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───────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ▒▒▄ ▒▒▄ ▒▒▄ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒▄ ▒▒▄ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒▄ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█▀▒▒█ ▀▒▒█▀▀ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█▀▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒▒▒▒█▀ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒▒▒▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒▒▒█▀ ▒▒█ ▒▒█▀▒▒▄ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█▀ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒▒▒▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▒▒▒▄▄ ▒▒▄ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒█▒▒█▒▒█ ▒▒█▀▀▀▀ ▀▒▒█▀▀ ▒▒█ ▀▒▒▒█ ▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█▀▀▀ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒█ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀ The VirtualNET Guide ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────── - Table of Contents - About VirtualNET............................. 1 Network Message Areas........................ 1 E-Mail....................................... 2 Taglines..................................... 2 Joining VirtualNET........................... 2 Administrative Listing..................... 3 Region Listing............................. 4 VirtualNET Application..................... 5 The Role of the AC........................... 6 Establishing a Client-Server connect......... 7 The Subs List................................ 7 Network Decorum.............................. 8 Network Support.............................. 10 Appendix A................................. 11 Installing the Net...................... 11 Automating the Network.................. 11 Protocol options........................ 11 Phone calling options................... 12 Appendix B................................. 13 VNET Command lines...................... 13 VNET Macros............................. 14 Appendix C.................................. 15 Procedures for Sub-Hosts................ 15 Setting Up Secured Subs................. 16 Handles/Real Names/Anon................. 16 Permanent Messages...................... 16 VAREA................................... 17 Pg 1 -------------------- What is VirtualNET?: -------------------- VirtualNET is a wide area network of on-line bulletin board systems and mail servers. The link acomplishing this is the Virtual BBS software authored by Roland De Graaf. The purpose of VirtualNET is to provide a variety of discussion areas and sub-boards for bulletin board users. It also provides technical support for VBBS software, and interaction between VirtualNET SysOps. This fast growing network is open to all newcomers who wish to join. VirtualNET is public networked message areas, private message areas, electronic mail, and more! VirtualNET has the current distinction of being the fastest growing amateur network in the nation. With effort on the part of all pioneering VirtualNET SysOps, VirtualNET will continue to grow at an exponential rate. Founded in 1990 by Roland De Graaf and John Bok, VirtualNET is managed by its Network Coordinator, Regional Coordinators, and Area Coordinators. ------------------------ Networked Message Areas: ------------------------ VirtualNET sports 3 different kinds of Public/Private Networked Message areas: AutoRequest, AutoSecured, and Secured. AutoRequest and AutoSecured sub-boards are considered public sub-boards, while Secured subs are more private in nature. All Message Areas are identified by a "Sub Number." Setting up new subs on your VBBS can accomplished either thru VCONFIG, or thru Neil J Marshall's VAREA program. AutoRequest: Subscribing to autorequest type subs is easy. Just use VCONFIG or VAREA to set them up. You will be able to send and receive posts almost immediately. "Hosting" of an autorequest subs is difficult, since it is not possible to prevent systems from accessing an autorequest type sub-board. Secured & AutoSecured: Subscribing to secured subs takes a little more work. These subs have a clearly defined Host, who can add or remove systems at his/her own discretion. Setting up a secured sub can be done automatically, thru the VAREA program, or manually thru VCONFIG. A Host of a secured sub must create a "distribution list" of the systems to receive a particular sub. Subscribers must be sure to identify the host. (For more information on setting up Secured and AutoSecured, please see VNET.DOC.) Pg 2 ------ Email: ------ Private email routing is a function of the network. Each user on your system has a unique VirtualNET address and if given appropriate security may send and receive mail across the network. Note that your BBS must be properly listed in the networked BBSLISTs in order for email routing to work properly. There is nothing further you need to set-up. Note: VBBS allows for Carbon-Copy and MultiMail List facilities. You must not allow your users from abusing such functions on the network. --------- Taglines: --------- Taglines are a great way to personalize posts, and appear as a stamp on the bottom of each posted message. System taglines are made optional for each message base. Taglines are limited by the