The 640 MEG Shareware Studio 2

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All information contained in this document remains the sole property of Clark Development Company, Inc.. This document may be freely distributed by registered users of PCBoard software, but no license is granted to change, amend, or in any way alter the contents of this document. The text, formatting, and any other distinctive characteristics are Copyright (C) 1993, Clark Development Company, Inc.. PCBoard (R) Callers' Guide Clark Development Company, Inc. Post Office Box 571365 Murray, UT 84157-1365 (801) 261-1686 Toll Free Order Line: 800-356-1686 PCBoard is the registered trademark of Clark Development Company, Inc. All other brand and product names mentioned in this manual are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. All rights reserved. Table of Contents Logging In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Stacking Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Basic Command Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Abandon a Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Bulletin Listings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 CHAT Between NODEs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Comment To SysOp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Download a File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Download Batch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 DOOR (OPEN a DOOR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Enter a Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 File Directories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 FLAG For Download . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 GoodBye (Hang Up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Help Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Initial Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Join a Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Kill a Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Locate Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 MENU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Mode (Graphics) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 New Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 NEWS File Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 NODE CHAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Operator Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 OPEN a DOOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Page Length Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Quick Message Scan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Status Flags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Read Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 REPLY to Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Re-Read Memorized Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Script Questionnaires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 SELECT Conferences For Scanning Or Reading . . . . . . . . 56 Transfer Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 TEST a File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Text Search Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Upload a File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Upload Batch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 USERS, List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 View Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 WHO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Write User Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Xpert Mode On/Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 2 Your Personal Mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Zippy Directory Scan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 APPENDIX A - Boolean Text Searches: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 APPENDIX B - A basic modem primer: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 APPENDIX C - Modem setup guidelines: . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 APPENDIX D - A quick overview of file transfers: . . . . . . 79 APPENDIX E - Glossary: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 3 Introduction PCBoard is the most widely used bulletin board software in the world. It is implemented by big business and the occasional weekend PC aficionado, in-house local area networks and basement hobby machines, executives and children alike. It has earned its popularity by its very flexibility, which allows it to suit the people it serves. These people, like you, are interested in integrating today's available high tech communications facilities with their own computers, and PCBoard accomplishes this task both easily and powerfully. In the business environment, information may be easily exchanged within an organization by means of a multi-node LAN system running PCBoard. PCBoard, when added to your office LAN system, allows you to send and receive messages and memorandums in a manner superior to most E-Mail systems. PCBoard provides for both paper use reduction and additional message security. No longer will you need to worry about someone rifling through the stack of messages of you desk. PCBoard can replace rows of filing cabinets, heaps of manila folders, and rolls of address labels. For the hobbyist, communications outside the walls of your home are just as simple. You need only a computer with a modem and any standard communications software to connect with a PCBoard system over regular telephone lines. You can use PCBoard to communicate with people around the world, to exchange programs and data files, to get technical information and advice, or even to play online games or access database information. Besides using your own communications software interactively, you can use PCBComm - an intelligent terminal program designed specifically for contacting PCBoard systems. PCBComm is available directly from us or from many PCBoard sysops throughout the world. Instead of having to work interactively with a PCBoard system, PCBComm uses pull-down menus which are even easier to use than the normal command prompts are. By using PCBComm, you only have to pick and choose from local pull-down menus to fully realize the potential of the board you are contacting - rather than having to work interactively with a new and unknown board. If you are interested in learning more about PCBComm, please feel free to contact us at (801) 261-1686. This manual is for you. It provides a list of all PCBoard commands with a description for each; shows basic routines for downloading or getting a file from another computer that may be hundreds, even thousands of miles away; explains how to enter a message to a system operator or another user; and contributes an array of helpful activities for bulletin board users like yourself. 4 For a list of bulletin board systems in your area, call the Salt Air BBS at 1-801-261-8976. When connected with Salt Air, you can download the following file: BLT1.ZIP. The file contains a worldwide listing of PCBoard bulletin board systems, a description of each board, and a phone number at which it can be reached. If you are unfamiliar on how to download a file, please read the section which details the (D)ownload command in this manual. If you're new to electronic communications, you need not worry; PCBoard is user friendly and versatile enough to accommodate the novice user while satisfying the expert. To connect with a PCBoard host system, you need only a modem and your communication software. As you are going through this guide it is important to remember that PCBoard gives the sysop the ability to change the prompts that are displayed to you. While the function of each prompt does not change, its appearance may. All of the commands that PCBoard uses are the same on all v14.5a and later systems that you will call. Once you learn how PCBoard operates you will know how to contact thousands of bulletin boards. While reviewing this document, you will note that some of the text is surrounded by square brackets such as [N]. When you see a letter or combination of letters surrounded by [] brackets, this indicates a key or combination of key strokes you would enter at your keyboard. You would not enter the brackets themselves - just the letter(s) inside the brackets. 5 Logging In When you connect with a PCBoard system, you are asked a series of questions that must be answered before access to commands and downloads is permitted. These questions may be slightly different for some bulletin board systems, since SysOps can customize prompts and login procedures within PCBoard. Generally though, most PCBoard systems will initially ask you the following questions: Enter language # to use: This is an optional question defined by the SysOp. If displayed, it means that the system you are contacting can display its text in several different languages. To respond, simply choose the language easiest for you to understand by entering the number next to the various language choices available. Do you want graphics (Y/N)? Most callers choose [Y] for this option. By doing so, PCBoard displays all text in ANSI color, making your screen displays more colorful and usually easier to read. In order to take advantage of the ANSI color mode, your terminal program must support ANSI graphics. By choosing [N], however, you can slightly increase speed since color codes are no longer transmitted to your machine. What is your First Name (Last Name & Password)? Enter your first name at the prompt. PCBoard will then prompt you for your last name and password. Optionally, you may 'stack' your last name and password on the same line (for more information on command stacking please refer to the Command Structure section of this manual) to bypass being asked 3 separate questions. If you are calling into a system as a new user you should not stack your password with you login name. If you do, PCBoard will interpret your password as part of your name. It's a good idea to record your password and keep it in a safe place, as PCBoard will not allow you to login without your proper password should you forget it. Additionally, it is advised that you keep your passwords secret and use a different password for each bulletin board that you call to prevent unauthorized use, or 'hacking' of your various bulletin board accounts. 6 If you've never before logged into a given BBS, PCBoard will respond in one of two ways depending on the BBS configuration. If the board you are calling runs as a "CLOSED" board, you cannot log into the system unless the system operator creates a record for you. You will be logged off the system immediately. However, if the BBS functions as an "OPEN" board, PCBoard will recognize that you're a new user and ask if you'd like to continue. By indicating [Y]es, PCBoard poses several questions that are relatively straight forward - like your voice phone number, data phone number, etc. Once you have answered all the questions asked, PCBoard will continue with the logon process. Once PCBoard has established your identity, you will enter the Main Board. This is the root of the PCBoard structure, where every caller allowed to enter the system begins his or her session. Don't be afraid to explore PCBoard! Often people feel intimidated by the many commands available to them and thus are reluctant to try commands they may not understand for fear of 'crashing' the system or destroying valuable data. PCBoard has been designed to be friendly as well as safe; if you enter an invalid command, PCBoard will simply ignore the command and return you to the command prompt. Help is always available by typing either [?] or [H] at nearly any prompt. Whenever PCBoard prompts you for an answer, it will usually try and 'guess' your response and default to that answer when you simply press the [Enter] key. Yes or No answers may simply be answered by entering [Y] or [N] respectively. PCBoard commands are not case-sensitive (i.e. "Y" and "y" have the same effect). 7 Below is an example of a Main Menu that you are likely to see on a PCBoard BBS. All of these commands may or may not be available to you, depending on your security level. To receive access to commands not listed, consult with either an in-house supervisor responsible for your internal system maintenance, or leave a message for the SysOp at the remote location indicating your needs and desires. Following the main menu below, we will give you a detailed description of each command shown. A)bandon Conference O)perator page B)ulletin Listing OPEN a DOOR CHAT between Nodes P)age Length Set C)omment to Sysop Q)uick Message Scan D)ownload a file R)ead Messages DB Download Batch REPLY to Messages E)nter a message RM Re-read Memorized # F)ile Directories S)cript Questionaire FLAG for Download T)ransfer Protocol G)oodbye (Hang up) TS Text Search H)elp Functions U)pload a file I)nitial Welcome UB Upload batch J)oin a conference USERS List Users K)ill a message V)iew Settings L)ocate file (names) W)rite User Info M)ode (graphics) X)pert On/Off N)ew files (date) Y)our personal Mail NEWS file display Z)ippy DIR scan SELECT a Conference 8 General Information Like most attributes of PCBoard, the SysOp provides security levels for each command available to you. You will know that you do not have sufficient security for a command if you see a "Menu selection is not available" message displayed to you after trying to use a particular command. If you do have sufficient security for the command requested, PCBoard will normally display a secondary menu or prompt from which you can choose further commands associated with your primary command selection. Command Structure Following are descriptions of all the user commands available in PCBoard. A command performs a function on the bulletin board system like reading messages, uploading and downloading of files, etc. This section of the guide details each command, what it does, what you can do with it, and how to help you make the most of each command and the bulletin board system as a whole. Each section that discusses a particular command has four sections: Command: The letter or sequence of letters that you use to execute the command from the main menu - including a brief overview of the command itself. SubCommand: SubCommands further qualify the command and are only available after you execute the command. Additionally, most subcommands may be stacked on the same line as the main command (see Stacking Commands, which follows). For example, on a [R]ead command you might want to qualify what messages you would like to read by using [Y] for 'your mail' only, etc. Postcommands: Postcommands are only available with some main menu commands. If they are, these commands normally can only be entered after the initial command and subcommands have been executed. For example, you may select the [R]ead command and then qualify it with a subcommand by saying you want to read [A]ll new messages in the conference you have selected. While reading messages, you will be issued a postcommand after each message which will allow you to perform other functions - such as [RE] or reply to the message you have just read. See also: This will direct you to other commands whose functions are related to the command in question. The commands may either be variations which accomplish the same task, or commands which accomplish tasks similar to the one in question, or may act in the opposite manner of the command in question. 