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----------------------------------------------------------------------- /\ ----------/ \--------------------------------------------------------- ---------/ \--------- 12 April 1992 - --------/ \-------- By C&R Systems - -------/ BBS \------- P.O. Box J - ------/ \------ Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17214 - -----< EXPRESS! >----- BBS: 717-765-8623 - ------\ /------ - -------\ ST /------- Copyright (c) 1987, 91, 92 - --------\ /-------- - ---------\ /--------- - ----------\ /--------------------------------------------------------- \/ B B S E X P R E S S ! S T Specifications, Features and Discussion X_SPECS.DOC ----------------------------------------------------------------------- I. INTRODUCTION: ----------------- 1. All references to Express in this document are referencing BBS Express! ST, marketed by C&R Systems. BBS Express! ST is copyrighted by C&R Systems, 1991, 1992. 2. BBS Express! St was originally written by Keith Ledbetter in 1986. Since that time it has been marketted by ICD Inc, T2 Ltd and now C&R Systems. Express is primarily written in OSS ICD Pascal. 3. Express has established its reliablity over the years, and we wish to maintain that reliability in the future as well as the continued Support for Express. 4. All specifications/features are subject to change. All specifications and features described in this document are accurate to the best of our knowledge. We cannot be held responsible for errors in this document or mis-interpretations. 5. This document was prepared to assist you in deciding which BBS software you wish to use. II GENERAL DESCRIPTION: ------------------------ 1. Express is a SINGLE line Bulletin Board System (BBS) designed for the Atari Line of computers. 2. It allows users to call the BBS and read or send mail/messages, upload or download files and access other applications which may be installed. Some of these applications may be networking systems, databases, and even online games. Some of these applications may be multifunctional (such as an online game which is networked with other BBS's or file transfer facilities which are networked) 3. It is a linear type system which can generally be divided into four major areas or functions: A. Message Bases and Electronic Mail. B. File Transfer Areas (or File Special Interest Groups). C. Main. D. Other areas. 4. Each of these areas will be discussed separately. III. EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS: ----------------------------- 1. CPU/RAM: A. Express has been run on a stock Atari ST, STfm, Mega, STE, Mega STe, and Atari TT030 with a wide combination of TOS versions and accelerator cards/software. We have not found any Atari ST series of computers which Express will not operate with. At least 380k of free memory from the Desktop is required. A little more RAM is desired. B. Because Express may access a large number of folders and files (depending on your system setup), you should be aware that Express like any other program, can result in the 40-Folder/Memory Pool problem. Different versions of TOS have different fixes or solutions. You should be aware, that operating ANY BBS on an Atari may result in these problems. By nature of the BBS being operated 24 hours per day, it places a greater demand on the system than just using an application for a few hours and then turning off the system. C&R BBS has operated 24 hours per day for over 25 months with two unexplained system lockup's. Other SysOp's have had better results and yet other's have not. C. Although Express will operate on a standard 520, you will be severely restricted in your use of auto programs and acc's. You will also be restricted in the use of third party programs/modules. We highly recommend a 1 meg machine. 2. HARD DRIVES: A. Express can be operated from floppies but you will be severely restricted in the number and size of message bases, as well as file transfer areas. We do not recommend attempting to run an entire BBS from floppy disks only, and will not support this feature in the future. You may use floppies for some files. B. A Hard Drive is highly recommended. How much space depends on your desired configuration. The actual BBS program is approximately 195k in size. It is not compressed or packed. Previous tests have shown that Express can be compressed or packed with the public domain and commercial programs for this purpose. There are about 375k of related support files and programs with the default minimum setup. Not all of these have to be placed on the hard drive, some of them are seldom used. A dedicated 2 megs of hard drive space is more than enough for the BBS with a few medium size message bases, excluding the files you maintain for downloading. But be warned, that once you begin operating a BBS, your hard drive requirements will probably increase as you add features. Some Express BBS's run on a 10 meg hard drive and some are in the 300 meg range. The decision is up to you. 3. MODEMS: A. Most modems are capable of being used. Modems from 300 to 14.4bps (actual connect rates, not effective throughputs) have effectively been used with Express. B. Let's face it, some modems are better than others, some set up easier than others, some have better documentation than others and new modems are constantly coming out. We can not possibly state that you will not have problems with modems. Some modems do require time in getting set up. Some modems never seem to work well over all conditions. We can advise you on which modems other SysOp's are using. With over 100 Express SysOp's, we feel we can at least point you in the proper direction. Modem setup seems to be the biggest problem with a lot of Express SysOp's 4. OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT: A. A Printer can be handy to print out text files, Caller Logs, user lists, databases and E-Mail or Messages. It is not required. And you can have your callers log sent to a printer or an ASCII Text file. Most SysOp's do not use a printer continuosly due to the noise. B. Express has a built in editor for messages and file descriptions as well as an editor which can be called from its Script language or from the SysOp Command Shell. You may also use just about any Text Editor which pleases you for editing everything other than messages. We HIGHLY recommend that you get a good ASCII Text Editor and learn to use it. There are some good public domain as well as good commercial ASCII type text editors. We almost feel that a good ASCII Text Editor is mandatory rather than optional. C. There are a vast variety of utilites available for the Atari. As a SysOp, you should be able to perform basic as well as advanced computer functions. Some functions such as copying and moving files, creating, deleting and moving folders and backing up your hard drive. Your use of other utilities can enhance your ability to run a BBS more effectively. 