software and by VirtualNET policy to 3 lines of "ascii" or "heart code" color with a maximum size of 300 bytes (characters). Taglines are a great thing and can be quite informative. SOME network sub hosts however, do not allow the use of taglines in their subs. If you carry "gated" subs or are part of another network, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with policy related to tagline usage. ------------------- Joining VirtualNET: ------------------- Note: VBBS/NET 6.10 installation is required before joining VirtualNET. Included with the VBBS program, is a list of VirtualNET BBSs which is current at the time of the release (BBSLIST files). If you would like to have your BBS join VirtualNET or have further questions regarding VirtualNET, please contact the Area Coordinator (AC) for your area as listed in the BBSLIST files. If your area does not yet have an AC, please contact one of the VirtualNET Regional Coordinators (RC) as listed. All RCs can be reached through VirtualNET addresses; Pg 3 =============================================================== VirtualNET Administrative Directory =============================================================== Network Coordinator: John Bok 1@6160 VirtualNET Asst. Network Coordinator: Gene Wells 1@1604017 VirtualNET This information prepared on 5-09-1993 @ 1pm - Regional Coordinators Region 1: Oscar Petoskey 1@1313000 VirtualNET Region 2: Bill Snell 1@2150 VirtualNET Region 3: Bob Woodson 1@1806101 VirtualNET Region 4: Kevin Rouse 1@6190 VirtualNET Region 5: Neil J Marshall 1@440 VirtualNET Region 6: Roland Emery 1@1604000 VirtualNET Region 7: Patrick Murray 1@1919999 VirtualNET Region 8: John Bok 1@6160 VirtualNET SubsList: Neil J Marshall 1@440 VirtualNET - Pg 4 =============================================================== REGIONS LISTING =============================================================== Region 1 (Midwest US) Coordinator: Oscar Petoskey 1@1313000 VirtualNET Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska 218 612 507 712 515 319 816 417 314 715 906 414 608 815 708 309 217 618 312 812 317 219 419 216 513 614 616 517 313 605 701 308 402 ---------------------------- Region 2 (East US) Coordinator: Bill Snell 1@2150 VirtualNET Virginia, W. Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Conneticut, Rhode Island, Main, Vermont, New Hampshire 207 802 603 413 508 617 401 203 516 212 718 201 908 609 302 301 703 804 304 412 814 215 717 914 607 716 315 518 410 ---------------------------- Region 3 (South US) Coordinator: Bob Woodson 1@1806101 VirtualNET Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Kansas 501 318 504 601 210 806 915 817 214 409 713 512 918 405 316 913 903 ---------------------------- Region 4 (West US) Coordinator: Kevin Rouse 1@6190 VirtualNET Washington, Oregon, California, Montana, Idaho, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Alaska, Hawaii 307 801 303 719 702 602 505 406 208 714 310 808 209 805 619 916 707 415 818 213 510 808 206 509 503 809 907 ---------------------------- Region 5 (Europe) Coordinator: Neil J Marshall 1@440 VirtualNET All European Country Codes ---------------------------- Region 6 (Canada) Coordinator: Roland Emery 1@1604000 VirtualNET All Canadian Area Codes ---------------------------- Region 7 (SouthEast) Coordinator: Patrick Murray 1@1919999 VirtualNET Kentucky, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama 502 606 305 407 813 904 404 912 704 919 803 615 901 205 ---------------------------- Region 8 (Pacific Rim) Coorindator: John Bok 1@6160 VirtualNET Pacific Rim Area Codes ---------------------------- Pg 5 APPLICATION FOR VIRTUALNET To become a node on VirtualNET please fill out the following form and return it to the Area Coordination for your area. If you do not know who this is then send it to the Region Coordinator. Your assigned node number will be sent to you and passed on through Network E-mail to the Regional Coordinator for inclusion in the international BBSLIST AFTER the applicant has been connected to a VirtualNET local server (with 'sysop only' network access) for a period of not less than ONE WEEK. Should the AC have reason to feel that the applicant requires more time to become acclamated to the network or is otherwise not yet prepared, they may extend this period but, in NO case should the total period exceed THREE weeks. In all cases, pending VirtualNET nodes should state that they have read and understood the VirtualNET policies contained in the Network documentation and to as well understand and agree to the specific policies (if any) of his or her Server. The return of this form to the AC or RC for your region is proof that you have read, understand and agree to the rules of the VirtualNet. 1. Date of Application: 2. Sysop's real name: 3. Sysop's handle (if any): 4. Address: 5. City: 6. State: 7. Zip: 8. SysOp Date of birth: 9. Voice Phone No.: 10. Other Network affiliation (if any): Node number assignment will be made by the AC or RC. Please enter the server you have set up. If you do not have a server the AC or RC will arrange one for you. Replace the X's below with the correct data for your system. ════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ Node BBS phone System Name Modem Server No. Number Type * ----- ------------ -------------------- ------ ---- @XXXXXXXXX XXX-XXX-XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXX XXXX 11. Registration No.