Alpha Software Electronic Bulletin Board Service (BBS)
The Alpha Software Bulletin Board Service is run using PC Board version 14.5 software. Below are instructions for navigating around the PC Board menu system. The menu choices are listed here in alphabetical order with an explanation of the menu choice and options available.
Communications Settings: 300, 1200, 2400 Baud; 8 Stop Bits; 1 Data Bit; No Parity
Telephone Number: (617) 229-2915 (24 hours a day)
Conferences are available on all current Alpha products.
The PC Board menu choices are as follows:
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(A)bandon Conference - Function Help
Subcommands: NONE
Description: Places you back in the main section of the board. If you are not in a conference, the main menu is re-displayed along with the main command line prompt.
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(B)ulletin Listings - Function Help
Subcommands: (#) (A) (D) (N) (R) (S) (NS)
(#) the bulletin number to view
(A) displays all of the bulletins
(D) immediately goes into download mode to send the bulletin
(N) displays a request bulletin only if it is new to the caller
(R) re-displays the Bulletin Menu choices
(S) scans the bulletins for text
(NS) displays request in non-stop mode
Description: Allows viewing Bulletins available.
Selecting Bulletins:
Numbers can be stacked such as "1 2 3" or "1;2;3". Typing "A" will select all of the bulletins for display. Combining "A" with "N" would display all new bulletins while combining "A" with "S" would search all bulletins and display only those bulletins containing the search text entered.
Reading Bulletins:
Typing "NS" selects Non-stop mode which avoid page breaks in the display. Typing "D" puts the system immediately into download mode to send the file using the default protocol.
Examples: 1 2 3 - displays bulletins 1, 2 and 3
2 N - displays bulletin 2 if, and only if, it is new
B A N - displays all new bulletins
B A N D - using a batch protocol sends all new bulletins
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(C)omment to Sysop - Function Help
Subcommands: NONE
Description: Allows leaving a private message or comment to the system operator.
See (E)nter a Message HELP file for information on how to actually enter and save your comment text.
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(D)ownload a File - Function Help
Subcommands:(filename 1) (filename 2) (filename 3) (protocol) (gb or bye)
(filename) Any valid DOS filename may be used and more than one filename may be entered if you choose to use a BATCH protocol for the file transfer (protocol) is a letter from A-Z of the protocol desired based on the protocols available.
(gb) (bye) Either (gb) or (bye) may be entered on the command line to indicate that you want the system to hang up after it finishes the file transfer.
Description: Allows transferring a file from the system being called to your machine.
There can be up to 26 different types of protocols available. If you have not previously set a default protocol for the system you are calling, you will be asked for the protocol type each time you request a download.
Ascii protocol transfers are only available on non-binary text files. Filenames which have extensions of .EXE, .ARC, .COM, .WKS, etc. can not be downloaded using Ascii protocol.
Selecting Files:
Filenames do not need to be typed in completely in order for the system to locate the desired file. A default filename extension is usually provided by the Sysop such as ".ZIP" so that if you request a file called TEST it will first search to see if a file called TEST.ZIP can be located and if not it will search for TEST and send which ever file it finds.
In some cases this default extension can make it difficult to download a desired file. For instance, if both TEST and TEST.ZIP exist on the system then typing "D TEST" will always result in downloading TEST.ZIP. To download the file called TEST in this instance you would need to type TEST followed by a period with no extension like this:
D TEST.
You may also locate files for download by using the * and ? wildcard characters - the same as those used by DOS to specify files. See the examples below.
Batch Downloads:
Some protocols allow you to download more than one file at a time. Examples of this are the Ymodem and Ymodem/G protocols. Downloading more than one file at a time requires that you select a batch protocol on both your end and the host end of the connection.
To select more than one file you must either enter (DB) as your download command or on the command line simply type more than one filename. See the examples below.
Examples:
D TEST - downloads TEST using the default protocol
D TEST X - downloads TEST using the Xmodem protocol
D TEST1 TEST2 Y - downloads both TEST1 & TEST2 using Ymodem
D TEST? G - downloads both TEST1 & TEST2 using Ymodem/G
D TEST*.* - downloads any file starting with TEST
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(E)nter a Message - Function Help
Subcommands: NONE
Description: Allows leaving a message to another person for them to read at a later date.
Full Screen Editor:
After selecting (E), you will be asked if you want to use the Full Screen Editor. To use the Full Screen Editor your software must be capable of interpreting ANSI cursor position commands. The default answer to the question will be NO if the system did not detect ANSI on your end or if you are in novice mode.