5. GOOD EQIPMENT: A. ALL of your equipment should be in good operating order. This may sound like a silly requirement, but we have seen SysOp's attempt to operate Express with known malfunctioning equipment. Express is a powerful application which is designed to operate 24 hours a day. Faulty power supplies, CPU's, hard drives and modems have caused more than one SysOp much grief. B. We have very little sympathy or ability to assist those who continue to use improperly operating equipment, or who fail to back up their systems periodically. ALL systems eventually fail... IV. Message Bases and Electronic Mail: --------------------------------------- 1. Express allows up to 31 public type message bases and one private E-Mail Base (Electronic Mail). 2. The message areas are grouped into one area where they are easily found by users. 3. Access to each base may be set by a security level for different users. You may choose up to 32 security levels for each of the following actions in the message area. READ, POST, EDIT, DELETE, PRINT (Print is designed for local use only). 4. The bases are predefined files which are created with up to 250 messages and up to 4000 bytes per message for each base. The minumum is 5 messages, 100 bytes per message. Each base is predefined in size by the SysOp when configuring the system. This will result in a message base file which may be less than 3000 bytes in total size (actually too small for practical use) to up to 1,032,500 bytes. A. The advantage of a predefined Message Base is faster search speeds. You can search by author, addressee, text in message body or even date. Predefined message bases have a small file count. Each base has two related files. Once created, the disk requirements do not change. If you have a base which requires 500k of disk space, it will always require 500k of disk space. Even if you have 1 message in the base or 250. It will not change in size, (grow without your knowledge or control). The use of only two files per base also relieves some of the operating system faults or slowdowns while trying to access many files. B. The main disadvantage is that changing base sizes becomes more difficult and the loss of one file through equipment failure can destroy an entire base. 5. E-Mail is intended for the sending of private mail to one user. Express also supports F-Mail or File Mail where you send an E-Mail to a user and attach one file to that message which they can download through normal file transfer protocols. A. F-Mail may be permanently enabled or disabled or it may be toggled through the creation of a simple file. This file can be created in the Script Language or by any other application which is capable of just creating a file. It may be done on virtually hundreds of criteria based on the SysOp's desire to create the script. This enables the SysOp to tailor the F-Mail needs for his purpose (Turn it off during certain times, prevent certain users or users with certain security levels from using F-Mail, etc). B. One file may be F-Mailed to as many users as you wish, but you do have to send an E-Mail to each user. 6. E-Mail and any message may be sent to a printer or sent to an ASCII text file. 7. Messages may be moved or copied to another public base. E-Mail may be moved or copied to any public base. (within size restrictions, you cannot send a 2000 byte message to a 500 byte size base). 8. The maximum number of messages which each user may post during each call is defined by the SysOp. This may be virtually any number and the user "Mask" may be used for this purpose. This allows you to limit some of the more verbose users from posting too many public messages. 9. Various parameters regarding the bases may be set by the user: A. A user may set their parameters to automatically show their E-Mail after logging on to the system. B. A user may set their parameters to automatically show all new messages in any of the message bases they have marked for QuickScan. C. Messages can be read non-stop (continuously). D. Parameters such as clear screen after each message or send form feed after each message may also be set by the user. 10. The commands shown in main menu of the message area may be set or changed by the SysOp, as well as the security level required to use each command. V. File Transfer Areas (or File Special Interest Groups): ---------------------------------------------------------- 1. Express supports X-modem, Xmodem-CRC, Xmodem-K, Y-modem, Z-modem Y-modem-batch and Z-modem-batch uploads and downloads. 2. The actual file transfers are handled with XYZ.TTP 2.01 by Alan Hamilton. 