9 If PCBoard needs more information from you after you have executed a main menu command, you will be prompted for that additional information. For example, if you were to execute the [L]ocate file command by typing [L] and then press [Enter], PCBoard would then display the prompt: Search Filename (wildcards are OK) (Enter)=none? followed by a secondary prompt that asked you which directories you would like to search for these filenames in. Stacking Commands By default, PCBoard caters to the novice user. Menus and help files are almost always available. However, PCBoard's interface is designed to accommodate expert users as well. Once you become familiar with the command structure, you will find that by stacking commands you will be able to easily and quickly get around the bulletin board system. To stack a command you simply separate the commands and the subcommand by either a space or a semicolon. For example you could read all mail addressed in the current conference by issuing the following stacked commands: R Y S (with spaces) or R;Y;S (with semicolons) In PCBoard's eyes, the space or the semicolon are both separators for commands. You may use either when entering commands. Another advantage of stacking commands is that you may specify a particular subcommand that PCBoard would not normally allow you to use if you just entered the command and press [Enter]. For example, if you wished to [L]ocate files you could further qualify your search by making use of the [N] subcommand. This subcommand allows you to restrict your search to files later than a particular date. This is something that PCBoard would not ask you if you were to just enter the command and then press enter. It is features like this that makes PCBoard so flexible and powerful. 10 Basic Command Usage In this section, you will find listed all the available user commands for PCBoard. A working knowledge of these commands will put the power of PCBoard at your disposal. While the use of each command varies from user to user, each command does provide a uniquely significant feature. You will probably only require the use of a handful of the commands to begin with, but as you progress in your knowledge of PCBoard you will find yourself using each of the commands with increasing regularity. Abandon a Conference Command: [A] Many bulletin board systems use 'conferences' to separate various topics or groups of people. After you [J]oin a conference (see the Join a Conference section later in this guide) you may want to return to the Main Board area. Once you execute the abandon command PCBoard exits the current conference and returns you to the Main Board. If the current conference is the Main Board, nothing occurs. SubCommands : None PostCommands: None See Also: Join a Conference 11 Bulletin Listings Command: [B] Bulletins are quite common on bulletin board systems. Bulletins are merely text files placed on the bulletin board system because they likely contain useful information about a variety of subjects for all users. SysOps will commonly have bulletins which explain the purpose or theme of the board, who the top users are, and other interesting information. Commercial BBS's will often have bulletins which contain information on how to become a subscriber. When the bulletin command is executed, PCBoard displays a menu of bulletins available to you. The menu normally consists of a bulletin number, a description of the bulletin, and possibly a file name for the bulletin text file that you can download. SubCommands: [#] This indicates the number of the bulletin(s) you wish to view i.e. 1, 2, 3 etc. You may tell PCBoard to view multiple bulletins by stacking your bulletin numbers. (e.g. [1;3;5;6]). [A] All bulletins are displayed or searched. [D] PCBoard enters download mode and prepares to download the chosen bulletin(s). This subcommand must be placed on the line where you enter the bulletin number to view (e.g. [3;D]) would download bulletin #3. [N] Only bulletins 'new' to you are displayed. Each time you login you will be notified if there are any new bulletins with a 'Bulletins have been updated since last time on' message. If this message is displayed to you, the line below it will indicate the bulletin numbers that are new. A bulletin is 'new' if it was updated after the date you last called that system. By using this subcommand you can let PCBoard figure out which bulletins are new to you rather than having to manually type in the bulletin numbers. [R] When this sub-command is executed, PCBoard will re- display the complete list of bulletins available. [S] This command searches for text that you specify in the bulletins you wish to search. If the text is found, the entire bulletin is displayed and the text you searched for is highlighted so that it stands out. With this command, PCBoard automatically defaults to search for all bulletins. You would instead rather search through just a specific 12 bulletin you can specify that number by stacking the [S] subcommand with the bulletin number. For example, [B;3;S;HELP] would search bulletin #3 for the word HELP. You may also use boolean text searches as well. To learn more about boolean text searches please refer to the Boolean Text Searches section of the User Information section of this guide. [NS] The bulletin(s) chosen for viewing are displayed in non-stop mode. At the end of each screen page, PCBoard will not display a MORE? prompt. PostCommands: None See also: News 13 CHAT Between NODEs Command: [CHAT] or [NODE] If the PCBoard system you are connected to supports multiple nodes (i.e. more than one person may be on the system at the same time), you may CHAT with a person on any other node or group of nodes. PCBoard displays the status of each node. In this way, you can determine who is available for CHAT and who is not. When in CHAT mode, text is sent only in complete lines, either as it "wraps" past the end of a line or when you hit [Enter]. Therefore, you will only see text from the other person or persons you are CHATting with as they complete each line. It is often a good idea to send an extra blank line when you are through typing, so that the other person will know that you are finished and that it is his or her turn to 'speak'. While you are in CHAT mode and if you are in graphics mode, your text will be colored differently from the other person you are chatting with. Each person is identified in a CHAT session by his or her node number (in parenthesis) and first name. This information is included on each line along with the colorized lines to help separate text from the people engaged in the CHAT session. CHAT Etiquette. Whenever you join an individual or group CHAT session, remember that what you say not only affects how you are perceived by others, but also shapes the perceptions that others have of the current system and those who run the system. Never use profanity or unprofessional language. It harms the credibility of system operators and the telecommunication software as a whole. Please note that all CHAT sessions are captured to disk on the host machine. This means that the sysop can review all CHAT sessions at a later date if desired. Common sense would dictate that you do not engage in CHAT sessions which might contain language which you feel should be kept private between you and the other CHAT individual. SubCommands: [#] You begin CHAT with another person on a one-on-one basis. You select the person you would like to chat with by typing in their node number. [G] This form of chat is similar to the one-on-one CHAT command with the exception that numerous users can be involved in a group chat session. Some SysOps may assign a topic which many users may wish to talk about. In all other ways, group chat is like the normal one-on-one CHAT command except the number of names appearing on your screen will be much larger. 14 [A] This 'flags' your node as being available for CHAT. Other users may initiate CHAT with you. [U] This 'flags' your node as being unavailable for CHAT. Other users may not initiate CHAT with you. PostCommands: [Q orE] Quits and returns you back to the main menu or command prompt. [U] PCBoard will display the status of other nodes in the system. This is useful when you have initiated a node chat to see what other people on the system are doing or if your chat requested has been answered yet. [H or?] A list and description of postcommands will be displayed. All postcommands for the CHAT/NODE command must be issued on the very first character of your chat line. See also: None 15 Comment To SysOp Command: [C] This command allows you to leave a private message for the SYStem OPerator (SysOp for short). The system operator is responsible for the maintenance of the bulletin board system you are calling. When this command is executed, PCBoard will ask you to confirm that you would like to leave a message to the SysOp. If you answer yes, you will be placed in message edit mode where you may compose a message as you would enter any other message. See the Enter a Message command for more information about entering messages on a bulletin board system. Please keep in mind that the SysOp is not "all-knowing". In most cases it is appropriate to leave a message addressed to ALL so you can draw on the experience and knowledge of other callers to that system. If you are leaving a comment because you encountered what you think is a problem on the system, then it is very important that you leave the SysOp as much information as possible. In these days of large multiple-node systems, it is advised that you notice which node you are logged into and advise the SysOp accordingly. By doing so, you can help the SysOp track down whatever it is that you are reporting. SubCommands: None PostCommands: None See also: Enter a Message 16 Download a File Command: [D] When calling a Bulletin Board, you may download a file from that system to yours. Downloading is simply a process in which a copy of the file on the host machine is transmitted via phone line or other external connection to your machine at your request. If your default protocol is a batch protocol such as Ymodem, Ymodem/G, or Zmodem, PCBoard will allow you to request multiple files by simply typing [D] and pressing [Enter], followed by a list of files to be downloaded. Each file in this list should be separated by either a space or a semi colon and should be entered at the filename prompt. This is similar to typing [DB] to initiate a 'download batch' file transfer. Alternatively, you can download a single file and avoid further prompts from the system by stacking the [D] command and filename on the same command line (e.g. [D;FILENAME.EXT]). Beginning with PCBoard v14.5a, if you are logged on locally to the bulletin board system (e.g. you are logged in to an in-house bulletin board connected via LAN) you may download like a remote user would - except the download is actually a file transfer from the main file server to your local machine on the network. You can only do this if you are a local user to the bulletin board and you also select an internal protocol (such as Xmodem, Xmodem CRC, 1K-Xmodem, Ymodem, or 1k-Xmodem/G). When you attempt a local download a box will appear at the top of your screen asking what drive and subdirectory PCBoard should send this file to. You may enter any valid DOS path (e.g. [C:\TEMP]). SubCommands: [file] Multiple filenames may be used on the command line or at the filename prompt. If you enter multiple filenames they must be separated by semi-colons or spaces and must be all be entered at the filename prompt. DOS wildcards are permitted. (i.e. [*.*]) When you enter a filename, do not enter a file path. PCBoard will know where to find the file given only a filename. [protocol] This command allows you to choose which protocol you would like to use for the transfer. PCBoard will automatically use the default protocol you have selected with the [T]rans. Protocol command or when you first created your account the first time you logged into the system. If you have selected [N]one for your default protocol, you will be asked to select a protocol each time you transfer a file. 17 PostCommands: [GB]/[BYE] After the download is complete, you are logged off the system after a 10 second countdown which you may abort. See also: Download Batch, Upload, Upload Batch 18 Download Batch Command: [DB] Like the Download a File command, you may download multiple files at one time from a system that you call. The difference, however, lies in the prompts that are displayed to you. The [DB] command always prompts for a second filename and asks if you want to edit the list of files to be downloaded. Subcommands: [file(s)] This represents the files to download. A prompt is given for each file, and files may be stacked at one prompt. Like in a single download request, DOS wildcards are permitted. [protocol] This command allows you to choose which protocol you would like to use for the transfer. PCBoard will automatically use the default protocol you have selected with the [T]rans. Protocol command or when you first created your account the first time you logged into the system. If you have selected [N]one for your default protocol, you will be asked to select a protocol each time you transfer a file. PostCommands: [G] Entering [G] at the (G)oodbye After Batch prompt will automatically log you off the system once the batch download has completed and after a 10 second countdown. Once the 10 second countdown has begun, you can abort the automatic logoff by pressing [Ctrl+K]. If you abort the automatic logoff you will be returned back to the bulletin board system where you may continue with your session. Entering [GB] or [BYE] on the same line where you enter your filename will also automatically log you off once the transfer is finished (e.g. [D;TESTFILE.EXE;BYE]). [A] The current batch download will be aborted. There is no verification that you wish to abort. All files listed in your previously established batch list will be retained as flagged files. [E] The batch list may be edited. From the batch list, you may remove a file, add a file, or list the current files to be downloaded. Once this command is executed you will see that a few 19 new commands are available to you: [A]dd a file. Executing this command allows you to add more files to the batch without having to retype all of the filenames that are already in the batch. You will be asked for the filename to add to the batch. [R]emove a file. You are asked for the number of the file you wish to remove from the batch. The number of the file in the batch can be found by using the [L]ist batch command below. [L]ist Batch. This command when executed will display a listing of all files in the batch. To the left of each filename is the batch number that corresponds to the filename. You use this number when removing files from the batch. See also: Download, Upload, Upload batch 20 DOOR (OPEN a DOOR) Command: [DOOR] or [OPEN] This command takes you out of PCBoard and into an extended application called a DOOR. These applications can vary in purpose from an on-line game to an on-line database. You may find some bulletin boards that concentrate on one particular DOOR type (such as on-line games). When this command is executed, a menu of available DOORs are displayed to you. Though each SysOp may have PCBoard set up differently, the menu typically consists of a DOOR number, the name, and a description of the program. You may execute the DOOR or application by entering either its name or number. SubCommands: (See OPEN a DOOR Command) PostCommands: None See also: None 21 