Addressing the Message:
Then you will be prompted to enter the name of the person the message is being addressed to. If the system operator has enabled message name verification on this system, the name entered will be checked against all names in the user's file to insure a proper match. If the user's name is not found, or the user is not registered in the same conference or board area where the message is being left, you will be advised of such to avoid leaving a message to a non-existent individual. However, a SOUNDEX search to locate a name that sounds like what you entered can be performed or you can override the verification and answer (C) to continue and use the name that you have entered which might be done to facilitate leaving a message to a group of people. By not entering a username at the "To:" prompt, it will automatically address the message to "ALL".
Brackets will be displayed either above the line or surrounding the area on the screen in which you are allowed to enter text.
Entering a Subject:
Next, up to a 25 character subject must be entered. If no subject is entered you will be returned to the main menu and command line prompt.
Message Security:
A security prompt will next appear looking something like this:
(N)one means that the message will be open for all to read. (G)roup allows assigning a password to the message which only other callers who know the common password will be allowed to read the message.(R)eceiver makes the message private to all except you - the person leaving it - and the person to whom it is addressed.(S)ender allows you to assign a password to the message so that only you can kill it later. This prevents the other person to whom the message is addressed from killing it.
Note that you can NOT assign (R)eceiver protection to a message which has been addressed to ALL.
All Messages Private?
A message base can be set up such that all messages are initial flagged as private. In this case the above security prompt is skipped and the message will be saved using (R)eceiver security so that only you and the person to whom the message is addressed can read it.
Entering a Message:
After completing the above steps, you can enter your text. Each line you enter will be preceded by it's line number. Up to 72 characters per line is allowed. Typing beyond the 72 character limit will cause your text to automatically "word-wrap" down to the next line.
Exiting the Editor:
There are two modes in which text can be entered which you will have already chosen by the time you get to the editor. One of them is the Line Editor mode where only one line at a time can be entered or edited and the other is Full Screen Editor mode in which the entire screen is used as the workspace for message entry.
To exit the Line Editor, press (Enter) alone on a blank line.
To exit the Full Screen Editor, press (ESC) or (Ctrl-U).
After you exit the Line Editor or the Full Screen Editor you will be prompted for message completion subcommands as described below:
(C)ont allows you to continue using the Line Editor.
(D)el allows you to delete a line of text from the message.
(E)dit allows you to edit a line of text.
(F)ull allows you to continue using the Full Screen Editor.
(H)elp displays this Help file.
(I)nsert allows inserting a line of text in front of another.
(L)ist relists your text entry so far to the screen.
(Q)uote allows you to quote a portion of the replied-to message.
(S)ave actually writes the message to disk.
(U)pld allows you to upload ASCII text without echo.
(SC) allows saving the same message to another individual.
(SK) save your message, kill replied to message (if applicable)
(SN) save your message, skip redisplay of replied to message
Note: The format to (E)dit a line of text is: old text; new text
where the "old text" is the text you wish to replace, followed by a ";" followed by the new text. The old text search is case sensitive - so capital letters must match exactly. If your new text causes that line to exceed 72 characters, the characters beyond 72 will be truncated from the line.
When "uploading" Ascii text to the message base, insure your text lines are 72 characters or less in length.
Note: while in the full screen editor you can press CTRL-Z to get help on the editing keys available in the full screen editor.
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(End of Message) Command - Function Help
Commands Available to All:
(Enter) continues on with message read function
(N) stop reading messages
(NS) continue reading messages in non-stop format
(T) thread read (forward) (or T+)
(T-) thread read (backwards)
(#) a specific message number between 1 and 9999999
(+) alone reads messages forward from present position or when
appended to a number causes forward reading from that message number
(-) alone reads messages backwards from present position or when
appended to a number causes backward reading from that message number
(F) selects only messages left by you
(Y) selects only messages left for you
(YA) selects only messages left for you or addressed to "ALL"
(S) selects messages above the last one you have read
(A) read messages in all SELECTed conferences
(ALL) read messages in all conferences in which you are registered
(L) read in backwards order from the last message to the first
(C) capture the messages to a file for download
(D) implies a (C)apture and immediately downloads
(Z) implies a (D)ownload but compresses the file before
(G) goodbye
(J) join another conference
(Q) display only message headers (quick scan mode)
(/) redisplays the current message
(RE) enter a reply to the message just read
(RR) read the referenced message
(M) memorize that message number for later return
(RM) return to a previously "memorized" message number
(TS) searches messages for the specified search criteria
(SET) sets the number of the last message read
(NEXT) reads next higher message number available
(PREV) reads next lower message number available
(USER) begins a search for messages to/from a specific user
Additional Commands Available if Message is To/From You:
(K) kill the message
(E) edit the "To:" and "Subj:" of the message header and 'Echo'
flag if applicable
Additional Commands Available for Sysops ONLY!
