Boldly Go Collection

home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search

/ Boldly Go Collection / version40.iso / TS / 05B / MBBS12D.ZIP / MACROBBS.DOC < prev next >

Wrap

Text File | 1992-06-23 | 51.1 KB | 1,442 lines

W E L C O M E T 0 //// //// ////// ////// ////// tm // // // // /// ///// //// ////// // // // // // // /// // // // // // // // // // /// // /// ////// // // ///// // //// // // // // // // // // // // // ///// // // ////// ////// ////// ////// ================== NacroBBS - a full- Version 1.2d function Shareware BBS for use with {COMMO} -- a fine telecommunications June 22, 1992 package by Fred P. Brucker -- V5.1 or higher. ================== by Jeff Oberlee 2827 Harwick, Apt 7 Lansing, Michigan 48917 BBS: (517) 323-3405 Host mode embryo by Shad Muegge (C) Copyright 1992 by Jeff Oberlee - All Rights Reserved MacroBBS Page 1 Table of Contents ----------------- Shareware Notice ....................................... 2 Introduction ............................................ 3 Hardware/software requirements .......................... 4 First-Time Setup ........................................ 4 Booting MacroBBS .................................... 5 I. OFF-LINE Off-line Wait Screen ............................... 7 Special Functions Menu ............................. 10 II. ON-LINE Log-on ............................................... 11 New Caller Welcome ................................... 11 Main Menu ............................................ 13 Message Base Menu .................................... 15 Read menu ................................ 15 Sysop menu ................................ 15 File Base Menu ................................... 17 The Hall of Fame ..................................... 18 On-line Sysop Menu ................................... 19 Chat Mode ............................................ 20 "In the Unlikely Event of a Crash" (trouble-shooting) 21 III. NOTES ASCII/ANSI screens .................................... 22 Access Levels ......................................... 21 E-mail ................................................ 23 QuotED ................................................ 23 Acknowledgements .......................................... 23 MacroBBS Page 2 SHAREWARE NOTICE ---------------- MacroBBS's associated macro files and documentation are the property of the author and may not be sold but may be freely distributed -- provided that the MACROBBS files/archive are unaltered and remain as a unit -- via elec- tronic Bulletin Board Systems. The author does not guarantee this program to be free from defects and will not be held responsible for any loss caused by use or misuse of this product. Your use of this product constitutes your acceptance of these terms. ======================================== The macro files included in this package represent MONTHS of program and development time. All I ask is: If you like MacroBBS and use it, please register your copy by sending a donation of $5-$10. I figure there are LOTS of people like myself who, if they enjoy a program, will send a donation. Perhaps there are some who appreciate being trusted (as I do). That's why unregistered copies of MacroBBS are not crippled in any way. USE MacroBBS for a while, give it a thorough testing, but most of all ... ENJOY! I hope you, a {COMMO} user like myself, find MacroBBS easy and fun to use. Please feel free to send comments, questions, suggestions, and/or donations to me at the address below. Sincerely, Jeff Oberlee 2827 Harwick, Apt 7 Lansing, Michigan 48917 BBS: (517) 323-3405 {COMMO} is a trademark of Fred P. Brucker "DOS" is a reference to MS-DOS, a trademark of MicroSoft Corp. DSZ.COM is a product of Omen Technology, Inc. MacroBBS is a trademark of Jeff Oberlee. QuotED is a trademark of Dennis Boone. Other shareware products mentioned herein are trademarks of their authors. (C) Copyright 1992 by Jeff Oberlee - All Rights Reserved MacroBBS Page 3 INTRODUCTION ------------ WELCOME to MacroBBS! -- a program written in {COMMO}'s built-in macro language. MacroBBS allows you to set-up your computer system to receive modem calls from other computer systems, provided that you are successfully telecommunicating with {COMMO}. Once MacroBBS detects an incoming call and the connection is made, the remote Caller logs-on to your system, supplying a name and password. The Caller has several options from the Main Menu, including direct access to DOS (if DOORWAY.EXE is installed), E-mail, public message exchange, and upload/download file transfer, among many other options. Although MacroBBS is but a set of {COMMO} macro files, it is a highly functional BBS package having many useful features, such as: * Access Levels (AL) Each person can have a different Access Level (0-999). MacroBBS uses this variable for security. Example: Anyone with an access level of 10 cannot "see" (access) a message or file area having an Access Level of 20. A Caller would need an Access Level of 20 or higher in this case. Access Levels are issued BY YOU, the System Operator (SysOp). * Multiple message areas Post, reply, edit, quote, move, delete, and a maximum line input that YOU define. Each area can have its own Access Level (0-999) and maximum number of messages allowed