Enter a Message Command: [E] This command permits you to leave a message for the SysOp, another user, or to ALL users. Entering a message is quite similar to writing a letter. First you must address the message by filling in the To field. Next, you must enter a subject for the message. The subject should be a very brief description of the contents of your message. If you have not changed your full-screen editor preferences via the [W]rite user information command, PCBoard will ask if you would like to use the Full-Screen Editor as well. If you answer [N]o, then PCBoard will use the line-by-line editor instead. Some bulletin board systems carry "echo conferences". These are conferences in which mail travels between several different various bulletin board systems. These bulletin board systems could span across a city, state, country or even the world. If you are prompted with an: 'Echo' Message, (Enter)=Y? (Y) prompt, PCBoard is asking you if you would like this message to stay local to this BBS or if you want it to travel across the entire message network. Unless it is important that your message be 'echoed' throughout many systems, it is recommended that you do not echo your mail - since a great deal of long distance phone charges can be incurred by the operating sysop in order to transfer your mail to other systems. To This prompt indicates the user to whom the message will be sent. If [Enter] is pressed, the message is addressed to ALL. Subject This is a brief description of the message content. Full-Screen [Y] Use the full-screen editor. (available with ANSI graphics only) Entering text in this mode is similar to using a full-screen word processor. [N] Use the line-by-line editor. In this format, you must enter and edit your text a line at a time rather than using the full-screen capabilities. [U] You enter upload mode. In this mode of operation you can 'upload' a pre-written message to the host system which has been created on your system using a 22 normal text editor. This method of writing a message off-line and simply uploading it to the host system can save considerably in the amount of time you must spend on-line - since uploading your text is much quicker than typing it in manually while on- line. During the upload of a message, characters are not echoed to your local screen, but are immediately transmitted via MODEM to the upload destination by using the ASCII transfer protocol. Echo [Y] The message is flagged for echo and will appear on all other systems which also carry this conference on their system. [N] The message is not flagged for echo and will remain only on the local system. You can use PCBoard's message security system to control who may read a message and who has the ability to delete a message. The available message security options follow: Security Flag [G] Group. A user may assign a password to a message. Only users with the appropriate password may read the message. [R] Receiver. The message may only be read by the sender or the recipient. [S] Sender. Everyone may read this message, but only the author (holder of the assigned password) may kill the message. [N] None. The message may be read by all users within that conference. Once the message header information is completed you're taken to either the full-screen editor (Available with ANSI graphics only) or the line-by-line editor, depending on your earlier response to the 'Use Full-Screen Editor' prompt. If you have previously selected the full-screen editor as your default editor, you will not be asked if you want to use the full-screen editor. Line editors were the most popular message editors on the early versions of bulletin board software. Line editors require that you enter one line of you message at a time. To save, edit, or abort the message you needed to hit return twice to bring up a command line to which you can choose one of those commands to execute. In the more recent versions of BBS software (such as PCBoard), full-screen editors have been added to make message entry easier than ever before. Using the full-screen editor is 23 similar to using a word processor in that you can move around the screen using your cursor keys. This freedom of movement allows you to easily make changes to text without remembering cryptic line numbers. In order to use the full-screen editor, your communications program must be capable of ANSI terminal emulation. In addition, your communications program should have a Doorway mode or some other way to allow you to send cursor movement keys. Because the full-screen editor is similar to a word-processor, many people find it more intuitive and much easier to use than the line editor. At this point, you would enter the contents of your message. Once you have finished entering your message, you need to exit the message editor in order to save it. To exit the full-screen editor, press [Esc]. To exit the line editor, simply press [Enter] on a blank line. If modem carrier is accidentally lost any time during your message entry, PCBoard automatically saves what you have entered before the loss of carrier. Note that when entering text in a message or comment, it is not necessary to 'format' your text entry. PCBoard will automatically wrap words which exceed the normal line length over to the next line when typing in your text. In other words, you can continuously enter your text without ending each line with your [Enter] key. On startup, PCBoard's Full Screen Editor defaults to Insert Mode. Insert mode will always move the character underneath the cursor to the left as you type. The allows you to easily insert new information without having to retype entire lines. Typeover mode replaces the character currently under the cursor with whatever you type. If you are editing your text in progress, use [Ctrl+V] or the [Ins] key to switch between Insert and Typeover Modes. In order to get the full range of commands available in the full- screen editor, you will need to make sure that your communications program is not intercepting some commands. It is quite common for communications programs to use the cursor keys as well as [Home], [End], [PgDn], and [PgUp] keys for some of their commands or functions. If you press the up arrow and the cursor does not move up on the screen then your communications program is using those keys. In order to overcome this problem, most communications programs have what is called a DOORWAY mode. When you operate in this mode, you can full use of both your cursor keys as well as function keys when working within PCBoard. When you are in this mode you will see just how easy the full- screen editor is to use when entering a message. If you are unsure if your communications program has a DOORWAY mode, consult the documentation that accompanied your communications software. 24 To effectively use the Full Screen Editor, familiarize yourself with the following control keys and ANSI codes: PostCommands: [A] Abort. The message entry will be aborted and control will return to the main menu. All contents of your message will be lost. [C] Continue. When executed, PCBoard returns to the line- editor at the end of the message. If you are using the full-screen editor and wish to return to it, you should use the [F]ull-screen command instead. [D] Delete Line. PCBoard prompts you for the line number in the message to delete. PCBoard will then delete the contents of the line you specify. Full-screen editor equivalent: [Ctrl+y] deletes the current line. [E] Edit. PCBoard first requests the line number in the message to edit. Once entered, you must type the old text to replace, a semicolon, and the replacement text (e.g. [come to;here comes]). [F] Full-Screen. When executed, control is returned to the full-screen editor. See next page for full-screen editor PC Keyboard, Control, and ANSI commands. An on-line list of full-screen editor commands is available by pressing [Ctrl+V] while in the editor. [H] Help. When executed, PCBoard displays help for entering or saving a message. [I] Insert. After entering the line number before which the new text will be entered, you may type the additional text and PCBoard will insert it in the appropriate place. Full-screen editor equivalent: [Ctrl+n] will insert a line before the current line. [L] List. The current message being entered will be redisplayed in line editor mode. [Q] Quote. (See REPLY command). Full screen editor equivalent: [Ctrl+V] [S] Save. When you have finished entering your message, the message needs to be saved so that the intended recipients may view it as well. This command will add your message to the other messages that already exist on the bulletin board system. [U] Upload. The body of a message can be uploaded from your system as an ASCII upload. When PCBoard is in upload mode it will not echo characters back to the remote screen so if you see nothing during the upload you should not worry. You should use this command if you have prepared a text file off-line that you would like to upload as a message. This saves time typing and can eliminate some errors that may occur if you were typing information on-line. By using upload mode you will be 25 able to send just about any text file. Once you select upload mode in PCBoard then all that needs to be done is for you to initiate an ASCII upload on your end. By using the upload mode command, you can prepare messages off-line and then upload them to PCBoard thereby expediting the message entry process. [SC] Save with Carbon Copy. You may send the entered message to more than one person. When executed, PCBoard will request the names of the other users to whom the message should be sent. Although this prompt is displayed only in expert mode, the command is available in non-expert mode as well. [SN] Save and Next. During message reply, this command saves the current reply, skips the re-display of the original message, and proceeds to the next available message. Although this prompt is displayed only in expert mode, the command is available in non-expert mode as well. [SK] Save and Kill. This process saves the reply, kills/deletes the original message, and proceeds to the next available message. Although this prompt is displayed only in expert mode, the command is available in non-expert mode as well. Remember, when entering text on a Bulletin Board System, it is proper etiquette to use both upper and lowercase characters rather than using all CAPS. Messages left entirely in capitals are difficult to read and are often regarded as "shouting" by other callers. A good rule of thumb is to type your text as you would in a word processor, using capitals only as needed. See also: Comment to Sysop 26 File Directories Command: [F] One of the primary functions of bulletin board systems is to disseminate files and programs among many different users. To see a list of what files and programs are available on a particular bulletin board system, you must use the [F]ile directory command. Upon executing the command, you will see a list of categories or directories that separates the available files on the system. SubCommands: [#] Directory number. Entering the number of the desired directory at the prompt displays all files available in the directory you enter. You may enter a list or range of directories. For example, [1 2 3 7 U] would view directories 1, 2, 3, 7, and the recent upload directory. If you wanted to view a directories 1 through 10, you could specify an entry like [1-10]. [BYE] Once you have finished transferring your files this command will log you off of the system and will skip the Proceed With Logoff? question if the SysOp has enabled it. [D] Download. PCBoard prompts you for a file to download. This commands works just as if you selected [D] from the main menu. [G] Goodbye. This command logs you off of the system and hangs up the phone. [N] New File Scan. You may search available directories for all files created after the date indicated in the prompt that appears once you execute this command. The default date for this prompt is the latest valid file date that you have seen. If you choose to stack commands and want to specify the last date you scanned for files you may do so by replacing the default date with an [S] for "since". For example, if you wanted to scan all directories for new uploads since you were on last, you would enter the following stacked command: [N;S;A]. You may find this easy to remember by remembering phrases such as [N]ew files [S]ince my last call in [A]ll file directories. [R] Re-List. This command re-displays the menu of directories available in the conference you are currently in. Keep in mind that some bulletin board systems store files in conferences in addition to those that are found in the Main Board area. Therefore, you may want to join another conference to see what additional information (if any) is available. 27 [L] Locate by Name. Upon executing this command you will be prompted to enter a filename to search for. At the prompt, enter a filename or a DOS wildcard specification ("?" or "*"). After entering the file specification to search for, PCBoard will prompt you for the directory numbers it should search for this specification. You may choose to search one directory, a range of directories, or all directories. See the Locate Files command for more information. [U] Upload directories. Displays files that are available for download which have been recently uploaded to the system. If you receive a "Sorry, uploads are private" message, then the SysOp has decided to review all files before releasing them to the public. If you do receive this message it is advised that you search [A]ll directories because sometimes the SysOp will move newly uploaded files to their appropriate directories quite frequently. If you do not scan [A]ll directories there is a good chance you are missing many of the files that get uploaded to that system. [V] View. When executed, PCBoard displays the contents or other information about a particular file. How much information that is available about the file you are viewing depends strictly on how the SysOp has this command configured. [Z] Zippy Search. You may search all file descriptions for the text that you specify. This command is very useful for locating files that you are interested in without having to browse through all of the files online. For more details and examples of how to use the Zippy Search, please see the Zippy Directory Scan in the User Commands section of this guide. [NS] Non-Stop. A file will be displayed in non-stop mode. PCBoard will not stop each time your screen is full. Using this command is handy for capturing file information to a local file on your machine to your printer. PostCommands: None See also: None 28 FLAG For Download Command: [FLAG] File flagging allows you to mark a file or a group of files to be downloaded later in your session. When you're ready to download all the files you have flagged, the Download a File command may be executed. PCBoard will notify you that there are files flagged for download and ask you if you wish to download them. If you answer [Y]es, the files will be prepared for download. If you answer [N]o, all flagged files will be lost. If you try to OPEN a DOOR or logoff of the system while you have files flagged for download, PCBoard will warn you that you have files flagged for download and asks you if you would like to still proceed. If you choose to proceed, PCBoard will forget the files that you have flagged. If in the process of downloading flagged files the download fails, PCBoard will retain the flag on the