(P) "protect" the message (make it "private")
(U) "unprotect" the message (make it "public")
(F) find caller's USERS file record and display
(O) read messages in "read only" mode
(MOVE) Move the message to another conference
(COPY) Copy the message to another conference
Comments:
If you do not have a security level necessary to perform the Sysop functions above, do NOT attempt to enter those commands as excessive attempts to do so may lock you out of this system!
Commands can be stacked together at this prompt if desired.
Examples:
* R 1+ <enter>
The above command will read all messages from #1 to the end.
* R 1 5 10 20 <enter>
The above command will read messages 1, 5, 10 and 20 and then stop.
* R S <enter>
The above command will read all mail that is new for you.
* R L <enter>
The above command will read all mail in reverse order from beginning to end.
* TS A 1+ <enter>
PCBoard & LANtastic <enter>
The above commands will search thru every available message in ALL conferences areas you are set to scan for any message that has both the word "PCBoard" AND the word "LANtastic" in it.
* TS A 1+ <enter>
PCBoard & (LANtastic | DESQview) <enter>
The above commands will search thru every available message in ALL conferences areas you are set to scan for any message that has both the word "PCBoard" AND either the word "LANtastic" OR the word "DESQview" in it.
The parenthesis tell PCBoard how you want to group your criteria if you have a complex search request such as the one above. It will allow for nearly any number of parentheses and any combination of AND's (using the "&" character) and OR's (using the "|" character).
* TS A 1+ USER JOHN DOE <enter>
PCBoard & Help <enter>
The above command (similar to examples above) adds the keyword USER to the command line specifying that only messages that are either TO or FROM John Doe should be displayed if they are found to have both the words PCBoard and Help in them.
* R A Z <enter>
The above command will capture all messages in all conferences since the last message read, compress the capture file and the begin the download procedure.
* R SET 100 <enter>
Sets the last message read for that conference to 100.
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(F)ile Directories - Function Help
Subcommands:(#) (D) (L) (N) (R) (U) (V) (Z) (NS)
(#) The directory number to view
(A) Display all directories
(D) Download a specific filename
(L) Locate files by name (wildcards are okay)
(N) New files (locate files by date)
(R) Re-lists the directory menu
(U) Display upload directory
(V) View contents of a compressed file
(Z) Zippy DIR Scan (locate files by scanning for text)
(NS) Displays request in non-stop mode
Description: This command allows you to view a listing of the files available. After selecting (F), a listing of the file directories available will be shown - usually grouped by category. To view one or more of the directory listing files, enter the number to view. Multiple listings can be viewed at the same time by entering several numbers at the same time. e.g. (F) (1) (2) (10)
By adding the (NS) non-stop parameter at the end of your request, the entire listing will be displayed with screen pauses every 23 lines.
You can use the (V)iew subcommand to view the files included in a compressed file listed in one of the directories. If you elect to (D)ownload the file just (V)iewed, the filename of the Viewed file will automatically be carried forward as the download filename request unless over-ridden by you.
Additionally, you can request a download of a specific file from the (F)ile Subcommand prompt to avoid having to return to the main menu.
Also, at any "More?" prompt shown while displaying a list of files available you can use the (F)lag command to flag a file for download.
(filename) is the name of the file to be downloaded. Multiple names can be stacked on the same line and wildcards may be used in the name.
Description: The FLAG command is used to flag files or groups of files for later download. For instance, you may be busy looking at a list of download files and find some that you want to download but don't wish to download them that very moment. Rather than having to write down the name or try to remember it later you can simply tell the system to flag the file and remember it for you.
To download the files that are flagged you would then issue a (D)ownload command at which point the system will ask you if you want to download the files that were flagged. Answering NO will cause the system to forget the files that were flagged.
Examples:
* FLAG test1
Functioning the same as the download command, this command will first check to see if TEST1.<ext> exists where <ext> is the default extension for the system you are on. For example, it will see if TEST.ZIP exists and if not it will attempt to flag TEST instead.
