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Text File | 1993-08-22 | 70KB | 1,350 lines

╔════════════════╗ ║ ║ ╔════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ ║ ╔╝ ▄▄▄▄▄▄▄ ▄▄▄▄▄▄▄ ▄▄▄▄▄▄▄ ▄▄▄▄▄▄▄ ▄▄▄▄▄▄▄ ║ ║ █ ▄▄▄ █ █ ▄▄▄ █ █ ▄▄▄▄█ █ ▄▄▄▄█ █ ▄▄▄ █ ║ ╔╝ █ ▄▄▄▄█ █ ▄▄▄ █ █▄▄▄▄ █ █ █▄▄▄▄ █ █▄█ █ ║ ║ █▄█ █▄█ █▄█ █▄▄▄▄▄█ █▄▄▄▄▄█ █▄▄▄▄▄█ ║ ║ ║ ║ ▄▄▄▄▄▄ ▄▄▄▄▄▄ ▄▄▄▄▄▄▄ ║ ╔═╝ █ ▄▄ █▄ █ ▄▄ █▄ █ ▄▄▄▄█ ║ ║ █ ▄▄▄ █ █ ▄▄▄ █ █▄▄▄▄ █ ║ ╔╝ █▄▄▄▄▄█ █▄▄▄▄▄█ █▄▄▄▄▄█ ║ ║ ║ ╔══╝ ▄▄▄▄▄▄▄ ▄▄▄▄▄▄▄ ▄▄▄▄▄▄▄ ▄▄▄▄▄▄▄ ▄▄▄▄▄▄▄ ▄▄▄▄▄ ▄▄▄ ▄▄▄ ▄▄▄▄▄▄▄ ╔═══╝ ║ █ ▄ ▄ █ █ ▄▄▄ █ █ ▄▄▄▄█ █ ▄▄▄ █ █▄▄▄ ▄█ █▄ ▄█ █ ▀██ █ █ ▄▄▄▄█ ║ ╔╝ █ █ █ █ █ ▄▄▄ █ █ █▄▄ █ █ ▄▄▄ █ ▄█▀▄██▄ ▄█ █▄ █ █▄▀ █ █ ▄▄▄█▄ ║ ╔╝ █▄█▀█▄█ █▄█ █▄█ █▄▄▄▄▄█ █▄█ █▄█ █▄▄▄▄▄█ █▄▄▄█ █▄█▀█▄█ █▄▄▄▄▄█ ║ ╠═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╩═══╗ ║ September 1993 Volume 1 Number 9 ║ ╟───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╢ ║ Board of Trade BBS New Port Richey, Florida (813) 862-4772 ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ In This Issue ------------- ■ Great Educational Shareware ■ Software Creations named Top BBS ■ A Peak at Bio Menace ■ The Best of CyberScape LIVE! with Sysops David Place and Sam Gudgel ■ The BBS Glossary ■ Original humor, news updates and more + + + + + Editor's Welcome ---------------- This is the ninth time I've welcomed you to the Pasco BBS Magazine and this month I am writing this virtually on the eve of the ONE BBSCON. My trip to Colorado Springs should yield some exciting articles. In a way, this issue ends the first chapter in the Pasco BBS Magazine story. The magazine is getting established in the BBS world, now with fifteen Distribution Sites in seven states. There have been some great interviews with some of the biggest names in this business, and help with other features. But, I guess you're only as good as your last issue, so there is still much to be done. I want to take a second to congratulate Dan Linton on Software Creations being named the Top Bulletin Board in the Boardwatch Magazine contest. Dan agreed to become a Pasco BBS Magazine Distribution Site early on, and I remain grateful for the exposure. There will be a well deserved award presentation at the ONE BBSCON. Proof positive that nice guys can finish first! + + + + + ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ │ │ Pasco BBS Magazine Distribution Sites │ │ ------------------------------------- │ │ │ │ Florida West Pasco Board of Trade BBS (813) 862-4772 │ │ Clearwater Pegboard BBS (813) 596-7148 │ │ Largo Birdland BBS (813) 595-9239 │ │ Lutz Night City South (813) 949-5751 │ │ St. Petersburg Twilight BBS (813) 323-6023 │ │ Tampa InnerZone BBS (813) 238-0707 │ │ Valparaiso Phoenix BBS (904) 651-4423 │ │ West Palm Beach ArrowHead BBS (407) 833-0878 │ │ Zephyrhills Tele-Com BBS (813) 780-8452 │ │ │ │ California Mira Loma ATTENTION to Details (909) 681-6221 │ │ │ │ Illinois Mundelein Mulligan's Place BBS (708) 566-6183 │ │ │ │ Indiana South Bend The Great Beyond BBS (219) 233-8854 │ │ │ │ Massachusetts Clinton Software Creations (508) 365-2359 │ │ East Sandwich La Villa Strangiato (508) 888-1185 │ │ │ │ North Carolina Morehead City SeaScape BBS (919) 726-9364 │ │ │ │ West Virginia Snowshoe Snowshoe BBS (304) 572-2531 │ │ │ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ + + + + + Great Educational Shareware --------------------------- What better time of year to take a look at a few of the great Shareware educational programs available today. With school starting up again, maybe parents should let their kids spend a little more time at the computer. If you need to brush up on the Periodic Table of Elements there are Shareware programs on the market that can help. Periodic Table of the Elements by Chris Divis offers a colorful display of the table, lots of information about each element and a helpful search feature. Element Study Aid by David W. Ostler does not offer the colorful graphics, but has a very nice quiz feature with different types of quizes. The Computer Guide to the Solar System, by WinterTech, has great graphics and all kinds of information about our solar system. There are images and information on the sun, the Earth, the Moon, all the planets, the asteroid belt and comets. Some of the program's strong points are the planet comparisons, the orbit displays and the discussion of time. If you wish to study beyond the solar system, Mark Haney's SkyGlobe is a very popular Shareware program. The brilliance of the night sky is displayed in Super-VGA graphics, and .PCX format graphics files can be imported to enhance the program. SkyGlobe not only has thousands of stars to learn about, but teaches constellations and planet orbits as well. There seems to be a Shareware program for almost any subject and a good example would be Pendulum by P. Thieberger. It is a wonderful full-featured program all about pendulums. Pendulum has colorful graphic representations of swinging pendulums and allows experimentation with different vectors, gravitational forces and other mathematical computations. The program also generates problems and assignments. Pendulum is quite interesting, and math majors should love it. Those who think that playing computer games is a waste of time should check out some of the great educational Shareware games on the market. Paul T. Dawson's Lugnut City features ten arcade style mazes with addition, subtraction, multiplication and division problems to be solved. The player advances by solving a problem to remove a block, but Lugnut City still has the feel of a run, jump and shoot game. The biggest names in Shareware games have also released educational games. Apogee Software is distributing two Karen Crowther games, Word Rescue and Math Rescue. Both games feature true arcade action and graphics, and can be played by children of all ages. Epic MegaGames' entry into the educational game market is Avery Pace's Adventure Math. Adventure Math presents addition or subtraction problems using a medieval theme, and the sound card support adds both music and speech. No discussion of educational Shareware programs would be complete without mentioning two of the all time classics, The Presidents by Hubbard C. Goodrich and Flags of Every Nation Under the Sun by Thomas J. Mosbo. The Presidents has short biographies of the Presidents and presents tests and quizes in various ways. The Flags of Every Nation Under the Sun displays the flags of 170 independent nations, plus some dependences and cities. When viewing a flag you have the option to display detailed information about the county who's flag you are looking at. A ten question flag quiz is also available. Both programs are extremely educational. We have just brushed the surface of educational Shareware, as was said earlier there seems to be a program on just about any subject. + + + + + ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ ▓ ▓ ▓ Board of Trade BBS New Port Richey, Florida ▓ ▓ ▓ ▓ Home of the Pasco BBS Magazine ▓ ▓ ▓ ▓ Home of Shadoware ▓ ▓ ▓ ▓ Bytor Computer Systems, Inc. presents the PC Help Forum ▓ ▓ ▓ ▓ (813) 862-4772 12/24/48/96/14400 baud ▓ ▓ ▓ ▓ Member of the American BBS Association ▓ ▓ Official Distribution Site ▓ ▓ Apogee