before auto-deletion of excess messages takes place. * Multiple file areas Upload and Download using the protocol driver of your choice, or simply use XMODEM and take advantage of {COMMO}'s built-in xmodem protocols. An automated LOCAL UPLOAD routine allows the sysop to "fill" the file areas with ease. Each file area can have its own Access Level (0-999). * Full-function OFF-LINE WAIT SCREEN. Add, Edit or delete message areas, file areas and user files. Read e-mail, send e-mail, edit any external file viewable by {COMMO}'s built-in ASCII editor, shell to DOS, and more. * ON-LINE SYSOP MENU accessible by pressing the ESCape key. Use this menu to edit the on-line Caller's handle or Access Level, to answer a chat request, to shell to DOS, or to reset the BBS. * Daily, overall usage, and Caller logs are kept by MacroBBS for your reference. * The MacroBBS package Includes QuotED -- a ready-to-use quote generator by Dennis Boone, complete with an ASCII-editable sample quote file. * AND SO MUCH MORE! (C) Copyright 1992 by Jeff Oberlee - All Rights Reserved MacroBBS Page 4 HARDWARE/SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS ------------------------------ 1. You must successfully use {COMMO}, a fine telecommunications package by Fred P. Brucker (Version 5.1 or higher). If you successfully run {COMMO} on your computer, you can use MacroBBS. MacroBBS runs under {COMMO}'s guidance and utilizes a protocol driver such as DSZ.COM just as {COMMO} does -- for file transfer. Even though MacroBBS COULD be run from a floppy drive, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND USE OF A HARD DRIVE! The MESSAGE and FILE BASES will prove to be major space-takers as your BBS grows. 2. To "UNZIP" the MacroBBS archive, you must have PKUNZIP.EXE (by PKWARE, Inc.) at your disposal. 3. For REMOTE access to DOS (eg. if you call your BBS from a friend's system and want to access your DOS), install DOORWAY.EXE (by Marshall Dudley) in your {COMMO} disk directory. FIRST-TIME SETUP ---------------- Ok. This should be a cinch. If you got {COMMO} set-up, you can do this. IMPORTANT: If you are upgrading, refer to the file "UPGRADE.DOC". --> 1. MAKE SURE to place MBBSxx.ZIP in your {COMMO} disk directory. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ --> 2. At the DOS prompt (eg. C:\COMMO>_ ) type: PKUNZIP MBBSxx <press ENTER> (xx = version number) ...to unzip the MacroBBS files. --> 3. Next, type: MACROBBS <press ENTER> ...to run the setup batch file. This file will create six subdirectories under your {COMMO} directory: \COMMO\ MACROBBS . to contain the ANSI/ASCII files, logs, and misc; CALLERS .. to contain the membership records; MSGS ..... to contain Message Area info files & E-mail; MSGS\A1 .. to contain messages (sample Message Area 1); FILES .... to contain File Area info files; FILES\F1 . to contain files for download (sample File Area 1). Several files are then copied to these directories. MacroBBS Page 5 --> 4. Next, type: PKUNZIP QUOTED <press ENTER> ...to unzip the QuotED files, if you would like MacroBBS to display a quote at log-on. --> 5. Next, type: MBCFG <press ENTER> ...to run the MacroBBS configuration routine. Answer all ques- tions as best you can. Default text is provided, but you may want to change a few things such as BBS name, Sysop name, etc. IMPORTANT NOTE: The MODEM INIT STRING is very important to MacroBBS's operation. Your modem MUST be told (initialized) to return ENGLISH result codes, Note the following sample modem init string: AT E0 H0 M0 Q0 V1 X4 │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ Uses the FULL set of result codes │ │ │ │ returns Verbal (English) result codes │ │ │ turns result codes ON │ │ turns modem speaker off │ puts modem ON Hook turns Echo off Whatever you choose as a modem init string, be SURE to turn ON result codes with Q0, choose ENGLISH result codes (rather than numeric) with V1, and choose the FULL set of result codes with X4. For more information, please refer to your modem manual. This note assumes HAYES compatibility. --> 6. If you want to access DOS remotely, make sure DOORWAY.EXE is in your {COMMO} directory. MacroBBS is already set-up to use it, if installed. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ------> NOTE TO ALL SYSOPS RUNNING MACROBBS FOR THE FIRST TIME <------ * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * "SYSOP" is already a member of your BBS. SYSOP was created to ensure * * that YOU, the sysop, get position number one on the BBS. This is neces- * * sary for several reasons, most dealing with private e-mail. First, log- * * on locally by choosing option 1 from the OFF-LINE WAIT SCREEN. At the * * LOGIN: prompt, enter "Sysop" or "1". Then, at the PASSWORD: prompt, * * enter "PASS". MAKE SURE TO CHANGE YOUR PASSWORD! Choose option "Y" * * (Your Data) from the MAIN MENU to change it. Next, press ESCape to * * pop-up the ON-LINE SYSOP MENU. Type the letter "U" then press <ENTER> * * to edit your account. Since YOU are on-line, YOUR current handle is dis- * * played. Use the BACKSPACE key to erase "SYSOP" then enter the handle you * * wish to use (as you did in the config section). MAKE SURE to give your- * * self an adequate AL (Access Level). I recommend 999, as that is the * * highest possible AL. When the new info is saved, press ESCape again to * * return to the BBS. You're all set! Next time you log-on, use the new * * info at the LOGIN: and PASSWORD: prompts. Have FUN! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * MacroBBS Page 6 Booting MacroBBS ---------------- - From DOS (your {COMMO} disk directory), type: BBS <press ENTER> - From DOS (ANY directory): If C:\COMMO is not in your PATH (consult your DOS manual for more info), copy the file BBS.BAT to your root (\) directory. Then edit C:\BBS.BAT to look like this: @CLS @CD \COMMO @COMMO /iN /mMACROBBS.MAC /:BBS Then you should be able to run MacroBBS from anywhere in DOS by typing "BBS". Example: C:\WHEREVER>_ (Type: BBS <press ENTER>) - From within {COMMO}: Rather than exiting {COMMO} to run BBS.BAT that will just re-load {COMMO} (to run MacroBBS), you can easily program a {COMMO} key sequence to automatically boot MacroBBS. The example below uses the key sequence ALT-V: {:ALV} {MACL macrobbs.mac,bbs} {} If you add the above line (typed exactly as shown) to your {COMMO} macro file (ALT-M from {COMMO}'s terminal screen), pressing ALT-V (from the terminal screen) will boot MacroBBS. MacroBBS Page 7 I ******** OFF-LINE ********** OFF-LINE WAIT SCREEN -------------------- /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/ ###### BBS's name here ###################################################### +--------------------------------++- // // /// /// /// /// tm ------------+ | MacroBBS: OFF-LINE || / / / /-/ / /_ / / / Version xx | |--------------------------------|| / / / / /// / / /// by Jeff Oberlee | | OPTIONS LOGS |+--------- B B S -------------------------+ | 1. Log-on (local) C - Calls |+-----------------------------------------+ | 2. See Scrollback U - Usage || Embryo ____ by Shad Muegge | | 3. Text Edit Menu MISC || ---------|\/ o \------------------ | | 4. FileXfer Areas D - DOS || ____| ,__| Association of | | 5. Message Areas I - Init || / o \/|____/ Babble Fish | | 6. Caller Records S - Sysop || |__, |____ Programmers | | Q - Quit || \____|\/ o \ | +--------------------------------+| | ,__| MEMBER | +--------------------------------+| ---------|/\____/------------------ | | Command: _ || | +--------------------------------++-----------------------------------------+ Last Caller: Sysop #1 Sysop Mail : 1 Last Date : 04/30/92 ____ Pub Posted : 0 Logon Time : no calls |\/ o \ Pvt Mailed : 0 Logoff Time: yet today | ,__| Calls Today: 0 |/\____/ Total Calls: 100 Mins Active: 0 System Time: 4:26 pm Waiting for a Call Date: 03/30/92 (Mon) /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/ 1. Log-on (local) Use this option to log-on to MacroBBS locally. 2. See Scrollback Depending on the size of the {COMMO} scrollback buffer, which you set in {COMMO}'s setup file (ALT-G from {COMMO}'s terminal screen), the scrollback buffer can serve as an actual "you-are-there" log. Say, for example, I call your BBS when you're not home. You can view any of the other logs to see basically what I did, but the scrollback buffer will show you the exact screens (minus the color) that *I* saw. It's the most detailed log you could possibly want. However, it IS limited to a maximum of 64k. If your computer has enough free memory, set the scrollback buffer size to 64k. 3. Text Edit Menu After successfully entering the system password, a window will open behind the OPTIONS menu. The following options are available: MacroBBS Page 8 - Edit log-on NOTICES: Create/edit the NOTICES.DAT file displayed at log-on. - Edit a file list: Edit the ASCII list of available files for the file area you specify by number. - Edit any ASCII file: You will be prompted for a pathname. Enter the path of the file you wish to edit (eg. C:\COMMO\MACROBBS\callers.all) and press ENTER. 4. FileXfer Areas Add, Edit, or Delete a file area. After successfully entering the system password, a window will open behind the "Babblefish tank." Just follow the menu options to Add a file area, Edit an existing file area, or Delete an existing file area. When adding a file area, note that you are prompted to provide a name and Access Level (AL). Name the area in accordance with what kind of files it will contain, then give it an AL. All Callers with an AL equal to or greater than the AL you set for any given area will have access to that area. Callers with an AL less than the AL you specify for any given area will NOT have access to that area. It will be invisible to them. 5. Message Areas Add, Edit, or Delete a message area. After successfully entering the system password, a window will open behind the "Babblefish tank." Just follow the menu options to Add a message area, Edit an existing message area, or Delete an existing message area. When adding a message area, note that you are prompted to provide a name, MAX msg #, and Access Level. First, name the area in accordance with the kind of messages you would like it to contain (eg. Jokes). Then, choose a MAXimum number of messages for the area. One Hundred (100) is a nice, round MAX msg #, but feel free to experiment. A MAX msg # of 100 would allow 100 messages to build-up. Then, when message #101 is posted, message #1 is deleted, thus maintaining the 100 message limit. Lastly, give the area an AL. All Callers with an AL equal to or greater than the AL you set for any given area will have access to that area. Callers with an AL less than the AL you specify for any given area will NOT have access to that area. It will be invisible to them. * WARNING! If you EDIT a message area that contains, say, 45 messages and you change the MAX msg # to 30, the next time a message is posted in that area, message #1 through #15 will be deleted (45 - 30 = 15). MacroBBS "trims" the area when you specify a lower MAX msg # than the number of messages the area already contains. 