* FLAG file1 file2 file3
Flags all three files for download.
* FLAG file*.txt
Flags any files matching file*.txt for later download.
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Full Screen Editor - Keyboard Help
To use PCBoard's full screen editor you need to familiarize yourself with the functions listed below utilizing the PC's keyboard (or control sequences in case your system does not support the PC's specialized keyboard):
Cursor Movement PC Keyboard Control Keys ANSI codes
All systems should be able to use the Control Key method of performing the above functions (press and hold the CTRL key while typing the letter key that follows it in the above table).
The more familiar PC Keyboard keys, such as the arrow keys, will work while on locally. They will also work if your communications program is capable of either sending the actual keystroke (keyboard scan code) or an ANSI escape code equivalent through to the host system.
An example would be calling in from remote using Qmodem to connect to PCBoard and utilitizing either the 'Doorway Mode' or the 'Keyboard Emulation' in Qmodem so that keystrokes are passed directly on to PCBoard.
The ANSI escape codes are an alternate means of telling PCBoard to move the cursor around on the screen. Qmodem's "Keyboard Emulation" feature makes use of these ANSI codes without the need for Doorway Mode. Other comm packages may be able to program the ANSI escape codes into function keys.
Insert Mode:
While in 'Insert Mode' it should be noted that characters to the right of the cursor will be pushed one character to the right as each letter is typed. Additionally, pressing the (Enter) key while in Insert Mode will cause a new line to be inserted.
NON-PC KEYBOARD USERS PLEASE NOTE!:
Some modems and packet switch environments will filter out CTRL-S keystrokes and interpret them to mean "stop sending data". In these environments pressing CTRL-S will not move the cursor as expected - in fact it will appear to do nothing. You will need to press CTRL-Q to get going again.
You can work around this by using CTRL-A which means move left to previous WORD rather than moving a character to the left.
Those of you who can send either an ESC[D or the PC scan code for the Left Arrow will not encounter this problem and will never have to worry about it.
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(G)oodbye - Function Help
Subcommands: NONE
Description: Disconnects you from the host system. This command should always be used to log off of the system to insure proper updating of all message pointers, etc. NEVER just drop carrier by issuing an (Atl+X) (or equivalent) command to your communication's software without first entering the (G) command!
Some systems also ask that you complete a (S)cript Questionnaire at the time of logoff.
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(H)elp - Function Help
Subcommands: (A-Z) (CHAT) (DOOR)
(A-Z) is any letter of the alphabet
(CHAT) or (NODE) displays Node CHAT help file
(DOOR) or (OPEN) displays DOOR help file
Description: Displays the appropriate help file which corresponds with the command you need help with. The software usually indicates that help is available by displaying a (H) option at the command line you are at. Additionally, the code will also recognize a (?) in place of the letter (H) when requesting help. If no help is available it will simply redisplay the command line prompt.
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(I)nitial Welcome - Function Help
Subcommands: NONE
Description: Redisplays the initial welcome screen, along with the version number of PCBoard which the system is running.
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(J)oin a Conference - Function Help
Subcommands: (#) or (Name)
(#) is a valid conference number from 0 to the highest conference number on the system
(Name) is the name of any existing conference
Description: Allows joining an active conference on the system. The conference name or number to be joined can be included with the (J) command on the same line if desired. If you are not registered in the conference requested, you will be advised of such and returned to the main command line prompt.
The entering of either a "J 0" will function as if you did an (A)bandon command and return you to the main board message base area.
Examples: J 1 - to join conference #1
J SYSOPS - to join the Sysops conference
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(K)ill a Message - Function Help
Subcommands: (#)
(#) is a valid active message number
Description: Allows marking a message as inactive or killed so that others can no longer read it. Additionally, when the system operator packs the message base, the message will be purged from the system.
Entry of an invalid message number returns you to the main command line.
(S) with (N) indicates new files since last date scanned
(U) scans only the available upload file directories
(NS) displays listing in non-stop mode
Description: Allows you to search the file directory listings for filenames which match those you are looking for. You can also use valid DOS wildcards in your filename request if you are unsure of the exact filename you are looking for.