Software, Digital Reality, Epic MegaGames, Gamer's Edge, ▓ ▓ MVP Software, Software Creations and Westcoast 813 BBS Directory ▓ ▓ BBS Voice Line (813) 863-5886 ▓ ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ + + + + + Software Creations Wins Boardwatch Contest ------------------------------------------ Software Creations BBS has been named the winner in The Boardwatch 100 Reader's Choice BBS Contest 1993, a contest run by Boardwatch Magazine to find the top 100 bulletin boards. Dan Linton is the Sysop of the Clinton, Massachusetts based board, and he is also the author of Shareware games Picture Puzzle and Trivia Shell. Started on January 1, 1990, Software Creations is the home board for Apogee Software, Epic MegaGames, Id Software and is a Pasco BBS Magazine Distribution Site. Dan Linton was asked the question that everybody is asking, how does it feel to be named the top BBS? "Sure, it feels good, what can I say. I think it was the help of many, many people that put us on top. All the Authors writing great software for us to release, all the companies like APOGEE with their support and promotion, and all the great users who voted us into the spot. Everyone deserves the congratulations." While we will not run the whole list, after all it is not our contest, we did want to mention that the Exec-PC BBS finished second in the voting. Bob Mahoney Sysop of the Exec-PC BBS was gracious enough to be interviewed in the June issue of the Pasco BBS Magazine. Dan Linton was interviewed at some length in the March issue, and if you read it, you know that it was no accident Software Creations has been successful. Software Creations BBS can be reached at (508) 368-7139. The Exec-PC BBS is located in Elm Grove, Wisconsin and the number is (414) 789-4210. + + + + + ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ -────────────────-- Software Creations BBS -───────────────────-- ║ ║ - Dedicated to the Development and Distribution of GREAT Software - ║ ║ -──────────────────── "Home of the Authors" ───────────────────────-- ║ ║ -────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────-- ║ ║ 1200/2400 V.42/MNP Lines : (508) 365-2359 ║ ║ 2400-14.4k HST USR Robotics Lines : (508) 368-4137 ║ ║ 2400-14.4k V.32/V.42bis Twincom Lines: (508) 368-7036 ║ ║ * Software Creations BBS continues to bring you the Best of the Best * ║ ║ Member of the Worcester County Sysops Association ║ ║ Clinton, Massachusetts Sysop: Dan Linton ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ + + + + + A Peak at Bio Menace -------------------- Jim Norwood's Bio Menace is an arcade shoot 'em up with all kinds of imaginative creatures resulting from a deranged doctor's genetic experiments. Episode One: Dr. Mangle's Lab, the Shareware version of the game currently being distributed by Apogee Software, features ten levels of wonderful graphics and sound card support. Let's take a look at this new game without revealing all of it's secrets. As Snake Logan, a top-secret CIA operative, your job is to save Metro City from the genetic mutations created by the diabolical Dr. Mangle. Mangle was a former scientist on the Operation Bug Glow project, who's bizarre creations threaten the very existence of all mankind. Snake Logan's Cessna is struck down by a lightning bolt during a reconnaissance flight over the devastated city, and thus begins his trek armed only with a M60 pulse rifle. Logan is a top notch weapons expert and as the game progress the possible arsenal includes grenades, super bullets and land mines. There are some enemies which you simply cannot kill with just a gun. As you explore each of the first ten levels, there are gems to collect which give extra health, different keys and switches, first aid kits which restore full health and all the various weapons and ammunitions. There are also secret level gems to be found and secret areas with additional treasures. The first level takes place in DownTown Metro. After running and jumping throughout the level, killing a few mutants in the process, you get to the exit only to find that you must first rescue the hostage before you can exit the level. But, you thought you had gotten everything in that level, however you have to enter the building through broken windows to collect the proper shard which will free the hostage, who is also inside the building on another floor. Each level has a hostage to be freed and after doing so, the player may head for the exit and the next level. The levels which follow have deadly new mutant creations to deal with. Level two, High Rise, introduces some sort of funny looking fire mutant and level three, City Park, has venom spewing cobras. The City Park is one of the levels which has a bucket of "Invincibility Potion," in this case located up in the trees early in the level. The potion gives about thirty seconds where your enemies cannot hurt you, and makes a quick run to the exit possible. Level four is South Side and level five takes place in the Sewer with hideous monsters lobbing globes of green slime in your direction. Level six, Cave, features a color code that, if remembered, can be very rewarding later in the level. Level seven is named after the huge "boss" monster known as Skull Man. The best way to dispose of Skull Man is lob some grenades at his head. Level eight is the challenging Elevator and level nine is appropriately called No Man's Land. No Man's Man Land has parachuting robots to be concerned about before reaching the final level, the Lab Entrance. There are two more episodes in the Bio Menace trilogy, and with levels like the Mutant Ant Hill there is much to look forward to. Jim Norwood has done a fine job on Bio Menace, with the variety of creatures being one of the game's strong points. There is much to be discovered in Bio Menace which was not revealed here. + + + + + ╔════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ S e a S c a p e B B S ║ ╠════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ <Member of the Association of Shareware Professiionals> ║ ║ ║ ║ P O BOX 326 ║ ║ MOREHEAD CITY, NORTH CAROLINA ║ ║ 14,4Kps, V.32bis(up to 57,600bps ║ ║ ║ ║ ██████████████ S H A R E W A R E ██████████████ ║ ║ ║ ║ (919)726-9364 300/1200/2400/9600/19200 ║ ║ ╔═════════════════╗ ║ ║ ║ 24 Hours A Day ║ ║ ║ ╚═════════════════╝ ║ ║ ║ ║ ******* J O I N U S ******* ║ ║ Download privileges upon registration ║ ║ ║ ╠════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ HELP US TO BECOME NORTH CAROLINA'S LARGEST BBS ║ ╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ + + + + + Computer Humor -------------- Definitions by Tom Gordon, New Port Richey, Florida Adaptive Dialing--Constantly changing one's phone # to avoid solicitors. Auto-Baud Detect--New device used by police to instantly identify a female prostitute. Caller Log--A piece of wood that uses the phone. Capture Memory--Rare lucid moment in an alcoholic's life. Control Character--Person with a lie for any occasion. Crippleware--Pots and pans for the handicapped. Data Bits--The commander from STAR TREK: THE NEW GENERATION's snack food. Dumb Terminal--Some poor fool who's going to die. Flow Control--Staying continent. Hot Keys--What was for sale after Liberace's piano was