____________________ ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ * Modem type e.g 1200, 2400, V32, HST, HST/DS, Not brand name unless its a Compucom. This form is to be returned intact with no changes other than the addition of the data. Please do not change the layout of the form in any way as it is set up to be read by macros to extract the data to the bbslist and a database. Pg 6 This is the standard form for a new VirtualNET node assignment. It gives the AC for your area the needed info to pass on to the Network RC. It also provides phone numbers to the network administration should there ever be a need to contact you. Once you have completed this form, please return it to your Area Coordinator or to a VirtualNET Regional Coordinator should your area not yet have an AC. Node assignments are usually effected within a weeks time. Generally, you can expect to become official within a few weeks of your application. Updates to the BBSLIST.NET are sent out generally twice each week by the Regional Coordinators reflecting changes and additions made. ------------------- The Role of the AC: ------------------- (ACs) - At the backbone of VirtualNET are the Area Coordinators. They are the ambassadors between their area and VirtualNET. Normally, one AC is assigned to each telephone area code. This position is purely voluntary. Area Coordinators are assigned by that region's RC. Requirements of the VirtualNET AC- 1) Be operating an accessable VBBS 24 hours per day. 2) Be able and willing to provide time and effort toward support and the growth of the network. Duties of the VirtualNET ACs- 1) Promote and support VirtualNET within your area as you are able. Encourage and help others to be a part of, and contributors to VirtualNET. 2) Provide a positive image of VirtualNET within the online community. 3) Resolve conflicts that arise when able within the area and promote harmonious participation within the network. 4) Active participation in the VirtualNET AC sub. There is NO basis for an arbitrary delay in providing a VBBS SysOp with access to the VirtualNET support subs. It is also recommended that new systems set their networked message bases to 255 security level access (SYSOP) until such time that their node becomes official in the BBSLIST. AC's are encouraged to provide at least one Area secured type sub for use in discussing local issues and what not, making that sub available to all VirtualNET SysOps within his or her area. Pg 7 -------------------------------------------- Establishing Connects (Servers and Clients): -------------------------------------------- A new VirtualNET node is asked to make an initial connect with that area's AC, or other appointed system for at least one week and for as long as three weeks prior to the AC handing a node assignment in for addition to the international BBSLIST. The purpose of this is to ensure that the new node is fully familiar with the network and is setup properly before officially joining the network. This is particularly important in cases where that new node will be making an official connect directly with a national server. Note: Once your Network account has been established, it is incumbant upon you as a Client to NET in to your Server in a timely manner. Due to matters regarding storage of Network Packets, Clients who do not NET in to their server for 14 days run the risk of having their pending packet deleted by the Server SysOp, unless notification is made. If you are having problems, or for whatever reason are not able to receive your packet from your Server on a timely basis, be sure to contact your Server right away. Also, if you are going to be leaving the network, please notify your Server as well as your Area Coordinator. -------------- The Subs List: -------------- The VirtualNET Subs List is updated weekly by the Subslist Coordinator. The current Subslist appears in your NET directory, in a file called SUBSLIST.NET. Note: VAREA makes use of the SUBSLIST.NET file to present you with an easy interface for adding and removing subs. Pg 8 -------- Decorum: -------- VirtualNET was founded on the principle of common courtesy. In a sense, that is the only VirtualNET "rule". The network is place where information, ideas, and opinions all come together from different corners in a virtual cornucopia that celebrates the varied differences of backgrounds and experiences of those who are a part of the network. First and Foremost, it is a SysOp's unique responsibilty to limit Network access on his or her system to responsible users. SysOps are expected to handle any problem user which is accessing the network from his or her board. In the event that a problem is persistant, a warning will be issued to that system. If the problem continues, the Network Coordinator will have no choice other than to suspend the network connect to the originating node. To help you "fit in", here are some "do's and don'ts" for the net. Some of these are just common sense, but a few have been learned from "The BBS School of Experience". 