1.1                                                                 
$395/1;$995/16;$1795/32
TIMS/Net Mail/SEAdog v1.1
                     $259
SYSOM
                                                                       $100

TBBS v2.2 with TIMS is the only MS-DOS multiple line BBS capable of handling continuous FidoNet mail. Recent TBBS 2.2 improvements include ZMODEM, UNIX-style conferencing, and internationalization. Although it’s expensive, may not have the most features, or be the easiest to set up, TBBS is without a doubt the most efficient multiline BBS software ever written. Don’t even think of purchasing TBBS without the TIMS and SYSOM option modules. 

TBBS is extremely flexible, letting you create your own menu system. It is reliable (with the exception of the eSoft Netmail utilities), documentation is good, and support is excellent. It also integrates well with FidoNet, although the current TBBS NetMail utilities are not recommended to accomplish this. Since eSoft has recently purchased TMail, a superior shareware mail processing program for TBBS, it is likely that substantial improvements to TBBS’ mail processing software is in the cards.

With the TIMS integrated mailer, TBBS can receive FidoNet mail continuously, although it cannot process mail without shutting down. eSoft has recently negotiated with the author of TMail and has attained the rights to TMail, allowing them to integrate TMail into future NetMail utilities. Support is not available for RIME or USENET networking. 

Since TBBS lets you run as many as 64 lines on a single PC, it is one of the least expensive alternatives for setting up a large system. However because TBBS was written in assembler under DOS, it can’t operate in protected mode, support extended memory (it does support EMS, though) or allow sysops to modify the source code. TBBS also is incompatible with local area networks such as Netware and TCP/IP. However, it does support running of dBASE III+ programs in multiuser mode via the TDBS database, and many third party applications are now available, including games. eSoft supports TBBS via phone and modem, as well as via a newsletter called Possibilities. 

eSoft, Inc.,15200 E. Girard Ave, Suite 2550, Aurora, CO 80014; (303)699-6565 (Voice), (303)699-8222 (TBBS Support BBS), Example Systems:  (415)426-0470 (Records Department)

PC Board v14.5
Single line (no doors)
                                           $120
Single line with doors

                                        $170
Multiline with doors

                                          $240/3,$350/6,$460/9,$970/99
Support

                                                                        $60/year

PC-Board is considered by many to be the world’s leading bulletin board software. Since it does not have a scheduler or multi-tasking kernel built in, it operates with one CPU per phone line. However, this does not limit the number of phone lines that can be supported because PC-Board is completely network compliant, working on any system supporting NETBIOS. This includes Novell, LANtastic, 3Com, Network OS, and other networking software. 

Although it means that large PC-Board systems are very expensive, the one line per CPU aspect of PC-Board also means that interfacing of doors and standard DOS software is very easy. As a result there are thousands of applications that can work with PC-Board. Among these are FidoNet, USENET, InterMail, and RIME networking software, QuickMail support, external protocols, etc. 

Since the RIME network was developed for PC-Board (all other BBS software interfaces to the network via conversion programs called Universal Text Interface (UTI) modules), PC-Board is probably the way to go if you intend to join RIME. 

Clark Development Company, Inc.,Post Office Box 571365, Salt Lake City, Utah 84157-1365; (801)261-1686, (800)356-1686, (801)261-8976 (data)

Address for ordering: Clark Development Company, Inc., 6000 South Fashion Blvd., Suite 101, Murray, UT 84107.

uuPCB                                
                                          
Multiline version         

                                        $49/3 line version

uuPCB gives PC-Board full USENET and UUCP capability. It imports and exports directly from the PC-Board message base. It supports domain style addressing; distribution limitation (world, country, state, etc .); compressed, batched news; moderated news groups (outgoing messages are sent as UUCP mail to the moderator). uuPCB can also handle subject entries longer than the PC-Board 25 character limit. 

Ed Hopper, (713)997-9834 (Voice, 6-10 PM CST), (713)997-7575 (data), email: ed.hopper@ehbbs.hou.tx.us

Oracomm Plus               

                                         $390/2;$490/9;$590/16 lines

Oracomm offers a nice mix of ease of use and powerful networking capabilities. Since it is descended from the Dial Your Match package, it remains very popular as a dating and chatting system. However it is also popular as a plug-and-play business solution where the power (and complexity) of TBBS or Major BBS would be overkill.  Oracomm Plus has a well architected proprietary mail exchange system (OraNet) as well as FidoNet support and database capability. 

