The World of Computer Software/The World of Computer Software.iso/wcdvorak.zip/WCBBS.TXT

Text File | 1989-11-03 | 18KB | 374 lines

from CompuMag - July/August 1989

Reviewers Corner

WILDCAT! SETS A NEW STANDARD
FOR BULLETIN BOARD SOFTWARE

by John C. Dvorak


The Wildcat! BBS system from Mustang Software, Inc. is a
full-featured electronic bulletin board system that manages
messaging, file transfer and does it well.  Any computer with
a modem can connect to another computer running a WILDCAT!
BBS and send files, recieve files, read bulletins and leave
messages.  Connection speeds, using normal phone lines, range
from 300 to 38,400 baud.  Let's face it, electronic
communication is the way of the future.

WILDCAT! handles the caller traffic smoothly.  It can be
installed as a single-line BBS or a multi-line system.  The
changes I discovered between prior versions and the recently
released V2.0 (typists note-V2.1 is now available) make it a
solid competitor, especially when combined with the ease of
setup and context sensitive installation help.  The message
system operates differently than other more traditional
BBSes, but I understand it is undergoing changes to
accommodate multiple forums in a release scheduled later this
year.

Overall, WILDCAT! is an excellent host system that manages to
deliver exceptional performance and features withut demanding
power-user status from the system operator.

The package I recieved for evaluation was the Professional
Release 2.0P.  Version 2.0 is distributed in three
configurations:  WILDCAT! 2.0S is a single line release which
includes the same features as the other two releases with the
exception of file and record locking for multi-line or
network operation;  Version 2.0N is the Network/Multi-Line
release which will operate from 1-10 lines or network nodes;
Version 2.0P is the Professional/Multi-line release which
expands the node count to 1-250, and also includes the PRO!
Series Utilities.  The PRO! Series is a set of five companion
programs which greatly enhance the sysop's ability to perform
sweeping alterations to the message, file and user file on
the system.  Both multi-line releases also function on any
local area network providing access to the BBS in LAN
settings.  Although the review here addresses the
Professional release 2.0P, all features discussed apply
equally to other program levels unless noted.

INSTALLATION & CONFIGURATION

WILDCAT! is not copy protected.  Installation does put you
through a process of entering your registration number into
the program one time.  I was uncomfortable with this process
at first but found it does nothing to protect the disk or
restrict program use whatsoever.

My setup of WILDCAT! began with copying the program and
support files from six diskettes (three with the single line
version) to specific subdirectories on the hard disk.  This
process assumes some DOS knowledge but is relatively
straightforward.  The configuration program MAKEWILD is the
heart of the install process.  Nineteen screens walked me
through each step of the configuration process, asking
specific questions about my setup parameters.  Anytime I was
unsure of my answer, pressing F1 provided extensive help.
Each help field contains the entire explanatory text from the
manual - this is the way it's supposed to be done.

As anyone who has ever attempted to configure a BBS system
knows, modem initialization can be one of the most
frustrating aspects of the entire process.  WILDCAT! eases
the anxiety in this area by providing a point and load
system.  Your only chore is to highlight your modem model
from a window and press ENTER.  ALl 30 modem setup parameters
on two screens are automatically filled in properly, needing
only minor adjustments such as a different com
(communications) port number.

The entire configuration process can take from 1-3 hours
depending on the level of complexity established for your
particular system.  A single-line BBS using standard menus
and support files can be set-up and answering calls within an
hour.  My test system answered immediately on the first ring.

FEATURES:

Features in electronic bulletin board software can be
approached from two directions.  The remote caller, who is
the ultimate target of the software, views the host from his
perspective and judges it by the features offered to him as a
caller.  Mustang Software has addressed the caller's needs
with the latest features, but their attention to my needs as
the system operator is what sets WILDCAT! apart from the
other BBS systems.

Rather than maintain text lists or data files containing the
valid user names, files available, or messages, WILDCAT!
saves this information in databases with fast B-Tree sorting
and multiple indexed fields.  It pays off with virtually
instant data access.  A second advantage to the database
concept is record based locking rather than full file
locking.  Major manipulation of files, messages and users in
a multi-line system is possible even while callers remain on-
line.
When WILDCAT! is waiting for calls the screen dieplays
information including the amount of free space on the drives;
name, location, date and time of the last call; database
totals for number of files, messages and users; the status of
sysop pager, printer, page bell and keyboard.

Once a call is received, the CAT! answers and handles all
caller requests promptly.  A two-line window at the bottom of
the screen displays basic information on the connected
caller.  This window may be removed to show the entire screen
as viewed by the caller if desired.. Function key choices are
available to the sysop when connected to send a text file to
the caller with optional automatic logoff.  This option was
useful during my evaluation to notify callers that the BBS
was undergoing testing and that they would be automatically
logged out in 10 minutes.