6. Caller Records Add, Edit, or Delete Caller records. After successfully entering the system password, a window will open behind the "Babblefish tank." Just follow the menu options to Add a Caller record, Edit an existing Caller record, or Delete an existing Caller record. When adding a Caller record, note that you are prompted to provide a Handle (the name the person will use on your BBS), a password (the word the Caller must enter to log-on to your BBS), and an Access Level. You will most likely NOT need to use the ADD CALLER function much, if at all. Callers are automatically added when they log-on to your system. MacroBBS Page 9 C. Caller Logs Two files may be viewed: CALLERS.ALL (the list of ALL calls to your BBS since day-one) or CALLERS.TDY (the list of all calls to your BBS since 12:00 am of the current day). U. Usage Logs Two files may be viewed: STATS.LOG (the data representation of daily system usage), or CHART.LOG (the graphic representation of daily system usage). Both logs are updated nightly. D. Shell to DOS Use this handy feature for quick access to DOS. I. Initialize the modem Sends the modem "init string" you specify in the MacroBBS configuration. S. Special Functions Menu After successfully entering the system password, you will be presented with the SPECIAL FUNCTIONS MENU (explained in detail below). Q. Quit Exits MacroBBS and returns you to {COMMO}'s terminal screen. (C) Copyright 1992 by Jeff Oberlee - All Rights Reserved MacroBBS Page 10 SPECIAL FUNCTIONS MENU ---------------------- Entering "S" at the OFF-LINE WAIT SCREEN will call the "system password" routine. Type the password you defined in the MacroBBS configuration and press ENTER. If you typed the password correctly, you will be presented with the Special Functions Menu: /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ 1. Read SYSOP mail 5. Edit a letter 2. Read another's mail 6. System logs 3. Send e-mail to ... 7. List Members 4. Mail count 8. Re-config MacroBBS Which? (1-8, ENTER=quit) : _ \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/ Option description: 1. Read SYSOP mail: Read and reply to your mail. 2. Read another's mail: It's not nice to snoop, but it IS nice to have the option. :) 3. Send e-mail to ... : Send e-mail to the Caller you specify by Handle or ID#. 4. Mail count: Count the number of e-mail letters the specified Caller has waiting in his/her "E-mailbox." 5. Edit a letter: Uses {COMMO}'s built-in editor to edit any e-mail letter on the system. 6. System logs: This option lets you view the activity logs kept by MacroBBS. Enter a number "1" (the log for the current day) through "7" (the log for a week ago today, if it exists). 7. List Members: Displays the membership list. 8. Re-config MacroBBS: Use this to make any changes to the system configuration. This is the same routine you use(d) when setting-up MacroBBS for the first time. (C) Copyright 1992 by Jeff Oberlee - All Rights Reserved MacroBBS Page 11 II ******* ON-LINE ********** LOGON ----- What the person calling your BBS sees, or what YOU see when you choose option 1 (log-on locally) from the OFF-LINE WAIT SCREEN.... After answering the ANSI (Y,n) prompt, the welcome screen is displayed: /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ W E L C O M E T O +- // // /// /// /// /// tm ------------+ | / / / /-/ / /_ / / / | | / / / / /// / / /// by Jeff Oberlee | +--------- B B S -------------------------+ 1st-time callers to this system, enter "NEW" Otherwise, please enter your handle or ID#. Login: _ /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ When logging-on for the first time, all Callers must enter NEW. Persons who have already signed-up with your system must enter their handle or Caller ID number. (C) Copyright 1992 by Jeff Oberlee - All Rights Reserved MacroBBS Page 12 NEW CALLER WELCOME ------------------ Upon entering NEW at the LOGIN: prompt, the NEW CALLER WELCOME screen is displayed: /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ / / /// / /// /// // // /// / / / /- / / / / / / / /- // // /// /// /// /// / / /// Welcome aboard! This BBS program is a macro file written in the {COMMO} macro language -- just a bunch of macros, all working together inside a terminal program called {COMMO}. This is NOT a stand-alone BBS, but it DOES have several neat features that rival commercial software. Your Access Level right now is 0. You can't post/reply or UL/DL...until you're validated. Try to (C)hat or leave me a note at logoff and I'll do my best to get you validated ASAP. Talk to ya soon! Da Sysop (#1) Enter your name or handle: _ /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ The Caller is prompted to enter a handle. MacroBBS then checks to be sure the handle isn't already being