files. This means that you will be able to reattempt the download without re- flagging the files. SubCommands: [file(s)] This represents the file that you want to mark for download. PCBoard will remember all files flagged for download later on during your call. Wildcards and more than one filename may be specified when prompted for a filename. PostCommands: None See also: Download, Download Batch 29 GoodBye (Hang Up) Command: [G] When executed, you exit PCBoard entirely. The SysOp may have enabled the "Proceed with Logoff" question which you must answer with a [Y] or a [N]. If you enter a [Y], carrier will be dropped and you will have disconnected yourself from the system. If you enter [N], you will be returned back to the main menu or command prompt. This question can be avoided by typing [BYE] instead of [G] to logoff. If files are flagged for download when you execute [G]oodbye, PCBoard will warn you and ask if you want to proceed. If you use [BYE] instead of [G], PCBoard will not warn you if you have files flagged for download, so be careful when choosing to use [BYE] to logoff of a system. SubCommands: None PostCommands: None See also: BYE 30 Help Functions Command: [H] or [?] A very powerful feature available to you is the Help command. By entering [H] or [?] at virtually any prompt, you may access detailed help information about available commands, subcommands, or current function information. Although the Help command is displayed at the main menu and most sub-menus, Help is available from almost any PCBoard prompt. SubCommands: [name] This represents the name of the command or the abbreviation of the command for which you need additional information. PostCommands: None See also: None 31 Initial Welcome Command: [I] When executed, PCBoard displays the original logon screen. This screen contains the version of PCBoard which is being run by the system and may contain extensive graphics, regular text, and color. SubCommands: None PostCommands: None See also: None 32 Join a Conference Command: [J] A conference is a way of grouping topics or users together. Some BBS systems refer to PCBoard conferences as forums, special interest groups, etc. Each conference may contain different messages, bulletins, files, etc., and may be accessed by entering the conference number or the conference name. It is the SysOp's discretion as to what conferences you may or may not have access to. Ask your SysOp for more details. When the [J] command is entered alone you will receive a list of conferences that are available on the system. You may select a conference to join either by number or by conference name. SubCommands: [#] Conference Number. This is the number of the conference that you want to join. You may obtain the number by entering the [J] command with no subcommands. If you enter an invalid number you will be notified that the number you entered was invalid and a list of available conferences will be displayed. The conference numbered 0 (zero) represents the Main Board. [Name] Conference Name. This is the name of the conference you want to join, and may be used in lieu of the conference number. For example to join a conference named Chatter you would enter [J;CHATTER]. To re-join the Main Board from another conference, you can type [J;MAIN] or [J;0]. [S] Search. Allows you to perform a text-search of the list of available conferences to form a list of conference names that meet your criteria. Because PCBoard supports up to 65,535 conferences, you may find the search command very helpful when you are trying to locate conferences that interest you. For example, entering the line [J;S;SALE] would list all the conferences with the word SALE anywhere in their names. This might be useful in locating all of the "FOR-SALE" type conferences. PostCommands: [Q] Quick Join. After you indicate a [J] to join a conference and the conference name or number, you may enter a [Q]. PCBoard will immediately join the conference bypassing the conference news and the View other conference members prompt if the SysOp has turned that option on. If you use this command and the news file is still displayed then the SysOp has PCBoard 33 configured to always display the news file. When joining a conference, the SysOp may allow you to view the names and city locations of the other conference members. If this feature has been enabled, you must not use the [Q]uick join feature. See also: Abandon Conference 34 Kill a Message Command: [K] This command allows you to remove a message from the message base. As you are not the SysOp you are limited in which messages you may kill/delete. PUBLIC messages may only be killed by the SysOp unless you want to delete a message that you entered. If a message has a security option of RECEIVER ONLY then only the recipient and the sender of the message may kill it. If a message is marked as SENDER PASSWORD, only the author of the message may kill the message. Finally, on messages that are addressed as GROUP PASSWORD, only the users with the proper password may kill the message. You may enter the [K]ill a Message command at the 'End of Message Command?' prompt or from any conference 'Command?' prompt. If you enter it from the 'End of Message Command?' prompt, then no message number needs to be entered because you are currently viewing the message. However, if you enter this command from the main menu, you must supply PCBoard with the message number that you wish to delete. A message number is located at the top of the message and is PCBoard's primary way of identifying messages. Subcommands: [#] When this command is executed you are asked to supply the number of the message you would like to kill. At the prompt enter the message number you would like to remove from the message base. PostCommands: None See also: Enter a Message 35 Language Command: [LANG] The LANGuage command allows you to alternate between languages which the SysOp has made available. These languages may vary from foreign languages to "humorous" type languages and even some that are dedicated to new callers. Choices available to you are displayed in menu format with a number corresponding to each operational language choice. SubCommands: [#] The pound sign represents the language number to change to. PostCommands: None See also: None 36 Locate Files Command: [L] If you are unaware of a file's directory location or exact name, you may use this command to help you find the file. This command accepts all valid DOS filenames and wildcards. SubCommands: [file] PCBoard searches for the file. If a match is found, PCBoard will display the file. [#] When using the [L]ocate Files command, you must specify a directory or range of directories that PCBoard should search for the desired file. You may list a single directory, a range of directories in the format [#-#] or a list of directories in a [#;#;#] format. There are two letters that you may use as a directory number. If you use [A] for the directory number, it tells PCBoard to search all file directories in the current conference. Likewise, if you use [U] for the directory number, the upload directory of the current conference will be searched. [D] If a file that matches the parameters is located, it is flagged and prepared for download later during the call. If more than one file is found all are flagged. [N] This command searches for files that are equal to or later than the specified date. If you use the [N] command you need to also include the minimum file date from which the scan should search for. If you would like to use the date you last scanned for files you may simply add an [S] to the [N] subcommand. Remember this as [N]ew files [S]ince my last scan. For example, [L;ABC*.TXT;N;102191;A] would search all directories for a filename that started with ABC and had an extension of TXT. All files older than 10-21-91 would not be displayed. [NS] Files are displayed in non-stop mode (void of all 'More?' prompts). PostCommands: None See also: Zippy Search 37 MENU Command: [MENU] You can redisplay the main menu at the command prompt. When executed, the menu screen is displayed even while in expert mode. SubCommands: None PostCommands: None See also: None 38 Mode (Graphics) Command: [M] Issued without subcommands, this command acts as a toggle between graphics and non-graphics display modes. If you execute this command with a subcommand then you may choose which mode you want without using the command to toggle back and forth. If you do not have ANSI capabilities or are unsure if you do, you should choose CTTY mode. If you accidently choose the wrong mode and you get what seems to be garbage on your screen you can enter the command again with either the CTTY or ANSI subcommands. SubCommands: These commands must be stacked with the [M] command to take effect. For example [M;CTTY] or [M;GRAPHICS]. CTTY The system is placed into non-graphics, non-ANSI mode. ANSI The system is placed into non-graphics, ANSI mode. GRAPHICS The system is placed into graphics, ANSI mode. Postcommands: None See also: None 39 New Files Command: [N] This command will locate any files that have been uploaded to the system since the specified date in the directories that you specify. You have control over the date to begin the search and the directory or directories that you would like to search for. SubCommands: [date] This represents the date from which PCBoard begins a search for all "New" uploaded files. All files posted found are displayed. [#] When using the [L]ocate Files command, you must specify a directory or range of directories that PCBoard should search for the desired file. You may list a single directory, a range of directories in the format [#-#] or a list of directories in a [#;#;#] format. There are two letters that you may use as a directory number. If you use [A] for the directory number, it tells PCBoard to search all file directories in the current conference. Likewise, if you use [U] for the directory number, the upload directory of the current conference will be searched. [D] All files found are queued for download. They may be downloaded by executing the Download a File command. [S] PCBoard scans for files added since the date of the most recent files the caller has been shown. PCBoard keeps track of the most recent valid file date that you have seen in the file directories. For example, if you were to do a new scan searching all file directories on 12-24-91 but the latest file date that was displayed was 12-21-91 then PCBoard will store that date in your user record. [NS] Files are displayed in Non-Stop Mode (no 'More?' prompts are displayed). PostCommands: None See also: Locate Files 40 NEWS File Display Command: [NEWS] You may use this command to read any news that the SysOp has placed in the current conference. The news file usually contains important notes or events regarding the bulletin board system. Normally, this file is displayed when you log on to the system or join a conference. SubCommands: None PostCommands: None See also: Bulletins 41 NODE CHAT Command: [NODE] (Refer to CHAT between Nodes) SubCommands: None PostCommands: None See also: CHAT between Nodes 42 Operator Page Command: [O] The Operator Page command allows you to request an immediate CHAT with the SysOp. If the system operator is available, both your machine and the SysOp's will beep for 30 seconds or until the page is answered, in which case you enter SysOp CHAT. If, however, the SysOp doesn't answer the page or is unavailable at the time of your request, PCBoard will inform you that the system operator is unavailable and asks if you would like to leave a comment instead. The SysOp may configure a particular time period that he or she is available for an operator page. SubCommands: None PostCommands: None See also: Comment to SySop 43 OPEN a DOOR Command: [OPEN] or [DOOR] This command takes you out of PCBoard and into an extended application called a DOOR. These applications can vary in purpose from an on-line game to an on-line database. You may find some bulletin boards that concentrate on one particular DOOR type (such as on-line games). When this command is executed, a menu of available DOORs are displayed to you. Though each SysOp may have PCBoard set up differently, the menu typically consists of a DOOR number, the name, and a description of the program. You may execute the DOOR or application by entering either its name or number. SubCommands: [#] This represents the number of the DOOR to open. It may either be stacked with the command at the main menu prompt or chosen after the DOOR menu is displayed. (e.g. [OPEN;1]) [Name] Instead of the DOOR number, you may type the actual DOOR name. For example, to open a door called 'EXCITING' you could execute [OPEN;EXCITING] from the conference 'Command?' prompt. [parm] You may pass a parameter to the DOOR that is called. This parameter is similar to one passed at a DOS prompt to another application. Not all DOOR programs accept parameters so unless a particular DOOR states that it will accept parameters then in all likelihood it does not. Perhaps the best example of passing parameters to a DOOR would be an off-line mail reader DOOR. It is quite common to pass parameters to these programs such as [D;Y;Q] ([D]ownload new mail, [Y]es, download the packet, [Q]uit back to PCBoard after the download). From the conference command prompt you can then execute the door, have it do an action, and come back without requiring any additional pressing of keys. For example you could execute an off-line mail reader DOOR called MAIL and pass the appropriate parameters by typing [OPEN;MAIL;D;Y;Q] at the conference command prompt. PostCommands: None See also: None 44 Page Length Set Command: [P] You may specify the number of lines PCBoard displays before it prompts you with a "(H)elp, More?" command. The most common setting is 23 but you may choose any value between 0 and 99. If you select a page length setting of 0 it is like being in permanent non-stop mode (i.e. when the screen fills a more? prompt will not be displayed). SubCommands: [#] This number indicates the number of lines displayed per screen. This value may range between 0 and 99. PostCommands: None See also: None 45 Quick Message Scan Command: Q You may analyze a brief list of messages that may be read by you if you use the Quick Message Scan command. When executed, PCBoard will display the message number, reference number, sender, receiver, subject, and read-status of each message. The reference number indicates the previous message to which the reply message came from. SubCommands: F The message base is scanned for all messages from you. Y The message base is scanned for all messages sent to you. S All messages that have not already been read will be scanned and displayed. NS Messages are displayed in non-stop Mode, thus eliminating More? prompts from the display. +/- When appended to a message number, PCBoard displays all messages in forward-numerical or reverse-numerical order respectively from that point. TS Each message is scanned for the indicated text. USER The message base is scanned for messages both from a particular user and those left by a particular user. PostCommands: None See also: Read messages Quick Message Scan Status Flags When you do a quick message scan, each message number has a special symbol to its left. The symbol may represent the type of message sent, its security, or the read-status of the message. The status flags are defined below: [blank] A message that can be read by anyone. * A private message unread by the recipient of the message. + A private message that has been read by the official recipient. - A public message sent to a user who has already read the message. ~ A COMMENT to the SysOp that has not yet been read by the SysOp. ` A COMMENT to the SysOp that has been read by the SysOp. % An unread message protected by a SENDER PASSWORD. 