3. Express uses a files ratio system (rather than a bytes ratio). The SysOp establishes this ratio for each user either individually or by use of a "Mask" for certain user privledges. It, as well as many user parameters may be changed by the SysOp, locally or remotely. A. A lot could be said for other types of accounting of files and ratio's and some feel the bytes upload/download ratio is better than what Express uses. (1). We have run a variety of BBS's on different platforms. We find that with the file ratio system we get poor quality files by some users who wish to raise their available download limit. We also get the argument that a user uploads a small file and turns around and downloads a large file. (2). We have experienced the bytes upload/download ratio in the past. Instead of getting those small poor quality uploads, we have gotten large poor quality uploads. (3). Users will attempt a variety of tricks to defeat the upload/download ratios no matter which system is used. If this is a problem there are some basic possible solutions: (A). Your ratios may be unrealistic or the user may not have anything to upload. (In the beginning, you had no files yourself...) (B). Perhaps you don't want that user on your BBS anyway. B. When a BBS becomes a chore for users, they begin to call less often. Putting demanding requirements on them tends to take the enjoyment out of running or calling a BBS. 4. Up to 32 file SIG's may be defined. Each file SIG may have its own path and may reside on any drive partition. Each file has its own ASCII Text file description which can be edited while on the BBS or can be created/edited from any ASCII text editor. The on line editor is limited to a 500 byte description. Descriptions created with a text editor are unlimited in size. The number of files in the file SIG's is limited only to your media capacity. 5. Files may be hidden or validated from the console or remotely. All uploads to the SIG are invisible to the user until validated. 6. Archive contents (.LZH, .ARC and .ZIP) may be listed for contents. 7. Files and their descriptions may be easily moved or copied from any File SIG to any other File SIG while on-line locally or remotely. 8. Users may select which File SIGS are marked for Quickscan of all new files from their last visit, or they may scan for all new files since a specific date. 9. Files may be shown in a Browse mode (Full descriptions and data) or in a Catalog Mode (One line per file with a partial description). Files may be downloaded or marked for batch download from either mode. VI. Main: ---------- 1. Main is that area which the user is placed in after logging on to Express. Generally they then move to one of the other area's such as the File SIG's or Message Area's. They also send or receive E-Mail at Main. 2. All the commands shown in Main can be set or changed by the SysOp, as well as the security level required to use each command. You may define or change 26 commands shown in main with any single character or number. VII. Menu Screens and Prompts: ------------------------------- 1. All menus screens shown to the user may be altered by the SysOp. You may use the default Menu Screens provided with Express or you can create your own. 2. Menu screens can be as simple as an ASCII text file or as complex as a Full ANSI screen which also performs functions through the Script language or even executing an external program. There are a lot of possibilities for the SysOp who wishes to use these capabilities. 3. Five basic video translation modes are directly supported: A. ASCII (NO translation or format) B. Atari ST Monochrome (VT52) C. Atari ST Color (VT52) D. IBM Monochrome Characters (Non-color screen) E. IBM ANSI Color (EGA, VGA, etc.) 4. IGS Graphics is also used by some SysOp's. 5. The IBM ANSI Color translation and characters are limited by the Atari itself. A. If you can create a FULL IBM ANSI text file, it can be shown to the user by Express. We recommend the use of an IBM to create these screens. If you do not have one, we will create them for you (based on our time constraints). B. Do not be fooled into thinking that the Atari can show a FULL TRUE complex ANSI graphics screen as the user of IBM or PC Clone actually sees it. If you have seen them, then you know what I am talking about. If you have not, then perhaps you should attempt to locate a local user who can show you (hopefully they will be able to show you a good demo). 6. Over 260 of the Prompts shown to users are definable by the SysOp by the use of one file. A. 20 of the prompts are random phrases which are shown above the Command Line prompt in Main. The Random prompts may also be turned off. B. Each Prompt may be up to 132 characters, and system variables such as the users name, time used, time remaining, number of uploads, the date, time or even baud rate can be shown in these prompts. 7. Submenus are possible. (With certain limitations). The best example is the use of an Online Games Menu. The user for example may be taken from the Main Area, to an area which contains one or more menus to select an on-line game. VIII. User Editors: -------------------- 1. User Editors are used with Express to validate users, new users, change or assign their security levels and other permissions. 2. At the present time Express has four User Editors. A. Express has a built in User editor to allow you to validate new users or change existing users and most of their parameters. "Masks" are also supported. The mask allows you to assign pertnent information to a user record. This mask may be a predefined mask or the parameters of another user. The built in user editor may be used locally, while calling remotely, or even when a user is on line. B. Express also has the original off-line user editor. Which is used externally from the BBS. It has some additional features such as "Mass" security level changes and printer functions. C. Additionally, we have negotiated with two programmers who have created two additional off-line user editors which have a variety of features, such as printing selected user parameters to a printer or to an ASCII database. IX. Express Script Language: ----------------------------- 1. Express has its own built in Script language to perform tasks which you desire. You may also easily run external programs if Script does not have the power you desire. 