used and, if all is well, MacroBBS asks for a password. The Caller then provides a word that he/she must remember and must supply each time he/she logs-on to your system. /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ Checking... OK Choose a password. You will need it each time you log-on. Password: _ /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ Next, the Caller must choose a default protocol for file transfer... /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ +---------------------------------------------------+ | ############ File Transfer Protocols ############ 3 +---------------------------------------------------+ [Z] Zmodem [Y] Ymodem [X] Xmodem csum [K] Xmodem-1k (When in doubt, choose 'Z'... You can always change it later, if needed.) Protocol: _ /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ MacroBBS Page 13 The Caller's information is then saved to disk and he/she is asked to relog-on to verify the new information... /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ Your Caller ID# is 11 Saving your information... Please re-enter your name and password for verification. Login: George Password: **** /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ MAIN MENU --------- This is the MAIN MENU of options available to a Caller: /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ | George #11 AL=100 2400 2 mins +---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Main Menu [M] Message Base [R] Read E-mail [V] Version/BBS [T] Time On-line [F] File Base [C] Chat [Y] Your Data [G] Goodbye ^ [H] Hall of Fame [S] Send E-mail [I] Intromsg [L] List Members [A] ANSI Toggle [X] Xpert Toggle [*] Quick log-off (from all menus) ^^ -----> [D] DOS Main Menu 4:28 pm Mins Left: 58 MM Command: _ \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ ^ ---> The Caller must have an Access Level of 1 (or higher) or this line will not be displayed and the options will be disabled. ^^ ---> The Caller must have an Access Level equal to or greater than the [D]OS DOORWAY Access Level you specify in the MacroBBS configuration, or this line will not be displayed and the option will be disabled. Option description: [A] ANSI toggle: Toggles between straight ASCII and ANSI color modes. [C] Chat: Allows the ON-LINE Caller to request chat (with you). [/D] DOS door: Drop to DOS. Callers must have an Access Level of 100 or higher to access this option. LOCAL mode uses SHELL; REMOTE mode utilizes DOORWAY.EXE, if available. (See "SETUP") MacroBBS Page 14 [F] File Base: Go to the FILE AREA menu. (See "File Base Menu") [G] Goodbye: Callers choose this option to log-off (hang-up). [H] Hall of Fame: Go to the HALL OF FAME menu. Callers must have an Access Level of 1 or higher. (See "Hall of Fame") [I] Intromsg: Display/edit the introductory message (Intromsg) that is displayed when a Caller logs-on. Callers must have an Access Level of 1 or higher to alter it. [L] List Members: Displays the membership list. [M] Go to the MESSAGE BASE menu. (See "Message Base Menu") [R] Read E-mail: Read any private E-mail in your mailbox. [S] Send E-mail: Send e-mail to anyone on the system. Callers must have an Access Level of 1 or higher to access this option. [T] Time Online: Displays the number of minutes spent on-line for the current call. [V] Displays the version of MacroBBS you are using. [Y] Your System Data: Displays a small menu that lets the Caller change his/her password and/or default protocol. [X] Xpert Toggle: Toggles between full menus and no menus (prompts only). (C) Copyright 1992 by Jeff Oberlee - All Rights Reserved MacroBBS Page 15 MESSAGE BASE MENU ----------------- The Message Base is my personal favorite. I spent a lot of time devel- oping this routine and have big plans for its improvement in the next release of MacroBBS. Keep an eye out for this one! /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ | George #11 AL=100 2400 14 mins +---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------+ | ################## Message Base ################# | +---------------------------------------------------+ [<] Reverse [A] Area List [>] Forward [P] Post in this area [R] ReviewScan [F] File Base [N] NewScan ALL areas [C] Chat [H] Hall of Fame [T] NewScan THIS area [X] Xpert Toggle [Q] MAIN MENU Enter a command or message number. Message Base [Bulletins] 4:40 pm Msg(s): 1-17 Last read: 15 Mins Left: 46 MB Command: _ /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ Option description: [A] Area List: Displays a list of available Message Areas. Only the areas the Caller has access to will be displAyed (determined by the Caller's Access Level and the Message Areas' Access Levels). [C] Chat: Allows the ON-LINE Caller to request chat (with you). [F] File Base: Go to the File Base. [H] Hall of Fame: Go to the Hall of Fame. [N] NewScan ALL areas: Displays messages with respect to the Caller's "last read" message pointers for each message area he/she has access to. This will continue until all areas have been scanned. To abort this scan, select option "Q" (Quit) from the READ menu. [P] Post in this area: Post a public message in the current area. Callers must have an Access Level of 1 or higher to post a message. NOTE: The name of the current area appears in square brackets next