46 ^ A message protected by a SENDER PASSWORD that has already been read. ! An unread message protected by a GROUP PASSWORD. # A message protected by a GROUP PASSWORD that has already been read. $ A message addressed to ALL protected by a GROUP PASSWORD. Note that PCBoard will only show you a quick scan of those message headers which you can actually read. If your security level is not sufficient to allow reading all system mail, many message headers will not be displayed to you. 47 Read Messages Command: R The Read messages command permits you to read messages on a bulletin board system. Messages may be addressed to you, or to other people. From this command you may also reply to messages that you are reading, search for text in messages, and get a synopsis of messages that are currently on the system. Examples of the read messages command are displayed. PCBoard allows you to view only the messages that interest you. You may wish to read messages addressed to you. In some conferences or on some large bulletin board systems, you may also wish to read just a few selected messages. The SCAN SubCommands below allow you choose which messages to read and what conferences to scan for messages. SCAN SubCommands: [#] This number indicates the number of the message that you wish to read. This subcommand will only read one message at a time and is very useful when you know the message number you want to read. F The message base is scanned for all messages from you. Y The message base is scanned for all messages addressed to you. YA The message base is scanned for all messages addressed to you or to ALL. S All messages in the current conference that have not already been read will be displayed. You may specify the A or ALL subcommand to scan for new mail in other conferences besides the current conference. L The current message base is read backward from the last message to the first. A Messages are read from all conferences that have been selected for scanning. You may choose which conferences you wish to scan for messages by using the SELECT command from the conference command prompt or by using the DESELECT or SELECT subcommand of the Read command. ALL Messages are read from all conferences that you have access to whether you have selected them for scanning or not. TS Each message is scanned for the text that you indicate. You may perform complex text searches by using boolean text searches. For more information on boolean text searches, see Boolean Text Searches in the Additional User Information section of this guide. 48 SET PCBoard stores last message read pointers for each conference. These pointers contain the last message number that you read in any particular conference. By looking at this value, PCBoard is able to determine which messages you have not read yet. PCBoard will update the automatically as you read messages. However, if you need to manually update this value you may do so with this command. When executed, this command will ask you what you would like to set your Last message read number to. You may enter any valid message number. If the number you enter is higher than the highest message in the conference then your last message read will be set to the highest number in the conference. USER When executed you are prompted to enter the name of the user you would like to search for. After you enter a valid user name, the message base is scanned for messages both for a specified user and those left by a specified user. SKIP While executing an R;S or an R;A command, you may use SKIP to bypass the remaining messages in the current conference and to set the last message read pointer to the last message. In the R;A case, however, invoking SKIP will act just as it does with the R;A command only it moves you to the next available conference and permits you to continue reading messages in the next conference. JUMP If you read all conferences (R;A), you may jump to the next available conference for message base scanning. The last message read pointer is not changed, however. SELECT While reading a message you may select the current conference to scan for messages. This has the same effect as if you executed the Select command from the main menu and placed an "X" in the flags column. Using this command you may select the conferences you wish to scan for mail on-the-fly. DESELECT If a particular conference is chosen for scanning then the conference is deselected. This has the same effect as using the Select command from the main menu and deselecting the conference by pressing the corresponding number for the conference. This would cause the "X" flag in the flags column from the SELECT command (executed from the main menu) to be removed. After PCBoard has displayed a message you will be prompted with an "End of Message Command?" There is a wide range of commands that are available. This next section of commands will deal with the DISPLAY Subcommands that allow you to set 49 the direction to view messages as well as memorizing message numbers, etc. DISPLAY Subcommands: NS Messages are displayed in non-stop mode, thus eliminating More? prompts from the display. NEXT The next message in the message base is displayed. PREV The previous message in the message base will be displayed. M When executed, PCBoard memorizes the current message number. PCBoard will only remember one message number. If you try to memorize another message number, the previous one will be lost. When you want to return to the memorized message number, you may type RM, RM+, or RM-. RM The message previously memorized is re-displayed. RM+ The message previously memorized is re-displayed and the message base is placed in forward mode for further reading. RM- The message previously memorized is re-displayed and the message base is placed in reverse mode for further reading. T PCBoard allows you to read messages in order that have the same subject in the message header. This is called reading messages by thread. You may choose to read forward in the thread or reverse in the thread by appending a + or a - next to the T (e.g. T+, T-). Normally, you memorize your current position (by using the M command) and use the RM command to return after the thread read is complete. +/- When appended to a message number or used by itself, PCBoard displays all messages in forward-numerical or reverse-numerical order respectively from that point. You can always tell what mode you are in by looking at 50 the Read Type at the top of the message you are reading. In that field you will see either a (+) or a (-).to denote which direction you are reading. / Redisplays the current message. This command is great for redisplaying messages for capture. One time-saving feature that PCBoard offers is the ability to capture messages into one single file which you may download and browse off-line. The resulting file is an ASCII file that looks just like what you see on the screen when viewing messages. These CAPTURE SubCommands are covered below: Capture SubCommands: Sometimes you may want to download a group of messages or just a single messages. These subcommands allow you to capture messages and then download them to either a file or printer on your system. C The messages displayed by the current command are captured, placed in a file, and prepared for download. You are given the choice to continue with the download, abort the transfer, or hangup after the transfer. D The messages displayed by the current command are captured, placed in a file, and immediately prepared for download. Z As with the D command, the messages displayed by the current command are captured and placed in a file. The file, however, is compressed before it is downloaded and therefore may not be sent to your local printer. Reply SubCommands: When you wish to respond to an individual's message you enter a message called a reply. When the reply command is executed, you may use all commands found under Enter A Message. The message number of the original message becomes the reference number of the reply. RE When you wish to respond to an individual's message you enter a message called a reply. To enter a reply to the current message you use the RE command which will create a new message addressed to the sender of the original message. This is the command you will be using most often when replying to a message because the message that you want to respond to is the message you are currently reading. Therefore, you will not have to enter a message number to respond to because you are currently reading the message. See the REPLY to Message command for additional information. 51 RR If the message you are reading displays a message number in the REFER# field of the message header, you may read the reference message by typing RR and pressing the R key. This is also where the memorize a message command comes in handy. Using that command you can memorize the current message, read the reference message and then quickly return to the original message by returning to the memorized message number. General SubCommands R When pressed at the End of Message Command? prompt, the next message is displayed in the direction that you are reading. E Some times you may want to change who you addressed a message to or the subject of a message. If this is the case you may use the E command to edit those two fields of any message that you have entered. EDIT The current message is placed in the editor for modification. You may want to re-edit a message if you accidentally lost carrier while entering a message or changed your mind, etc. G GoodBye. (See the user command (G)oodBye for more details.) J You may join another conference. (See the user command (J)oin a Conference for more details.) K If the message is to/from you, you may kill it which will delete the current message from the message base. N Reading ends and you are returned to the main menu / conference command prompt. See also: Quick Message Scan, Enter a Message, Reply to Message 52 REPLY to Message Command: RE When you wish to respond to an individual's message you enter a message called a reply. When the reply command is executed, you may use all commands found under Enter A Message. The message number of the original message becomes the reference number of the reply. SubCommands: [#] The message number (between 1 and 16,777,216) that you wish to respond to. Q Quoting from a message allows you to reference relevant information from the previous message. You may use the Q subcommand (Line-By-Line Editor) or C+O(Full-Screen Editor) to quote from the message you are replying to. When you are quoting from a message, the original message is displayed and you are asked to enter a line number at the "Start quoting from which line?" prompt. After entering the starting line number you are then asked to enter the line number at which you wish to end the quote. After you have entered both the starting and ending line numbers for the quote, PCBoard will return you to the message entry screen and you will see the quote from the previous message denoted by arrows -> on the left hand side of the text. PostCommands: None See also: Read a Message, Enter a Message 53 Re-Read Memorized Message Command: RM After a message has been memorized (See the M subcommand under the Read a Message command for more information), you may return to the memorized message by using this command. An RM by itself jumps to the memorized message number and stops displaying messages. An RM+ jumps to the memorized message number and continues to display successive messages. An RM- jumps to the memorized message number and continues to display preceding messages. SubCommands: None PostCommands: None See also: Read a Message 54 Script Questionnaires Command: S Script questionnaires allow you to answer questions that the SysOp has created. These questions may cover a wide variety of topics and could vary in length. When you execute this command you will be presented with a list of script questionnaires available in the current conference. You simply select the number of the questionnaire you would like to answer and then type in your answer in the space provided after each question is presented to you. SubCommands: None PostCommands: None See also: None 55 SELECT Conferences For Scanning Or Reading Command: SELECT Quite often, there will be conferences on a bulletin board that you do not want to participate in. This command enables you to choose which conferences to automatically scan for messages both at login and when you use the A subcommand with a message read or scan command (e.g. the R, TS, and Q commands). A two-column listing of conferences that you are able to join is displayed. In the list, PCBoard includes the conference number, description, last message read, highest message in the conference, and an "X" if you have marked this conference for scanning. Only the conferences that you have access to will be listed so if you find that a conference is not listed it is because the SysOp has not given you access to that conference. An example of a Select screen is provided below: Last High Num Conference Read Num. Flags -------------------------------------------------------------- 1 Main Board 8548 7978 X 2 SysOps Talk 1018 1001 X 3 For Sale 6289 4301 X 4 Daniel's 1278 1003 5 Programming 2106 1839 6 Operating Systems 5119 4768 X 7 Chit Chat 7831 7659 X 8 BBS Ads 6711 6584 9 Modem Info 2478 2178 X Enter Conference Numbers, (S)elect All, (D)eselect All, or (Q)uit? At this point , the user can enter the appropriate subcommand. You can Select, Deselect, or Quit. A d or a u will allow you to move between different screens conferences if there is more then one screen of conferences. SubCommands: [#] Entering the conference number allows you to toggle the status of that conference. You may enter a range of conferences or you may also type in a list by separating each conference number by a semicolon. (i.e. 1-6;12) will toggle conferences one through 6 and conference number 12. If the conference was not selected it will now be 56 selected. Likewise, if the conference was not selected previously, it will be selected and you will be asked to enter the message you last read in this conference. You may set the last message read to any value that is within the range of messages in the conference. To find the range of messages in the conference look to the left of the conference name on the prompt where it is asking your to enter your last message read. You will see a range of numbers that will look something like 3005-8292. S This subcommand selects all conferences for scanning and all conferences will have an "X" placed in its flags field. D This subcommand deselects all conferences for scanning and removes the "X" if there was one in this conference's flags field. Q This subcommand quits the Select command. Control is returned to the main menu. PostCommands: None See also: None 57 Transfer Protocol Command: T When executed, a list is displayed that allows you to choose from among several different file transfer protocols for uploading or downloading files. The protocols are placed in the system by the SysOp and each is denoted by a single character, a letter or a number from 0 to 9. When determining which protocol to select on the bulletin board it is important to remember that you