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██┐ ██┐ ████████┐ ████████┐ ███████┐ ██│ ██│ └██┌──██│ └██┌──██│ ██┌────┘ ██┐ ██┌┘ ███████│ ███████│ ███████┐ ██┐██┌┘ ██┌──██│ ██┌──██│ └────██│ ███┌┘ ████████│ ████████│ ███████│ └──┘ └───────┘ └───────┘ └──────┘ * The Virtual BBS/NET Version 5.50 (C) Roland De Graaf 1990, 1991, 1992 4246 Elisabeth Ave Holland, MI 49424 * -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Terms of Use & Registration The Virtual BBS and associated files are: Copyright (C) Roland De Graaf 1990, 1991, 1992. This Virtual BBS/NET software has been made available to you as SHAREWARE, and is provided to you as such with hope that after evaluating this software, you will join our growing family of SySops nationwide. Your possesion of this program entitles you to evaluate it for a reasonable period of time prior to registration and in NO case, shall this evaluation period go beyond 2 months without resulting in either formal registration, or discontinuation of it's use. You are encouraged to distribute VBBS/NET to others in it's original form only and under the title: VBBS550.ZIP *!* The author shall not be liable for any damages arising from the use of this software, or the VirtualNET network. By using the software you agree to the above terms. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── **!** TABLE of CONTENTS SOFTWARE OVERVIEW............................... 1 VBBS INSTALLATION............................... 5 CONFIGURATION (VCONFIG.EXE)..................... 6 Main Config (screen 1)..................... 8 Main Config (screen 2)..................... 11 Main Config (screen 3)..................... 13 Channel Config............................. 14 Database Config............................ 15 Configuring/Editing Databases........... 16 Paths Config............................... 18 Security Config............................ 18 U/L D/L Protocols.......................... 19 Network Config............................. 19 Events Config.............................. 21 Control Panel Config....................... 21 Doors Config............................... 22 Voting Booth............................... 22 Random Messages............................ 22 Archive View Config........................ 22 Text sections.............................. 22 Multi-Feedback............................. 23 VBBS Diagnostics........................... 23 RUNNING VBBS.................................... 24 FIRST TIME STARTUP.............................. 25 WFC (Control Panel)....................... 25 New User Signup............................ 26 CREATING THE SYSOP ACCOUNT...................... 27 Online F-keys.............................. 27 User Editor................................ 28 User Defaults.............................. 29 DEFAULT SETUP................................... 30 Menuing Options............................ 31 Customizing VBBS Menus.................. 32 Local/Networked Message Bases.............. 20 Setting up Topics....................... 33 VFSE Full Screen Editor................. 33 Message Quoting......................... 34 Message Threading....................... 34 Message Search.......................... 34 Message Sub Validation.................. 34 Message Sub Moderators.................. 35 E-Mail..................................... 36 Oneliners............................... 36 Prepared Text Uploading................. 36 Attached Files.......................... 37 Forwarding Email........................ 37 Carbon Copies........................... 37 Multimail Mailing lists................. 37 Auto New User Email..................... 37 Form Letters............................ 38 Files Transfer Area........................ 39 Setting up Topics....................... 39 Uploading files locally................. 39 Remote Transfers........................ 40 Upload scan and events.................. 41 Mutiluser Teleconferencing Rooms........... 42 Autoposts.................................. 42 Chat Screens............................... 42 Taglines................................... 42 QWK Offline Readers........................ 43 Hypertext Help System...................... 44 Online Tests and Quiz facility............. 45 CUSTOMIZING VBBS................................ 46 VScripts................................... 46 Function Blocks............................ 47 Menus...................................... 47 Pulldown Menus............................. 48 Source Code................................ 48 VBBS OPTIMIZATION............................... 49 Use of RAMdrives........................... 49 Other Optimization......................... 49 SECURITY........................................ 50 File Exclusion List........................ 50 Remote Dos Access.......................... 50 MAINTANANCE..................................... 50 Automating Daily Maitanance................ 50 Periodic Maintanance....................... 51 EXPLANATION OF FILES............................ 52 VNET............................................ 53 VirtualNET................................. 53 The Multinet............................... 53 QWK File Format Import/Export.............. 53 REGISTRATION.................................... 54 VIRTUAL TOOLS................................... 55 The Virtual Developer's Toolkit............ 56 THE FUTURE...................................... 56 ACKNOWLEGEMENTS................................. 56 ABOUT THE AUTHOR................................ 57 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── * V I R T U A L B B S * ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── - 1 - - VBBS Overview - Over the past few years, the world has been witness to a revolution unlike any other before it. Enabled by amazing and increasingly accessable telecommunications technologies, dizzying changes take place globaly with the rising tide of the Information Age. Chief among the digital tools, the personal computer has given rise to the power of information and communication that has relatively recently only come into the domain of the individual. Within the vastness of what has been come to be popularly known as the 'cyberspace', individuals are pioneering co-operative digital communities where people with access to a personal computer and a telephone come together in the sharing of information, ideas, and friendship. These virtual communities first began in the 1980s with the advent of the first electronic "Bulletin Board Systems" (BBSs). Those early BBS systems have given way to "Networking" in which BBSs are forming larger communities with other BBSs in other geographic locations in a way that transcends the boundries of time and physical limitations. VBBS advances BBS software and Networking from the docks and harbors of the traditional BBS and into the deeper waters of the 1990s. ***!*** Welcome to The Virtual BBS/NET. The revolutionary "VBBS" is a new and fast developing Electronic Bulletin Board software designed for MS DOS compatible computers. VBBS is a very unique and powerful telecommunications tool which you will discover features virtually limitless configurability and un-paralleled control over the presentation of your BBS. Very little in the VBBS display is static. Practically ANY function (internal or external) may be displayed ANYWHERE or in ANY menu at ANY time. VBBS allows Commercial and Amateur SysOps alike who have needs that go beyond the abilities of old style BBS softwares, to do so in a way that provides an unobstructed horizon for whatever the application. VBBS is quickly becoming the standard by which other modern BBS softwares will be measured. -2- The powerful configuration available to you is enabled in part through the use of a special telecommunications oriented script language processor called Vscript(tm). Through the use of these scripts, a SysOp is easily able to achieve total "look and feel" control over VBBS by simply modifying and customizing the vscripts with any ascii editor. A built in script compiler produces code from the scripts which loads and executes very quickly. Configurable onboard databases are used to store public and private messages as well as file listings, descriptions, and other information. The number of databases, as well as their size is limited only by the size of your hard disk, and the datafields can even be used for a special database creation of your own. Although it is not necessary for a VBBS sysop to become familiar with the scripts in order to use VBBS, the heretofor unknown flexibility that is available to you, enables amazing configurability options that are limited only by imagination. Another configuration tool which is new to the VBBS program are definable "Function Blocks". This ingenious device allows you to actually define the function of each key presented to a user of your BBS by simple editing of an ascii textfile. "Stacked" keystrokes can be accomplished through combining Function Blocks and Vscripts (see Function Blocks). VBBS is FAST and is so without any loss to it's flexibility unlike traditional 'fixed' code BBS software. Multiple Node, Multiple Network, VBBS is a feature laden BBS software that is undoubtably the most configurable and capable BBS program available anywhere. -3- VBBS is a Multinode BBS which simply requires a seperate 'channel' configuration (bbs <channel#>), for each node you wish to run under your multitasking software or Lan. Although VBBS multitasks as well as the multitasking software is capable of, and in fact includes a Desqview aware commandline switch option and PIFs for both DV and Windows, it is the author's contention that superior multitasking performance with all communication software is best acheived through the use of a LAN at this time. (see MULTIUSE.DOC) VBBS can be run standalone, or as a door from inside virtualy ANY other BBS software (including itelf), or matrix logon. (sysops please see VDOOR.DOC) VBBS creates chain.txt, door.sys and dorinfox.def formats for doors, and it releases all but 18k of Ram (shrinks out of memory) for all doors as well as events, freeing up more memory for other programs and multitasking. Doors (external programs) and online game presentation options are limited only by imagination. VirtualNET, the name of the VBBS Support Network, and is currently the largest network using the powerful VNET networking software. VNET and VirtualNET are extremely easy to set up and use. It uses Zmodem and optionally, the new bi-directional HS-Link protocol to transmit Zip or Arj type compressed mail packets, providing maximum speed and efficiency. VirtualNET, nearly famous for it's software support, openly welcomes all, and you are encouraged to come online by requesting a VirtualNET node assignment at any time. In addition to VirtualNET, VBBS is completely compatible with QWK Format networks, multiple Fido based, multiple WWIVnet based, multiple WWIVLink based, and multiple UUCP based networks (with more on the way). The network configurabulity of VBBS is quite unique and nearly limitless with up to 999 networks configured at any one time. (see MULTINET.DOC and NETGUIDE.DOC) Above all else, VBBS is a BBS software in motion. There is a certain excitement in it's continuing development that is unmatched within the BBS community. It is hoped that if you are now installing VBBS for the first time, this experience will lead you to become part of that motion, a part of our developing VirtualNET family, and a part of what is sure to be a continuing bright future for this remarkable program. -4- Some of the current BBS features in VBBS include: - Extremely easy setup - Multinode support for up to 256 users online available (SHAREWARE version supports up to 4 users online) - Supports up to 999 networks completely transparently at any one time (including VirtualNET, Fido, UUCP, WWIV based, and QWK format networks with more on the way) - Unsurpassed menuing and BBS presentation options - Easy to learn VSCRIPT script language programming and modifying - Built in QWK door for Offline Readers - Built in ansi Full Screen Editor (w/ 36 text color choices) - X,Y,Zmodem, Zmodem Batch and HS-Link downloads and uploads (BBS & Network) - Automatically adds Archive comments to uploads - Files attached to email local and Network - Automated offline file requesting - Automated Networked File requesting (networked feature). - Surveys and Voting - Multiuser Teleconferencing with port status, paging and seperate "rooms" - Prepared text uploads in email & messaging (even from inside of the editor). - Easy to use quoting feature in email and messaging - Configurable 'N' scans - Easy to set up Games and other external online programs (nearly unlimited presentation options) - Save to ascii text any public or private message - Form letters - Unlimited number of message subs, file dirs, games and other databases - User defined macros - Built in user time bank - system bulletins and textfiles across drives - Random messages (up to 3 lines) - User phone charge accounting system - Up to 20 seperate timed events per day. - 36 user definable ansi screen colors (including background color) - File archive viewing. - Access coding throughout - Unique Dual purpose (ansi color and ascii) menuing system. - Full messaging and file search functions - Efficient binary storage of messages and all system text - Built in daily clean-up. - Optional System activity display at logon - Fast Login from console - Configurable WFC Screen blanking - Mail forwarding (even across multiple networks) - Assignable function key Control Panel at WFC - Highly informational and customizable WFC.COM screen - Full CD Rom or WORM capable databases - Runs as a door in whole OR in components from nearly any other BBS prog - Extensive log information - Macro capable Networking software included - Built in Ansi Autodetect - Read and write Email from WFC - Enhanced Sysop functions - Split Screen Chat - "Pseudo" Dos (allows sysop to perform Dos functions w/ user online) - Multi-Mail Mailing lists (up to 9 lists) - Multi network CC:s - Definable Moderator (SubOp) fields for message and file bases - SysOp security uploads - Uses full advantage of DSZ for upload and log info - Ansi Taglines (optionally random) - Built in BBS Diagnostics - Definable Function Blocks for totally configurable hot key menus - STACKed menu functioning capable - Configurable Autovalidation of SysOps - Supports optional use of FOSSIL driver - Ascii, Ansi, and Enhanced Ansi operation with Pull Down Menus - Multiple SysOp/Co-SysOp feedback. - Handles/Real Names/Annon toggle for each messaging sub and file uploads. - Auto-callback account verification and reverse call capability - Message bases and file areas can be either "Flat" or "Layered" arrangements - Online Hypertext help system - Built-in Online User Test/Quiz system -5- ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── *** VBBS Installation *** ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Installation of VBBS is quite straight-forward. It is perhaps the EASIEST BBS software in the known world to install. New Installations: ------------------ 1) Create a temporary directory on your hard disk and make it your current directory. 