stolen. Kermit Protocol--Political etiquette for frogs. Message Base--Where a baseball player learns he's either safe or out. Null Character--Typical Pasco County resident. On-line Games--Sobriety tests. Quick Scan--First glance at people on the beach. Ring-back--What the two-timing fiance got when discovered. Role Playing Game--Marriage. Serial Interface--A drunk trying to eat Cheerios and missing his mouth. Status Line--Row of fat people at the food stamp office. Verified User--Normal politician. + + + + + ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ ░░░╔═════════════════════════════╗░░░░░░░╔═════════════════════════════╗░░░ ░░░║ ATTENTION to Details RyBBS ║░░░░░░░║ BOARDWATCH Magazine On-Line ║░░░ ░░░║ BBS Excellence... ║░░░░░░░║ BBS LEGAL GUIDE Dist. Site ║░░░ ░░░║ Across the Board! (sm) ║░░░░░░░║ MEMBER: The Electronic ║░░░ ░░░║ Clint Bradford - Sysop ║░░░░░░░║ Frontier Foundation, Inc. ║░░░ ░░░╚═════════════════════════════╝░░░░░░░╚═════════════════════════════╝░░░ ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ ░░░╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗░░░ ░░░║ Line 1: Hayes OPTIMA v.32 909/681-6221 Line 2: USR Courier HST ║░░░ ░░░╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝░░░ ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ ░░░╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗░░░ ░░░║ This authorized RyBBS Distribution Site is continuously monitored ║░░░ ░░░║ by McAfee's ViruScan and Xtree Co.'s ViruSafe v4.6. ║░░░ ░░░╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝░░░ ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ ░░░░╔═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗░░░░ ░░░░║ Official HUB BBS for the Association of Shareware Professionals ║░░░░ ░░░░╚═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝░░░░ ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ + + + + + The Best of CyberScape LIVE! ---------------------------- On Sunday nights the CyberScape BBS features a Live on-Line Interview with personalities from the Shareware or BBS industry. Dave White, Sysop of the CyberScape BBS, is the host each week, as callers and special guests join in the questioning. The CyberScape BBS is located in Lancaster, Massachusetts, and can be reached at (508) 368-8456. Everyone is welcome to join the fun and each month the Pasco BBS Magazine will run "The Best of CyberScape LIVE!" On Sunday June 20, David Place of TheDarkSide OIS and Sam Gudgel of the REAL- TIME BBS were the special guests. The Sysops discussed their boards, the forming of LinkUSA and a whole range of BBS related issues. What follows is the written transcript recorded live, on-line, in the Chat Conference on the CyberScape BBS. Sometimes in an On-Line Chat the questions and answers do not follow each other directly, so Dave White does group the conversations during editing. The sessions are also edited for length, but other than that, this is the exact text of the interview as it happened on CyberScape LIVE! ->June 20, 1993 - David Place and Sam Gudgel Dave White - Sysop of the CyberScape BBS and Conference Host Richard Ziegler - Editor, Pasco BBS Magazine and Sysop, Board of Trade BBS Duane Morin - Shareware author, Leominster, Massachusetts Dave White: Hi guys! David Place: I am here... Hi Dave! Sam Gudgel: Guess I got the 2400 line! Dave White: Gyped, huh? Sam Gudgel: Yeah...! Lets do it! Dave White: Sam, when did you start Real-Time BBS? Sam Gudgel: I started REAL-TIME BBS in Dec of 1987. It started then as REAL- TIME and still continues today under the same name, however we have taken it south 3 years ago, for about a year. Dave White: What do you mean .."south"? Sam Gudgel: I had moved to the state of Kentucky for about a year, moved the board too. I put it up there but certainly did not get the activity that I do up here. Guess one of the main reasons is that we ARE in the heart of the east coast electronics belt Dave White: Dave, when did Darkside start..? David Place: It started on Sept. 17th, 1985 on a C64, and went to a IBM "Clone" in 1987. Dave White: Wow, You've been around for quite some time. What software did it run on the C64 Dave? David Place: We ran on ABBS "All American BBS" software... was a great little package for only 17K! <g> Dave White: 17K of Memory? David Place: Well, it took 17K of disk space, important when you run on 2 180K diskette drives, took about 48K RAm to run it all. Dave White: Sam, What software was Real-Time started on? Sam Gudgel: Actually when I first started REAL-TIME, or actually just before, I was a co-sysop on a board in Fitchburg... called Opus Information Systems. The sysop moved to MN and I was going to start a board, so I just bought his software and took off from there. I started with Gap Software by Kenny Gardner in CA. I started with 286 single line and soon went to a Lantastic network with an XT a the second system. WOW! Richard Ziegler: Hello, sorry I'm late. Dave White: Hello Rich. Dave Place and Sam Gudgel, Meet Richard Ziegler. Sam Gudgel: Hi Rich... How is the magazine business? David Place: Hiya Richard Sam Gudgel: Yes.. I started with GAP by Kenny Gardner of CA on a 286 single line, soon went to a Lantastic network (2mb type) with an XT as my second system. That was in '88. I was the BIGGEST board in the area at that time! Dave White: Dave, can you give us a little rundown on how Darkside grew over the years? David Place: Well, TheDarkSide started from a C64 in 85 to an XT in 87. We started on FIDO and soon out grew it. Then went experimenting. We tried about all the packages and soon settled on Wildcat! We were the 121st board ever to register theier product and still use it... we have continued to grow and the users seem to like it. Dave White: What made you choose Wildcat Dave? David Place: At first it was the ease of setup and use on both the user and sysop sides, but soon it was appartent that Mustang Software was an agressive company and they implemented all the things I wanted, so I stuck with them... I am glad I did, the users tell me they like the way the software is and it is still the easiest on the sysop side. <Biased view> <Grin> Dave White: Sam, why did you choose GAP and how does it compare to PCBoard? Sam Gudgel: Yea Dave, sounds biased sound to me too.. but actually I changed to PCB about 3 years ago. This was due to GAP having problems at that time going into Version 6. I installed PCBoard and it has run flawlessly since that time. Gap happed to be the software that I was co-sysoping at the time. I did look at other packages but GAP had more power for the sysop. In my opinion, Gap is a basically PCB BUT with the power of Wildcat. Duane Morin: Howdy folks...am I much late? Richard Ziegler: Hi Duane, I just got here myself. Hi all! Dave White: Richard was blind for a minute... problems with his user record again this week! Richard Ziegler: I'm better now, what did I miss? Dave White: Just the very beginning Rich... Dave, can you tell us about Darkside? What are your features, statistics, that kind of thing? David Place: Hmmm... Well, after coming back from 3 years in NC, I reset the whole board and did a complete makeover... We now have (Since last Sept) over 300 users, from 12 contries and continue to grow. We are currently installing ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ · . · . . . · . . . ║ ║ · . · . · · · ║ ║ . . ╔════╦════════════════════════════╦════╗ . ║ ║ · .