2. We will not say much about our Script Language. There is too much to say... We, as well as many other SysOp's feel it is one of the best features of Express. It does have some shortcomings, and it can not do everything. But there have been several attempts to imitate it. 3. If you have any questions about what Script can or can not do, call any Express BBS or C&R BBS. X. SUPPORT: ----------- 1. Different people have different opinions on what support is. We will explain what we consider Support: A. C&R Systems maintains C&R BBS (717-765-8623) 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. You may connect at 300 to 14.k bps. We are using a US Robotics Dual Standard modem. This is a dedicated system. We do not do our programming on it, play games or anything else with it. It is used only for the BBS. B. C&R Systems maintains over 350 Express related support files which are available for download from their BBS (or they may be purchased on disks at a reasonable cost). C. We upgrade all the related sofware. We do not feel updating the BBS itself on a monthly basis is support. Many SysOp's have other things to do rather than install "buggy" sofware. We also feel that you should not be the "guinea pig" of our programming faults. We have Beta Testers which we subject to our programming errors. We have plans to continue upgrading Express. All these other Support Activities have prevented us from doing all we have planned. D. We have in addition to C&R BBS, four support BBS's. They each have their own expertise. E. We answer ALL E-mail, messages and mail which we receive. In addition to our System, we frequently monitor the Support BBS, the FIDO BBS Express Echo and LINK/ISIS mail. F. We attempt to assist Express SysOp's in any problems they may be encountering. G. We publish Express Times, the newsletter for Express SysOp's. There have been 12 issues published to date. Over 250,000 bytes of articles written by Express Sysop's for Express SysOp's. 2. SUPPORT IS NOT: We would like to incorporate every possible feature imaginable into Express. Unfortunately, this is not possible. There are limits, system limits as well as time limits. We consider every modification very carefully before incorporating it. We consider the needs and desires of the entire BBS Express! ST community, and the practicality of modifications. A. Dependability is our primary concern. We will not incorporate features which will produce bad side effects. Such as use of routines which will cause problems with various systems, increase memory requirements needlessly. Nor use external programs from other authors which we do not have permission to use. B. We generally do not make changes to an established program to suit the desires of one SysOp. We take surveys of what Express SysOp's would like to see. We like to support the majority of SysOp's. XI. MISCELLANEOUS: ------------------- 1. Express does operate with external mailers/network programs. These are third party programs. We do not specifically support them, but we do attempt to maintain compatibility. There are two which currently are actively used, FIDOnet and ISIS/LINK networking systems. 2. You can configure Express to allow handles, or not to allow handles. If you change your mind, it is easy to change. 3. The manual which comes with Express is 86 pages, 8.5 by 11 inch format. It is presently under revision and expected to be twice as large. 4. We do not going to make claims that Express is fully configurable, but would rather say that it is VERY configuarable. 5. We consider Express to be easy to set up, especially by those who have tried others. It does require a bit of work on your part. But one of the selling points has been its ease of operation for the SysOp, and more importantly, the user. 6. Express is NOT compatible with other BBS's, we have been copied in some respects, however we do not feel the need to copy others. Many of the other's External Applications and Games can be made to run with Express if the original program is properly documented with what files it needs. Express, as well as third party utilities have been written to assist the SysOp in running these programs. (We even have a Script file which allows you to run one of our competitor BBS's from Express!, and it has been done, but not very practical). 7. Chat mode includes word wrap which may be turned off during chat. ASCII as well as Atari VT-52 color and monochrome is incorporated. Additionally there are several third party modules which gice you a choice of alternate chat possibilities. The Sysop may enter chat while a user is online in virtually every area, to include while a user is writing a message or in the file area... XII: FINALE: ------------- 1. C&R Systems is a licensed registered sole proprietorship. We pay local, state and federal taxes as well as licensing fees. We are also a Registered Atari Developer. 2. We are not going to tell you that Express does this or that better than Brand X BBS. Express does have limitations and on the other hand it has a lot of features. Each SysOp or future SysOp has their own needs and desires. Some of the other BBS's may fill your needs more. If you have any specific questions, E-Mail them to the Sysop on C&R BBS, to Rich on any of the Support Boards, to Rich Sanchez on the BBS Express ST Fido Net, or to Node 14 of ISIS/LINK Network. Rich Sanchez C&R Systems ----------------------------------------------------------------------- +-----------------------------------------------+ | C&R BBS, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania | | 717-765-8623 Main Development BBS | | 300-14400 bps | |-----------------------------------------------| | Official BBS Support Boards: | |-----------------------------------------------| | ST Synchronicity, El Cerrito, California | | 510-526-6471 PCP "CAOAK" 9600 BPS | |-----------------------------------------------| | The Psychlo Empire, Dallas, Texas | | 214-251-1175 9600 BPS | |-----------------------------------------------| | Terrapin Station BBS, Darien, Connecticut | | 203-656-0134 9600 BPS | |-----------------------------------------------| | Assassins' Grove ST, Oshawa, Ontario Canada | | 416-571-6965 14.4 BPS | +-----------------------------------------------+ -----------------------------------------------------------------------