A unique feature of Oracomm Plus is the ability to interface with the PCW Weather Station, so that weather data can be collected and transmitted between multiple sites. Oracomm Plus also supports “text branching” which allows for construction of  online tests and adventure games. Multiline chatting, and EMS memory are also supported. Since Oracomm Plus allows for linking of messages together, it can support ANSI graphics screens of greater complexity than any other package. Oracomm Plus allows for all system configuration parameters to be changed remotely at any time, and includes provision for additional remote sysop passwording. However, DOS commands cannot be executed in remote sysop mode. 

Files descriptions are located within a database in Oracomm Plus. This makes it very easy to find a desired file.  A text database feature is available as well, which allows searching on arbitrary fields. The message system is relatively easy to use, although more powerful features such as full text search on the message base are not available. 

There is no third party program for Oracomm Plus. Support is available by voice and bulletin board, and I found the staff enthusiastic and  knowledgeable.

Surf Computer Services, Inc., 71-540 Gardess Rd., Rancho Mirage, CA 92270; (619)346-9430. (612)894-5580 (Tech Support Voice), Example Systems: (619)346-1608 (Oracomm Central), (612)894-5879 (Tech Support); (612)890-1001 (Mating Mystique)

The Major BBS               

                                       $659/8;$959/16 lines
Source Code                                                               $285
FidoNet Net Mail
                                               $99

Major BBS is written in C and offers source code access. This has been a boon to sysops and third-party developers who have created their own add-ons and customizations of Major BBS. It also has become a major technological advantage, since with the advent of protected mode compilers, Major BBS can now operate in protected mode with a large linear address space, resulting in high efficiency. 

With third party development proceeding at a breakneck pace (more than 25 add-ons were available at last count) and with the Major BBS being available in 5 different editions (Standard Edition, Configurable Menus (MenuMan), Online Mall, File Libraries, and Entertainment) a Major BBS sysop has a very wide latitude in choosing how to configure the system.  

It is possible to link together two Major BBS systems by phone to create wide-area chat networks. Major BBS also offers a Novell LAN support option, which is critical for many businesses. This means that you can log on to Major BBS via IPX Direct circuits.  Support is available for FidoNet, RIME, and USENET networking. However, Major BBS must shut down to receive FidoNet mail, unlike TBBS. 

There are now quite a few areas (such as online gaming, global chatting, LAN support) in which Major BBS has carved out a clear advantage. In addition, the number of those areas seem to be increasing with time, indicating that Major BBS may be pulling away from the MS–DOS competition.  Galacticomm supports Major BBS via phone, modem and a newsletter entitled The Major News. 

Tim Stryker, Galacticomm Inc.,4101 S. W. 47 Ave., Suite 101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314; (305)583-5990 (Voice), (305)583-7846 (Fax), (305)583-7808 (Demo System) Example Systems:  (805)736-5674 (FidoNet Option);  (415)540-6114 (Online  HyperText); (714)996-6666 (MedCom Info Systems); (505)881-6988 (Starlink); (818)341-3186 (Ad Week)

DLX                                      

                                       $795/16 lines

DLX distinguishes itself by being the easiest DOS multiline BBS to set up. It is a favorite for chatting and online dating services. However, it does not support network mail or add-on databases. 

PC Works, 3037 Golf Course Drive, Ventura, CA 93003; (805)650-0188 or (805)650-0192 (Voice); (818)506-7589 (Tech Support), Example Systems: (206)644-9572 (Tech Support BBS),  (818)506-0620 (Talk Channel)

INFO-HOST

This software is oriented towards online ordering.

A-Comm Electronics, Inc, 377 Route 17 South, Hasbrouck Hts, NJ 07604; (201)288-7885 (voice), (201)288-7792 (demo BBS system)

UNIX BBS software

UNIX BBS

UNIX BBS is a Remote Access lookalike for UNIX. It offers interfaces to USENET and UUCP; can create custom menus; comes with system administration tools. 

Riccardo Pizzi, Rimini, Italy; Data: 39-541-27135 (HST/PEP/V.32), email: pizzi@nervous.com, uunet!nervous!pizzi. To download a crippleware version which can be enabled by a software key, ftp to nic.funet.fi in the directory /pub/unix/386ix/svr4/comm. Grab UBBS103* (binary mode).