must use the same protocol on your end. Therefore make sure that you select a protocol that is also available via your communications program. If you are unsure of which protocol to select or will be changing your selected protocol you may wish to select None. If you select None then you will be asked each time you transfer a file which protocol you would like to use. SubCommands: A-Z, 0-9 (optional) PostCommands: None See also: Download a File 58 TEST a File Command: TEST How many times have you downloaded a file only to find that it will not uncompress due to errors? The TEST command permits you to check files for viruses and other corruptions that might exist in a particular file. When you enter the filename to test, you will be informed after a short delay whether the file passed or failed the predetermined criteria. If the filename you enter to test does not exist on the system, you will be notified that the filename you entered does not exist and you will allowed to enter a new filename to test. SubCommands: [file] This is the file that will be tested according to the testing procedures designated by the SysOp. PostCommands: None See also: None 59 Text Search Messages Command: TS Every once in a while you may have a need to search through all or a portion of messages on a particular system. You might be experiencing a problem that you need help with or you may have a particular question in mind. The TS command is very similar to the R command. The major difference is that only the messages that contain the search text that you specify are displayed. Giving you the ability to scan messages and message headers to locate a specified text in a message makes it easier for you to display only those messages that interest you. By using conditional text searches you can further limit the messages that are displayed to you. PCBoard allows conditional text searches by using Boolean text searches. These text searches use three special characters to put conditions on your search. For more information and some examples of Boolean text searches, see Boolean Text Searches in the Additional User Information section of this guide. SubCommands: [Text] This subcommand is required for use with the TS command. This is the text you wish to scan for in the message base. This may be a single word or it may be a complex Boolean search string. A Messages are read from all conferences that have been selected for scanning. You may choose which conferences you wish to scan for messages by using the SELECT command from the conference command prompt. ALL Messages are read from all conferences that you have access to whether you have selected them for scanning or not. C The messages displayed by the current command are captured, placed in a file, and prepared for download. You are given the choice to continue with the download, abort the transfer, or hangup after the transfer. 60 D The messages displayed by the current command are captured, placed in a file, and immediately prepared for download. F The message base is scanned for all messages from you. L The current message base is read backward from the last message to the first. NS Messages are displayed in non-stop mode, thus eliminating More? prompts from the display. RM The message previously memorized is re-displayed. RM+ The message previously memorized is re-displayed and the message base is placed in forward mode for further reading. RM- The message previously memorized is re-displayed and the message base is placed in reverse mode for further reading. S All messages in the current conference that have not already been read will be displayed. You may specify the A or ALL subcommand to scan for new mail in other conferences besides the current conference. USER When executed you are prompted to enter the name of the user you would like to search for. After you input a valid user name and press R, the message base is scanned for messages which conntain the specified user name in either the FROM or TO fileds of the message header. Y The message base is scanned for all messages addressed to you. Z As with the D command, the messages displayed by the current command are captured and placed in a file. The file, however, is compressed before it is downloaded. PostCommands: None See also: Read a Message 61 Upload a File Command: U Like the command Download A File, this command allows you to transfer files between systems. In this case, however, you are sending a file to the bulletin board system instead of receiving one. SubCommands: [file(s)] The parameter is given to identify the uploaded file in the PCBoard system. PCBoard will ask for the filename or it may be included on the command line. If more than one file is to be uploaded, each must be listed on the command line. [protocol] The transfer protocols are listed under the Trans. Protocol command. PostCommands: GB / BYE After the file transfer is complete, you may indicate that you wish to disconnect. This option may be included on the command line with the other options of this command. Before you are disconnected from the bulletin board system you have 10 seconds to abort and continue on with your current call. See also: Upload Batch, Download a File, Download Batch 62 Upload Batch Command: UB This command functions similarly to Upload A File with one minor exception. The UB command immediately assumes that more than one file will be uploaded. You may only use protocols which have been designated as batch transfer protocols by the SysOp. You will be prompted for each filename you wish to upload. When you have finished entering all the files that you wish to upload press R at the Filename to Upload prompt. SubCommands: [file(s)] These parameters are given to identify the uploaded files to the PCBoard system. Several files may be uploaded at once if you use a protocol designed for batch file transfers. [protocol] The transfer protocols are listed under the Trans. Protocol command. PostCommands: GB / BYE After the file transfer is complete, you may indicate that you wish to disconnect. This option may be included on the command line with the other options of this command. Before you are disconnected from the bulletin board system you are given 10 seconds to continue on with your current call. See also: Upload a File, Download a File, Download Batch 63 USERS, List Command: USERS This command allows you to search the user file for a text string. You are responsible for inputting the text string. PCBoard provides a list of users with the text string found somewhere in their records. In the list are the user's name, location, and the last date the user logged into the system. Note: PCBoard does not display any sensitive or confidential information with this command. Only the name and location (City and State) of each user found will be displayed. SubCommands: [text] This is any piece of text. PCBoard analyzes this input, scans the users' file, and displays all user records that match the text you enter. For this search string you could enter part of a first or last name, or even part of a city name. This search string may also be a Boolean text search For more information and some examples of boolean text searches, see Boolean Text Searches in the Additional User Information section of this guide. PostCommands: None See also: None 64 View Settings Command: V This command displays the current settings your user record. If you have questions about the values in this display please consult the SysOp for more information. Below is an explanation of each line: Caller Num This is the number of calls that the bulletin board system you are calling has answered since operation of the system began. Lst Date On The last date you called the system is stored in this field. Expire Date This field contains the date at which your account will expire. If you have no expiration date then this field will contain the value None. Some bulletin board systems set their users to expire at a certain date. When you are "expired" your security level is usually dropped until you follow the instructions that are displayed to you. If you do not think the expiration date is set correctly contact the SysOp of the bulletin board system. # Times On This is how many times you have called this system. Page Length The page length setting allows you to configure how many lines will be displayed before you want PCBoard to issue a more? prompt and ask you if you are ready for the next screenfull. This value may be changed by using the Page length set command. Expert Mode If expert mode is turned on then an On is displayed. Otherwise you are in novice mode and an Off is displayed here. You may toggle expert mode by using the Xpert Mode On/Off command. Security Lv This value is the security level that you have been assigned on this system. The actual value itself holds little value to you. However, the bulletin board system uses this value to control what you can and cannot do on the system. # Downloads This is the total number of files you have downloaded from the system. # Uploads This is the total number of files you have uploaded to the system. 65 Bytes Avail Some SysOps limit the number of bytes you may download on a daily basis. In this field is the number of bytes you are allowed to download. This value is set to Unlimited then you may download as much as your time allows. L/Msg. Read This field contains the last message number you have read in the current conference. As you change conferences this value should change.1 High Msg. # This value is the highest message number in the conference you are currently in. Active Msgs This value is the number of messages that are active in the conference you are currently in. While you will see that each conference has a range of messages (e.g. 332-982) some of the messages in that range may have been deleted. Tr/Protocol This is the name of the protocol you have selected as your default transfer protocol. If None is displayed, you will be prompted for a transfer protocol to use each time you start a file transfer. SubCommands: None PostCommands: None See also: Write User Information 66 WHO Command: WHO Most users on multi-node systems like to know who else is currently on the system. To satisfy this curiosity you can use the WHO command. This command acts like the NODE or CHAT commands, but does not permit communication with other callers. When executed, PCBoard displays the status of each node on a multi-node system. You can use this command to see if anyone is online that you would like to chat with, who is doing what on the system, etc. This command is only available on multi-node systems. If you try to execute it on a single node system you will get a Sorry, no Network is Active message. SubCommands: None PostCommands: None See also: None 67 Write User Information Command: W This command allows you to change your own user information. Based on how the SysOp has set the system up, any or all of the following fields may be changed: password, caller's location, business/data phone, home/voice phone, comment field, and desired message bases to scan. Even in this command's minimal configuration you may change your own password. SubCommands: None PostCommands: None See also: View settings 68 Xpert Mode On/Off Command: X This command acts as a toggle between expert and novice modes. If expert mode is implemented, the main menu screen is not displayed. During many user commands, options are often reduced to one letter (instead of the whole word). To save time and long distance costs, you might consider printing the menus and then switch to expert mode to avoid continuous redisplay of menus. SubCommands: None PostCommands: None See also: Menu 69 Your Personal Mail Command: Y This command permits you to scan for mail addressed to you to determine if you have sent or received messages. SubCommands: A PCBoard scans all selected conferences including the main board for messages from or to you. ALL PCBoard scans all conferences for messages from or to you. S The message base is scanned from the last message read. Only messages after this point are displayed. NS Screen displays are placed in non-stop mode (without more? prompts). L This option shows messages in long list mode. The message bases are scanned and the corresponding number of each message found is displayed. This is the default listing mode for this command. Q Messages are shown in quick list mode. The message bases are scanned, but only the number of messages and the number of messages to you are displayed and not what those message numbers are. C Only the current message base is scanned for messages. + When added to a message number (e.g. 300+), PCBoard scans from that message forward. - When added to a message number(e.g. 300-), PCBoard scans from that message backward. PostCommands: None See also: Read a Message 70 Zippy Directory Scan Command: Z This command scans the directories to find a specified text string. PCBoard prompts for the text string to scan. Possibly one of PCBoard's most powerful time-saving features, the Zippy directory scan command will locate text in both the file name field and the descriptions. Like other PCBoard searching features, the zippy directory scan command utilizes Boolean operands (AND, OR, and NOT). SubCommands: [text] This is the text you wish to search for in the directory listings. If you wish to search for an imbedded space (i.e. "TEST ") then you will need to imbed that part of the string in quotes as shown above. Since you cannot enter quote characters on the command line you would not be able to enter the above example on the command line. This search string may also make use of Boolean operands if you wish to further qualify your search. [#] PCBoard scans for the indicated text in this directory. When using the Zippy Directory Scan command, you must specify a directory or range of directories that PCBoard should search for the file specification. You may list a single directory, a range of directories in the format #-# or a list of directories in a #;#;# format. There are two letters that you may use as a directory number. If you use A for the directory number, it tells PCBoard to search all file directories in the current conference. Likewise, if you use U for the directory number, the upload directory of the current conference will be searched. D Each file found with the specified text is flagged for download. The system does not immediately download the files, but waits until the command Download A File (D) or Download A Batch (DB) command is executed. N Using the N command allows you need to include the minimum file date from which the scan should search for. If you would like to use the date you last scanned for files you may simply add a S to the N subcommand. This is easy to remember if you think of it as New files Since my last scan. For example, L;ABC*.TXT;N;102191;A would search all directories for a filename that started with ABC and had a filename 71 extension of TXT. All files older than 10-21-91 would not be displayed. Likewise, L;ABC*.TXT;N;S;A would search all directories for a filename that started with ABC and had a filename extension of TXT. All files older than the last valid file date you saw in the file directories would not be displayed. NS Screen output is displayed in Non-Stop mode. PostCommands: None See also: Locate a File 72 APPENDIX A - Boolean Text Searches: For most commands that allow you to enter a search string you likely start out looking for a single word or phrase. Sometimes though, that single word or phrase could yield far too many matches. If you think there are too many matches you can use Bboolean search operators to further qualify what you are trying to find in your search. Boolean operators allow you to search for more than a single word or phrase. There are three boolean operators available to you - AND, OR, NOT which are represented by PCBoard with the &, |, and ! symbols respectively. Boolean operands AND, OR, and NOT allow you to establish search patterns based on the criteria you enter. The operands are denoted by the symbols &, | (vertical bar), and ! respectively, and may be used in nearly any command that allows a search string (e.g. TS, Z, USERS, etc.). Using Boolean Logic, you can perform a conditional text search to include any combination of words or phrases, even excluding phrases or words that you wish to omit. Keywords may be enclosed by parentheses to help group phrases or keywords together. Each parameter may be enclosed by quotes if characters such as (, ), |, or & will be in part of the text to scan for. Example 1: R A TS (teach | tutor) & (kid | child). This example, probably for a school teacher, will read all available conference messages that contain the words teach or tutor and either the word kid or child. PCBoard not only searches for the exact words but also any portion of the word in whic the search text appears (i.e. teacher, teaching, tutorial, children, etc). If you omitted the parentheses in the search above the search would display any message that contained either the words teach, teach and tutor, or the word child. You can see that parentheses are important to your search. Example 2: Z 26 (util | driver) & update &! (virus | trojan). In this example, the caller is likely interested in recent screen or printer driver releases, or updated utilities other than those related to trojan or virus detection/removal. This command would search directory 26 for all file descriptions which contain the words update and either driver or util, excluding those file descriptions which contain the words virus or trojan. PCBoard would then list any files found with each occurrence of the keywords highlighted. 