Examples:
L TEST A - search all directories for a file called TEST
L TEST*.* A - search all for any file beginning with TEST
L TEST A D - find TEST and download it
L TEST*.* U - find TEST*.* in the UPLOAD directory
L TEST*.* N A - find only new files matching TEST*.*
Other examples of wildcards: TEST? TEST?.ZIP ??TEST.*
NOTE: If the filename is less than 8 characters long and no wildcards have been used it automatically appends "*.*" to the name (i.e. searching for TEST turns into TEST*.*). If an invalid file is requested it will automatically switch to a Z)ippy search command
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(M)ode - Function Help
Subcommands: NONE
Description: Switches your screen display mode between ANSI graphics and non-graphics mode. If you toggle ANSI Graphics on, you must be using a communication's program which supports standard ANSI (Esc) code graphics. If you select graphics and get a lot of symbols such as "[01;49m" on your screen mixed in with the normal text display, your software does not support ANSI graphics and you should toggle Graphics off by re-entering the (M) command.
Note: The system will automatically detect if you have ANSI capability and your system supports the CURSOR POSITION REPORT sequence. However, you still must select whether or not you want the color graphics sent to you.
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(N)ew Files by Date - Function Help
Subcommands: (date) (A) (D) (S) (U) (NS)
(date) is a valid date in mmddyy format (no spaces!)
(A) scans all file directory listings
(D) download all new files found
(S) scan for files new since your last logon's directory scan
(U) scans only upload file directory listings
(NS) displays output in non-stop mode
Description: Displays file listings based on a date scan of when the file was placed on the system. Matching files are those found which have a date equal to or later than that requested.
Entering an (S) indicates that the last DATE scan or the DATE of the most recent files found on your last scan should be used as the scan date.
Entering a (D) on the command line will cause all files found to be queued up for download on your next (D)ownload command.
Examples:
N A S - scan for all new files since last scan
N U S - scan for new files in the upload directory
N U 1 D S - scan for and download new files in directory 1
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NEWS File - Redisplay - Function Help
Subcommands: None
Description: Redisplays the NEWS file for the message base you are in.
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(O)perator Page - Function Help
Subcommands: NONE
Description: Allows paging of the system operator to come to the host keyboard and enter an inter-active typing mode with you. If the system operator is not available, a message will be displayed and you will be returned to the main menu. You can abort the page in advance of the 30 second timeout period if desired by pressing (Ctrl-K).
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(P)age Length - Function Help
Subcommands: (#)
(#) is a valid number between 0 and 50
Description: Allows setting of the number of display lines you want to appear on your screen before the software displays a "(H)elp, More?" prompt on your screen.
If you select 0 as your page length, you will never pause during any screen display. The default value for this command is 23 lines per page.
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(Q)uick Message Scan - Function Help
Subcommands: (#) (F) (Y) (S) (NS) (+) (-) (TS)
(#) any number from 1 to 9999999
(F) scans for message headers from you
(Y) scans for message headers to you
(S) scans for headers above those you have already read
(NS) displays test in non-stop mode
(+) or (-) appended to the end of a numbers forces the display
to be shown in forward or reverse order respectively.
(TS) search message headers for specific text
(USER) selects only those message to or from the specified user
Description: Allows viewing a quick description of the message header information available. The display includes the message number, the message reference number (if any), who the message is to, who the message is from, and the subject matter of the message. Due to screen width constraints, some fields are shortened for display purposes. Messages which are protected from reading will not be displayed to you.
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(R)ead Messages - Function Help
Subcommands:
(#) a message number between 1 and 9999999
(F) selects only messages left by you
(Y) selects only messages left for you
(YA) selects only messages left for you or addressed to "ALL"
(S) selects messages above the last one you have read
(A) read messages in all SELECTed conferences
(ALL) read messages in all conferences in which you are registered
(L) read in backwards order from the last message to the first
(C) capture the messages to a file for download
(D) implies a (C)apture and immediately downloads
(Z) implies a (D)ownload but compresses the file before
(G) goodbye
(J) join another conference
(Q) display only message headers (quick scan mode)
(NS) displays text in non-stop mode
(RM) re-read previously "memorized" message number
(RM+) re-read "memorized" message number plus forward read
(RM-) re-read "memorized" message number plus backwards read
(+) alone reads messages forward from present position or
when appended to a number causes forward reading from
that message number
(-) alone reads messages backwards from present position or when
appended to a number causes backward reading from that
message number
(TS) searches messages for the specified search criteria
(SET) sets the number of the last message read
(EDIT) puts the current message into the editor for re-editing
(NEXT) reads next higher message number available
(PREV) reads next lower message number available
(JUMP) skips to the next conference on a (R)ead (A)ll command
(SKIP) sets the last message read pointer, skips to next conf.