╔══╦═══╣ ░▒▓║ ArrowHead BBS ║▓▒░ ╠═══╦══╗ · ║ ║ . . ╠═░║▓══╬════╣ (407) 833 - 0878 ╠════╬══▓║░═╣ . .║ ║ . ╚══╩═══╣ ░▒▓║ West Palm Beach, Florida ║▓▒░ ╠═══╩══╝ ║ ║ · ╚════╩════════════════════════════╩════╝ . . . ║ ║· . . . . . . . ║ ║. . · . . . · · . · ║ ║ ┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╖ ║ ║.│ * Member Of The American BBS Association * ║.║ ║ │ Official Distribution Site ║ ║ ║.│ Pasco BBS Magazine + PC-Sig + Shadoware ║ ║ ║ │ 1200-9600 V.32/V.42Vis .:. 4.2 Gigs On-Line .:. With Adult Access ║.║ ║ │ * DoveNet ...... SysOp: John Toombs ...... ZoNet * ║ ║ ║.╘═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ version 3.9 of Wildcat which will put FULL use of RIP graphics into use from clicking on a single letter anywhere with the mouse to all the graphics that you can imagine. Dave White: We're using RIP here at CyberScape right now. It's really becoming very popular sine at 2400 baud it's faster than ansi and much nicer in terms of graphics. Sam Gudgel: I think that David might want to elaborate on our echo mail network that he and I started last December. Dave Place: Ok... well, LinkUSA (formerly MassNet) was started in November of 1992 as Sam and I discussed linking all of Massachusetts with a local call for each BBS carrying it. Unfortunatley it is hard to say no to someone in PA or AL who wants it so we ended up growing further than we intended at first. We now reach from Methuen to Springfield in MA with others in AL, AZ, and PA and more APPS arriving each week. Dave White: I'd like to stay on this topic for a bit. How large is the net right now? David Place: Well, I think Sam could answer the Statistical answers better, being the Administrative person for the Net.., Sam? Sam Gudgel: REAL-TIME is the Central Hub for LinkUSA. We origionally started with QWK technology but now are moving in with support in FTS. The FTS should be available in about a week or so. Well as david said, we started in December of 92. Orgionally we were planning to hook Western MA to Eastern MA but only after 1 month we had a regional hub in PA. It continued to grow from there. As of today, we have 16 hubs/nodes and as David says, the applications are still coming in. We try to pole the people to see what their intersts are and respond accordingly. We currently carry 43 conferences and have plans for more. I think that by carrying FTS, that that in itself will also help the net to grow. Dave White: Can you give us a sampling of the topics? David Place: Anything from Autos to Sports! Politics to Jokes... If the users want and use it, we can add it! Sam Gudgel: We have sections for users to advertize their bbs's, sections for Jokes, religion, Sports, legal, etc.. OH.. one thing that I wanted to mention We also try to pick professional people to host our conferences. At this point not ALL have hosts yet but of the ones that we do have... well here are some examples. In our Law conference we have an attorney from Fitchburg hosting, our shareware conference has a columnist from BBS callers digest, our rehabilitation conf has a registered nurse and on and on. Dave White: Sam, isn't "Uncle Hank" the host of a conference? Which One? Sam Gudgel: Yes he is.. that is Uncle Hank of Hanks BBS in the Springfield area. His conference is Shareware. He also uploads his monthly shareware review to our board. Then there is the NESA organization.. nothing like changing the topics. David Place: Well, LinkUSA is the official support and Information net for NESA. Dave White: More about the net... How would I go about getting it for my board if I was a sysop <g>! David Place: One way is, if you are FTS compatable, is to FREQ Magic Name LINKUSA from 1:322/247 and you will get the full infomation packet Sam Gudgel: We have a file that we prepare monthly. We just released a new one today for the month of July... a little early but due to the name change we just went through. You can look around the boards for a file called LINK07993.ZIP for instance. You can ALWAYS get it here. Yes David, now that we are expanding to FTS. Richard Ziegler: As Sysop yourself, maybe you would like to comment on the recent busts in the business and how it effects the BBS industry? Dave White: There's a good topic! Sam Gudgel: I think that this is a good time to mention NESA again. The New England Sysops Association. For example Duane, month before last we had an FBI agent from Boston's Computer Crimes division speak at our meeting along with an attorney on the legalities of BBSing. Being a sysop today is NOT as it was a few years ago. It seems that the FBI and other government agencies are investigating more in the area of pornography than they are in piracy. Our organizations tries to keep a tight code of ethics and not get involved in these areas, although we do NOT tell the sysops how to run their boards. Duane Morin: This the group that meets at Worcester Public Library? Sam Gudgel: No Duane, this is NOT that group. That group is more for the general public, where thisone is primarily for sysops only. Future meetings we will have Artisoft reps to speak on networking PC's, The Secret Service on legalities again, and in Sept... David Place: One of the things we try and stress to our associate NESA members is to think about who they are dealing with and why they run a board. The recent busts show that there are some bad elements out there Sam Gudgel: We will have a day where we are going to have classes on BBSing, with a "meet the sysops" at then end of it. We will recommend software packages, hardware, teach the attendees the BASICS of bulletin boarding.. and the proper use OF! David Place: But I think it is more media than anything... as the publics hears the bad they want to know more and we can turn that into education if we try. Sam Gudgel: I have to agree with David.. a LOT of this IS media. If you happen to read the REAL story of Rusty & Edies you can see how the media took over and how it seemed that the government agencies ALL wanted to take credit where credit was NOT due Richard Ziegler: Does the NESA have a formal code of ethics? Sam Gudgel: Yes Richard it does. We have the code of ethics as well as a constitution. we hold our meetings on the second Sunday of each month. Dave White: I agree, adn the deeper issue I think is that the Retail Software companies should clearly putting out demos for people to try. That might help curb some of the piracy since most people seem to jsut want to try the Retail Packages David Place: Not only that, but we also try to make SysOps think about what kind of board they run... Do you put up doors that may offend the Disabled? Do you allow minors into Adult stuff? We try and make people think about responsibilities and let them do what they think is best from there. Sam Gudgel: I believe that the software companies origionally didnt mind SOME pirating as it got their package out there... and usually the bigger packages cant be run without the docs.. therefore creating sales. Dave White: Now, in leaner times, I think they are trying to gain back some of the lost revenues they just wrote off before. Richard Ziegler: Sam, what are the ethical standards a member board must follow? Sam Gudgel: Well as David mentioned, we want them to THINK about what they run and have on their boards. We will NOT allow pirating, legally registered software, have been up for at least 3 months with a dedicated phone line and ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀ (219) 233-8854 ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ 2400-14400 baud ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ 24 Hrs. ▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ Fidonet (1:227/854) ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ Maxnet (90:151/70) ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀ Crossnet(73:4200/2) ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ Echonet (50:5219/854) ▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀ Remote Access Distribution Point SDN/Works! Distribution Point online 24hrs (not counting the time for maintenance) per day. There are a lot of "teenie bopper boards" that are ruining our arena of concern. I am not picking on teenagers but that is where most of the problem seem to occur from. David, how do you feel? David Place: Well, I agree that there ALOT more younger people getting into BBSing as prices plunge in the PC arena, however, I think when it comes to piracy and Porn it is more an Adult crowd who look to get more callers and thing they can make tons of cash. We know thats not true, but most of these folks have had a computer and modem for a short time and haven't the experience. The younger boards usually die out, as the "illegals" do. Duane Morin: Well, gentlemen, Im afraid most of this is out of my league. I think I'll call it a night Dave White: Goodbye Duane. Thanks for calliing! Richard Ziegler: See you later Duane... Dave White: What about pornography? Sam Gudgel: As for pornography, we do not allow "hard core", kiddie porn, etc. That is a MAJOR problem, not just with us but with the LAW. We recommend that all sysops use some sort of "proof of age" to be signed, etc and have onhand before allowing them to use the adult areas. I believe that NO one can tell another sysop how to run his board, but we DO promote GOOD ethics. A BBS is a reflection of the Sysop... need I say more? Dave White: Well put Sam. What do you both think of the proposed regulation of BBS's by the FCC? David Place: Dave, which particular regulations are you speaking about? Dave White: I had heard that there would be some kind of licensing scheme similar to a Ham Radio Operator... Sam Gudgel: I "personally" think that it is a GOOD idea. I believe that BBS's ARE a form of public media and it should only be run by persons who have proven that they are "responsible" enough to do so. It WILL cut a LOT of boards out BUT is a good ides. David Place: Dave, "believe it or not" I am all for it. As long as it doesn't limit HOW I run my board! ... However... Dave White: I agree Dave... As long as they don't put limits on my freedom of speech. Richard Ziegler: Don't you feel that sooner or later the goverenment will want a piece of the pie? Sam Gudgel: Heck yea, Richard... Don't they always. If nothing else, they will get a "FEE" for their regulation. They have been trying to get money from files downloaded from boards. I dont think that will ever happen. (fingers crossed)! Dave White: I can see where it'd put alot of the smaller BBS's out of commission, but am wary about the government regulating it! Richard Ziegler: It will be interesting to watch and see how the government handles the growing BBS industry! David Place: I started BBSing when it was a hobby, people were grateful to have someone around who took the time to do it... I Love BBSing... nowadays users take you for granted, maybe if it was regulated and there were fewer boards again... who knows. Sam Gudgel: Richard... it will CERTAINLY continue to grow. How can it NOT? Especially with the dropping prices of hi-tech equipment and the growing pace of todays technology. Dave White: I've heard people make the analogy between BBS's right now and the early days of Radio, what are both your comments on that? I think we are less restricted than they were. David Place: Radio eh, well, I think we the BBSers took them by suprise and they haven't quite figured out how to control us yet. Unfortunately they always find a way <g>. Dave White: It does seem that if they were somewhat regulated, the quality would rise. Also, people would expect less for free. Another important issue. I think that all sysops feel that they offer a LOT of service for what little fees they recieve. Regulation would tend to make people realize that it;'s not just a game or hobby for everyone. Sam Gudgel: Here here david... I agree 110%! Like I have said many times, at one time being a sysop was a place of honor and dignity (sp) but anymore, we seem to get beat to death with the hackers, dupe accounts, harassement, etc. The general public just doesn't understand ALL the HOURS and HOURS of ╔════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ ▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄ ▄▄▄ ║ ║ ▀▀▀▀▀██████████████████████████████ ║ ║ ▀▀████████▀▀ ▀█████████████ ║ ║ ▀▀▀▀ █████████████ ║ ║ ▀████████████ ║ ║ ███████████▌ ║ ║ ╥ ╥ ╓──╖ ╓─╖ ╓─╥─╖ ╓──╖ ╓──╖ ╓──╖ ╓─╖ ╓─╥─╖ ║ ║ ║╓╖║ ╟─ ╙──╖ ║ ║ ║ ║ ╟──╢ ╙──╖ ║ ║ ║ ╙╜╙╜ ╙──╜ ╙──╜ ╨ ╙──╜ ╙──╜ ╨ ╨ ╙──╜ ╨ ║ ║ ╓╖ ╖ ╓──╖ ╓─┐ ╓─┐ ╓─╖ ▀▀▀▀███████ ║ ║ ╓╨╨╖ ║ ─╢ ╟─┴┐ ╟─┴┐ ╙──╖ ▐████ ███████▌ ║ ║ ╙──╜ ╨ ╙──╜ ╙──┘ ╙──┘ ╙──╜ ▐██▀███ ███████ ║ ║ ╥──┐ ╥ ╓──┐ ╓──╖ ╓──╖ ╓─╥─╖ ╓──╖ ╓──┐╥ ┬▀ ▄██ █████████ ║ ║ ║ │ ║ ╟─┬┘ ╟─ ║ ║ ║ ║ ╟─┬┘╙─╥─┘ ███ █████████▌ ║ ║ ╨──┘ ╨ ╨ ┴ ╙──╜ ╙──╜ ╨ ╙──╜ ╨ ┴ ╨ ███ ████▀▀████▌ ║ ║ ▀█ ███▄ ▄█████ ║ ║ Editor: CLARK D. GILBO ▀█ ██████████ ║ ║ █ ████████▌ ║ ║ This is a 813 BBS Directory ▀███████ ║ ║ ▀███▀ ║ ║ "NOT JUST A BBS LISTING ▄▄■ ║ ║ BUT A DIRECTORY" ▄▄▀▀▀▀ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ Westcoast 813 BBS Directory, 4348 Plaza Dr. Suite #V103, Holiday, Florida ║ ╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ work, not to overlook the fact that LOTS of $$$ come out of EACH sysops pockets! I personally have MANY thousands of dollars invested... Dave White: Makes you wonder if some of these people go into Burger King and ask for free hamburgers and more time to eat them! <grin> David Place: I would like to say one thing though... It really makes you feel good when you help a user and a few days later s/he logs on and leaves a thank-you note, or a user just leaves a comment and tels you how much s/he enjoyed your board, THAT'S what it's ABOUT to me! Sam Gudgel: Again 110% RIGHT! David... Richard Ziegler: I agree David, that is why people get into it in the first place!! Dave White: Me too... I get a kick out of helping people and hearing them say "Hey this is Great!" Makes it all worth while then. David Place: That is WHY we started LinkUSA and NESA. The love of the hobby and to help, that is why I continue to enjoy. Sam Gudgel: It is something about being a sort of "public servant" that does it for me, but yes, the reward of being recognized