The caller's options while connected include the standard BBS
fare.  The menu system revolves around the MAIN MENU,
allowing access to a FILE menu, BULLETIN menu, MESSAGE menu
and QUESTIONNAIRE menu.  All menus return to the MAIN menu
with the exception of FILE and MESSAGE which allow movement
between one another without returning to the MAIN area.  The
menus themselves can be dynamically generated based on
security level, or may be created by the sysop.  The text and
color versions that come with the program are FANTASTIC!  All
menus include the ability to watch for valid keystroke
choices while displaying the menu, and will immediately
terminate the display to execute the caller's selected
option.  I quickly became spoiled by this "hot key" feature
which let me use the "novice" full menu mode at all times.

The main menu is primarily used as a gateway to other menus
and options.  WILDCAT! questionnaires are custom designed by
the sysop using a special full screen editor.  Real-time
branching to other questions based on callers answers
provides great flexibility.  Questions types include free-
form text, phone numbers, 4 different redit card types,
social security numbers, dates and customized multiple
choices.

The message section allows callers to place messages in
message sections referred to as folders.  I find the folder
concept confining.  It is a departure from the normal BBS
setup that I'd like to see changed.  Each folder in a
WILDCAT! system is given a name, and may be used to seperate
messages by content, or any criteria desired.  Each security
level is given access to any combination of message folders.
This type of message organization functions well, but it
takes some adjustment, especially for the seasoned BBS
caller.  To its benefit WILDCAT! offers a number of other
message options including a local "snapshot" to the printer,
forwarding to third parties, and notification to the author
when mail is recieved (return reciept).  My favorite message
feature is the import of the text of a file into a message at
any point.  Importing allows the sysop to create a text file
of any length and include reference to the file with a single
coded message line.  It saves space since the text is
dynamically sent to the caller when the message is read.
When I wanted to change the message text, a single file
change reflected the revision in all messages.  Very
powerful.

The file section has the standard BBS fare including
downloading and uploading using ASCII, XModem, XModem/CRC and
1K-XModem.  Internal support is also included for multiple
file downloading using YModem and YModem/G (up to 50 files)
and uploading up to 200 files.  External protocols also
extend batch transfers using ZModem, Kermit, Jmodem, Bimodem,
SEAlink and many more.  Here again the local screen displays
a complete summary regarding the activity taking place.  The
file area aslo offers the ability to view the contents of
files which have been compressed such as .ZIP, .ARC and
others.

The sysop menu - the control center.  This menu is the
command post for management of the CAT! and it takes the job
very seriously.  The User database menu choice displays a
full screen record for each user.  The list scrolls in
alphabetical order, optionally sub-sorted by security level.
A search function allowed me to locate any user within
seconds even if only a portion of the first or last name was
known.  Once located, changes to a user record are saved
automatically.

The File database option dieplays complete information on
each file in the system, including the date of last access,
number of times downloaded.  One convenience of the database
concept is that changes to a file database record result in
immediate changes to disk structure as well.  For example,
when I found it necessary to change the name of a file and
it's file area area in the database, WILDCAT! took care of
renaming the file on disk and also moved the file to the new
subdirectory.

The "event manager" in WILDCAT! schedules automatic system
maintenance at any time on a daily or weekly basis.  An event
can trigger any external batch file process.  The most
powerful events make major database changes automatically
using the PRO! series utilities mentioned earlier.  Using U-
PRO! (the user database utility) I told it to delete all
users that have not called in the last 90 days and who were
below security level 15.  I then lowered the security level
to 18 everyone who was currently at level 20 if they had not
uploaded at least 25 files totalling at least 375 Kbytes.  I
did all of the above even while other callers were connected.
Again, very powerful.

The other PRO! series utilities offer equally impressive
maintenance capabilities for the file database (F-PRO!),
message database (M-PRO!), Questionnaire (Q-PRO!), and for
statistical analysis of the ACTIVITY.LOG (S-PRO!).

A final utility CATEYE is a small TSR (terminate and stay
resident) program that may be run on any LAN workstation or
in a foreground application under DesqView when multiple
lines are installed.  CATEYE can inform the sysop of any
desired BBS activity by writing briefly to the bottom screen
line in a foreground application such as a word processor or
spreadsheet.  Depending on the configuration CATEYE might
indicate "Jim Hunter downloading WILDCAT1.ZIP - Node 3" or
:Jim Hunter logged off - Node 3."  CATEYE also offers direct
control over all nodes at the touch of the hot key ALT-TAB.
A screen window appears which allows the sysop to highlight a
node and adjust caller timne remaining, perform an auto-
logoff, enter chat and almost any other option available at
the actual BBS terminal.  The PRO! series operate on single
and multiple installations.  These are the most impressive
BBS utilities I've ever encountered.