(USER) selects only those message to or from the specified user
(SELECT) selects the current conference for future scans
(DESELECT) deselects the current conference for future scans
Description: Allows reading messages left on the system. All public messages will be displayed, along with private messages left either by you or for you. If a message has more display lines than what your (P)age Length is set for, a "(H)elp, More?" prompt will appear asking for your input. Multiple message numbers to read can be entered on the same command line if desired. Additionally, combinations of the above commands can be entered on the same command line if desired.
Examples:
* R S <enter>
The above command will read all mail that is new since you last read mail in this message base.
* R Y S <enter>
The above command will read all mail that is addressed to you that is new since you last read mail in this message base.
* R 1+ <enter>
The above command will read all messages from #1 to the end.
* R 1 5 10 20 <enter>
The above command will read messages 1, 5, 10 and 20 and then stop.
* R L <enter>
The above command will read all mail in reverse order from beginning to end.
* TS A 1+ <enter>
PCBoard & LANtastic <enter>
The above commands will search thru every available message in ALL conferences areas you are set to scan for any message that has both the word "PCBoard" AND the word "LANtastic" in it.
* TS A 1+ <enter>
PCBoard & (LANtastic | DESQview) <enter>
The above commands will search thru every available message in ALL conferences areas you are set to scan for any message that has both the word "PCBoard" AND either the word "LANtastic" OR the word "DESQview" in it.
The parenthesis tell PCBoard how you want to group your criteria if you have a complex search request such as the one above. It will allow for nearly any number of parenthesis and any combination of AND's (using the "&" character) and OR's (using the "|" character).
* TS A 1+ USER JOHN DOE <enter>
PCBoard & Help <enter>
The above command (similar to examples above) adds the keyword USER to the command line specifying that only messages that are either TO or FROM John Doe should be displayed if they are found to have both the words PCBoard and Help in them.
* R A Z <enter>
The above command will capture all messages in all conferences since the last message read, compress the capture file and the begin the download procedure.
* R SET 100 <enter>
Sets the last message read for that conference to 100.
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(REPLY) To Messages - Function Help
Subcommands: (#)
(#) = a message number between 1 and 9999999
Description: Allows replying directly to another message from the main command line. Message numbers can be stacked together if desired.
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(RM) Read Marked Message - Function Help
Subcommands: None
While there are no subcommands the RM function can take any of three separate forms:
RM Read the marked message and stop
RM+ Read the marked message then continue going forward
RM- Read the marked message then continue going backward
Description: When reading messages you can use the (M)ark Message command to tell the system to remember that number for you so that you can easily go back to it. To return to that Marked Message you simply issue one of the above three RM commands.
Tips: To redisplay and possibly capture the message you are currently reading you could issue a command such as this: M RM NS
It first marks the message you are reading, then it re-reads that message in NON-STOP mode. Another form of the same thing if you wanted to re-read that message and then keep going would be: M RM+
NOTE: You must be in the conference where you marked the message in order for the system to properly locate it.
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(Message Security) - Function Help
Subcommands: (G) (R) (S) (N)
(N)one means that the message will be open for all to read.
(G)roup allows assigning a password to the message which only other callers who know the common password will be allowed to read the message.
(R)eceiver makes the message private to all except you - the person leaving it - and the person to whom it is addressed.
(S)ender allows you to assign a password to the message so that only you can kill it later. This prevents the other person to whom the message is addressed from killing it.
Description: When leaving a message to another person various security levels are available to allow "protecting" of your message to insure only those who you want to read it can.
Note that you can NOT assign (R)eceiver protection to a message which has been addressed to ALL.
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(SELECT) Conferences to Scan - Function Help
Subcommands: (S) (D) (#) (#-#)
(S) selects ALL conferences
(D) deselects ALL conferences
(#) toggles a specific conference on or off
(#-#) toggles a range of conferences on or off
Description: The SELECT function is used to tell the system which conferences you are interested in (or not interested in). It affects the scanning of conferences when reading or searching for mail.
The command can also be used to reset the Last Message Read pointers in each of the conferences selected.
Examples:
* SELECT S <enter>
The above command would select ALL conferences to be scanned or read.
* SELECT 1 <enter>
If conference #1 was already selected then it is turned off. If it was not already selected then it will be turned on and you will be prompted for a new Last Message Read number for that conference.