for ALL your efforts it the tops! David Place: I think that when you help someone and the word of mouth about your board spreads, it actually supresses anything the media can say about BBSing. People tend to believe there friends over a newscaster... if you know what I mean. Richard Ziegler: Maybe someone would like to comment on what they see for the future of the BBS industry? Sam Gudgel: Well for me, Rich, I see the regulation coming into effect. Then I see modems becoming somewhat extinct, with ISDN and all.... just multiplexers... faster and faster will be the way! David Place: Richard, I would say that you will see a growth in BBS's for another year or so, then I see the government hitting us with around a $500 licensing fee and alot of boards going down... it will be the turning point of hobbist and business. Dave White: Can each of you give us a rundown of your system configurations (how many nodes, nrunning what software, hardware, etc..) and then some statistics about how many callers you have per day, numbers of paying members, total memebrs, etc...? Sam Gudgel: Sure Dave... REAL-TIME runs PCBoard v15.0, 10 node version. We currently have 4 public nodes. Our system consists of 2 486/33's, 1 486/50 and 4 286/20's, running on a Lantastic v5.0 ethernet network. The storage space on the server alone is 2.8 gig. (508)534-4007! I dont run CD's yet, since I can have more control over my files. I currently have app/help I have appx 900 users, world wide. I receive about 125 calls per day at this point. The summer months always seem to slow down a bit. As for paying members, I think I have about 60 at this point. I am, however, seeing an increase in subscribers lately. David Place: Well Dave, the best thing I can say is that currently we have over 20,000 files on-line via HD and CDROM (4) and soon to be adding another 6000 files. All the files are 91 and newer and we carry 25,000 current messages (A week or less old) from across the world via FIDONet -LinkUSA and ThrobNET (An Adult Only NET). I currently have about 340 users. Dave White: What marketing techniques ahve you both found to be the most successful? Sam Gudgel: My particular marketing techniques, huh? well, I think that the BEST two marketing techniques are the Computer Shopper and the USBBS listing AND to have a damn good board. You can have 1 Meg of callers BUT IF they dont call back, it's just no good. I have a very dedicated userbase it seems. Very few are one time callers... David Place: Hehe... Dave, I don't advertise! My taglines go out one messages... thats about it! It is all word of mouth. Richard Ziegler: Would either of you have any suggestions or comments for someone who might be thinking of setting up a bulletin board? David Place: Richard, I would tell then EVERY negitive thing there is to tell, then ask if they want the headache... if they still want to do it, then I will tell them all about the real thing... Different software and setups... you can't really teach some one, they have to do it! I think that is one of the problems today with SysOps... they get something all setup from someone else and they never will learn what it is they are doing. Dave White: I agree Dave, After going all ngiht for weeks on end, to finally get it running is such a great feeling... You just have to experience it. It'd be hard to prepare soemone for it. Very high highs and very low lows! Sam Gudgel: Yes Rich.. I think that the proper thing for them to do is to research it first. They should understand the trials and tribulations that go into Sysoping. Talk to as many sysops FIRST and evaluate the Software package that and pick the one that MOST meets their needs. Nothing worse than to FINALLY get started and find that the package is NOT cutting the mustard! Richard Ziegler: That is a good point David, few probably know what they are getting thenselves into, the work, time, money, etc. Dave White: True Sam, I went through that last part (having just switched to TBBS from PCBoard). Sam Gudgel: And what a headache it can be, swithcing packages! David Place: Back in the 80's there was a file called: So you want to be a Sysop? I keep that around and I give it to people who think they do... it usually gets the point across, though they still try it, most are down in 6 months, we all have seen them come and go. Dave White: Well guys, this was a great interview! I'd like to have both of you back seperately at some time to talk just about your systems. Now guys, give us the Numbers! <g> Sam Gudgel: Would just like to mention, if I may, that anyone can call REAL- TIME for info on NESA or LinkUSA or just to browse at (508) 537-4007 in Leominster, MA. Dave, drop your number in here! David Place: Yep, 508-874-6334 Z19.2 or 508-874-5757 2400 Oh, and anyone can File Request magic name NESA or LINKUSA at my FIDO adress of 1:322/247! Dave White: Good night, and Thank You All! + + + + + ▄██▄ ▄██▄ ▄██▄ ▄▄████▄▄█ ▄██▄ ▄██▄ ▄███████████▄ ██████▄ █████ ██████ ▄████▀▀▀▀██ █████ █████ ▀▀▀█████▀▀▀ █████████████ ██████ ████ ▄▄▄▄ █████████████ █████ █████████████ ██████ ████ ▀▀███▄ █████▀▀▀█████ █████ █████ ▀██████ ██████ ▀████▄▄▄▄███ █████ █████ █████ ▀██▀ ▀██▀ ▀██▀ ▀▀██████▀ ▀██▀ ▀██▀ ▀██▀ ▄▄████▄▄█ ▄██▄ ▄███████████▄ ███ ▄███ ▄████▀▀▀▀██ ██████ ▀▀▀█████▀▀▀ ███ ████ ████ ▀ ██████ █████ ▀███ ████ ████ ▄ ██████ █████ ██████ ▀████▄▄▄▄██ ██████ █████ ███ ▀▀████▀▀ ▀██▀ ▀██▀ ██████ ▄████████▄ ▄▄████▄▄ ▄██▄ ▄██▄ ▄███████████▄ ▄██▄ ▄██▄ █████▄ ▀███ ▄████▀▀▀███▄ █████ █████ ▀▀▀█████▀▀▀ █████ █████ ███████▄▄ ████ ███ █████ █████ █████ █████████████ ▀▀▀█████▄ ████ ███ █████▄ ▄█████ █████ █████▀▀▀█████ ████▄▄▄█████ ▀████▄▄▄███▀ █████████████ █████ █████ █████ ▀████████▀ ▀▀████▀▀ ▀█████████▀ ▀██▀ ▀██▀ ▀██▀ A TRIBBS SYSTEM-2400 BAUD RATE-24 HOURS-40 DOOR GAMES-ADULT SUBBOARD LOCATED IN BEAUTIFUL DOWNTOWN LUTZ,FL. AT 813-949-5751 SYSOP: CLAPTON + + + + + UsNetMail World Hub Relocated ----------------------------- The World Hub for UsNetMail has been relocated from Pasco County to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Bart Sabatelli is the UsNetMail Network Administrator, and the network was profiled in the March issue of the Pasco BBS Magazine. Listed below are all UsNetMail Hubs, including the Snowshoe BBS which is a Pasco BBS Magazine Distribution Site. World Hub - Bart's Computer Room, Ft. Lauderdale, FL (305) 977-0933 Regional Hub - Amber's Computer Factory, Los Osos, CA (805) 528 4154 Regional Hub - Bandit BBS, Tampa, FL (813) 977-5600 Regional Hub - Ginger's Port Limited, Columbus, OH (614) 268-9456 Regional Hub - MidWest BBS, St. Charles, IL (708) 513-1034 Regional Hub - Snowshoe BBS, Snowshoe, WV (304) 572-2531 + + + + + . . . . · · · . . . █████████░ █░· █░ ███████░ ██░· . ███████░ ███████░.██░· ██░.█████████░ █░ · █░ ██░.█░· █░ · ██░ · █░ · ██░· ██░ ██░ █░ · █░ · █░ ██░ █░ █░ ·██░ · █░ ██░ ▀█░ ███████░ · █░ █░ ████████░.███████░ ███████░ ███████░.███████░ ██░. ██░. █░ · . . . · · · · · · · ██████░ ██████░ █████░ · · · · · █░ . █░ █░ .