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ShareWare OnLine 2
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ShareWare OnLine Volume 2 (CMS Software)(1993).iso
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BULLET1.ASC
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1993-01-18
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DEAR SYSOP:
I am a new user of Bulletin Board Systems - Why, when I
first log on, do you ask for name, address and phone number of
the users?
Signed,
Confused Communicator
Dear CC:
I can only speak for this board, but this information is
used only in case of severe operator confusion or system abuse.
If you are having considerable trouble using the board the Sysop
can call you (or write you a letter) and help you out. If the
Sysop of a board sees that someone is knowingly uploading
copyrighted files, or is leaving messages that are offensive to
other users he/she has the information available to take
appropriate action. It is possible that a Sysop may also compile
demographic statistics from this information. This information is
not made available to other users, and is not used for mailing
lists or dating services.
DEAR SYSOP:
I am constantly running out of time when I call the BBS. I read
all the messages, and then have to go back through them to
remember which ones I want to reply to. Then I make my replies,
and then look for files (there are so many of them....) to see
which one I need. Then there's the time spent downloading. I
sometimes check through the recent caller's list, reread the
messages, and so on. Then, before you know it, my time limit is
up! How do other people manage to stay within the time limit???
Signed,
Trying to Beat the Clock
Dear Clock Beater:
You are experiencing a problem frequently encountered by new
users, and one that is sometimes irritating to the more
experienced users. When using the BBS, you should do everything
possible to keep your access time down to 15 minutes or less.
You CAN get all your BBSing done in that amount of time, if you
are organized before you log on. Here are some helpful hints:
1) Use capture files. In QMODEM, after logging on to the
BBS, press CTRL-HOME. In TELIX, it's ALT-L. The system will
ask you for the filename to store your information. Type in a
name like BBSCAPT.NOT (for Bulletin Board Capture Notes). Then
"read" the messages by typing <N> which will list all the messages
posted since the last time you were on the system. Press <N> when
you're asked if you want to pause between messages. All of the
messages will list quickly and will be saved to a file. When you
are finished with your call, you can read and reread them at your
leisure using a public domain program called LIST.COM, or by loading
the file into your favorite text editing program.
2) Prepare replies off-line. You will find your messages will
say exactly what you want to say, if you take the time to prepare
and edit them on your word processor or text editing program. If
you use WORDSTAR, prepare your messages in the non-document mode.
If you use other word processing programs, look in your manual
under TEXT FILES or ASCII FILES to see how to make standard text
files - these will be compatible with the BBS. If you don't, the
messages will contain funny control characters that at best make
you look like a bad typist, and at worst, will do funny things
when they display (like showing a happy face in the middle of a
serious reply...)
Consult the documentation from your communications program about
how to upload a text file for a message - it usually is very easy
to do. Worst case, print the file and have it ready when you log
back on, and you will be able to spend your BBS time typing
instead of thinking.
Instead of 1) and 2), you can use the Quickpoint Mail eXpress system,
which allows you to download all messages to you, and all messages
in areas you select; read them at your liesure; and upload your
replies.
3) When looking for a particular program in the Files section,
use the Search options. Type in a string of characters that will
likely appear either in the TITLE or DESCRIPTION of the file you
desire. For example, if you are looking for a file to display
the Texas flag at your DOS prompt, you might use FLAG as your
search string. Not only will this make your work easier, it will
help to keep your call within the time limit.
If you just want to see what kind of files are available, you can
list all the files (remember your Capture is recording all the
information for you) and browse through them once you are off the
board. Or, you can download CAFILES.ZIP or 03840003.ZIP.
4) If you are planning on uploading or downloading a large file,
or several files, do so when it isn't BBS "prime time". Prime
time is usually after dinner weekdays (till about midnight) and
weekend afternoons and evenings. Try to download first thing in
the morning (you can do your situps while you wait) or while your
husband is cooking dinner right after work. If you find yourself
up in the middle of the night, you can count yourself among
the hard-core BBSers and download files then. Even if you aren't
especially efficient, nobody will care.
Just remember that in "prime time" others are waiting to use the
board....
DEAR SYSOP:
What in the world is an ARC file? Does it have to do with Noah?
Is it an ARCade game? Is it from people with bent minds? What's
a ZIP? Is it faster than an ARC? What's the scoop?
Signed,
Inquiring Minds Want to Know
Dear Inquiring:
A file with the extension or last name of ARC (or ZIP) is one
that contains a file or files that have been compressed to be
much smaller by an archiving program like PKPAK or PKZIP.
Why, you ask, would a person do such a thing to an innocent file?
Compressing serves several purposes. First, this compression
saves disk space (so there is room for more files). It keeps the
transfer time for uploading and downloading to a minimum,
(because the files are smaller). Also, several files can be
transferred together so that instructions for using programs, or
files needed to run a particular program can be sent with the
actual program file.
To be able to use an ARC'd or ZIP'd file, you must first download
the utility program that will bring the file(s) back a usable state.
PKPAK is available as PK361.EXE, while the latest version of PKZIP
is available as PKZ110.EXE (the number may change as new versions
are released). PAK and LHARC are other compression utilities
which create files with extensions of PAK and LZH, respectively.
Once you have downloaded one of these utilities, from DOS type in
the name of the program (PKZ110 or PK361), then press <return>.
It will "unarc" itself to its usable form, and give you documen-
tation to explain its use.
Once files have been "decompressed" you will be able to run them just
like any other program.
DEAR SYSOP:
How to I get access to the "hidden" file areas? You know, the ones
that contain all the really good stuff that's not supposed to be on
BBS's?
Signed,
Jolly Roger
Dear Roger:
You don't. We don't keep files like that on this BBS (or any other
respectable BBS), so don't even ask. Software piracy is a crime,
and we do not condone it. In fact, even leaving a message about
pirated software is enough to get you kicked off this BBS!
DEAR SYSOP:
I don't like the setup of your menus. I'm used to pressing <Y> to
Yell for the sysop, not <0> for Chat. Change it before I call back.
Signed,
Obnoxious
Dear Obnoxious:
I don't have to worry about it, because you won't be calling back.
In case you didn't know, this is MY BBS, running on several thousand
dollars worth of MY equipment, and taking plenty of my time and money.
When you log onto my BBS, you are visiting MY "house", so you play by
MY rules, or you don't play at all. I love to hear constructive
suggestions and even constructive criticisms, but the only thing you
can demand is to be locked out. Bye!