* SELECT D 1-3 6 <enter>
The above command starts out by deselecting all conferences after which it reselects conferences 1 thru 3 followed by 6. It will then prompt the caller for any last message read changes in each of the newly selected conferences.
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(T)ransfer Protocol - Function Help
Subcommands: (A-Z)
(A-Z) is a valid protocol defined to that system
Description: Allows setting of a default transfer protocol. The choices of protocols available will vary from system to system based on the protocols which the system operator has enabled. A default of (N)one can also be entered, in which case you will be asked to specify the protocol type each time you begin either an upload or download from the system. If you specify a value here, it will be used as the default each time you request a file transfer. However, this default can be over-ridden at the time of a file transfer request by including the protocol desired as a separate entry on the same line as the filename is entered. (i.e. (filename) (F) would over-ride any default here as specifying 1K-Xmodem Full-Flow protocol.)
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(TS) Message Text Search - Function Help
Subcommands:
(F) selects only messages left by you
(Y) selects only messages left for you
(S) selects messages above the last one you have read
(A) scan messages in all SELECTed conferences
(ALL) scan messages in all conferences in which you are registered
(L) read in backwards order from the last message to the first
(C) capture the messages found to a file for download
(D) implies a (C)apture and immediately downloads
(Z) implies a (D)ownload but compresses the file before
(NS) displays text in non-stop mode
(RM+) re-read "memorized" message number plus forward read
(RM-) re-read "memorized" message number plus backwards read
(##+) scan messages from a selected number forward
(##-) scan messages from a selected number backward
(USER) selects only those message to or from the specified user
Description: Allows searching the messages on the system to find messages that match the search criteria that you provide.
Examples:
* TS A 1+ <enter>
PCBoard & LANtastic <enter>
The above commands will search thru every available message in ALL conferences areas you are set to scan for any message that has both the word "PCBoard" AND the word "LANtastic" in it.
* TS A 1+ <enter>
PCBoard & (LANtastic | DESQview) <enter>
The above commands will search thru every available message in ALL conferences areas you are set to scan for any message that has both the word "PCBoard" AND either the word "LANtastic" OR the word "DESQview" in it
The parenthesis tell PCBoard how you want to group your criteria if you have a complex search request such as the one above. It will allow for nearly any number of parenthesis and any combination of AND's (using the "&" character) and OR's (using the "|" character).
* TS A 1+ USER JOHN DOE <enter>
PCBoard & Help <enter>
The above command (similar to examples above) adds the keyword USER to the command line specifying that only messages that are either TO or FROM John Doe should be displayed if they are found to have both the words PCBoard and Help in them.
(filename) any valid DOS filename may be used and more than one filename may be entered if you choose to use a BATCH protocol for the file transfer
(protocol) is a letter from A-Z of the protocol desired based on the protocols available
(gb) (bye) Either (gb) or (bye) may be entered on the command line to indicate that you want the system to hang up after it finishes the file transfer
Description: Allows transferring a file from your machine to the host system.
There can be up to 26 different types of protocols available. If you have not previously set a default protocol for the system you are calling, you will be asked for the protocol type each time you request a download.
Ascii protocol transfers are only available on non-binary text files. Filenames which have extensions of .EXE, .ARC, .COM, .WKS, etc. can not be downloaded using Ascii protocol.
Due to the wide range of protocols now available, it is suggested you check with the sysop of this system if you have a question on which protocols have been implemented and how to properly set your software protocols to match those of this system.
Selecting Files:
Unlike downloading a filename must be specified exactly as you intend to send it. In other words, if you type the word "TEST" then the name of the file when posted will be called "TEST" with no other extension added to it.
After giving the system one or more filenames to be uploaded it will ask you for a description of each file. Your description can be up to 8 lines long of 45 characters each. If you wish to make a particular file PRIVATE so that it is not posted in the public upload directory you simply place a "/" at the beginning of the first line of text in your description.
Batch Uploads:
When uploading a batch of files you must enter at least ONE filename even if it is a dummy filename. Then on your end you simply tell your software to send all of the desired files. Any files that are received which you did not specify originally will then be brought up on the screen with the system asking you to describe each of them.
To send more than one file you must either enter (UB) as your upload command or on the command line simply type more than one filename. See the examples below.
Examples:
U TEST - uploads TEST using the default protocol
U TEST X - uploads TEST using the Xmodem protocol
U TEST1 TEST2 Y - uploads both TEST1 & TEST2 using Ymodem/BATCH
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(USERS) Display Users - Function Help
Subcommands: (search text)
(search text) is any text that you want to search for. You could for example, search for a name or a part of a name or a city or state.