2) Extract the contents of VBBS550.ZIP into your temporary directory. 3) Run INSTALL.EXE (choose NEW Installation YES when prompted) 4) Verify the configuration as Vconfig is presented, particularly in MAIN.CFG and MOST importantly CHANNELS.CFG. All Single node VBBS installations use the same command line; BBS 1 (naming channel # 1) You just need to correctly identify your modem PORT # in the channel 1 config. Existing Installations: ----------------------- UPGRADE Installations for ver 5.50, upgrading from ver 5.42: 1) Backup: a) files in your database directory b) files in your data directory c) your .cfg files 2) Having extracted the VBBS550.ZIP to a seperate dir run the "INSTALL" exe as an upgrade existing installation and name the correct path to your actual VBBS dir. (your .CFG files will NOT be overwritten) 3) Verify settings in Vconfig and change Channel 1 in CHANNEL.CFG to reflect your modem port. (Base addresses and IRQ addresses are set automatically) 4) The INSTALL for 5.50, when used to upgrade existing installations, copies ONLY the new .EXE file to your VBBS directory. It does NOT over-write any menus, script files, function blocks, text files, or network data files. INSTALL 5.50, after copying files, will also upgrade your pre-5.50 databases for full 5.50 operation. You may need to copy files or make some changes manually. <-------- File to consider replacing/editing: *.ANS *.ASC *.TXT *.PDM -> EXISTING INSTALLATIONS MUST USE THE INSTALL PROGRAM TO UPGRADE VBBS. <- INSTALL needs to upgrade your database .DAT files, and your user account file. It is recommended that you BACK-UP the files in your Database Directory, and the files in your Data Directory. After the upgrade to 5.50, you may need to use VCONFIG to sort your Database Configuration, and Compile Network Info. -6- ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── *** Configuration (VCONFIG.EXE) *** ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Using the VCONFIG.EXE configuration utility, you can configure main, Channel, databases, system paths, download protocols, upload protocols, network configurations, timed events, assignable function keys, Door set ups, voting questions, random messages, archive viewing configurations, textfiles and multi-feedback configurations. Provision is also made to diagnosis your setup. NOTE: MOST of the essential configurations are properly set at default settings and configured for you already. The Following configuration is the ONLY configuration actually REQUIRED in MOST installations in order to effect a first time start up: {In Main.cfg} BBS Name, SYSOP Name, System Password. {In Channel.cfg} Set channel 1 to correct modem port. It is easy to use the Vconfig configuration utility at any time to do additional setup and further configuration. -7- VCONFIG has 17 main functions available at its main menu. ┌───────────┤VCONFIG 5.50├─────────────┐ │ 1. Main Configuration * │ 2. Channel Configuration │ │ 3. Database Configuration │ │ 4. Paths Configuration │ │ 5. Download Protocols │ │ 6. Upload Protocols │ │ 7. Network Configuration │ │ 8. Events Configuration │ │ 9. Control Panel Configuration │ │ A. Doors Configuration │ │ B. Voting Booth │ │ C. Random Messages │ │ D. Archive View Configuration │ │ E. Text Sections Configuration │ │ F. Multi-Feedback Configuration │ │ G. Print Registration Form │ │ H. VBBS Diagnostics │ └[] [] [Enter]=[Select] [Esc]=Quit───┘ -8- ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 1. *** MAIN CONFIGURATION - Screen ONE *** ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 1) BBS Name ----------- This is the place for you to enter the name of your BBS. VBBS can then display it as needed. 2) SysOp Name ------------- Enter your name, or the name or handle of the primary System Operator here. 3) Timeout ---------- This numeric value determines how long a user may remain inactive (ie..not typing) before being automaitcally logged off. The user will be warned with a beep, at the midpoint of this interval. This values calibrates in seconds. For example, a setting of 300 would mean 5 minutes. At a setting of 300, the user will hear a warning beep after 2 1/2 minutes, and be logged off after 5 minutes of inactivity. 4) Start-Up Script ------------------ This is the first script that is run after a user login. For the default VBBS set-up, this is "START" which reflects the small START.V script provided with the VBBS archive. 5) Pause String --------------- This lets you customize your "press any key to continue" prompt. 6) Idle Modem ------------- This setting defines what, if anything, to do with the modem when the BBS is busy doing certain off-line functions, such as unpacking network mail, running external events, doing daily maintenance, etc. Choices are: "Modem Off-Hook" and "Do Nothing." If you select "Modem Off-Hook," then VBBS will "busy out" your phone line as needed for off-line functions. When the off-line function is completed, VBBS will re-initialize the modem, and resume servicing callers. 7) Registration # ----------------- This is the place for you to put your registration number, when you get one. The only way to get a valid registration number is to register VBBS with the author. 8) New User Password -------------------- In this field, you specify your system's new user password. Leaving this field blank disables the new user password entirely. The presense of a password in this field will require that a first time remote caller actually know what the password is. -9- 9) Blank WFC Screen ------------------- This setting configures the VBBS automatic WFC screen blanker. The value entered here is the number of seconds to wait before blanking out the WFC screen. A value of 0 disables screen balnking entirely. A) Reserve Space ---------------- This setting, in kilobytes, instructs VBBS to reserve some of your hard disk space, so that sufficient space is always available on the hard drive for continued BBS operation. When the free space on your upload drive goes below this value, uploads will not be allowed onto the board, for your protection. This setting can be disabled by using a value of 0. B) Using WATCH.COM ------------------- This is a Yes or No question. If Yes, VBBS will issue commands to WATCH as needed. If No, then this feature is disabled.(WATCH.COM is a small shareware utility that senses unanswered telephone rings to your system and will re-boot the system after so many rings or arbitrarily every few hours) If you use this function, you *MUST* load WATCH.COM before loading VBBS. (ie...load in AUTOEXEC.BAT) C) Allow Handles ---------------- This setting lets you define whether your BBS uses Real Names, or Handles as primary user indentification. D) Daily Cleanup ---------------- This setting specifies the time to do automatic database cleanup. Time must be entered in hh:mm format. 00:00 disables this feature. E) Allow 255 Remote ------------------- This feature can be used a extra security measure to prevent someone from ever gaining sysop access via remote. If you require to access the sysop functions of your board remotely, or wish to give a "Co-SysOp" or other individual that ability then choose "Yes". F) System Password ------------------ This field contains your system password and is an optional level of security. All users with a security level of 255 (sysop security) will be prompted for the system password when logging in. -10- G) Registration Code -------------------- This is the place for you to put your special registration code. You will recieve this code from the author when you register. The combined entry of valid registration number and registration code unlocks your copy of VBBS 5.50, and enables full VBBS operation. H) Use Fossil Driver -------------------- This setting lets you tell VBBS to use a FOSSIL driver. FOSSILs are especially useful in certain multiuser applications of VBBS, though they are not required. If this setting is set to NO, VBBS will use its own internal COM routines. I) SysOp Page Control --------------------- This option lets you select between two different methods of sysop available detection. The most popular choice is to let the lighted "scroll lock" key be the "toggle". This option exists to accomodate SysOps who have non standard keyboards, and avails the use of the "A" key from the WFC to toggle your chat availability. (Scroll lock can be toggled at any time anywhere within the system) J) WFC Drive List ----------------- This is the list of hard drives you want displayed on WFC screen. Their drive letter, size and free space will be displayed on the WFC screen. K) # Active Channels -------------------- This setting lets you optimize VBBS for the number of simultaneous online users (active portd) that you are set-up for on your multiuser VBBS. Single-line VBBS installations should set this to 1. If you have 2 lines running into your multiuser VBBS, set this to 2. If you have 4 lines running into your multiuser VBBS, set this to 4. And so on. L) Log Detail Level ------------------- This defines the level of log detail that VBBS maintains in BBS.LOG. -11- ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── *** MAIN CONFIGURATION - Screen TWO *** ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 1) Net Low Time 2) Net High Time ---------------- These two settings let you specify a period of time for network transfers. Setting Net Low and Net High Times to 00:00 disables this feature. During net time, users calling into the BBS will only be allowed 2 minutes online. This function is a way to "open up" a busy BBS for network calls during a certain period, usually late night. 3) Net Redial Attempts ----------------------- This configures the # of network redialing attempts should be made. 4) Network Poll Delay at WFC ----------------------------- This setting configures how often VBBS checks to see if it needs to perform some type of automatic network dialout. This setting is calibrated in seconds. (ie...600 would be 10 minutes) 5) Dialing String ------------------ This setting specifices the proper dialing string for your modem. This will, in most cases, be either ATDT (for tone dialing) or ATDP (for pulse dialing). 6) New User Security Level 7) New User Time ---------------------------- These settings define the security level and time limit given to a new user on your BBS. 8) Min. Sec. Lvl. Autopost --------------------------- This setting defines the minimum security level (MSL) needed for a user to write an autopost on the system. 9) MSL Email Others -------------------- This setting defines the minimum securty level (MSL) needed for a user to write email to users, other than the sysop. A) MSL Email SysOp Attached File --------------------------------- This setting defines the minimum securty level (MSL) needed for a user to write email with an attached file to the sysop only. B) MSL Email Others Attached File ---------------------------------- This setting defines the minimum securty level (MSL) needed for a user to write email with an attached file to the other users (local and network). -12- C) MSL MultiMail ----------------- This setting defines the minimum securty level (MSL) needed for a user to write email with the multimail (mailing list) function. D) MSL Email Carbon Copy ------------------------- This setting defines the minimum securty level (MSL) needed for a user to use the Email carbon copy feature. E) Upload/Download Ratio ------------------------- This setting specifies the optional system Upload/Download Ratio. F) Allow Auto-SysOp Validation (Y/N) G) Auto-Sysop Security Level H) Auto-Sysop Time Limit ------------------------------- This feature is useful to those whose callers are mostly other sysops. With it, you can allow them boost their own SL and time limit a little. This feature can be either ON, or OFF. If 'F' is net to "No", Auto-SysOp validation is disabled completely. I) QWK Message Limit --------------------- This setting defines the maximum number of QWK messages to put into one QWK packet. J) Enter System Password for WFC SysOp Commands ------------------------------------------------ If yes, then the system password is required for certain WFC functions. (useful if your board needs to be secure locally) K) Mail Hold Time (days) ------------------------- This specifies, in days, the time that email should be kept active on the system. When an email reaches the age configured (ie 30 days) it will become automatically purged from the BBS. A value of 0 disables this feature. L) Max Time Bank ----------------- This specifies the maximum number of minutes that can be deposited into the user's time bank. Setting this to 0 will disable the built-in time Bank. -13- ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── *** MAIN CONFIGURATION - Screen THREE *** ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 1) QWK Packet Name ------------------- This is the name you wish to give to QWK packets being sent from your system. Do NOT use a "." (period) within this field. The extention is added automatically. 2) Force Filename Entry Before Upload -------------------------------------- If set to no, the user is given the choice as to whether they wish to enter the filenames and descriptions before the upload, or wait until after the upload, and enter in just the descriptions. When filenames and descriptions are entered before the upload, duplicate checking is performed. If set to yes, the user is forced to enter in filenames and descriptions before doing the upload. 