1. Always remember that you are a guest in many homes, when you post on the net. Please keep the language clean. If you read a post containing questionable language, please don't quote the questionable portion in your public reply. This only gives the post greater exposure, and irritates the sysops that have to delete your post. It is more appropriate to EMAIL the offending poster, or the sysop of the originating system, rather than start a "flame war" with a public reply. There are secured subs that allow the use of any style language. Please confine your questionable language to these subs. 2. Sometimes it is better to ignore a post that stirs your ire. If you must reply, it is better to make it via email, rather than a public post. 3. NEVER make something received in email public, unless you have the sender's permission. Making Email public is annoying behaviour and may be grounds for removal from the network. 4. Always try to be helpful toward the newer members. Remember, you were new at one time. VirtualNet has grown on it's reputation of providing out- standing help for VBBS/VirtualNet problems. 5. Always try to be factual when you post. This will gain respect for you, and build your reputation as one "whose post has merit." 6. Never "talk down" to anyone. Calling someone an idiot will not win friends, nor gain the respect of your fellow net members. If you wish to be respected, and maintain a good standing in the network, you must respect others. 7. Remember that it is hard to write something, and have it interpreted in the "tone of voice" that you wrote it. Something meant as satire, can come across with a completely different meaning. Try to indicate your meaning by symbols, such as :), <grin>, ;), <satire>, etc. Pg 9 8. VirtualNet has a reputation of being "free and open". As such, the threads on some of the subs tend to wander off topic. Please make an effort to remain on topic. The net members (and sub hosts) will be grateful. 9. Everyone has "a bad day". Someone will sometimes post something that he/she would like to recall. Give the poster the benefit of the doubt. Often, an apology will follow a day or so later. Instantly "flaming" the poster will bring ego into play, making a retraction impossible. 10. Realize that a message does not appear on all systems on the same day. A message that you reply to, and think settled, may continue to receive replies for several days. 11. Remember that everyone is entitled to their opinion. If you do not agree, a cool, reasonable, post stating the reasons for your disagreement, is much better than lowering yourself to name calling. Realize that some people will argue, just for the sake of argument. If you find yourself involved with one of this type, swallow your pride and let the argument die. It takes two to sustain an argument. 12. Do not belittle anyone's computer, software, etc. Remember that you choose your equipment because it best suited your needs. The other person may not have the same needs as yourself. 13. All ADULT material must be propagated via secured sub type, and access is the sole responsibility of the sub-host. 14. The views expressed on VirtualNET are not neccessarily those of the VirtualNET staff. 15. The Network Coordinator may remove any system from the network, without prior notification, for any reason. 16. Any gateways into or out of VirtualNET must be pre-approved by SubsList Coordinator. 17. Use of high-ascii in To: & From: headers, and in BBSLISTs is prohibited. Use of high-ascii may be totally prohibited on certain networks and network gateways. 18. Taglines must be limited to a maximum of 300 bytes in size, and 3 lines in length. Pg 10 -------- Support: -------- Sometimes things don't work quite as they should when first establishing a connect with a server. If you have read and followed the documentation, and find that you are for whatever reason recieving errors, contact your Server and let him or her know what the problem is. VBBS and VirtualNET share the same cooperative support structure. Servers, AC's and CORE support boards are there to help you should you experience problems. The posts that you send regarding problems should always include your Network address (node #), as well as your name, software version, WHICH network you're having problems with, and whether you are a running the program Standalone or as a door. It is important as well that you are as specific as possible regarding the nature of the problem as well as where it occurs. Invariably, almost all errors are the result of something not being quite right in the installation. The Support structure available to you is geared for maximum efficiency in resolving problems. No matter who you contact, your mail has a good chance of being forwarded within the support structure to another SysOp for resolution. This way, not only is the volume of support spread more evenly, but as well should result in a more prompt and accurate reply to the SysOp requiring support. As you have access to the VirtualNET Support Subs however, please make use of the public support by posting there whenever possible as it will provide the greatest benefit to the Net as a whole. There is a team of support SysOps affectionately known as the Virtual Ski Patrol. These volunteers are there to help resolve problems and questions which are posted and generally make sure that all posted problems and questions are resolved or answered. Pg 11 ----------- Appendix