Description: Displays the user name, location and last date on for all users that have access to the current conference.
Alternatively, you can enter search criteria to limit your search to only those users or locations that match the criteria.
Examples:
* USERS <enter>
Display all users that are registered in the current conference.
* USERS David <enter>
Display all users have the name "David" in their record.
* USERS Utah <enter>
Display all users that have "Utah" in their record.
* USERS David & Utah <enter>
Display all users that have the name "David" who are in "Utah".
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(V)iew User Settings - Function Help
Subcommands: NONE
Description: Allows viewing your current user settings. Included in the listing are:
The number of system caller you are
Your Default Page Length
Your System Expiration Date (or NONE)
Your Security Level
Your Last Date On
The last message number you read
The current high message number
Number of Active Messages
Available download bytes available for that day
Default Transfer Protocol Selected
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(W)rite User Data Base Information - Function Help
Subcommands: NONE
Description: Allows changing some of your data base information stored on that system, including:
Password desired
Location you are calling from
Your Business/Data Phone Number
Your Home/Voice Phone Number
A Comment Field of 30 characters
Choice of having the screen cleared before reading a message
The Message base areas you want to scan with the "Y A" command
If the system operator has restricted you to only password changes instead of all of the above, you will only be allowed to change it and not the other items listed.
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(X)Expert/Novice Mode Toggle - Function Help
Subcommands: NONE
Description: The (X) command lets you toggle between Expert and Novice mode. When the Expert mode is active, the main menu is never displayed, and most command line prompts are considerably abbreviated.
In Novice mode, all menus are displayed and all command line prompts give a more descript definition of the commands available.
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(Y)our Mail Check - Function Help
Subcommands: (A) (S) (NS) (+) (-) (C) (ALL)
(A) scans all SELECTed conference message bases
(ALL) scans all conferences in which you are registered
(S) scans only for mail left since the last message read
(C) limits scan to current message base only
(+) or (-) forces the direction of the scan
(Q) display in Quick Scan format
(L) display in Long Scan format
(NS) displays text output in non-stop mode
Description: Allows checking for mail left to you or from you in a message base. The above commands can be entered in combination on the same line to limit the scan function as desired. The default for the (Y) command is to scan the current message base only, in reverse direction, checking for mail left by you as well as for mail addressed to you and to scan the complete message base, from the end of the file to the beginning.
You can select which areas you want to be scanned when using the (A) subcommand by typing SELECT or by using the (W)rite User Info command.
Quick Scan: The Quick Scan format provides a display that looks something like this:
Messages Messages
Num Conference To You Found
--- ---------- -------- --------
0 Main Board 0 18
1 Support 5 35
2 DOOR 2 14
Long Scan: The Long Scan format provides more detail such as message numbers found and looks something like this:
Scanning Main Board
Msgs For You: None
Msgs From You: None
# Msgs Found: 18
Scanning Support (1) Conference
Msgs For You: 100 101 102 103 104
Msgs From You: 89 94
# Msgs Found: 0
Scanning DOOR (2) Conference
Msgs For You: 25 48
Msgs From You: None
# Msgs Found: 0
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(Z)ippy Directory Listing Scan - Function Help
Subcommands: (text) (#) (A) (D) (N) (U) (NS)
(text) is the text you wish to search for
(#) is any valid directory number
(A) scans all directory listings for the text input
(D) download all files found
(N) combine the search with a date scan
(S) with (N) indicates new files since last date scanned
(U) scans only the upload directory(s) for the text
(NS) displays screen output in non-stop mode
Description: Allows you to search the download directories for words or phrases either in the filename itself or in the description of the files. See examples below.
(D) will cause all files found to be flagged for later download the next time you issue a (D)ownload command.
(N) combines a new files search with the text search.
Examples:
* Z A PCBoard <enter>
The above command will search all of the file directories for the word "PCBoard" (anywhere - the filename, the description or even the extended description lines).
* Z A <enter>
PCBoard & DESQview <enter>
The above commands will search all of the file directories for any file that has both the word "PCBoard" and the word "DESQview" in the description.
* Z PCBoard A N <enter>
120189 <enter>
The above command combines a text search for the word PCBoard with a date search of 12/01/89 or later in search all of the download directories.
* Z DESQview A S D <enter>
The above command combines the Zippy Search of the file directories with a "new files since" search and then flags all files found for later downloading.