█░ █░ . · · ██████░ ·██████░ ·█████░ · · █░. █░ █░ . █░ . █░ · · · · · · ██████░ ██████░ █████░ · . . ╔══════════════╗ ╔═══════════════════════════╗ ╔══════════════╗ ║· YOUR SYSOP;·║ ║ · Node #1 · ·║ ·║ LOCKED AT · ║ . ║ GENE GEIGER ║ ║ (813)323-6023 (1:3603/60) ║ ║ · 38,400 · ║ · ╚══════════════╝ ║ · Node #2 · ║ . ╚══════════════╝ ║ · (813)327-7823 · ║ · · · · ╚═══════════════════════════╝ · · · · St. Petersburg, Florida · + + + + + Murphy's Law of Computing ------------------------- The easiest computers to use are those you don't have to. + + + + + ═══╦═══ ╔════╗ ║ ║ ║ ╔══ ╦ ╔══ ║ ╔══╗ ╔╗╔╗ ║ ╠═ ║ ╠═ ══ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ╩ ╚══ ╚══ ╚══ ╚════╝ ╚══╝ ╩ ╩ B U L L E T I N B O A R D S Y S T E M! ┌───────────────────────────╖╓─────────────────────────┐ ┌─┘ Archive Utils, Comm Files ╟╢ LARGE ADULT SECTION └─┐ ┌─┘ Business, Desktop, Editors, ║║ R and X Rated └─┐ │ Finance, Games, Graphics Files║║ Gif's, DL Movies │ │ Menu Files, Misc Utility Files║║ GL Movies, Cartoons │ └─┐ Printer Utilites, Windows, ║║ Adult Games ┌─┘ └─┐ Utils, Word Processors,etc╟╢ Short Adult Stories ┌─┘ └───────────────────────────╜╙─────────────────────────┘ Pasco Data Lines (813) 780-8452 (813) 783-9926 1200/38,400 Tampa Data LInes (813) 973-0241 (813) 973-0371 1200/38,400 2.5 + GIGS ON LINE STORAGE PASCO BBS MAGAZINE Distribution Site Zephyrhills, Florida + + + + + BBS Basics ---------- The BBS Glossary Access - To use a BBS, as in accessing, or the amount you can use it, as in access level. ANSI - While actually an acronym for the American National Standards Institute, it refers to the widely used graphics on BBSs. Archive - A file which has been compressed, or at least stored, under a specific name. This allows for faster transfer times and the grouping of related files. Originally meant for files with an .ARC extension. ASCII - An acronym for American Standard Code for Information Interchange which is the most common format for text files. Batch - A group of files which is either downloaded or uploaded, commonly called a Batch File Transfer. Baud Rate - The speed of the modem connection, the higher the rate the faster data travels. Bulletin - Text which the Sysop has made available to users. Bulletins may be informational or educational, give the high game scores, or whatever the Sysop deems appropriate. Bulletin Board System (BBS) - A computer hooked up to a modem so that other people can call and access information, files or games. Bits Per Second (BPS) - The rate data is transmitted through a modem connection. Increases with the baud rate. Caller - Someone who accesses a bulletin board from a remote location. Capture - Saving text from BBS display to a file on the remote computer normally in ASCII format. Chat - The ability to communicate with users on other lines (or nodes). Callers can chat back and forth in a live conversation. Communications Software - Computer program which allows for easier calling of BBSs. Some software packages have all kinds of advanced features, and many are quite easy to set-up. Compressed File - A file, or group of files, which have been reduced in size using compression utilities. A compressed file uses less disk space and speeds up transfer times. Conference - A separate area on a BBS which is directed at specific topics. Conferences almost always have their own message base, and some have their own file directories or doors. Default - Refers to settings used by BBS or communications software. Many times the preset configuration works fine, especially for new users. Door - A program with has been added onto the BBS, but is not part of the BBS software itself. Sysops customize their board by adding game or utility type doors. Download - Receiving data from a BBS through the modem connection. Downloads from BBSs are known as files. Drop Carrier - Hanging up on a BBS without following the proper log-off procedures. Occasionally can happen on either end unintentionally. Echo Mail - Messages which go out over a BBS network. External Protocol - File transfer protocol which is not actually built into the particular BBS or communications software, but most be accessed externally. File - Data transferred through the modem connection for use on the receiving computer. Files can be complete programs, informational text, graphic images or many other formats. Freeware - Software which is legally copyrighted, however, the author asks for no monetary compensation for the program. Internal Protocol - File transfer protocol which is built into the particular BBS or communications software. Line Noise - Static which can occur during a modem connection due to the fact that the telephone system was originally designed for voice. Local - Use of the BBS at it's physical location. Typically, the Sysop accessing the BBS software directly. Log-on - Calling a BBS, and going through the most common procedure of giving name and password. Main Board - The primary conference on a BBS, and where the callers normally are when they first log-on. Most general messages, files and doors should be found here. Message - Something left by a BBS user for others to read. A message could be left for a single user, or for all users to read. Message Base - All messages left on a BBS, or more specifically the location of those messages. Modem - Device which allows computers to talk to each other over a system which originally designed for voice. Network - Different BBSs exchanging messages to increase the activity and diversity of the message base. The echo mail network allows a user to leave a message on one BBS which can be read on BBS at a different location. On some of the large networks a message can be read literally around the world. Node - Commonly used as the number of telephone lines hooked up to a BBS with each line being a node, but each BBS also has a local node. Password - A unique series of keyboard characters that a caller selects to access a BBS. It should be kept confidential to prevent others from logging- on using your name. Paging - Requesting a live chat with the Sysop, who may answer the page if available. Private - Indicates a conference or message is not meant for all callers, and may refer to some BBSs which have restricted access. Protocol - Modems must use the same protocol to communicate during file transfers. There are a growing number of protocols to choose from. Public - A conference, message or BBS which is open for any caller. A public message can be read by all users. A public board will have private messages and perhaps some private conferences, but generally access is available to all. Public Domain - Programs or files which are released free of charge with little restriction for use. Remote Computer - A computer which has connected to the BBS by modem. Script - A questionnaire set-up by the Sysop to get information from the caller. Security Level - Level of access given to a caller which determines what the caller may access on the BBS. Users may require a higher security level to access certain conferences or files. Shareware - A method of software distribution which allows you to try before you buy. Shareware can be used for a limited time without payment, but registration is required if the product is used past the evaluation period. Sysop - Short for System Operator, the person who operates the BBS. Transfer - The receiving or sending of a file with a BBS. Upload - Sending