to the time. (See above diagram.) [Q] MAIN MENU: Go to the Main Menu. [R] ReviewScan (brief): Display a list of message headers. MacroBBS Page 16 [T] NewScan THIS area: Displays messages with respect to the Caller's "last read" message pointer. If message 2 was the last read message, display would begin at message 3 and continue to the last message in the current area. To abort this scan, select option "Q" (Quit) from the READ MENU. [X] Xpert Toggle: Toggles between full menus and no menus (prompts only). [>] Forward: Jump forward one area. [<] Reverse: Jump back one area. READ MENU --------- After a message is displayed, the READ MENU is displayed: /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ Read Menu: Reply, Prev, Again, Next, Trace, Jump, Sysop or Quit? _ /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ Option description: [A] Again: Re-displays the current message. [J] Jump: Jumps to the specified message number, if it exists. [N] Next: Displays the Next message in the current area, if it exists. [P] Prev: Displays the Previous message in the current area, [Q] Quit: Aborts reading of messages/returns to the MESSAGE BASE MENU. [R] Reply: Reply to the current message. Callers must have an Access Level of 1 or higher to reply to a public message. [S] Sysop: This option is only visible and accessible to those with an Access Level equal tp or greater than the Access Level you specify in the MacroBBS configuration. [T] Trace: Auto-displays the message to which the current message is a reply. Allows continued trace-back until the origin message is reached. /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ Sysop Menu: Delete, Edit, Move or Quit? _ /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ Option description: [D] Delete: Delete the current messge. [E] Edit: Edit the current message. Local mode uses {COMMO}'s built-in editor; remote uses MacroBBS's editor. [M] Move: Move the current message to another message area. [Q] Quit: Exits back to the READ MENU. MacroBBS Page 17 FILE BASE MENU -------------- /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ | George #11 AL=100 2400 20 mins +---------------------------------------------------------------------------- +---------------------------------------------------+ | ################### File Base ################### | +---------------------------------------------------+ [<] Reverse [A] Area List [>] Forward [L] List this area's files [P] Protocol Menu [M] Message Base [U] UPLOAD (give) a file [C] Chat [H] Hall of Fame [D] DOWNLOAD (take) a file [X] Xpert Toggle [Q] MAIN MENU File Base [Miscellaneous Files] 4:46 pm Mins Left: 40 FB Command: _ /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ Option description: [A] Area List: Displays a list of available File Areas. Only the areas the Caller has access to will be displAyed (determined by the Caller's Access Level and the File Areas' Access Levels). [C] Chat: Allows the ON-LINE Caller to request chat (with you). [D] DOWNLOAD (take) a file: Allows Callers to take a copy of a file listed in a file area. [H] Hall of Fame: Go to the Hall of Fame. [L] List this area's files: Displays the list of all files in the current area. NOTE: The current area appears in square brackets next to the time. (See above diagram.) [M] Message Base: Go to the Message Base. [P] Protocol Menu: Go to the file transfer protocol selection menu. [Q] MAIN MENU: Go to the Main Menu. [U] UPLOAD (give) a file: Allows Callers to give files to your BBS [X] Xpert Toggle: Toggles between full menus and no menus (prompts only). [>] Forward: Jump forward one area. [<] Reverse: Jump back one area. MacroBBS Page 18 THE HALL OF FAME ---------------- This section of MacroBBS allows Callers to answer a set of questions you define in the file QUESTION.DAT. This feature serves to help your Callership get to know one another by allowing CALLER A to "look-up" CALLER B's entry, thereby learning something about him/her. Answering these questions may be entirely voluntary (but then, some Callers won't bother). Or you could make it a requirement for a Caller to do so before he/she receives higher access to your BBS (a Communist form of control, but hey; it's your BBS! :) The choice is yours. As it stands, the Hall of Fame is accessible only to Callers with an Access Level of 1 or higher. /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ | George #11 AL=100 2400 28 mins +---------------------------------------------------------------------------- +---------------------------------------------------+ | ########### H A L L O F F A M E ########### | +---------------------------------------------------+ [E] Enter your info [V] View an entry [M] Message Base [D] Display Your entry [C] Chat [F] File Base [U] Update your entry [X] Xpert Toggle [Q] MAIN MENU Hall of Fame 4:54 pm Mins Left: 32 HOF Command: _ /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ A sample QUESTION.DAT file has been included. Its straight ASCII format allows for easy editing. Each question requires TWO lines: 1: Maximum number of characters that can be used to answer the question (i.e. 15) 2: The question (or PROMPT) (i.e. Real Name) /\/\/\/\/\/\/\ 15 Real Name 20 Date of Birth . . . 