73 APPENDIX B - A basic modem primer: MODEM is an acronym for MOdulator-DEModulator. It converts computer data into audio signals that are relayed over phone lines to another computer with a modem. Generally speaking, almost every modem will function with PCBoard, but only a few offer advantages that, although not mandatory, make BBSing easier and less problematic. Most current modems use one of four connection standards. Three of these four standards were defined by the CCITT (International Consultive Committee for Telephone and Telegraph) and the fourth was established by USRobotics. These connection standards are defined for various connection speeds and the CCITT standards are backwards compatible. v.22. The V.22 standard is built into the vast majority of modems which communicate at 2400 bps. V.22 is a full duplex standard, which means that data is transferred in both channels at full speed. This is accomplished by using echo cancellation, which allows a modem to sort out and eliminate signals which are of its own transmission. v.32. The V.32 standard is built into most modems that convey information at a 4800 or 9600 bps rate. This is also a full duplex which results in fewer errors on noisy lines. v.32bis. The "bis" means simply that it is an enhanced v.32 standard. Modems incorporating v.32bis are capable of transmitting data not only at the 4800 and 9600 bps standards but also at the higher 12,000 and 14,400 bps standards. This speed gain is due in part to even more sophisticated echo cancellation. Again, like the slower V.32 rated modems the data can move in both directions simultaneously at approximately the rated speed. HST. This standard was developed by USRobotics prior to the adoption of the V.32 standard. This is USR's proprietary high speed communication standard. HST uses a asymmetrical full duplex approach. This means that the primary transmission channel operates at full speed and the back channel operates at approximately 1/32 the speed of the forward channel. This makes the modem unsuitable for bidirectional transfers due to the "ping-pong" effect, which means that the modem switches the high speed channel back and forth to accommodate whichever modem is sending the most data. 74 Some modems have "built-in" error correction to insure data is sent reliably between the two computers. The most common error correction methods are listed below: MNP (levels 2-4, 10). Microcom Networking Protocol is a conventional error correcting routines built into some modems. The modem automatically employs the routine when you connect with another MNP modem. MNP filters out line noise between the two modem-linked computers to prevent garbled screen displays and erroneous download or upload information. In addition, MNP will reduce the size of data transferred by up to 20% by stripping the start and stop bits from transfer packets, as well as conditionally compressing data during the transfer process. All this leads to faster, more reliable communications. However, to employ the MNP error correction, both of the communicating computers must be using MNP modems. If only one system is using MNP, you may experience a distorted screen display during the initial part of your login. To avoid line noise and add reliability to your data communications, an MNP modem can be a wise investment. v.42. The V.42 is an error correcting standard similar, but superior, to MNP. It ensures that information sent from your modem matches information received by the remote modem. The v.42 specification actually incorporates two separate error protection protocols. The first, and best, is LAP-M (Link Access Protocol- Modem), which is an extremely efficient error correction protocol. LAP-M also removes 20% of the transmission bits (as does MNP 2-4), but it introduces less of its own artificial overhead. The v.42 also incorporates MNP error correction as a fallback standard in the event that LAP- M is unavailable. Once again, both modems must be v.42 compliant to allow for a LAP-M connection. Please note that there is a difference between v.42 compatible and v.42 compliant. A modem which has MNP2-4 is v.42 compatible, but to be v.42 compliant a modem must also have LAP-M. Some modems have "built-in" data compression which allow compressible data to be transferred in a more rapid manner. The most common error correction methods are listed below: MNP 5 (level 5). Microcom Networking Protocol level 5 is a conventional data compression routine built into some modems. MNP data compression can achieve a 2:1 compression ratio under 75 optimal circumstances. The compression is accomplished by compressing the data as it is sent and then decompressed at the receiving end. This, in effect, doubles the baud rate for compressible data. However, to employ the MNP 5 data compression, both of the communicating computers must be using MNP modems. It should be noted that this type of data compression, while very useful for downloading or viewing ASCII files, bulletins, messages, etc, is useless when downloading ZIP or ARC files which are already compressed. v.42bis. The v.42bis standard is a higher level of data compression than MNP 5. V.42bis allows for an optimal compression ratio of 4:1. In effect, the transfer rate of the modem can be double, triple or even quadruple the rated speed of the connection by compressing the data before transmitting it and uncompressing it on the other end. Another advantage of V.42bis over MNP 5 is that V.42bis is an intelligent compression routine. This indicates that V.42bis will 'intelligently' determine whether the transmitted data is compressible or not. If the data is compressible, V.42bis will compress it as efficiently as possible (with a maximum of 4:1). If the data is not compressible, V.42bis will not add the additional overhead of a useless compression header. 76 APPENDIX C - Modem setup guidelines: Perhaps one of the greatest problems faced by new users of PCBoard is that they have set up their modem incorrectly. The net result can range from inefficient transfer rates to a modem that does not function correctly. Addressed here are some of the more common mistakes that are made in setting up a modem. Due to large number of communications packages and modems available, we are unable to the address specific commands to accomplish the suggestions provided. First, follow the modem manufacturer's setup instruction carefully. Most problems with modem setup could be alleviated if users would take the time to read the instructions. However, that is a great deal of information that is generally not available in the manual that comes with your modem. This knowledge is acquired only through "trial and error". Another consideration in modem setup is the port opening speed. If you are using an error correcting modem, you should lock your port opening speed at a speed which is a least twice that of your maximum connect speed. This will allow your error correcting modem to actually pass data at a rate greater than that of the connect speed. To actually determine what speed to lock the port open at, consider the following: ∙ What type of UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) are you using? This chip is either on your serial card for an external or on the modem itself for an internal. Unless you have a 16550, never lock your port at more than 9600 baud. ∙ What type of compression do you have? For MNP 5, open your port at twice your connect speed; for V.42bis, open your port at four times your connect speed. Error correction and data compression are extremely useful tools once you discover them, but they require careful implementation. However, if your modem is incorrectly set up, these tools can be incredibly frustrating. It is necessary to correctly initialize your modem for these tools to be available to you. Read your modem documentation for the proper initialization strings to write to your modem to enable error correction and data compression. Be selective when you are choosing the com port on which you will be using your modem. Remember that, in a standard 77 configuration, com ports 1 and 3 share the same interrupt, as do com 2 and 4. What this means is that if you have a mouse on com 1 and a modem on com 3, they will fight for the same interrupt and one or both will not function correctly. This problem usually comes into play when installing a internal modem. Consider what com ports are in use and configure the modem as one that will not conflict. 78 APPENDIX D - A quick overview of file transfers: Though most SysOps wish for more avid caller participation in their system's message bases, they nearly all realize the motivation behind the majority of BBS callers: File Transfers. This is certainly why we have been seeing the trend toward bulletin board systems with online file availability climbing well into the gigabyte ranges. Exchanging files with a bulletin board system is, after all, one of the best ways to expand your software library, and certainly the least expensive. Software falling into virtually every category can be found in either the public domain or shareware, some perhaps matching or even exceeding the performance of similar commercially available programs. To get you started, the following step-by-step guides should help you get acquainted with PCBoard's file transfer procedures of both downloading (copying a file from a PCBoard host system to your machine) and uploading (sending files from your machine to a PCBoard system). For more detailed information concerning these command routines, refer to the User Commands section of this guide, under Download a File, Download Batch, Upload a File, or Upload a Batch. Downloading a File The following steps outline the procedure for Downloading, or copying a file from the PCBoard host system's file directory to your machine: Step 1: Connect with the BBS from which you want to download a file. Many users utilize such communications software as Boyan, Procomm, Telix, and others with a modem. To properly use these or any other communication package, consult the manual that comes with the software. Step 2: Once connected with the host BBS, locate the file you wish to download. If you already know the name, simply execute the Download a file command, enter the file name, and go to Step 3. 79 If you don't know the exact findname, you can use either the Locate Files (L) command or the Zippy scan(Z) commands to search the available file lists. The Locate Files command searches only the filename portion of the file lists and is capable of using DOS wildcard characters. For a more detailed search, you can Zippy scan the contents of both the filename anddescription fields of the file lists for a text string, even using Boolean logical operators to conditionalize your search. As the files are located, you can execute the Download a File (D) command to download individual files directly, or you can FLAG files for download later during your session. When you issue the Download a file or Download Batch (DB) command, PCBoard will ask you if you wish to download flagged files. Answer Y and PCBoard will download all the files you flagged earlier, doing so much more efficiently thna if you were to download each file individually. For multiple files, it is best to select a batch tranfer protocol for downloading. Step 3: When the download process begins, PCBoard will list the files' download size, total bytes, protocol type, and the file name (See Download a file Command). The greatest confusion for most users is which transfer protocol to use. ASCII: This is an abbreviation for American Standard Code for Information Interchange. Although not truly a transfer protocol, it represents the format of information conveyed from one MODEM to another. No error correction isavailable and you may not use this protocol when transferring files that contain binary data. XMODEM Checksum, or simply XMODEM: Certainly the most common, but on the "low end" of the performance scale. Information is transferred in 128 byte packets. The bytes are summed (128 bytes) in each packet. After the packet is sent via MODEM, it is rechecked by the receiver to insure an identical byte summation exists in the packet. This, of course, provides a somewhat primitive error check since identical checksums do not necessarily indicate identical characters. For instance, no error is detected for the following transfer: SMAPLE ------> SAMPLE. 80 XMODEM CRC: Information is transferred in 128 byte packets. The protocol uses a formula to calculate a Cyclical Redundancy Check (CRC) for the packet. As a result, error correction is far more reliable. After the packet is sent via MODEM, bytes are checked by the receiver against their original CRC value. Although not infallible, this protocol leaves less room for error. 