data, typically files, to a BBS through the modem connection. User - Originally meant to imply someone calling in the local mode, while those who access the BBS from a remote computer where know as callers. Now commonly implies both callers and users. User Account - The record containing information for an individual user. Things like user name, password, address, the number of uploads and downloads, security level are typically found in the user account. Verification - Many BBSs have some way of verifying that the caller logging-on is actually who they say they are. Caller ID, doors which call the user back, or calling all users by voice are common practices. Zip - The most common form of compressed file found on BBSs. + + + + + ╔═════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ ╥────┐ ──────«(813)595-9239»─────── ▄ ║ ╔═╝ ║ │ THE ECO/ANIMAL/ART/MUSIC BBS █ ╚═╗ ╔═╝ ╟────┴┐ ─╥─ ╥──┐ ╥──┐ ╥ ╓──┐ ╓──┐ ╥──┐ █ ╚═╗ ╔═╝ ║ │ ║ ╟─┬┘ ║ │ ║ ╟──┤ ║ │ ║ │ ▄ ╚═╗ ╒═╝ ╨─────┘ ─╨─ ╨ ┴ ╨──┘ ╨──┘ ╨ ┴ ╨ ┴ ╨──┘ ▀ ╚═╕ │ ▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄ │ │ ▄████████████▄ *NATIONAL CONFERENCES INCLUDING:* │ │ ██████████████████▄▄ 19 Bird and Animal Conferences │ │ ███████▓ ▓███████████ 4 Ecology Conferences │ │ █████████████████▀▀▀▀██ **LOCAL INTER-BBS CONFERENCES** │ │ ██████████████████▀▀▀ █ *********FILES!********* │ │ █████████████████▀ A FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE!!! │ │ ████████████████▀ NO FEES! NO RATIOS! │ │ ░░█████████████░░░ FULL ACCESS ON FIRST CALL! │ │ ░░░░███████████░░░░░ SysOp: Mark Hammock │ │ ░░░░░█████████░░░░░░ ┌──────────────────────────────────────────│ │ ░░░░░░█████████░░░░░░░ │ Member: │ Distribution Site: │ │░░░░░░░█████████░░░░░░░░ │ FIDONET (1:3603/350)│ Pasco BBS Magazine │ │░░░░░░░█████████░░░░░░░░░ │ BIRDNET │ WC813 BBS LIST │ │░░░░░░███████████░░░░░░░░ │ PINELLAS QWK-NET │ MERC.OPUS BBS LIST │ ╘═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛ + + + + + Word Games ---------- Can you figure out this months word puzzle? Complete the puzzle by choosing the letters from the columns directly underneath. Each letter can only be used once and the left over words spell out a message. ╔═╤═╤═╤═╤═╤═╤═╤═╤═╤═╤═╤═╤═╤═╤═╤═╤═╤═╤═╤═╗ It might be best to hit ║ │ │ │ │ │▓│ │ │ │▓│ │▓│ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ ║ your print screen key, as ╟─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─╢ it is hard to write on ║▓│▓│▓│▓│▓│ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │▓│ │ │▓│ │ │ ║ your monitor. The answer, ╟─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─╢ and another puzzle, will ║▓│ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │▓│ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │▓│▓║ appear next month. ╠═╪═╪═╪═╪═╪═╪═╪═╪═╪═╪═╪═╪═╪═╪═╪═╪═╪═╪═╪═╣ ║B│L│L│E│T│I│C│M│S│N│R│O│X│A│A│Y│R│I│D│E║ Last month's answers: ╟─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─╢ Experience is the worst ║U│T│M│A│R│C│O│A│N│B│T│E│D│E│A│K│E│T│H│G║ teacher it gives the test ╟─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─┼─╢ before presenting the ║A│A│L│E│S│I│W│A│P│A│A│A│W│P│T│O│L│R│N│S║ lesson. Left over words ╚═╧═╧═╧═╧═╧═╧═╧═╧═╧═╧═╧═╧═╧═╧═╧═╧═╧═╧═╧═╝ spell: Please Support Shareware. + + + + + ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ ▓ ▓ ▓ Board of Trade BBS New Port Richey, Florida ▓ ▓ ▓ ▓ Home of the Pasco BBS Magazine ▓ ▓ ▓ ▓ Home of Shadoware ▓ ▓ ▓ ▓ Bytor Computer Systems, Inc. presents the PC Help Forum ▓ ▓ ▓ ▓ (813) 862-4772 12/24/48/96/14400 baud ▓ ▓ ▓ ▓ Member of the American BBS Association ▓ ▓ Official Distribution Site ▓ ▓ Apogee Software, Digital Reality, Epic MegaGames, Gamer's Edge, ▓ ▓ MVP Software, Software Creations and Westcoast 813 BBS Directory ▓ ▓ BBS Voice Line (813) 863-5886 ▓ ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ + + + + + Yes, More Acronyms ------------------ Past issues have run some common acronyms used in BBS messages. BBS in itself is an acronym for Bulletin Board System, as acronyms are abbreviations which stand for a series of words. Some people do use them to cut down on the typing time, so here are some you may or may not have seen. AIM - Another IBM Mistake BK - Because BRS - Big Red Switch (on/off switch) CYL - See You Later DOM - Dirty Old Man ER - Hello FDROTFL - Falling Down Rolling On The Floor Laughing GLGH - Good Luck and Good Hunting GOK - God Only Knows GR 8 - Great IMCDO - In My Conceited Dogmatic Opinion ISHBAB - I Should Have Bought a Book IWBNI - It Would Be Nice If MLA - Multiple Letter Acronym NBL - Not Bloody Likely NQOS - Not Quite Our Sort PMJI - Pardon My Jumping In RSN - Real Soon Now SFLA - Stupid Four Letter Acronym TAFN - Thats All For Now TINALO - This Is Not A Legal Opinion TIWTGLGG - This Is Where The Goofy Little Grin Goes WIBAMU - Well I'll Be A Monkey's Uncle WYTYSYDG - What You Thought You Saw You Didn't Get YMMV - Your Mileage May Vary + + + + + Next Month ---------- Next month's issue will have a full report on the activities at the ONE BBSCON. There is a lot going on at this year's convention, from Ward Christensen discussing the first BBS to Rusty Harenberg on the bust of Rusty and Edie's BBS. Don't miss next month's exciting issue. + + + + + Corrections and Clarifications ------------------------------ Due to other commitments, Shadoware will not be continuing the Shadownotes column at this time. We want to thank them for their prior submissions, and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Don't be surprised if their by-line shows up again soon. + + + + + Important Information --------------------- The Pasco BBS Magazine is distributed free of charge, as long as it is unaltered and complete. When uploading make sure the original archive is intact with all files included. The Pasco BBS Magazine is the sole property of the Board of Trade BBS and Richard A. Ziegler. It is legally copyrighted material, and all rights are reserved. No part of this magazine may be used without permission. By submitting something, you are agreeing to allow publication of the material in the magazine. Articles reprinted with permission remain the property of the cited source. Guest contributions may not necessarily reflect the views of the Pasco BBS Magazine. The editor reserves the right to edit submissions, however, this is normally only done to correct spelling or grammatical errors. The editor makes all determinations on what and when articles will run. Every effort is made to insure that all information contained within the Pasco BBS Magazine is accurate, but inadvertently mistakes can appear. The Pasco BBS Magazine, Board of Trade BBS or Richard A. Ziegler cannot be held liable for information contained within this document. It is intended that this magazine exists for the personal enjoyment of the readers. More information can be found in the file INFO.TXT, which is included in the archive file. Comments, questions, suggestions and submissions can be left on the Board of Trade BBS (813) 862-4772, or mailed to Board of Trade BBS, P.O. Box 1853, New Port Richey, FL 34656. There is also a voice number now available at (813) 863-5886. + + + + + (C)Copyright 1993 Richard Ziegler - All Rights Reserved + + + + +