A: - N E T W O R K I N S T A L L A T I O N - ----------- In order to use the networking features, you will need to have the following programs: (Which VBBS will utilize automatically.) VXY VBBS Xmodem, Ymodem, Zmodem Driver DSZ DSZ External Protocol Driver HS-LINK HS-Link Bi-directional Protocol (if desired) PKZIP and PKUNZIP PKware ZIP Archive Utilities Installing the Net- -------------------- The VirtualNET networking software, VNET.EXE is already included with the VBBS program. Once you have recieved you node assignment and have established yourself as a "client" to a VirtualNET "server" you simply need to do setup the VirtualNET Network Section in VCONFIG. You will need to enter your node number, and the node number of your server, and your server's phone number to be able to start "netting." Events and Dialing Thresholds ------------------------------- There are two ways to effect automation between Clients and servers. One way is to enable the dialing threshhold in network configuration. Once the defined threshold of kb of pending messages is met, the software will either call your Server, or poll your clients (if any) depending on the situation. Local option is active 24 hours. Long Distance restricts the time of a particular network dialout to 12am and 8am. Threshold is disabled with a setting of 0. Another way to automate the network is to take advantage of one or more of VBBSs 20 definable events. See the VNET command lines that follow. These commands can be used from a DOS prompt as well as a batchfile and inserted as WFC function keys or as event batchfiles. Protocol Choices ---------------- VirtualNET SysOps have three choices in transfer protocol options. The default choice is VXY Ymodem. Optional protocols are DSZ Zmodem, and HSLINK. Pg 12 Phone calling options --------------------- There are many phone calling options available to clients making long distance connects. AT&T, MCI and Sprint all have discount calling options for off peak calling and frequently called numbers. Contact those companies regarding the options available to you. Another popular calling option for some is a service known as PC Pursuit. For more information on PC Pursuit, contact the 800 information operator (1-800-555-1212) for the 800 PCP information desk in your area. The Main VirtualNET server in W. Michigan is NOT within an INDIAL PCP area. Other National VirtualNET servers ARE however and if you are using PCP, you will need to contact your RC regarding the establishment of a PCP connect. Below is an example of a PC Pursuit macro for VNET; {Delete the comments after the double slash (//)). Put your local PCP number in the network config in VCONFIG. Put this macro in your main VBBS directory and it should work just fine. ----------------Macro starts below this line---------------------------- SEND @D^M SEND D1^M RECV @ SEND D^M RECV NOT SEND C D/CASJO/24,IDxxxxxxxx,PWxxxx^M // Put your ID, PW and Server's // City code here RECV D/CASJO/24 CONNECTED // City code goes here also SEND I^M // Download the RVPrimer.arc SEND ATZ^M // from PC Pursuit or my BBS to RECV OK // understand why I did this SEND ^E^M // like this instead of using RECV HELLO // Hayes command set. SEND D7328958^M // Server's Phone Number goes here RECV ANSWER TONE // This line was included to delay the Vnet // 30 second time out feature. ---------------------End of Macro---------------------------------------- Please contact Lazurus Long (1@4081) for further assistance w/ PCP. Pg 13 ----------- Appendix B: ----------- VNET 6.10 --------- VNET.EXE is the networking software for the Virtual BBS/NET. It should be run out of the same directory as your Virtual BBS. For the most part, VBBS.EXE activates VNET.EXE as needed, however there are command switches which you may employ during execution from a batchfile or Dos prompt. The syntax for VNET.EXE is: VNET <channel #> <command-switch> NETWORKID=<net id> Note: If NETWORKID is omitted, Network #1 (VirtualNET) is assumed. <channel #> specifies which VBBS serial channel to use. <command-switch> tells VNET what to do, the possibilities are: /DIAL# - Dial another VirtualNET. # is the node address of the system to dial. /U - Updates all the mail packets. /A - Analyzes VirtualNET connect and bbslist information sent to you from the Network Coordinator. Example: VNET /A /CHECK - VNET Diagnostics Pg 14 ------------ VNET Macros: ------------ VBBS has the unique ability of VNET.EXE to employ the use of macros in establishing a Net connection with another VBBS system. If you are running VBBS from a matrix logon or as a door within another system, you now have the ability to serve as a VirtualNET HOST system to other boards from WITHIN the matrix logon or BBS door. If you are already the host to a remote VirtualNET system which is running in a matrix logon or door, you may now connect to that system for polling or whatever. The macro supports 3 commands. All 3 commands are 4 characters long, and 1 space is expected between the command and its arguement. RECV Waits for a string of characters. If they don't show up within 30 seconds, the call is aborted. SEND Sends a string of characters. WAIT Tells the macro facility what the boards [PAUSE] string is, so that it can be handled should it come up when RECV is waiting for its