1K XMODEM: Faster than the previously mentioned XMODEM protocols, as information is transferred in 1,024 byte packets and therefore there is less overhead. This protocol is identical to the XMODEM-CRC with the exception of the size of the packet that is transferred at one time. 1K XMODEM/G: Information is transferred in 1,024 byte packets. The protocol, however, does not correct errors. If an error occurs, the transfer is aborted. This protocol can be used only when both modems have established an error corrected session using MNP or V.42. YMODEM (batch): This is a file transfer protocol that permits several files to be sent at one time (batches). Data is sent in 1,024 byte packets. Each packet is checked for accuracy using the Cyclical Redundancy Check (CRC) method. Before sending files, however, the protocol sends a 128 byte packet that represents a header. In the header are listed several transfer specifications to distinguish each file in the batch. The header contains the filename, the number of bytes in the file, and other pertinent information. YMODEM/G (batch): This protocol permits several files to be sent at one time (batches). Data is sent in 1,024 byte packets, but no error correcting occurs. If an error arises, the transfer is aborted. Like the YMODEM protocol, YMODEM/G sends a 128 byte packet that represents a header. Like 1K XMODEM/G, this protocol can be used only when both modems have established an error corrected session using MNP or V.42. Zmodem (Batch). Although not as quick as 1K-Xmodem/G and Ymodem/G, this protocol is efficient and reliable. Furthermore, you can download several files at once and need not use a modem with MNP correction. 81 Step 4: Once you choose a protocol, PCBoard will show a repeating character (depending on the protocol chosen). While repeating this character, PCBoard is waiting for you to begin the download at your workstation. You must tell each communication package to begin the download by initiating a sequence of commands or, in some, simply a keystroke. For example, in Telix, the keystroke is d. At which time, Telix requests a directory on your drive to which downloaded files are sent. When the keystroke or routine is executed, the download begins. Uploading a File The following steps outline the process for Uploading, or sending a file from your computer to a PCBoard host system: Step 1: Connect with a PCBoard host system using your communications software and a modem. For information on the proper use of your communications program, please consult the documentation for that software. Step 2: Once connected and properly logged into the Host BBS, enter U at the PCBoard command prompt to Upload a file. PCBoard will then ask you for the name of the file to upload. Step 3: Enter the name of the file you wish to upload to the host system. Before accepting the file, PCBoard will check your filename against the names of all the files available to see if it duplicates a file already on the system. If your file is a duplicate, it will be rejected, and PCBoard will prompt you for another filename to upload. Remember to use original file names when creating a new file for upload. PCBoard checks the filename against all other files available on the system to guard against duplicate files. If you are exchanging files between Bulletin Board Systems, DO NOT rename those files! Doing so creates confusion and frustration for callers who waste time downloading, only to 82 discover the files are duplicates. Duplicate files also waste valuable disk space on the host system. Step 4: Once you have entered a valid filename, PCBoard will ask for a brief description of the file. Enter your description in the lines provided. Be as informative as you can in as few words as possible. Most systems allow up to 8 lines of 45 characters for each description. Remember, your description is important as all users that are searching for files will see your description. Pressing R on a blank line saves your description and moves you on to transfer protocol selection. Step 5: Select a transfer protocol from the list provided, or enter N to abort your upload. For information on transfer protocol selection, refer to the protocol descriptions listed in the previous section, Downloading a File. Remember to select the same protocol in your own communications program that you select from PCBoard's transfer protocol list. Step 6: Once you have selected a protocol, PCBoard will display it's status and a repeating character (depending on the protocol selected) as it waits to receive from your machine. Begin your file transfer, following the procedures set out in the documentation for your communications program. In many programs such as Telix, Boyan, Procomm and others, pressing the u key will begin your upload. When the file transfer is completed, PCBoard will execute some tests on the newly uploaded file. Step 7: Upon successful completion of an upload, PCBoard will run tests on a file. These tests are setup by the SysOp of the system you are calling and may vary from bulletin board to bulletin board. The tests often include integrity testing and duplicate file checking. Upon completion of the testsyou will be notified if your upload passed or failed. If your upload failed any credit you would have received for the upload is revoked and the file is held for the SysOp to review. 83 Note: If for some reason you must abort your file transfer after having started PCBoard's upload or download procedures, press the Control and X keys simultaneously. Doing so will cause PCBoard to abort the procedure and return to the command prompt within a few seconds. 84 APPENDIX E - Glossary: ASCII. An acronym for American Standard Code for Information Interchange. The code is comprised of 128 standard characters (0 to 127) and 128 symbols (128 to 255). Baud. A unit for measuring data transmission speed, rated in Bits Per Second (BPS). 1 Baud = 1 Bit Per Second. BBS. An abbreviation for Bulletin Board System. Bits Per Second (BPS). The rate at which data is transferred, measured in bits per second. Boolean Logic. A system used to manipulate data based on operations yielding a single positive or negative response. Boolean Operators, typically AND, OR, and NOT, are used in PCBoard command routines to conditionalize text searches. The operators are represented by the symbols &, | (vertical bar), and !, respectively. Caller. A person who remotely accesses another BBS and given certain privileges based on security level. Capturing a File. A process that sends information to a text file on disk while, at the same time, displays the information on the screen. Characters Per Second (CPS). The rate at which data is transferred, measured in characters. Since one character is typically represented by 8 bits, (or a byte), divide the baud rate by 8 to calculate CPS. For example, 2400 baud equals 300 CPS, etc. CHAT. This is a command in PCBoard that permits callers on different nodes to communicate with one another. A user can conduct a one-to-one CHAT session or a group CHAT session. Conference. A designated area that holds files for viewing or download and normally has its own message base. Conferences are often created to segregate users with specific concerns or specific topics of discussion. 85 Door. Allows a caller to temporarily exit PCBoard locally or remotely and run another application program. The alternate program may be a utility, game, etc. Download. The information received from a remote computer via Modem. The word can be used as a noun (the data received) or as a verb (the act of receiving the data). Local. A user logs into PCBoard at his own workstation. This is contrasted with Remote access which allows a caller to use a modem to log into a host system. Logon. Refers to a procedure that a caller initiates when he or she uses PCBoard. It normally includes typing the user's first and last name and a unique password. Mail. In PCBoard, this includes any messages or files left to a registered user by another caller. The mail is stored in the user's "mail box." Main Board. Acts as a mother conference. All users have access to this area if the board is not closed to outside callers. Message Base. The location of all messages left by a user to another (or all) user. The message base includes all message headers and all respective message bodies. Message Read Pointer. An indicator that points to the last message number you have read. PCBoard uses this pointer to determine what messages you have not read yet. Modem. An acronym for MOdulator-DEModulator. The device allows data to be translated into computer signals that can be sent via telephone lines to any computer with a modem. Node. An individual PCBoard session that runs locally or with an attached Modem. In the latter case, each incoming telephone line represents a separate session. Non-Stop Mode. All information is displayed without a "More, Enter=yes?" prompt. Parameter. A setting for a particular field. 86 Password. Characters that comprise a security clearance for a user. Each user has a password to log into the system. Further passwords may be necessary to download, upload, or enter a message. Prompt. A computer's expectation for input. The user is then responsible for inputting whatever information the computer seeks. Remote. A controlling device physically distant from the local machine. Typically refers to a caller's machine dialing into a PCBoard (Host) system via modem. Search. To seek or scan usually a particular piece of text, security level, user name, or file. Several PCBoard searching facilities utilize boolean operands. Security. Measures taken to allow or prohibit certain users access to the system. Common security precautions are passwords and numeric security levels. SysOp. An abbreviation for system operator. The System Operator is responsible for system maintenance, file postings, etc. Recommended pronunciation: Sis'-Op. Upload. The information sent from the local computer via modem to a remote computer. The word can be used as a noun (the data sent) or as a verb (the act of sending the data). User. A person who accesses a local system. However, a person may access a remote system and still be considered a user as well as a caller. Wildcards. Refers to DOS text substitutions. Specifically, DOS uses two characters to denote text: and ?. The first represents a string of characters of any size. The second represents only one character. The wildcard . or *.* indicates any filename with any extension. The wildcard File?. encompasses files that begin with File, have one trailing character in the filename, and use any extension. 87 Index Abandon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 ALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 ASCII . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Batch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19, 63 Boolean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60, 73 Bulletin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 BYE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Capture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Carbon Copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 CHAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 42, 43, 67 CLOSED board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Comment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16, 43 Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 33, 56 DESELECT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 DOOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21, 44 Doorway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Download . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17, 19, 58, 79 Echo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Echo conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 EDIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Enter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Etiquette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65, 69 File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17, 62, 79 File directories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 FLAG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29, 80 Full-Screen editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 GoodBye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 39 Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Group chat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Initial Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Join . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 JUMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Kill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 36 List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 88 Locate Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Logging in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 MAIN BOARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Memorized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 MENU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16, 22, 35, 48, 53, 54, 60 MNP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74, 77 New . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 New files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 41 NEXT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 NODE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 42, 67 Novice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 OPEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 OPEN board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Operator page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Page length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45, 65 Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Personal mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Port speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Postcommands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Previous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17, 19, 58, 66 PUBLIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Questionnaires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Quick message scan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Quote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25, 53 Re-Read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48, 56 RECEIVER ONLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Reply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51, 53 SCAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48, 56, 71 Script . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60, 73 Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 23, 65 See . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 SELECT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49, 56 SET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Shouting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 SKIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 89 Stack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 10 Status flags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 SubCommand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Subject . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 SysOp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16, 43 TEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 To . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58, 79 UART . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Unavailable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Upload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62, 63, 79, 82 USER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61, 64, 68 View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28, 65 Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 WHO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Write . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 XMODEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 YMODEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 YMODEM/G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Zippy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37, 71 Zmodem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 90