3) Inverse Bar on Input Fields ------------------------------- If set to Yes, an "input limit inverse bar" will be drawn on certain input statements, to show the user how much they can type into the data field. If set to No, then this bar is not displayed. 4) Display Network in Subs Listings ------------------------------------ If set to No, minimal network information is displayed when you do an online database listing. If set to Yes, then full network information is displayed. It should be noted that minimal info displays somewhat faster than full information. 5) Run LOGOFF.BAT at user logoff --------------------------------- Here the choices are : No, Channel 1 Only, All Channels Allows you to configure utilities (or whatever) to be run at user logoff. Parameters passed to the batch file are: %1 = Channel # %2 = COM port # 6) Number of Rings to Answer On -------------------------------- This setting defines how many times the phone will be allowed to ring before VBBS answers the phone. For most installations, a setting of 1 is proper. 7) Use Call Back Verifier -------------------------- The call-back verifier feature is currently under development. 8) Force New User to leave Feedback ------------------------------------ If set to Yes, the file LEAVEFB.TXT (Text Directory) is displayed to the new user, and they are prompted to leave feedback to the sysop. 9) Run NEWUPLD.BAT for each New Upload --------------------------------------- If set to Yes, VBBS will run NEWUPLD.BAT for each new upload. Parameters passed to the batch file are: %1 = Filename of new upload You could use this feature to set-up your own virus-checking, archive-testing scheme (although VBBS already does perform integrity checking on .ZIP format archives). -14- ****!**** ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 2. *** CHANNEL CONFIGURATION *** ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Under this selection, you can configure the multiuser communications aspects of VBBS and define the correct modem port for single port systems. The following parameters are definable for each channel: 1) COM Port ------------ This setting can range from COM1 to COM8 for communications ports. Whichever COM port you specify is what this channel will use. If set to "Local" then no COM port is used at all for this channel. (By using the "Local" setting, VBBS could be used as the inter-office mail system on a LAN.) 2) Base Address 3) IRQ ---------------- For unique addressing, you may configure the port base address and IRQ directly. Both entries should be entered in hexadecimal. 4) Baud Rate ------------- This field sets the baud rate of the COM port. 5) Init String --------------- The modem commands needed to properly initialize your modem for use with VBBS go here. For more info, see MODEM.DOC. 6) Locked Baud Rate -------------------- If using a standard 2400 baud, non-error correcting modem, then this should be set to NO. If using a high speed modem, or a modem with error correction, this should be set to YES. 7) Hardware (RTS/CTS) Handshake -------------------------------- If using a standard 2400 baud, non-error correcting modem, then this should be set to NO. If using a high speed modem, or a modem with error correction, this should be set to YES. 8) Minimum Baud Rate Allowed ----------------------------- This feature can be used to lock out users using slow modems, from using certain channels on your BBS. This feature can be disabled by using a value of 0. --- For further help in configuring your Modem to VBBS, please see MODEM.DOC -15- ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 3. *** DATABASE CONFIGURATION *** ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── At the heart of VBBS are the DATABASES. They are used for such functions as Message Bases, File directories and various other creative uses that might be a part of a custom Vscript application. Databases can be setup or altered in Vconfig by the SysOp at any time. Remember that you MUST make sure that the directory you name in Database config actually exists. ONLY Databases which contain actual 'files' (like file directories) need to be named to their own DOS sub directory. Message databases are automaticly pathed to the "db" dir defined in PATHS.CFG (vconfig). Also note that both tha "DB" dir where all the non-file related database data is stored, and the Sysop "UPLOAD" dir MUST be a subdirectory of VBBS. There are THREE basic types of DATABASES. Message databases, Files databases, and Other databases. All databses can be set up and grouped into TOPIC areas. Each Topic area requires it's own DB Group identifier which can be any letter between A - Z (see page ). ------------------ Message databases: ------------------ At default, VBBS comes with one message base topic area; MAIN. The "Main" topic area is given a DBGROUP designator of "A". After selecting Message databases in database config, and highlighting the topic, you are shown a display of the message bases that are included under that topic heading. There is no limit to the amount of message bases that can be entered under each topic. You may choose to put all of your message bases under a single "Main" topic, or break your topics down into several. For each topic that you add, you give it a name and a DBGROUP letter identifier. Your second TOPIC in addition to the already configured MAIN topic, might be called "VBBS", given a letter designator of "V" (or whatever), and contain message bases that are related to VBBS. You may choose to break your message bases down into NETWORK groups. You might have one TOPIC for Local subs, anoter for VirtualNET, another for Fido, and yet another for USEnet and so on. It's entirely up to you as to how you would like to have your message bases displayed. ---------------- Files databases: ---------------- The Transfer directory works in much the same way as the message bases. The DIFFERENCE, aside from the obvious, like disabling taglines and such, is that instead of being pathed to the special "DB" dir which is used for message storage, a Files database is pathed to it's own unique DOS directory where the files for that dir are stored. Like message databases, Files databases can be set into topic areas by giving each topic a unique letter database DBGROUP identifier. All uploads go to the special UPLOAD sysop directory which is defined in paths.cfg and remain there until they are reviewed and moved by the sysop to a download directory. -------- *To add more message bases to the BBS, simply add more databases to the message topic area. *To add more file directories to the BBS, simply add more databases to the files topic area. *To add more topics to either, just enter the title and DBGROUP identifier for the new topic. -16- ------ ALL FILE DIRS REQUIRE A DOS DIR ACTUALLY BE CREATED BY YOU. ALL MESSAGE DIRS ARE AUTOMATICALLY PATHED TO THE "DB" DIR DEFINED BY YOU IN PATHS.CFG AND DO *NOT NEED AN ACTUAL DIR OF THEIR OWN. ------- Entries in your database configuration which have the same DB File and same DB Path specify the SAME database. So, be SURE you give each database a UNIQUE filename. --------------------------------- Configuring and Editing Database: --------------------------------- 1) File Name ------------- This is the 8 character name of the database file. 2) Files Path -------------- Paths to Message related databases are created automatically. Enter a path in this field only if the database contains actual files such as FILE transfer databases or custom databases using actual files. 3) Long Name ------------- This is the long, descriptive name as displayed to the users. 4) Private ----------- This switch is for special uses only. You should always set this to NO, when creating message and file bases. 5) Max Entry ------------- This setting defines the desired database size. If set to zero, this feature is disabled. If non-zero, VBBS will "pack" the database down to this size when Database Auto-Cleanup is performed. This setting should be set to zero for file bases unless you need to restrict the size of a file base for some reason. 0 means unlimited. 6) Read Security Level ----------------------- The minimum security level needed to access (read) this database. If the users SL is less than this value, the database will be invisible. 7) Write Security Level ------------------------ The minimum security level needed to write (post) in this database. If the user's SL is less than this value, the database will not allow input from him. 8) Access Flag --------------- This setting defines what access flag must be set on the user account to access this database, if any. Can be set to "none" or A to Z. If set to a value from A to Z, then the user must have a matching access flag to access this database. Access flags are assigned in the user editor. -17- 9) Age Limit ------------- Miniimum Age Limit needed to access this database. A) Tagline ----------- Tagline to append to messages. Disabled if set to zero. If 1 to 989, then file TAGLINE.x is used for fixed taglines. if 990 to 999, then file TAGLINE.x is used as a file of random taglines. Tagline files should be in your TEXT DIRECTORY. B) Random Titles ----------------- Random title file to use in messages. Disabled if set to zero. Range is 1 to 999. RNDTITLE.x is name of file, resident in your TEXT DIRECTORY. One title per line. C) Name Used ------------- This setting defines the name used in this database. Possibilities are Handle, Real Name, or Anonymous. D) QWK Conference ------------------- This setting defines this databases QWK conference #, as used by QWK offline mail readers. This # is from 2 to 255, and must be unique to that database. E) Database Co-SysOp --------------------- This setting defines the co-sysop, sub-sysop, or moderator for this database. Zero disables this setting. Any other non-zero setting specifies a user number. This is displayed to the user in the database listings. F) Req Net Validation ---------------------- Turn this option ON, if you wish to review posts before they are transmitted out to any networks. Note: This needs to be set to "Yes" for the VirtualNET support and "*" type message subs. G) Networks Configuration -------------------------- Pressing this selection lets you edit the network configuration for this database. If you wish this database to be LOCAL ONLY, set this to "None." If you wish this database to be networked, you must configure the network, and network sub (or conference) identifier. VCONFIG will prompt you for the network, and then prompt for an identifier. The "format" of the indentifier will vary from network to network. For type 1 networks (VNET.EXE based), the identifer is a number. For type 2 networks (VWW4.EXE based), the identifer is a number. For type 3 networks (VUUCP.EXE Based), the identifier is a string. For type 4 networks (VFIDO.EXE Based), the identifier is a string. You can configure a database to be on ONE network, or SEVERAL networks. Configuring a database to be on two or more (no limit) networks creates a "gateway" between two or more networks. It is important that you contact any conference or message base HOSTS or Moderators involved prior to enabling a network gateway. -18- ****!**** ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 4. *** SYSTEM PATHS *** ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── This is where you can configure and optimize VBBS use of your hard drive space. 1) Main VBBS Directory (VBBS Home Directory) --------------------------------------------- Executables *.EXE, WFC.COM and *.CFG files go here (This should be your current directory when you are executing the program. ie.. C:\VBBS) 2) Scripts Directory --------------------- Where VBBS expects to find any script and FB files: *.LIT, *.COD, *.V, plus .FB files. 3) Data Directory ------------------ Where VBBS expects to find system data files: USERFILE.DAT, USRFILE.IDX, STATVBBS.DAT, CONNECT.DAT NET.0, AREACODE.NET, NET.1 .. NET.999 4) System Text Files --------------------- Where VBBS expects to find *.TXT, *.ANS, *.ASC, *.MNU, *.PDM files. 5) CONTROL.DAT Directory ------------------------- Where VBBS will maintain the temporary system file, CONTROL.DAT. Use of a RAM Drive for CONTROL.DAT should be employed for multiuser VBBS installations, and is recommended for all installations. 6) Temporary Directory ----------------------- The directory VBBS will use for temporary storage of incoming network packets and files. This directory you specify here should be not be used for any other purpose. 7) Database Directory ---------------------- Directory where VBBS will store all database data. 8) Upload/Email Directory -------------------------- Specifies path for storage of email attached files, and new uploads. -19- ****!**** ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 5. *** DOWNLOAD PROTOCOLS *** ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 6. *** UPLOAD PROTOCOLS *** ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Each Protocol is configurable by: 1. Letter Pressed to Select 2. Name/Description of Protocol 3. DOS Command Line to run Protocol %1 = Port #, %2 = Baud, %3 = FileName, %4 = HandShake 4. Batch Compatible? * Xmodem, Ymodem, Zmodem and HS-Link protocols have been preconfigured for you. ---------> Important! NOTE: It is highly recommended that you use the FULL PATH when you specify the filename of your transfer protocol. For example, with DSZ: C:\VBBS\DSZ port %1 ha %4 rz ^^^^^^^^^^^ Full Path to execution file. ****!**** ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 7. *** NETWORK CONFIGURATION *** ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Selecting this option brings you to a list of networks. This list is derived from NET.0 (the master multinet list). NET.0 will be updated by the VBBS Author periodicaly as needed. What happens next depends on the type of network you are configuring. If you are adding a network for the first time, it will ask you to confirm that you wish to add this network. - For VirtualNET-type networks (type 1): --------------------------------- Node Number Your system's unique assigned network address, expressed as a number. Net Dir This network directorty to be used by this virtualnet-based network. (Each network must have its own unique directory.) Server Your Server's node number. Server Phone Your Servers Phone Number Server Call Whether call is LOCAL or LONG DISTANCE. -20- Server Threshold Number of kilobytes that must be pending before automatic callouts to a server are allowed. A setting of 0 disables the automatic callouts feature entirely. Between the settings, Server Call, and Server Threshold, VBBS determines if, and when to call out to your server for a network transfer. If LOCAL: System will call whenever the threshold is met or exceeded. If LONG DISTANCE: System will call, once per day, between the hours of 11pm and 6 am, if the threshold is met or exceeded. Server Macro "Macro" file needed to log into server bbs, if any. Most of the time this is not needed, and can be left at "none." Server Password Network Server Password Server Protocol File Transfer Protocol to use with Server. Currently supported: DSZ Zmodem HS-LINK As with server set-up, you can set the same parameters for each client you "serve" as a hub. Node #, Phone #, Local/Long Distance, Threshold, Macro, Password, Protocol settings are indivudually configure for each client system you "host." - For WWIVnet-type networks (type 2): ----------------------------------- Node Number Your network address. Net Dir Path to network data directory. (Each network must have its own unique directory.) Mode This is either NET (for WWIVnet style) or LINK (for WWIVLInk style). -21- - For UUCP-type networks (type 3): -------------------------------------- System Name UUCP System Address News Dir Full Path to your NEWS directory. For newsgroup usage. User Dir Full Path to your USER directory. For Email usage. - For FIDO-type networks (type 4): -------------------------------------- System FIDO Address Your FIDO Address in standard FIDO format. Server FIDO Address Your Server's FIDO address in standard FIDO format. Network Directory FIDO network directory. ****!**** ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 8. *** EVENTS CONFIGURATION *** ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── VBBS allows up to 20 timed events per day. Possibilites here include your daily external maintenance (usually done by a batch file), network dialouts, etc. Time Time event runs (00:00 disables event) Command The DOS command line or batchfile to execute For a daily maintenance batch file, you might use EXTERNAL.BAT. ****!**** ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 9. *** CONTROL PANEL *** ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── In addition to other commands found in the Waiting For Call menu, VBBS allows you to assign up to 10 Function keys for whatever use you desire. At default, the F1 key is assigned to call a batchfile called Terminal.bat (but ofcourse can be anything you want). As configured in the distibution archive, the F2 and F3 keys call up System Log and Network Log respectively using a List utility (not included) F-4 calls up the System Stats. All logs are located in the DATA directory defined in PATHS.CFG. -22- ****!**** ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── A. *** DOORS CONFIGURATION *** ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── In Doors config, you are prompted for the Name of the online game or other external program you wish to run, the security level required to access that program if any, and the name of the batchfile (including the .BAT extention) from which the program is run. VBBS shrinks out of memory for all external programs. You may use this to add, delete or modify your doors at any time. VBBS creates Chain.txt, door.sys and Dorinfo1.def formats for your use. Those three parameters are all that need be defined. VBBS allows you to assign an access letter in addition to a minimum security level for each game. The doors configuration also asks you if the game is single node or multi-node. You simply need to follow the documentation of the program you wish to run and create a batchfile for VBBS to read. ****!**** ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── B. *** VOTING BOOTH *** ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── VBBS Voting allows you to present your users with a perpetual survey in which users can 'vote' on particular issues as defined here. The sysop presents a question and then supplies up to 8 multiple choice answers for the users to answer. When accessing the 'voting booth', results of the voting are presented to the sysop and display a percentage breakdown of the 'vote'. In the default START.V, if new questions exist, the user will be presented at logon with the opportunity to vote. ****!**** ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── C. *** RANDOM MESSAGES *** ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── VBBS features an optional "random messaging" function that can display one, two, or three line quips, quotes or whatever upon display and redisplay of the main menu (as set in the default start.v). These messages are called randomly by the program and are entered in Vconfig. The messages themselves are displayed by including the "RANDOM" command from anywhere within a vscript or function block. ****!**** ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── D. *** ARCHIVE VIEW *** ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── VBBS allows you to view the contents of a compressed file within the File Transfer Directories. Configured at default are the .ZIP, .ARC, .ZOO, .LZH and .ARJ archive extentions. ****!**** ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── E. *** TEXT SECTIONS *** ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Textfiles from within various directories on your system can be configured here for display. Textfiles are uploaded in much the same manner as downloadable files in the file section. In the configuration, you can define any directory on your system as that containing text for a defined subject area. -23- ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── F. *** MULTI-FEEDBACK *** ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Here you can configure the "FEEDBACK" capabilities of your VBBS. You could, for example, set up a list containing yourself (SysOp), and your co-sysops, so that users can email you or your co-sysops quickly and easily. This can also be configured to work over the network. ****!**** ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── *** DIAGNOSTICS *** ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── VBBS has the ability to run diagnostics on your setup. If you recieve an error, go here and run the diagnostics. Chances are, it will show you where your error is. ****!**** -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- -24- -------------- Running VBBS --------------- When running VBBS, a Ram Resident BBS.EXE controls the program and should be used as the ONLY means of starting VBBS. BBS.EXE is used to transfer needed information to the program. The basic syntax for bringing VBBS online is: BBS <channel #> (NOTE that ALL single node installations use the "BBS 1" command line) <channel #> is a number from 0 to 4, for the SHAREWARE version. (For the 64 user version, its a number from 0 to 64, for example.) BBS 0 specifies LOCAL MODE execution only, using the console keyboard, and bypassing WFC initialization. Command line options include: /DV - Turns on Desqview Awareness. When this option is on, VBBS will multitask better under desqview. When the program is idle, (waiting for a call, or waiting for user input), more CPU time is given to other tasks that may be running on the system. /AC - Use this when running VBBS as a door, or from a matrix logon. Example: BBS 1 /AC Using this option maintains seperate user data and maintains the doored VBBS as an independent system. /H - Used with /AC, forces VBBS to hang up when caller logs off. /Bxxxxx - Used with /AC to pass the baud rate of the modem connection. /CHAIN - command for logging user to VBBS being run as a door from inside of anoter VBBS system or any BBS program such as "WWIV" using the chain.txt format. This option will use VBBS's user record and will NOT prompt the already online user to logon to the doored VBBS seperately. BBS softwares that do not produce the chain.txt can still use this option by using a conversion utility that converts other formats into chain.txt. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- -25- ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── *** First Time Start up *** ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Note: VBBS uses true Ansi. Ansi.sys or similar device driver is required in your config.sys for display where Ansi is used. To enable all BBS functions to work properly, DSZ.COM (or exe), LIST.COM, PKUNZIP.EXE, and PKZIP.EXE (all Shareware) should be in your path. By executing VBBS using "BBS 1" (single node installation), you will bring up the program in the WFC mode. This is the online control panel for VBBS and in this screen, the BBS is in a "Waiting for call" state. Logging on the first time: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If your VBBS is a new installation, then the USERFILE.DAT (user accounts) file is empty. Use the (L)ogin Local from the WFC screen to Log yourself in as NEW, and create yourself a SYSOP account. Thereafter, you can use (F)ast Login. DO NOT use (F)ast Login until your sysop account has been created! ┌──────────────────┐ │ Waiting For Call │ └──────────────────┘ VBBS uses a highly informational WFC.COM screen. This screen not only provides System statistics, time, drivespace, system status, and BBS name, it is also customizable from within any Ansi Draw program that saves screens to the .COM format. Note that if your drive space on a given drive drops below a certain % of capacity, that line will change color to let you know that more space needs to be freed up. -CONTROL PANEL- F) Fast Local Login - Fast login from console (Estab. SysOp acct 1st) L) Login Local - Logs you into the system (Use this to estab. Sysop account) S) Shell to DOS - Shells to Dos environment within VBBS U) User Editor - Allows editing of user information V) VConfig - The VBBS configuration utility I) System Info - "To date" information on your BBS C) Today's Callers - Log of callers since midnite W) Who's Online - Shows status of each port /) Dial NET CLIENT - Allows a forced net callout to a system that is listed in your remote configuration N) Dial NET SERVER - Forces a network connect to SERVER E) Email - This function allows you to email local and network from the WFC M) Feedback - SysOp Mailbox access from WFC Scr/Lock) Sysop avail. - Toggles sysop page (beep) on/off Esc) Quit BBS - Quits VBBS and returns to DOS -DEFINABLE FUNCTION KEYS- F-1 thru F-10 - Configured in Vconfig to call up various batchfiles. (might be a term program, text editor or whatever) These keys are configured in the main.cfg using Vconfig.exe. Use of a LIST utility is needed to read the various log files. Note: If you encounter any program errors at this point, it is likely that you have either misstated a path in paths.cfg, moved a file to a wrong dir, or forgot to compile the V.Scripts. Use the Diagnostics option in Vconfig to isolate any problems. -26- ---------------- New User Signup: ---------------- When a user logs on as "new" to your system, he is first presented with the NEWUSER.TXT that you have created in your TEXT (or TXT) directory defined in PATHS.CFG. That screen will provide basic instuction to new users and anything else you'd like to include. If you configured a New User Password in your configuration, the new user will be asked to provide the password before the system allows him to continue. For that reason, using a new user password is not generally done on Public BBS systems. At the end of the newuser.txt screen, the new user is prompted to provide basic information about himself or herself. Depending on whether or not your system allows "aliases" or "handles", he will be prompted for his "handle" or real name to use on the board. VBBS checks what is input in that field against other entries to make sure that duplicate names are not used. If there are words or names that you would prefer not to allow on your system, you may include those in a textfile called TRASHCAN.TXT and locate that file in your text dir. As the signup continues, the user is prompted for his address, voice and data phone numbers, birthdate, password and other information pertaining to default settings used on the BBS. The information that is provided goes into a datafile caller USERFILE.DAT. If you have chosen the option to allow AUTOVALIDATION of SysOps, VBBS will ask the user if he is a SysOp. If he chooses "Yes", then the board will give him the security level and time allowed on according to what you have defined for vistiting SysOps. New users are assigned the security level and time allowed on the system according to what you have configured in vconfig. Generally, you do not want to give a new user too great of an access level to your system until you are sure that the information provided you is accurate. Often, it is desirable to ask that in addition to providing basic info to the sysop in signup, that the new user provide a short introduction of himself to the sysop in the form of "newuser feedback". If you would like your system to prompt the new user for this type of 'introduction', you will have chosen "yes" to that option in the main configuration and edit the LEAVEFB.TXT file located in your configured text dir. Another option which can be used in addition to or inplace of the "forced feedback" is New User Mail. A file called NEWUMAIL.TXT residing in your Text dir will be displayed to a new user as welcoming mail from the sysop in the new account's 'mailbox'. There, you might greet the new user in more depth and ask him to reply to that mail. In the case of receiving ANY mail from a new user, the SysOp need only hit "V" from the email sub-menu and then enter that user's account in the USER EDITOR. Once there, you can assign the user an appropriate security level and time allowed on your system as well as access 'flags' for certain areas, and other variables as well as exemption from any up/download ratios you have in effect. There are MANY options for presentation of your BBS to new users. If you would like for