MS–DOS FidoNet utilities

Binkleyterm v2.50
                                              Free

Binkleyterm is the most powerful FidoNet mailer software. It includes full domain, EMSI , and Janus support (a bi-directional protocol).  However, it is also the hardest to configure, requiring the Sysop to specify hundreds of options in lengthy control, event, and batch files. If you want to set up BinkleyTerm, the easiest way to do it is to copy someone else’s setup, and then modify it. 

Vince Perriello, Bob Hartman, and Alan Applegate. Binkleyterm is available at by File Request from the FidoNet Software Distribution System (SDS) as BNKB_255.ZIP. Documentation is available as BDOC_250.LZH. An OS/2 version is available over the Internet as BNKBP255.ZOO by FTP at luga.latrobe.edu.au.

D’Bridge
                                                                  $139

Installing D’Bridge is as easy as typing DB.EXE. The program has a graphical interface in which the user scrolls through the configuration menu, and D’Bridge responds by giving a short comprehensive explanation. In addition, tables and diagrams are given when necessary. Finally, if the user gets stuck at any point typing <F1> gives a help screen.

D’Bridge includes a built-in nodelist compiler, areafix clone, and message editor, as well as fax support.

Chris Irwin, Mosaic Press, 358 Oliver Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45215, (800)932-4044. An evaluation copy is available for FREQ at 1:1/168 as DBRIDGE.

Front Door v2.02                                                  
Free for Non-Commercial Usage
                                                                                      
$295 for Enhanced Version (commercial usage)
                                                                                      
$179 for Enhanced Version (hobbyists)

FrontDoor includes a mailer, nodelist compiler, and editor all in one package.  While remote maintenance is also possible under D’Bridge and Binkleyterm, FrontDoor’s remote maintenance option is more powerful and easier to use. Front Door also includes a flexible scripting language. 

FrontDoor’s interface is also a great improvement over most mailers. Front Door uses a menu-driven system, removing much of the complexity. 

Online Communications, Inc. 22 State Street, Bangor, Maine  04401, Fidonet 1:132/300, BBS (207)-990-3511, Voice(207)-941-1110. The vanilla (hobbyist) version of FrontDoor is available by File Request from the FidoNet Software Distribution System as FD202.ARJ. The  enhanced edition includes a printed manual, the TosScan echomail processor, custom video support, enhanced security, and other features.  

Squish v1.01                                                          
Free

Squish is the most powerful echomail processor available. Features include complete zone/point support, pass-thru areas, kludged domain support, .MSG and Squish message format support, and accounting support (useful for Echo coordinators looking to charge back costs to connecting nodes). 

Scott Dudley. Squish is available by FidoNet file request from SDS systems as SQSH_101.LZH. An OS/2 version is available over the Internet as SQSHP101.ZOO by FTP at luga.latrobe.edu.au.

X00 v1.23                                                                  
Free for non-commercial usage
                                                                                       
$100 contribution for commercial usage

X00 is a FOSSIL driver, interfacing between a mailer (such as Binkleyterm or Front Door) and the communication port. X00 runs on a wide variety of hardware, letting machines without standard hardware run FOSSIL compliant software. 

Raymond L. Gwinn, 12469 Cavalier Drive, Woodbridge, VA  22192. X00 is available over the Internet via FTP as X00V123.ZIP from system  swdsrv.edvz.univie.ac.at in directory /pc/dos/fossil.

Xlaxnode v2.53
                                                    $15

Xlaxnode is a nodelist compiler that will compile a variety of nodelist formats (including Version6, Version7, and SEADog). Its also has flexible and powerful dial and cost entry commands, and supports PCPursuit. 

Scott Samet, 1:135/990, (305)595-8833. A crippled version is available by File Request from the FidoNet SDS as XLAX_253.LZH; to full enable the software, you will need to obtain a key from the author. 

Sysnl v3.14
                                                              Free

Sysnl doesn’t offer as many features as Xlaxnode but it’s free. In addition, it works perfectly and is extremely fast.

Luke Kolin and Jim Nikolich, 1:250/714, (416)483-0566. Sysnl is available by File Request from the FidoNet SDS as SYSNL314.ZIP.

Tick v2.10
                                                                Free

Tick allows files to be sent to other BBSes and added to their file libraries automatically. Tick supports a variety of security measures so that unauthorized systems cannot spread files throughout the network. 