50 Personal Note /\/\/\/\/\/\/\ You may have as many questions as you want, but the more you have, the longer it takes to display. I recommend using the sample QUESTION.DAT file as a guideline for both format AND length (number of questions). MacroBBS Page 19 ON-LINE SYSOP MENU ------------------ Press the ESCape key at any time to pop-up a window in the middle of the screen. Your location in MacroBBS determines what will appear in this window. Under normal circumstances, the ON-LINE SYSOP MENU will appear: /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ PRESS: [ENTER] to CHAT, [U]seredit, [D]OS, [H]angup >.............................................................. Press [Esc] to cancel /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ Option Description: [ENTER] to CHAT: Press ENTER to initiate CHAT MODE. This function is disabled when you access this menu from within CHAT MODE. [D]OS: Shell to DOS [H]angup (reset): Press the letter H to Hangup/reset MacroBBS. [U]seredit: Press the letter U to edit the ON-LINE Caller's system info (to change handle, raise/lower Access Level, etc.) You are prompted with the current data. Press ENTER to keep it and go to the next data field, or use the BACKSPACE key to erase the old data then type in the new data and press ENTER. Changes take effect immediately. Handle changes take the most time, as there are several system files that must be updated. BE PATIENT! This function is disabled when a system file is open. This will be the case when you "break-in" to chat while an external file is displaying. If you were to initiate CHAT MODE halfway through the display of a message (in the Message Base), that file will be left open and the [U]seredit option will be unavailable until the file is allowed to finish displaying. Press [Esc] to cancel: Press the ESCape key to exit the ON-LINE SYSOP MENU. * IMPORTANT: If you press ESCape and see this: /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ A macro is running. Terminate it? [y/N] /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ ...answer NO by pressing the letter N or by pressing ENTER. If you want to hangup/reset the BBS, press the letter Y (for YES). But be warned that an on-line Caller will be hung-up on and, under certain circumstances, the BBS will "crash" due to an open file that was not closed before resetting. Your best bet is to avoid this situation altogether by answering NO to the above prompt. (See "In the Unlikely Event of a Crash") MacroBBS Page 20 CHAT MODE --------- When a Caller wants to chat with you, he/she may page you by selecting option C from one of the menus. If you, for some reason, do not answer the chat request, the chat flag will be set for as long as the Caller remains on-line. "CHAT" appears on the upper-right status line to let you know of the chat request. To answer a chat request or to "break-in" at almost any time, press the ESCape key and then press ENTER. This will bump you and the on-line Caller into chat mode: /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ You've just entered . . . The Twilight Zone. Reality vanishes. (Type "bye!" on a blank line to return to the BBS when desired.) _ /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ Available commands: bye! - Exits CHAT MODE. bye!! - Terminates the call (hangs-up). /c - Displays a small number/color chart. Choose from 0 to 7. Color changes are only remembered for the duration of the current chat session. /scroll - Allows you to access {COMMO}'s scrollback buffer. * NOTE: You do not have to leave CHAT MODE to use the ON-LINE SYSOP MENU. Press the ESCape key to: 1) edit the current Caller's info (change handle, raise or lower Access Level, etc), 2) shell to DOS, or 3) hang-up (reset the BBS). Press ESCape again to return to CHAT MODE. - NOTE: The "ENTER to CHAT" option is disabled when you are already in CHAT MODE. Press ESCape again to exit the ON-LINE SYSOP MENU and return to CHAT MODE. All CHAT MODE commands must be entered on a blank line followed by a press of the ENTER key. /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/ bye! <press ENTER> You've just left . . . The Twilight Zone. Reality restored. /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/ (C) Copyright 1992 by Jeff Oberlee - All Rights Reserved MacroBBS Page 21 IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT OF A CRASH -------------------------------- Due to the limited nature of the {COMMO} macro language and MY limitations as a programmer therein, there are some circumstances under which a macro error will occur and MacroBBS will "crash." 1. A previously mentioned cause of a system crash is answering YES to the "A macro is running. Terminate it?"-prompt you may get when pressing ESCape. If you answer YES to this prompt, you may get a beep and a screen-full of macro language along with the notification that a macro error has occurred: "a file is already open," or possibly "a file is not open." If a macro error occurs: * press the ESCape key to clear the error, then press ESCape again to close the macro file. * Next, press ALT-U to reset MacroBBS. 