instance to ask more in depth questions of a new user or have your new user fill out a more detailed registration, there are various VBBS script files available that will allow you to tailor the newuser login according to your needs. -27- --------------------------- Creating The SYSOP Account: --------------------------- From VBBS WFC, Login locally by pressing 'L'. You will first see the Login.txt screen from Virtual Reality BBS. This screen, as well as the logoff.txt screen will need to be replaced later with an ascii or ansi screen of your own creation. Directly following the login.txt will be the login prompt. Type "New" to create the first entry into your user data file. You will then see the Newuser.txt followed by the prompts to fill out your user information. The following Hot keys are available to the console while a user is online: [F1] Enter/Exit Chat Mode [shift F1] Enter Split Screen Chat ([esc] exits) [F2] Enter user editor Note: by exiting the F2 user editor as another user. The SysOp can change to that user. [F3] Add 1 minute to user session [Shift F3] Subtract 1 minute from user session [F4] Increases online user's SL by 5 [Shift F4] Decreases online user's SL by 5 [F5] Drop to DOS (VBBS stays in memory) [Shift F5] Drop to DOS (VBBS shrinks out) [F6] pseudo DOS multitasker (allows sysop to run small DOS commands from the console while the user is online and using the BBS.) [F8] Sysop Alert (alerts sysop when board is free after user logs off) [F10] Boot User Off [Ctrl F10] Boot user with "storm.txt" (BBS coming down due to inclimate weather conditions or whatever) [Shift F10] Boot user off with simulated "line noise" [Scroll Lock] Can be used at any time to toggle the "SysOp Available" status As you continue with creating your SysOp account, you will need to change your security level to 255 (maximum), and assign yourself a "max time" which is how many minutes per day a user is allowed on the system. For Sysop, make this 1440 (24 hours). By pressing F-2, you will call up the user editor to enable your editing of the appropriate fields. -28- ----------------- VBBS User Editor: ----------------- User No. - Displays User # a. User Handle : - User Handle b. User Real Name : - User Real Name c. Address : - Street or PO Box address d. City : - City e. State : - State f. Zip : - Zip code g. Security Level : - User's Security level h. Access Flags : - Flags used for specific Database access(a-z) See note i. Flags : - General flags used outside of databases(a-z) See note j. Password : - User's Password k. Phone 1 : - Voice Phone # l. Phone 2 : - Data Phone # m. MaxTime : - Maximum time allowed on per day n. Credits : - User Credits o. Verify Birthday: - Displays user's Birthday. (see note) p. Ratio Exempt? : - Allows you to exempt user from Up/Down Ratio reqs. q. U/L: - Files/Kilobytes Uploaded r. D/L: - Files/Kilobytes Downloaded 1. though 8. : - User $EXTRA variables 1 through 8. Page: Displays User's default page size Vid: Displays User's default video Mode Calls: Number of calls to system by user to date Time: To date total time spent on system Last: Date last called Posts: Number of public posts to date Email: Number of Emails sent to date (a-r,1-8)=edit, Esc)Quit, Enter)Next, -)Previous, /)Find !)Delete-> Note: g. - Security levels are 1 thru 255 (255 being SysOp access). Default new user security levels are set in Vconfig {main}. h. - Access Flags- (a-z) Access Flags are flags optionally set in each database configuration that restricts access to that database by users given that designator here in the User Editor. i. - The use of general flags - There may as many as 26 flags (a-z) The 4 flags below represent flags that are in use by VBBS at default; A - AutoPost at login time on/off X - Expert mode N - If set, has received the new user welcome message. F - If set, user is configured for the full screen editor o. - if toggled will ask user to re-enter his or her b'day at login. / - Searches User list ! - Deletes user (user's SL is reset to 0 and account becomes open for reassignment). -29- ---------------------- User Account Defaults: ---------------------- 1. Video Mode [ ] - User chooses Ascii, Ansi, or Enhanced Ansi (pulldown menus) for default usage. 2. Expert Toggle [OFF] - Expert mode will bypass the menu display 3. Page Breaks [0] - Defaults at 24. "0" = Continuous scroll. 4. Password - User password 5. Auto-Posts [OFF] - Toggles AutoPost display at login 6. Ctrl-A User Macro- Users can set up 2 seperate macros each containing 7. Ctrl-B User Macro- up to 79 chars including Ansi control chars. 8. ANSI Color Set-Up - Allows user to select screen display to taste. 9. Full Screen Editor [ON] - Toggles between FSE or Line editor. A. Mailbox: - Allows users to forward mail to another user or Network system. B. Security- Displays list of things that the user has sufficient security to do on the system. C. Long Distance Cost- Allows user to keep track of Long distance usage and billing by defining cost per minute and knowing the billing cycle. D. Sort File lists - Allows user to choose if file listings should be sorted alphabetically or not. E. User Timebank - Users may deposit unused system time for later withdrawl. The maximum balance of time is configured within main config (vconfig). A setting of 0 in that field will effectively disable the built-in Timebank. F. File List Display - Users may choose between a single line or double line file listing. Q. Quit - Saves changes and quits to main menu. -30- ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── *** The Default setup *** ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── VBBS could easily be distributed with a BLANK menu. Instead, a default menu and Function Block set are provided with the program reflecting the configuration of the software on the Author's BBS. Below is the START.FB (function block) which is provided with VBBS 5.50. It corresponds exactly to what has been defined in the MAIN menu. For more info on FBs and menus, see 'Customizing options'. MAIN (name of corresponding menu) A (dbgroup letter(s) of TOPIC areas to reference. ie.. ABC) $ 001 1 choosetopic > 001 1 nextbase < 001 1 prevbase c 001 1 selectbase j 001 1 setquickscan s 001 1 scanmsg n 001 1 readnewmsg r 001 1 readseqmsg p 001 1 post e 001 1 sendemail y 001 1 reademailfrom m 001 1 reademailto q 001 1 quickmail f 001 1 feedback o 001 1 door z 001 1 vbbs-aux %1 telecon d 001 1 account l 001 1 pagesysop t 001 5 files b 001 1 vbbs-aux %1 textfiles k 001 1 listcallers u 001 1 vbbs-aux %1 listusers a 001 1 autopost v 001 1 vbbs-aux %1 vote i 001 1 sysinfo w 001 1 who x 001 1 vbbs-aux %1 listnet * 255 5 sysop G 000 1 logoffyn -31- ---------------------------- The Virtual Menuing System : ---------------------------- VBBS uses either Ansi and Ascii Menus that can be created with your favorite Ansi Draw program, or dual purpose .MNU type menu that can replace the seperate .ANS and .ASC type menus by emplying the internal ^P color routines within VBBS and expressing color as a number (0-9) or letter (A-Z) follwing a "" (alt-259) extended ascii 'heart code'. VBBS will ignore these color commands when a non-ansi user is displayed that type of menu. The dual purpose menu is recommended as it enables a somewhat faster display than 'true ansi' menus created in ANSI draw programs. The .MNU type menus can also be created directly from within the VFSE full screen editor. VBBS comes with a complete menu set (.MNU menus by default). These menus can be easily customized along with their corresponding Function Blocks to suit your display needs. The single menu approach used currently within VBBS at default can easily be replaced with a "menu/fb set" that puts the messaging and email functions in seperate menus for instance. If you can create a menu in the screen, chances are that you can match the functions to the menu by editing and creating new function blocks. For those who prefer to have the screen clear for a menu, you would just need to create a small two line VSCRIPT that called the function block from the vscript like: tr $clear !clears the screen exit fbname !exits to the Function Block which contains the menu name Then, in the Function Block that calls the script, instead of using: MENUNAME A (database topic area letters if used) T 001 5 FILES (which is how for instance the files menu is called) you would use: MENUNAME A (database topic area letters if used) T 001 2 FILES (which calls the 2 line vscript which you saved as FILES.V) --See Function Blocks and VSCRIPT.DOC for more-- Another feature of menu creation is the ability to hide entire menu lines from users that do not have a high enough SL. You will notice that in the default menu/fb set, VBBS uses lines within both the main and transfer menus which are visible only to users with sec levels of 255 (sysop level). Newly saved menus will need to have these lines "tagged" into the menu using an ascii editor. "!" is a VBBS comment line. "!" followed by 255 tells VBBS to only display this line to users who have a security level of 255. This can be used as a filter for menu options at any SL. Pull down menus can be accessed by configuring for "enhanced ansi" from the video mode choice in the user defaults area. Remember to mirror the changes you make in an FB file to the corresponding .PDM (pull down menu) file. (see Pull down menu sec.) -32- ----------------------- The Default Main Menu ----------------------- Messaging functions ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ L) List Bases - Brings up prompt to list available message bases. P) Post Message - Post a message in the current base. N) New Message Scan - New-scans all bases. R) Read Sequential - Read messages in current base sequentially. S) Scan Brief - Scans posts in current base backwards in groups of 10, showing the number, author and message subject. J) Join/ Ignore Base - Allows users to set up bases to ignore or mark for scanning. >) Next Base - (or +) Next message base in sequence. <) Previous Base - (or -) Previous base number. #) Change to Base # - Change to a base by entering it's number. Email functions ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ M) Mailbox Scan - Displays all mail in user mailbox '*'= unread Y) Read Mail You've Sent - Displays list of all local mail sent as well as all unbundled Network mail. E) Write Email - Write email to another local or network user. F) Feedback to the SysOp - Auto mails the SysOp Q) Multimail- Users configured for Multimail usage may store up to 9 seperate "mailing lists" which may include an unlimited # of local, VirtualNET and/or WWIVnet/WWIVLink addresses. It is important that responsible Network usage of this feature is maintained. BBS Sub-System ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ T) File Transfer - This calls up the Files menu B) Bulletin/Texfiles - General Textfiles available for reading S) System info - Provides a display of VBBS system stats. V) Voting Booth - Users are allowed to vote on polling questions posted by the sysop or others as determained in $Vconfig7. D) Defaults - User configurable default settings. O) On-line Programs - Displays menu for games and other online programs configured in Vconfig A) Autoposts - Displays AutoPosts Other Functions ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ K) Today's Callers - A list of callers who have logged on today. U) User Listing - The list of system users and their location. I) System Info - Shows statistical chart of BBS usage. C) Page SysOp - If the console scroll lock is selected to "on", this will activate an audible page. W) Who's Online - Shows status of console and each modem port. Z) Mutiuser Telecon. - This is the multiuser teleconference feature that allows users to chat beween nodes. X) Network info - Displays Network BBSlist(s) *) SysOp Menu - Go to Sysop function menu (displayed to 255 SL only) G) Logoff - Exit BBS -33- SysOp Menu ~~~~~~~~~~~~ M) Read All Mail - Review all mail on system E) Edit File - Edit any file U) User Editor - Edit User information S) Security - Displays Users with "security" status C) Force Cleanup - Force Daily cleanup Q) Quit - Quit to main menu Public Messages ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ VBBS 5.50, in the default setup, places all communications functions in the main menu. As stated, seperate menu displays for messaging and/or email for instance, can be easily customized to whatever type of interface the SysOp would like to present to the user. ------------------ Setting up Topics: ------------------ VBBS allows you to catagorize your message and files databases into 'Topic' areas. Each topic area represents a letter (A-Z) assigned to the topic in Database config (vconfig). You may choose to break your message subs down into topic areas, seperate local bases from network areas, seperate messages from different networks, or into Special Interest Groups. At default, the message bases are configured with ONE topic area; MAIN. At default, the 'main' topic area is represented as an "A" type database. To add another TOPIC area, create another TOPIC area in database config (vconfig). To display that topic as a choice from your main or messaging menu, simply add the new letter designator that you used in database config next to the other designator(s) in that menu's function block firectly under the MENU name (see function blocks). You may also avail different topic areas as Special Interest Groups and make them visable to users according to access flags by creating a seperate menu, FB, and vscript which checks for proper access flag prior to availing the SIG. (see vscript.doc) ------------------------ VFSE Full Screen Editor: ------------------------ VBBS comes with both a standard line editor and a built-in and powerful full screen editor. The Full Screen editor features 36 text color choices which are enabled by hitting ^P# (Ctrl key & "P" at the same time and then a number 0-9 or letter A-Z). ^P? will display a list of color choices. Other control key option exist for various other purposes including cursor movement, line feeds, line and char deletes, cut and paste ect.. These commands can be found in the editor help file by pressing ^Z. On the top line above the workspace, the user is shown the message or email title, the line number and the insert/overwrite