PERFORMNCE:

WILDCAT! 2.0 lives up to its name - its fast.  It never
pauses more than a second or so when searching for a user's
name or the caller's personal mail.  Refreshing not to see
the endless dots we've become used to on many other systems.
The speed carries over to the file area where transfers take
place at a blinding speed, even on a multi-user system.
Downloads using the internal Ymodem/G protocol with a US
Robotics HST modem registered over 1600 cps, well over the
960 that might be expected with a 9600 baud modem.  Through a
combination of assembly language and Turbo Pascal, Mustang
Software has created the fastest BBS available on the market
today.

DOCUMENTATION:

The WILDCAT! manual comes with wire-o binding, so much nicer
than perfect bound books taht refuse to lay flat on the desk.
Almost half of the 250 pages addresses the setup program
MAKEWILD, but I didn't even read it since this same text is
included in the help screens.  The balance devotes itself to
an explanation of the program features including detailed
reference to the display files available.  A seperate section
addresses more complex features such as Doors, Drop to DOS,
and Events.  These are complex activities and the
documentation could be expanded with example configurations.

The main manual includes an index and table of contents.  The
text is informal and written in a non-technical style.
Version 2.0N and 2.0P also include a smaller "WILDCAT!
Network Supplement" which addresses multi-line installations
in detail.  Seperate sections for server-based LANs, peer-to-
peer LANs, DESQview and slave cards cover the addition of
multiple lines under each configuration.

Some sections of the documentation appeared to lag behind the
actual program features, an apparant result of feature
additions and enhancements after printing.  An addendum
addressed the differences but I look forward to the change to
3-Ring binder and slipcase promised for the next printing.

EASE OF LEARNING/USE:

Bulletin board software is notorious for being complicated
and difficult to install.  Much of the frustration comes from
the intimate interaction necessary between hardware and
software in a communications program.  Mustang Software has
smoothed out WILDCAT!'s installation with one of the best
configuration programs available.  WILDCAT! operation is
intutitive for the sysop.  The online user interface adheres
to standard terminology and include extensive help for the
novice caller.  The presentation is clean, clear and to the
point.  No clutter and easy to follow.

SUPPORT:

Mustang Software provides free technical support for 90 days
from the date of purchase.  This seems adequate since after
90 days of daily BBS operation any users will ahve worked out
the problems requiring immediate assistance.  I called to ask
about installation of the external protocol BIMODEM, and my
request was transfered to support without delay.  Although
BiModem itself is not a Mustang SOftware product, my
interface problem was solved easily.

Support is also available by modem on the WILDCAT! HQ BBS, a
five line system reserved for registered WILDCAT! sysops.  I
found the lines rarely busy.  Users questions on the BBS were
answered by Mustang Software staff as well as other sysops on
the CatHouse.  Mustang also offers support on CompuServe in
their own section of the PC Vendors Support Forum (GO PCVEN
S9).  My program (like all others I'm told) included a free
subscription to CompuServe with 2 hours of connect time as an
introduction to this support service.  Voice assistance can
be extended for an additional year with the "Auto-Update and
Extended Support Plan", a $50 service which also includes
free mailing of all minor upgrades to WILDCAT!

VALUE:

The single line 2.0S is a good buy at $129.  The 1-10 line
release 2.0N is underpriced at $249. The 1-250 line
Professional release with the PRO! series is an exceptional
value at $499 if you need the additional line or network
access.  The PRO! Series should become a part of every
WILDCAT! sysop's collection.  At only $25 each or $99 for the
entire set they shouldn't be overlooked.  These utilities are
a steal considering the felxibility they offer to the serious
sysop.

As part of Mustang Software's promotional campaign they
created WILDCAT! logo T-shirts with the tag line "WHEN YOU
ONLY HAVE TIME TO CALL THE VERY BEST" - I couldn't agree
more.

-----------------

John C. Dvorak graduated from the University of California.
He is a contributing editor of PC MAGAZINE and MACUSER,
considered by many to epitomize the contrarian view of things
---  a charge a vehemently denies.  Dvorak's motto is "If you
have nothing nice to say, then don't say anything at all."

============================================================

Typists Notes:

Version 2.1 was released and is working wonderfully;
registered sysops NOT paying for the extended support plan
will be able to dl the new version in Novemberof '89.

BI Modem has become an integral part of WILDCAT! and the
program has been in operation on my BBS for over 3 years now.
It is by far the finest program around.  Compare it to
PCBoard, which is $149 for a single line version, $499 for a
10 node version and $999 for a 255 line version.  Coupled
with the lack of flexibility I found in PCBoard, I selected
WILDCAT!...a decision I have never regretted!

The single line version is availabale locally from COMPUTER
DISCOUNTERS for $119, a $10 off the direct purchase price.
For more information, call Tom at COMPUTER DISCOUNTERS at
[phone]

Other Tidewater Area BBSs Running WILDCAT:

THE FREE BBS
CFI BBS
THE MAILBOX BBS
PLEASURE DOME BBS (Multi-Node) (over 4 years!)
SUFFOLK NEWS BBS
FROSTLAND BBS
SILICON VALLEY BBS
SEABEE BBS
BOBS BBS