2. Another problem will sometimes occur when a Caller hangs-up (drops carrier) at a time when MacroBBS cannot detect the loss. This may result in a "hang" -- the phone is off the hook with no one on-line. If it occurs at all, this condition will occasionally remedy itself (if MacroBBS does eventually detect the loss of carrier). But if the loss goes undetected, manual reset is necessary. If MacroBBS is "hanging": * press ESCape. You will be presented with either the ON-LINE SYSOP MENU or "A macro is running. Terminate it?" If you get the ON-LINE SYSOP MENU, hangup/reset MacroBBS by pressing the letter H and then press ENTER. Otherwise, answer YES to the "A macro is running..." prompt. MacroBBS SHOULD reset normally. If a macro error occurs, refer to the solution to problem #1 above. IF MACROBBS WON'T RUN ON YOUR SYSTEM: 1. Make sure the SETUP steps were properly followed. 2 . Make sure your {COMMO} dialing dir isn't too huge. {COMMO} macro files must SHARE 64k with the dial dir, and considering that MACROBBS.MAC is approximately 60k, your dial dir should not exceed 4k. If it does, try weeding-out unused numbers. (I had to. :) 3. Make sure the directories you specified in the MacroBBS configuration do indeed exist on your disk. (And make sure you're using the disk directory that contains your {COMMO} system files.} 4. If you still can't get it working, my BBS number is (517) 323-3405. I'll be glad to help if I can! (C) Copyright 1992 by Jeff Oberlee - All Rights Reserved MacroBBS Page 22 III ***** NOTES ********* * ASCII/ANSI screens The log-on, new caller welcome, and log-off screens are fully editable. I encourage everyone to personalize MacroBBS for themselves by designing a log-on and log-off screen. Use any of a number of ANSI editing programs, such as AnsiPaint or The Draw. LOGONA.MNU - ASCII (A) log-on welcome screen LOGONN.MNU - ANSI (N) log-on welcome screen LOGOFFA.MNU - ASCII (A) log-off screen LOGOFFN.MNU - ANSI (N) log-off screen NEWUSERA.MNU - ASCII (A) screen displayed to NEW Callers. NEWUSERN.MNU - ANSI (N) screen displayed to NEW Callers. These files are located in the "MACROBBS" subdirectory. * NOTE: Because MacroBBS uses the ASCII UPLOAD function to send the log-on and log-off screens over the modem, you may want to turn off the ASCII UPLOAD FINISHED ALARM (afa) in the "SOUNDS" section of {COMMO}'s set-up file (ALT-G from the terminal screen). The alarm causes a short delay at log-on that you may not want. To disable this alarm, find the ASCII UPLOAD FINISHED ALARM setting [afa=yes], then simply replace the YES with a NO. The setting should read: [afa=no] ... Then restart {COMMO} to initiate the change. The alarm will not sound after the log-on screen is displayed, if the change was made correctly. You MUST reboot {COMMO} or the change will not take effect. * Access Levels A NEW Caller starts with an Access Level of 0. The reason for this is clear enough. If someone calls your BBS with disaster in mind, an AL of 0 prevents them from being able to do damage. The only time this person would be allowed to WRITE to your disk is at log-off -- to leave you a note. If he/she had write access to your message or file base, the person could make a mess. Be somewhat careful who you give access to. Remember: - An AL of 1 is all that's needed to send e-mail to anyone, UL/DL, and access the Hall of Fame. The individual MESSAGE AREA and FILE AREA AL's will, of course, keep out those with insufficient AL's. - AL's may be edited on-line (see "ON-LINE SYSOP MENU") If you want to give or take away access, you can always do so by adjusting the person's AL. (C) Copyright 1992 by Jeff Oberlee - All Rights Reserved MacroBBS Page 23 * E-mail The E-mail system works much like the Message Base, with one exception: it's private. Only you (the Sysop) and the person an E-mail message is sent to can read that message. IMPORTANT: To avoid disk clutter, a Caller's mailbox is "cleaned-out" when he/she logs-off. Example: If a Caller logs-on to your system to find he/she has two E-mail letters in his/her E-mailbox, those two letters will be deleted at log-off whether or not they were read by the Caller. * QuotED (by Dennis Boone) QuotED is an all-purpose quote generating program that keeps track of the last-used quote in order to not repeat or avoid quotes (as "random" quote generators all-too-often do). QuoteED reads sequentially from the first quote to the last, then cycles back to the first. The included QUOTES.BBS file boasts a straight ASCII format and is therefore EASY to edit. Use your favorite ASCII editor to add, edit, and delete quotes as you see fit. For additional information, refer to the brief documentation file QUOTED.DOC. QuotED is a shareware program and may be used for other purposes, provided these purposes do not infringe upon the author's copyright. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ---------------- Extra SPECial thanks to my Dear friend, Mary "Funny Girl" Palmer, Sysop of THE ZOO - (517) 394-7429. Without her encouragement and "prodding," the MacroBBS would never have developed as it did. THANK YOU, DEAR! :) Special thanks also to my good friend, Kip, Sysop of THE KIPSTER DOME - (517) 351-0016. Without his faithful assistance in testing MacroBBS, I would surely be lost. Technical support: Dennis Boone - Author of QuotED David Ellis - Owner of Voyager Info Xchange Phone: (517) 485-7575 & Graham Newlove - Voyager Info Xchange Manager (C) Copyright 1992 by Jeff Oberlee - All Rights Reserved