mode status. The editor starts in the 'OVR' mode and can be easily toggled to the 'INS' mode. The VFSE allows users to upload a prepared text at any time. Using the VFSE SysOp File Edit function is an excellent way to create or edit *.MNU type menus, bulletins and system taglines. -34- ---------------- Message Quoting: ---------------- VBBS features advanced message quoting in email and messages. Users are prompted in both email and in public messages whether or not to quote from the current message. If the user chooses "yes", then a special screen will appear prompting the user to choose which lines are to be quoted at the top part of the reply. The user is prompted at each line of the message being replied to whether to A)dd that line into the quote workspace, S)kip that line and advance to the next, or quit from the quote workspace altogether. The message quoting character is "" (alt-272) and procedes the lines that are being quoted. Note: If the remote user has wrongly configured his term program to be set at "XON/XOFF", he may experience problems when encountering that quoting character while online. It is not likely to occur, but should you ever have a user describing problems in that way, let that user know that his terminal program is not set properly. ------------------ Message Threading: ------------------ In addition to message 'quoting', message 'threading' currently exists as a feature in progress for all message bases. Threading allows the user to search for the original message of a 'thread' (line of discussion) and all replies within that 'thread. --------------- Message Search: --------------- VBBS messages can be searched in two ways. Hitting "S" from the message submenu prompt will display the next 10 messages in sequence. Hitting "S" again will bring up a "search" prompt that allows the user to search the message database by title. ----------------------- Message Sub Validation: ----------------------- Each message sub can be assigned a "requires validation" status from within database config (vconfig). The purpose of this is to allow the sysop a degree of control over what goes out into a network from his system. Some network subs require that validation be set to "on" for particular subs. ----------------------- Message Sub Moderators: ----------------------- Moderators, SubOps, or Co-SysOps can be very useful for any BBS. In local messaging areas, SubOps can be invaluable as discussion leaders often causing far greater user participation in subs than if those subs were without a moderator. Some network subs require net validation and often a SysOp may not have the time each day to validate each sub needing validation. In that case, a SubOp can be very useful in performing those duties for the SysOp. Moderators can be named for any sub by entering the SubOp's ID in database config (vconfig). The person you name is given a security access to that sub that allows him to validate or delete any message posted ON that sub. -35- The messaging function in VBBS provides an easy to use interface for email and the posting of public messages. Below is the hard coded sub menu used by VBBS for public messaging functions. Message sub-menu ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ [ENTER] Next Message - Advances to next Message Base. R) Reply to message - Reply to the current message. A) Read message again - Re-read the current message. D) Delete Message - Delete the current message. ###) Jump to Number ### - Entering a number will take you to that message. S) Scan Next 10 Messages - Scans forward. B) Bypass Sub (QuickScan) - Bypasses msgs to next sub during Quickscan. E) Send Email Reply - Sends a private reply to a message. Q) Quit Reading Messages - Returns to Communications menu. +) Thread Forward - Search for Replies to current message (if any). -) Thread Backward - Search for Original to current message (if any). ----- SysOp ----- X) Extract Text - Extracts message to a textfile which is named by you. Can extract to a file in OVERWRITE or APPEND modes. M) Move Message - Moves message to a different message base. P) Toggle Perm - Makes or unmakes current message permanent. This is useful for making the first message of a message sub an explaination of that message sub, rules etc. -36- ** EMAIL ** ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ------------- Private Mail: ------------- The VBBS mail functions are quite powerful. When a user logs on to your system, VBBS will do a Mailbox scan. If the user has new mail waiting, he will be informed of the new mail and prompted to access his mailbox at that time. The VBBS email prompt offers choices to present a queue of new and unread mail, ALL mail, or SEARCH for mail from a specific user by name or partial name. Users may also access mail that has been sent and not yet read by the local addressee, or not yet bundled into an outgoing network packet for a network addressee. Addressing mail can be done in a number of ways. If the name of the BBS user that you are wanting to send mail to is "John Bok" and you only know that his name is 'John', then you would type "John" into the address line and the system will prompt you back with "Do you mean John Bok?". You can abbreviate the addressing of mail by knowing the addressee'e user number. If you are configured as a networked system, you will be prompted for which network you will be sending email through prior to receiving the actual address prompt. If the email will be to a local user, you can just hit [enter]. Now at the network address prompt after choosing "VirtualNET" (for example), you may address your mail to any user on any VirtualNET system. If you wanted to email John Bok and did not know his user number on the network system, but DID know that the VirtualNET address of that system was 6160, then you could enter "John Bok" and VBBS would then prompt you for the VirtualNET node number of the board that John Bok was a user on. ---------- Oneliners: ---------- Whenever an email is received by the user it was addressed to (local and network), the user that sent the mail receives a one line 'return receipt' that informs the user that his email was read on such and such date and time by the addressee. Oneliners are also sent to inform a user who has uploaded a file into the download directory that that file has been downloaded by another user (local and network). On multiuser installations, if a user has written email to another user who is on the system at the same time, that user will receive a real time oneliner informing that mail has just been sent him. If the user writing an email to an online user that he was unaware of as being online, VBBS will tell the emailing user that the addressee is online and a oneliner has been sent. ------------------------ Prepared Text Uploading: ------------------------ The VBBS VFSE full screen editor allows the insertion of prepared text through uploading from any place within the editor. To upload text remotely, choose "/U" or "[esc] [esc] U" after positioning the cursor at the desired insertion point within the email or post. Local uploads are simply pathed to the directory and file that you would like to include. -37- ------------------------ Attached Files to Email: ------------------------ VBBS features a unique ability to attach a file to an email. This feature is made available by the SysOp to the user in VCONFIG according to defined minimum security levels. If the user has been given an appropriate security level, he will be prompted with the question of whether or not he would like to attach a file to the current mail before saving. If the user chooses "yes" then the upload prompt appears and the user may upload a file of any size. When an attach file is 'received' by a user in email. The existance of the file is shown at the bottom of the message header giving the name of the file, the file size and prompts the user to press "T" to transfer (download) the file from the BBS. The Local SysOp may upload any file to email from anywhere on the system by providing path and filename at the prompt after chosing "yes". ----------------- Email Forwarding: ----------------- According to SL, a user can Forward a piece of email the he has sent or recieved to another user. Mail forwarding can be done both locally and through any networks that you participate in. -------------- Carbon Copies: -------------- According to SL, a user may send Carbon Copies (CC:s) of an unsaved email to other users both local and network. When that email is received by each CC:d user, it shows each network address that was CC:d. ------------------------- Multi-mail Mailing Lists: ------------------------- According to SL and generally restricted to higher security levels, a user can maintain up to 9 seperate 'mailing lists' which can include an unlimited number of entries. Each multimail entry can be either represent a local user or user from any network you are affiliated with. ------------------- Account Forwarding: ------------------- If you have a network address that you write to with regularity, you might decide to create a local account for that user and then configure that users mailbox to forward mail sent to it to a network address. That way, you can use "Mike" or "24" (or whatever the local ID is) in place of using the whole network address each time you initiate email. ------------------- Auto Newuser Email: ------------------- Each time a new user logs on to your system, VBBS creates a 'welcoming' email that automatically appears in the new users mailbox. The name of this file is NEWUMAIL.TXT and is located in the directory which you have assigned in vconfig as your text dir. You may edit this mail according to your needs. -38- ------------- Form Letters: ------------- (Form letters can be used anywhere you are sending email...ie... from feedback, from E)mail user, from R)eply to Email, and also from Multimail) When prompted for title, sysop enters \ (backslash) followed by a number from 1 to 99. (eg \1) VBBS then looks for a file called FORM.x in your Text Directory (x = form number). The real msg title is pulled from the 1st line of the file. The rest of the file beomces the message text. just answer prompts for Attached file, CC:, and its saved. quick clean, and a minimum of keystrokes needed. Below is the hard coded sub menu used by VBBS for email sub functions. --------------- Email sub menu: --------------- [ENTER] Next Email - Advances to next mail. R) Reply To Email - Reply to email sent you. A) Re-Read Email - Re-displays current message. D) Delete Email - Deletes an email. Q) Quit Reading Email - Quits to communications menu. T) Download Attached File - If file is attached, this will allow the remote user to download the attached file. ###) Read Mail number ---- SysOp ---- X) Extract Text - Allows SysOp to save a message to a textfile. F) Forward - Forward mail to another local or network user. V) Validate User - Goes to User editor to update User account. -39- ------------------------ Default Transfer Section ------------------------ FILES.FB FILES (name of files menu) F (corresponding files library area(s)) g 000 1 logoffyn m 001 1 dlmasterlist u 001 1 remoteupload d 001 1 downloadfile r 001 1 reviewfile c 001 1 selectbase j 001 1 setquickscan l 001 1 listfiles n 001 1 newfiles s 001 1 searchall b 001 1 batchdl f 001 1 findfiles > 001 1 nextbase < 001 1 prevbase p 001 1 topdownloads y 001 1 ratio z 255 1 sysopupload x 255 1 reviewuploads q 000 5 start ------------------ Setting up Topics: ------------------ Like message subs, File subs can be broken down into 'Topic' areas. A typical topic breakdown would have broad file types broken down by topic. ie.. UTILITIES, GAMES, IBM APPLICATIONS etc.. and then use the databases themselves for more specific catagorization. Under the UTILITIES topic for instance, you might have seperate databases for 'screen utils', 'printer utils'. 'programmer's utils' etc.. ------------------------ Uploading files locally: ------------------------ To upload files into your BBS's Files dir, physically move the file to the appropriate DOS dir referenced as the path/location for the desired files database. From inside of the BBS and from the transfer menu, choose "Z" to upload files. You can upload the ONE file you moved by specifying that filename when the prompt is displayed to you. Hitting enter tell VBBS that you are wanting to upload ANY files found in that dir that are not currently on display. You will also be asked if you would like VBBS to search the entire Files area for such files. After choosing the desired option and VBBS presents you with the upload prompt and asks for a oneline description and then an optional extended description of the file. Upon upload, VBBS automaticaly adds a "zip comment" to the archive. This comment contains your custom "ZIPCOMNT.TXT" header for your system and 6 lines of description taken from the file description entered. To upload files to specific dirs after upload to your SYSOP dir by a remote user, you simply choose COPY from the sub menu and are then given a listing of choices to be the display dir of that file. -40- ----------------- Remote Transfers: ----------------- VBBS comes cofigured for several transfer protocols. The defacto standard protocol is 'Zmodem'. Zmodem allows for 'batch' uploading and downloding of files by remote users to and from your system. "batch" means that users can upload or download files in batches instead of having to transfer them one at a time. It is also a faster protocol than many others particularly for 2400 baud transfers. Zmodem by Omen Tech is a shareware protocol that is readily available from other BBSs and comes in two flavors; DSZ and GSZ. "GSZ" is basically DSZ with a graphical display and is becoming quite popular. If you use GSZ.EXE, it is hihgly recommended that to RENAME that filename to DSZ.COM so that it matches the DSZ commandline already configured within VBBS and also used by the VNET networking software. In the case of uploads, a user may define (if the sysop has configured this option in vconfig) whether VBBS prompts for the file name at the beginning or at the end of the upload process. Another upload option (configured by the SysOp) is whether or not VBBS will perform an event (such as a virus scan) following a user upload. In any case, VBBS will check for compressed file integrity following upload and optionally at download. A file locate in the defined 'text' directory called REMUPLD.TXT is displayed to the user immediately prior to the upload pronmpt. This file may be edited according to your need. VBBS comes preconfigured for XMODEM, YMODEM, ZMODEM, ZMODEM batch and the developing HS-LINK bi-directional protocol which allows simultaneous uploading and downloading of files between a user and your system. VBBS displays the User's up/download ratio after each transfer. You may choose to name a specific up/download "ratio" within VCONFIG. If you have enabled a ratio, you can exempt a user from it in the User Editor. ----------------------- Upload scan and events: ----------------------- If you have configured your system to have an 'upload' event, VBBS will look for a batchfile called UPLOAD.BAT. An example is provided within that batchfile. ----------- Files Menu: ----------- C) Change directory - Displays list of dirs and prompts for dir change. L) List Files *.