Barry Geller, 1:266/12, (609)482-8604. Tick is available from by File Request from the FidoNet SDS or over the Internet by FTP to zeus.ieee.org as TICK210.ARJ. An OS/2 version is available as TICKP210.ZOO by FTP to luga.latrobe.edu.au.

Areafix v1.30
                                                        Free

Areafix allows systems to add and remove echomail links from a host’s machine without the host having to manually change his or her control file. Areafix works with a variety of formats, including Qmail, QuickBBS, and oMMM. Systems can be assigned security levels and flags restricting the echomail areas to which they have access. Areafix can also be set-up to forward requests, create new echos upon request, and return a list of echos available.

Greg Dawson, 1:270/101, (717)657-7097 and George Peace, 1:1/1. Areafix is available as AF_130.LZH by File Request from the FidoNet Software Distribution System or by FTP on the Internet from zeus.ieee.org. An OS/2 version is available as AFP_120.ZOO by FTP at luga.latrobe.edu.au.

UFGATE v1.03
                                                      Free for Non-Commercial Usage
                                                                                       
$195 for Commercial Usage

UFGATE is a group of programs that allows a system to gate between Fidonet and UUCP/Usenet mail and echomail (newsgroups). The software is complex to set-up and is not upgraded that often, but is reliable and does its job.

Late Night Software Co., 671 28th Street, San Francisco, CA 94131. UFGATE is available from the SDS or zeus.ieee.org as UFG_103.ARC. 

Mac FidoNet utilities

Tabby v3.0
                                                              $80

Tabby is a program which allows BBSes such as WWIV, Mansion, Second Sight and Hermes to connect to the FidoNet. When version 3.0 is released (its been “just around the corner” for a while now), it will support ZMODEM transfer (ZEDZAP) and files echoing. These features, in addition to built-in GroupMail support, promise to make Tabby  a world-class mailer. In the three years that it has been out, Tabby has developed a cult following among Macintosh sysops. 

Michael Connick, M.E. Connick and Company, P.O. Box 307, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720;(908)988-0706 (Castle Tabby BBS, 1200/2400/9600 HST, FidoNet 1:107/412)

COUNTERPoint
 v2.0                                        $45

COUNTERPoint v2.0 is a combination point mail/message reader. Since it does not include a FidoNet protocol engine, you must also purchase MacWoof, Tabby, or Copernicus to go along with it, if you want to use it as a point. However, you can also use it as a QWK message reader, in which case a FidoNet engine is not needed. 

Mike Lininger, Lininger Technology, 385 Bowling Green Place, Gahanna, Ohio  43230

AutoNodes
                                                              $10

Autonodes is an automatic Nodelist compiler for Tabby. It will unARC incoming Nodediff’s, create a new Nodelist, and compile the Tabby nodes file, all unattended. It is available either on floppy disk, or as a File Attachment. 

Chriss Koch, 5325 Red Sky Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80915; Scorpion BBS: (719)637-1458, 12/24/9600 HST; email: 1:128/46. 

Areafix for Mac/FF
                                           $25

Areafix for Mac allows systems to automatically add or remove links to Tabby systems. Although not as sophisticated as it’s DOS cousin, it still gets the job done.

FF is a program which forwards Private Messages that are sent to Second Sight/Tabby systems.

Mac Wizards, 718 East Campbell Ave, Gilbert, AZ 85234. (602)553-8966.

MacTick                                                                     $35

MacTick is a Tabby add-on that allows Tabby systems to send and receive .TIC files, the same format that is used by the DOS version of Tick.

Mac Wizards, 718 East Campbell Ave, Gilbert, AZ  85234; (602)553-8966.

Zip Extract
                                                             Shareware, $7 (registration only)
                                                                                       
$10 for registration  and a mailed copy

Zip Extract is a Tabby (and Copernicus) add-on that decompresses ZIPmail archives and then allows Tabby (or Copernicus) to process the packets. 

Massimo Senna, via Calchi , 527100 PAVIA ITALY; email: Fidonet 2:331/313, 
71531.32@compuserve.com, msenna@bix.com. 

Darwin                                                                     
Shareware, $5

Darwin is an origin line customizer that works with Copernicus,COUNTERPoint, and Tabby.

Michael S. Taylor,  6101 Tullis Blvd., Apt. 161, New Orleans, LA  70131. Darwin can be FREQed from 1:396/69 as DARWIN.SIT or downloaded from (504)394-3498 on the first call.