string. If it pops up, the macro facility automatically sends a 0x0D. The use of this facility is optional. A WWIV example: WAIT [PAUSE] RECV NN: SEND Acct name^m RECV PW: SEND codeword^m RECV ###-###- SEND 0000^m RECV T - SEND . RECV ? SEND 1 The above example logs on to a WWIV board, and runs door # 1. Note that you may send and recv control characters by putting a ^ in front of them. When the macro is done executing, VNET.EXE proceeds immediately to waiting for the ° which should pop up when VBBS starts running as a door. Pg 15 ----------- Appendix C: ----------- Procedures for Sub-Hosts ------------------------ When you have a message base or other networked area which you would like to "Host", you will need to first decide what type of sub you would like it to be. The (S) secure type subs are generally preferable as they are more efficient relative to their routing. Autorequest type subs can be desirable for new subs as it provides the easist access to them and can give a sub-host a good idea how much interest there is in maintaining that networked sub. ALL Local type subs, that is those which are national/international in nature, as well as ALL "adult" content type subs MUST be (S) secure subs according to VirtualNET Policy. Subs which are gated into other networks will always follow the rules of that network. Sub-hosts of GATED subs shall respect the rules and policies of the originating network's sub host (if any) and insure that gateway subscribers follow the wishes of that network's sub host. It is reccomended that GATED subs use the (S) secure sub types. Once you have a networked area that you would like to host, you will need to give it a formal name and a description for the Subslist Coordinator. If you are hosting a (S) secure sub, you will need to post the name and description of the sub, along with the sub-host VirtualNET address and the subtype so that it may be recorded in the SUBSLIST.NET. If your new network sub is an (A) autorequest sub, then you will additionally post a REQUEST to the Subslist Coordinator (1@4080 Friday Jones) for an sub number assignment there on the Yellow Pages sub #228. The Yellow pages sub should also be used for advertizing your sub (ansi art allowed). Pg 16 Setting Up Secured Subs: V#####.NET and VV#####.NET files ---------------------------------------------------------- V#####.NET and VV#####.NET files (##### = sub number) are text files that reside in your VBBS network directory. V#####.NET files are used by sub hosts to set up their list of subscribers. It is just a simple text file, with one entry per line. The entries are the node numbers of the subscribers. VV#####.NET files are used by subscribing systems to identify the sub host. There is only one entry in a VV#####.NEt file -- the node number of the sub host. If you would like to HOST a secured sub: 1. Determine what sub number you want to use. (See pg 16 for more info on sub numbering.) 2. Create the sub database -- dont forget the sub number! 3. Advertise on the Yellow Pages, give the sub number, the sub name, a brief description, and the node address of the host of the sub. 4. As requests for a sub pour in, enter the node numbers, one per line, into a V#####.NET file, as ascii text. ##### = sub number. If you would like to SUBSCRIBE to a sub: 1. Email the Host of the sub asking for access Be sure to specify the sub number. 2. Create a VV#####.NET file containing one line, the node number of the sub host. ##### = sub number. 3. Create a new database for the sub -- dont forget the sub number! Handles/Real Names/Anonymous ---------------------------- The SysOp has the ability to toggle usage of Handles, Real names or anonymous posting. All subs will be assumed to be handles unless the sub-host designates otherwise to the Subslist Coordinator. Real names are often required in other networks and if a GATED sub requires Real names then the VirtualNET host is responsible for that being made known to the Subslist Coordinator. Anonymous posts can be useful for instance in support and recovery type of message bases where a sub-host feels that users would be more comfortable obscuring their identity altogether. Permanent Messages ------------------ Permanent messages are a great way for a SysOp to display in a message base, a synopsis and any rules regarding that message base. Sub Hosts may decide from time to time post a message base specific permanent message for the subscribing SysOps to flag for a permanent post. When that post reaches the # 1 position, it will not be purged. This way, an explanation of the message base can always be found in the first post of a message base. Pg 17 VAREA Automated VNET Message Base Subscription Utility ------------------------------------------------------ VAREA, programmed by Neil J Marshall, 1@440 VirtualNET, is the official message base subscriber utility for VirtualNET. Its a lot more fun setting up new message bases with VAREA than with VCONFIG :) VAREA uses a point-and-shoot type system to select/deselect the VirtualNET message bases your system subscribes to. If you use VAREA, don't forget to add the following to your daily event batch file: VAREA /AUTO NETWORKID=1 Normal startup to use VAREA interactively is: VAREA NETWORKID=1 Please see the VAREA documentation for more details.