* - Lists all files in the current dir. S) Search All Dirs - Searches for filenames based on. D) Download Files - Download file(s). R) Review Files - Browse files in current directory. N) New files - Scans files that are new since last call. U) Upload Files - Prompts user for files to upload. B) Batch Functions - Used to mark and then download multiple files. Y) Your Transfer Stats - Displays users transfer statistics. P) Popular D/Ls - Searches and compiles display of top user downloads. J) Join/Ignore Dirs - Sets dir to include or ignore in newscan. K) Default File Dir - Dir that user defaults to (#1 if not set). F) Find Description - Finds file through keyword searches in file. descriptions. >) Next Directory - (or +) Advances to next file directory. <) Previous Directory - (or -) Reverses to previous directory. #) Change to Dir. # - Entering a dir number will take you to that dir. M) Master List - Creates Masterlist of Files for user to download. Q) Quit - Quits to main menu. G) Log Off - Exit BBS. ---- SysOp ---- X) Sysop Directory - Review NEW uploads to Sysop Directory. Z) Local Upload - Uploads files to directory. -41- ------------- Filesub menu: ------------- [ENTER] Next Entry - Advances to next file or file listing. D) Download - Download Current file (? displays options). B) Batch Functions - Add files to "batch queue" (for multiple file transfers). A) List Again - Re-displays the current file. ###) Jump to ### - Jumps to file number pressed. Q) Quit - Quit to Files menu. V) View Archive - View the contents of the archived file. R) Request File - Allows user to request a file from it's networked. file listing. SysOp will be prompted to Approve or Disapprove a request (also for local offline files). T) Test Archive - Allows the testing of the current file's archival integrity ---- SysOp ---- O) Move File Offline/Online - Toggles file to/from diskette or Tape drive. Can also just toggle the file's availability. Z) Add ZIPCOMNT.TXT to ZIP - Manually adds Zipcomnt.txt to archive. X) Remove File - Remove filelisting and/or file from current dir. M) Move File - Move file from one directory to another. E) Edit Description - Allows SysOp to Edit the file description. -42- ------------------------- Multiuser Teleconference: ------------------------- The Multiuser Teleconference is an internode "chat" feature. From inside of the teleconference, two or more users who are online simultaneously can page each other to the teleconference, send oneline messages to each other to whatever area the other user is active in, and broadcast short messages to ALL users online at the time. Also, if you send email to a user who is online, VBBS will notify that user that you have sent email to him. Once inside of teleconference users can chat with each other within teleconferencing "rooms". If there were 4 users in the teleconference, two users could decide to change rooms in order that they could have an exclusive conversattion with each other. There are 9 such rooms inside of the teleconference. Autoposts ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Autoposts are electronic Post-It notes that appear at program login or from choosing their display from the main menu. Users who have the appropriate security level may post a 3 line message for display. The most recent 5 autoposts are displayed. In the default start.v users have the option of having autoposts displayed to them at login. Chat Screens ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ VBBS uses a special Chat feature which splits the screen into TWO halves. The upper half of the screen for the sysop, the lower half for the user. The User's name appears at the bottom end of the screen and the Sysop's name appears at the very top. Split screen can be called at any time by using [shift][F1]. Normal chat is called by pressing [F1]. System Taglines ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ VBBS uses a file called TAGLINE.### for system taglines. This 3 line tagline may either be created in ascii (no color) or heart code color (using VBBS's internalized ^P color routine). VBBS strips out any True ANSI from taglines. In the absence of an ascii editor, a sysop can use the "edit any file" VFSE option in the SysOp menu to create a ^P colored tagline. Actually, this may be a superior approach as the VFSE editor with show the colors as you work. Tagline files go into the TEXT dir that you have configured in PATHS.CFG. Setting the tagline option to 0 in database.cfg will disable the use of taglines in that message sub. Setting the tagline option to 990 through 999 will enable a complete random rotation of the tagline's last line as VBBS randomly reads each line from the TAGLINE.99X file. A seperate EMAIL tagline is created for email use. -43- QWK Offline Readers ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ VBBS features support for QWK format offline readers. Offline readers are special programs that allows a user to download and read messages from VBBS and read them at his leisure. Popular QWK format offline readers are many and include SLMR, JABBER, OFFLINE, and dozens of others incuding quite a few Windows specific readers. VBBS's VQWK.EXE prompts the user to upload a .REP file that tells VBBS which messages have been downloaded previously as well as which message areas the user would like to read. This is configured by making use of the Join/Ignore message base command. -44- ------------------------------------------ The optional VBBS Hypertext HELP Feature : ------------------------------------------ The VBBS HELP system is a rudimentary hypertext help system. It can be configured in unlimited ways to meet a variety of needs. Calling sequence: VBBS-AUX %1 HELP <help system number> Example: VBBS-AUX %1 HELP 1 The <help system number> is used to form a filename of the "lookup" file. For example, for Help System Number 1, the filename would be LOOKUP.1. Systems from 1 to 999 are available. System 0 is reserved for future internal VBBS usage. All Lookup files and help files should reside in your VBBS Data Directory. Lookup files have the format, one entry per line: <help filename> <keyword or keyphrase> Partial Listing of an Example Look Up File: HELP1 Main Screen HELP2 Primary Topics HELP3 Secondary Topics HELP4 General Information Do not put in an extension for the help filename. .HLP is assumed. The first entry in your LOOKUP file is considered to be the starting point. The help filename specified is displayed, and the user is prompted. Quiting help, or moving to other help screens proceeds from there. Within each Help File: You reference topics in the lookup file by bracketing them with (ctrl p) and (ctrl q). Using the example lookup from above, help files (in a bare form) might look like: HELP1.HLP: Welcome to the Help Main Screen. Primary Topics Secondary Topics General Information HELP2.HLP: Welcome to the Primary Topics Screen. Secondary Topics General Information Main Screen HELP3.HLP: Welcome to the Secondary Topics Screen. Primary Topics General Information Main Screen HELP4.HLP: Welcome to General Information. Primary Topics Secondary Topics Main Screen -45- ---------------------------------- Configuring the VBBS TEST Feature: ---------------------------------- The VBBS Test feature can be used to give users tests and quizzes online. Calling sequence: VBBS-AUX %1 TEST <test file> Example: VBBS-AUX %1 TEST QUIZ Test files (and the score files generated) should reside in your VBBS Data Directory. Test files assume a .TST extension, score files .SCO. Score files are simple ascii files. Report generators can analyse the score file to produce statistical information. Test files are simple ascii files also. Each line begins with one of the following: b= e= a= q= p= b= You may specify one or more lines of these. This is information displayed to the user BEFORE they start the test. e= You may specify one or more lines of these. This is information displayed to the user AFTER they are done taking the test. a= Specifies the answer. (This also signifies to the test processor that this is the start of a new question.) q= Specifies the question. One or more lines per question is allowed. p= Specifies one of up to 20 possible answers for this question. Example: QUIZ.TST: b=Welcome to this sample test. b=There is only one question. a=1 q=Where is the Statue of Liberty located? p=New York p=Washington DC e=Thank you for taking this test. -46- ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Customizing VBBS ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── The configurability of VBBS cannot be overstated. You may easily modify VBBS to look and feel like some other BBS software. You may borrow features from several different BBS softwares to form one of your own design. You might just go absolutely nuts one night and decide to make VBBS emulate GEnie (or other CIS). Aside from obvious limitations in actual STORAGE, you could accomplish this to the point where a user could not tell the difference! It is doubtful that anyone would actually want to RUN a BBS that looked exactly like GEnie. This was just used as an illustration as to the capabilities of script customization. Unlike source code, which normally contains strict rules on code segment distribution (VBBS included), Vscripts as well as Function Blocks and menus may be distributed freely in full, or even in entire configuration sets. --------- VSCRIPTS: --------- Creating and Editing Vscripts- The ability to create and edit scripts is completely self contained. You simply need to use your favorite text editor or word processor and of course become somewhat familiar with the Vscript language. (see Vscript.doc) Hundreds of SysOp created VSCRIPTS and VSCRIPT help can be found on VirtualNET and from many VBBS Support BBSs. Compiling the Vscripts- VBBS includes a special compiler (VCOM.EXE), that is used to compile the .V script text into code. (see vscript.doc) -47- ---------------- Function Blocks: ---------------- Creating and editing Function Blocks- Function Blocks are simple ascii files residing in the MAIN VBBS dir. The syntax for their use is: <menu file (8 chars max)> <database group attached to this FB> (if any) <one or more lines of the following, in strict columns:> 1 3 7 9+ x yyy z ccccccccccccccc x=Key to assign yyy=Security Level (must be 3 digits (like 001)) z=command type 0= Null (no operation) 1= Internal command (like SENDEMAIL) (Any one word script command will work) 2= Script 3= DOS function (don't shrink) 4= DOS function (shrink) 5= Transfer control to a different function block c=command string ------- an example FB might look like: ------- EMAIL (name of menu file) (no database attached (email is automatic) E 001 1 sendemail M 001 1 reademailto F 001 1 feedback S 001 1 reademailsent Q 000 5 START (on Quit, return to START FB) ------- For msg bases: ------- MSG A (since this references group A, A is the attached dbgroup) R 001 1 readseqmsg N 001 1 readnewmsg P 001 1 post C 001 1 selectbase > 001 1 nextbase < 001 1 prevbase Q 000 5 START ------- START.FB must be the first FB run. It is to be the MAIN FB of a BBS. It takes control immediately after START.V finishes running. Once you are a VirtualNET node, you will be able to access the SysOp sub message bases which includes the Vscripts discussion sub as well as the Vscripts FBs and Mods networked File directory. <Please see Vscript.doc for detailed script info> -48- ---------------- Pull Down Menus: ---------------- New to VBBS are enhanced ansi Pull down Menus. This option can be called by a user at any time by hitting [esc] at a menu prompt. Pull down menus can also be set up as a default user display in User Defaults as part of the Enhanced Ansi video mode which creates a unique display of dialog boxes and other enhancements. Try it! Pull down menus are completely configurable just like the function blocks they correspond with. Each Pull down menu is contained in a .PDM file. The default FILES.PDM file is shown below. Directory C Change Directory [C] L List Files [L] S Search All Dirs [S] N New Files List [N] F Find Description [F] Transfer D Download Files [D] U Upload Files [U] B Batch Functions [B] R Review Files [R] Y Your Stats [Y] Other J Join/Ignore Directories [J] P Popular Downloads [P] M Download Master List [M] Q Quit to Main Menu [Q] G Log Off [G] The FILES.PDM as shown corresponds with the default FILES.FB included with the VBBS distribution archive. Be sure that any additions and changes to one is mirrored to the other. --------------------- The VBBS Source Code: --------------------- VBBS may also be modified through "source mods" by Sysops who have registered at the SOURCE level. Sysops are encouraged to share their modifications with others and in fact, specific "sub" areas have been devoted to sharing modifications on VirtualNET. VBBS employs a mixed programming environment using Assembly language routines for fast comm and program I/O, while employing Microsoft's versatile QuickBASIC as an affordable and easy to modify environment. For advanced use, the VBBS.EXE compiled under Microsoft's PDS compiler will produce an even faster executing EXE (3-10%) and avail a somewhat greater degree of power (such as increased string space) to the program. Access to the VBBS source code is obtained under specific licensing agreement. You may not posess any portion of the source without having obtained a license to do so from the VBBS author and in no case shall more than 100 lines of VBBS code be contained within a published modification at any time. -49- ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Optimizing VBBS ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Aside from the frequent running a disk speedup/optimization utility, A VBBS installation can be optimized further by the use of Ramdrive. Although it is not at all nescessary to do so, if you have the RAM to spare, further improvement to system speed can be made this way. ------------------ Use of a RamDrive: ------------------ A VBBS installation can be optimized through the use of a RAMDRIVE (virtual disk). By loading some of the smaller, frequently accessed files into RAM memory, many systems will apreciate system speed up ranging from modest to substantial. The CONTROL.DAT directory probably benefits the most from being located on a RAM drive. CONTROL.DAT is the "buffer" or channel between two or more nodes, and is as well, the file that holds temporary status information about who is logged onto the system. VBBS Textfiles and Menus within the TEXT directory can be put on a RAMDRIVE. These would be the *.TXT, *.ASC, and *.ANS files. Because they are frequently used, loading them into RAM can reduce hard disk access substantially. Last, the SCRIPT directory can be put on a ramdrive. These would be the *.COD and *.LIT files. Putting your script files on the ramdrive speeds the process of loading the scripts. In a typical installation, RAMDRIVE installs in the following manner: DEVICE=RAMDRIVE.SYS 80 /E The "80" refers the size of the desired ram disk in kilobytes. The "/E" locates the ram disk in extended memory. (In order to use this option, you need to be running a 286 or 386, with at least 1 megabyte of ram, and with either HIMEM.SYS (An Extended Memory Manager), or QEMM386 (if you have a 386) installed. Leaving the "/E" part off puts the ram disk in conventional memory. ------------- DOS FASTOPEN ------------- Use of the DOS FASTOPEN command in your AUTOEXEC.BAT or more specifically defined in your CONFIG.SYS will increase the system speed when VBBS is accessing frequently accessed files. Use of FASTOPEN is recommended. -50- ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── - Security- ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── VBBS provides a high level of security. One of the most significant security features of VBBS is that it will not allow a remote user to drop to Dos through internal function. If you would like to enable a Remote Dos capability, you will need to install Doorway (shareware), RemDos (shareware), or other program to run as a door in VBBS. This is generally a much safer method, and in the case of using "Doorway" provides a much more powerful remote interface than a built in remote Dos access could. By using a program such as this, you may also run VBBS utilities such as VCONFIG remotely. In Vconfig, you have the option of allowing Remote Sysops. Allowing a remote Sysop will let users with a security level of 255 (who know the current system password) to access the SysOp functions of VBBS. Pressing "S" from the SysOp menu will show all users on the system who have security level access. Although a user may view an archive, there is no function that will allow him or her to extract an archive. As with all BBS software, it is recomended that you register DSZ (zmodem) for maximum security. VBBS uses a "SYSOP" directory which stores all files uploaded to the system and files sent that were attached to email. Here, the sysop has the ability to view, scan and move the files and file listings to the appropriate directory after review. Be sure to leave the "max" settings at 0 for this database and also insure that DSZ.COM is IN your path (a common mistake when effecting a first time startup). VBBS features a special exclusion file EXCLUDE.TXT, in which you define whole filenames, partial filenames or DOS extensions that you wish VBBS to NOT allow upload of. It is highly recomended that you do not delete any of the lines in the default EXCLUDE.TXT provided. VBBS allows you to define a special upload batchfile that passes a filename parameter from the program which can be configured to extract, scan and delete if necessary a file found to contain a virus by a Virus scanning program. ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Maintanance ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Much of your system's maintanance is performed automaticaly by VBBS each day. Database "packing" occurs as the primary event where your system's databases are compacted and old messages are removed according to the limits set by you in vconfig. System logs are compacted then as well and the daily log cycles into another log file that shows a log of the last 5 days of system activity. Many SysOps run other maintanance as well. Backing up certain important system files each day is common. A DOS batch file can be used to perform most any type of system mainenance you need to do. -51- --------------------- Periodic Maintanance: --------------------- There are several VBBS specific utilities as well as several general use utilities that can be valuable for the VBBS SysOp. Some of these utilities such as those by Neil J. Marshall and Other VBBS freeware Utility programmers perform such tasks as searching out duplicate posts and files, removing users whom have not called for a specific time etc.. Periodically running a disk optimization utility can be useful in maintaining efficient harddisk access. There are several utilities that will allow you to automate periodic batchfile events (such as weekly). -52- ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Explanation of files used by VBBS ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Filename Directory Explanation ------------ --------- ---------------------------------------------- LOGIN MNU Text Your systems login screen as a universal menu LOGOFF MNU Text Your system's logoff screen NEWUSER TXT Text Displayed to new users before sign-up NEWUMAIL TXT Text File for you to send email to new users COLORS TXT Text Menu for selecting user's default ANSI colors EMAILHLP TXT Text Help File for addressing email/netmail EDITHLP TXT Text Help File for line editor FEDITHLP TXT Text Help File for full-screen editor TRASHCAN TXT Text Ascii file containing words disallowed in user handles. STORM TXT Text Used as an emergency logoff screen to online users ZIPCOMNT TXT Text Your BBS ZIP file Comment REMUPLD TXT Text Message Displayed to Users before Upload LEAVEFB TXT Text Message Displayed to User when force to leave feedback EXCLUDE TXT Text A file you can use to restrict upload filenames EMAIL TAG Text Tag Line File for Email (2 lines max) TAGLINE x Text x = 1 to 989. Tag line files (2 lines max) TAGLINE 990-999 Text Tag Line file for Random Tag Lines (1 tag per line) (various)ANS Text ANSI Menus (various)ASC Text ASCII Menus (various)MNU Text Multipurpose 'heart code' color menus (ans/asc) (various)PDM Text Pull Down Menu Definitions (various)NET Network Network files BBSLIST x Network x = 0 to 12. Network BBS Lists. (various)V Script Script files " COD Script " " (produced upon compiling with VCOM.EXE) " LIT Script " " " " START FB Script Start function block (main menu) FILES FB Script Files " " (files menu) SYSOP FB Script Sysop " " (Sysop menu) INSTALL EXE Main VBBS Auto install program BBS EXE Main VBBS Start-Up Program VBBS EXE Main Main VBBS executable VBBS-AUX EXE Main VBBS Secondary Executable VNET EXE Main Network executable VCONFIG EXE Main VBBS Configuration program VQWK EXE Main QWK Functions VCOM EXE Main VBBS Vscript compiler WFC COM Main SysOp's Waiting-for-caller Menu (various)CFG Main System configuration files produced by Vconfig (various)LOG Data SysOp Logs STATVBBS DAT Data System Stats CONNECT DAT Data Connect Speed Stats AREACODE NET Data Area Code Map File NET 0 Data MultiNET Master List USERFILE DAT Data VBBS User Account File Dorinfo1.def chain.txt door.sys are files that are produced to pass needed information to online programs being run from the BBS. -53- ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── - VNET - ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── The VNET.EXE is a part of the VBBS package. It is without a doubt, the most advanced Wide Area Networking software in existance, providing Commercial and Amateur networking installations a superior solution to any networking need. For more information on VNET, please see VNET.DOC. ----------- VirtualNET: ----------- VirtualNET is currently the largest of the Hobbiest VNET based networks and as of this writing, maintains over 300 networked message areas and File databases that are a shared internationally. Although there are many areas within the network reflecting a wide variety of interests, VirtualNET maintains as it's primary purpose, the support of the VBBS/NET software. That nearly famous support and the fast growing network around it, have been online for approximately 18 months as of this update. You will find VirtualNET easy to become setup with, and a lot of fun to participate in. VirtualNET is friendly, casual and filled with a lot of great people inside of what has become the ever expanding Virtual Family. Come, join us! Networking your BBS with VirtualNET is quick, easy and quite affordable due to the efficiency of the VNET design. Network "packets" are automatically compressed for transmission, reducing the length of the transfer to 1/3 of sending uncompressed data. The network software can make full use of the new HS-Link bidirectional protocol which can make net xfers even more efficient. Although the software itself has a clearly defined demonstration period which you are expected to observe, registration is NOT required to join the VirtualNET network. Setting up is EASY! Join the international NET Today! VBBS/NET is at this time capable of handling and nearly transparently "gating" Networks and Network subs of FidoNET, WWIVnet, WWIVLink and others in an ever expanding "Multi-net". Network utilities to enable the use of these Networks by VBBS are available to registered SysOps. * Please see NETGUIDE.DOC for information on VirtualNET and the VNET.EXE * Please see MULTINET.DOC for information on VBBS's unique multiple networking engine. -------------------- QWK Format Networks: -------------------- -54- ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── VBBS/NET Registration ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── REGISTRATION: Only $49.00 ! The current cost of a Basic VBBS LIFETIME registration is ONLY $49.00. This makes VBBS affordable to all and a completely unsurpassed value in telecommunications software. Your registration of this young and fast growing program enables you to become a part of it's continuing developement. You will receive a life-time registration #. as well as access to each succesive VBBS version update, various network drivers and other available VBBS utilities which will make your VBBS even MORE powerful. Source Code: the VBBS SOURCE code, is available on a continuing basis to registered VBBS sysops for a seperate one time registration fee of only $30.00! (See MAIL_REG.TXT) -55- ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Virtual Tools ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── A good many freeware utilities exist for VBBS performing a variety of useful functions including some that directly replace certain functions built in to VBBS itself. Most of these utilities are available through VirtualNET as well as directly from many VBBS support boards. Lacking a definative list of current utilities and their authors as of this writing, the next VBBS version documentation will contain such a list showing all known current freeware utilities and credit the generosity of their authors apropriately in this space. -------------------- Developer's Toolkit: -------------------- Coming Soon! The Virtual Developer's Toolkit. The "Toolkit" is a set of source code routines and libraries that will enable developer's to create VBBS multiuser online utilities, games, and applications with ease. Once the Toolkit is available, expect to see many new modules for VBBS. ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── The Future ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── VBBS is a software that does not stand still. The near future will find VBBS with further enhancements and system features through the wizardry of it's author and through the input of the growing number of VBBS SysOps that have begun to assemble internationaly. Plans for the immediate future include as always, the continuing and regular occurence of improved, new and added features that find their way into the program in each successive release. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -56- ACKnowledgements DSZ.COM is an external protocol driver product by Omen Technology, Inc. HS-Link is a bi-directional external protocol driver by Samuel Smith PKZIP and PKUNZIP are file archiving programs by Phil Katz. LIST.COM is a file viewing utility by Vernon D. Buerg =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= For More on VBBS please call: Virtual Reality BBS (24 hours) 616-399-4818 (node 1) HST 616-399-8791 (node 2) V.32bis -57- About the Author ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Roland De Graaf is 27 years old and does not sleep. Earning a following as a gifted programmer and program developer in the US and abroad, Roland's passion for the past year and a half has been the continuing developement of the Virtual BBS/NET software. Born in 1964 with detached retnas from a premature birth, Roland is legally blind. Although his sight is very weak, his vision is intense and focused. Roland is blessed with both photographic and audiographic memory, but above all else, he is blessed with a drive to excel. Under the deft helmsmanship of Roland De Graaf, VBBS continues sailing into the virtual blue water of the modeming cyberspace. ****!**** VBBS/NET 5.50 Documentation Compiled and Edited by John Jaros Documentation Staff: John Jaros, Bob Woodson, Guy Tessum, Ken Gleason and John Grimes.