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┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ InterBBS v1.0 Page 83 │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
RUNNING InterBBS
After running the configuration program (IBBSCFG.EXE), you are ready to run
InterBBS. There are several housekeeping details you must attend to
first.
MODEM:
Insure that your modem is properly installed. If it is an external modem,
make certain that it is connected to the proper COM PORT. If it is an
internal modem, make sure that you have the proper COM PORT selected on your
modem or COMM PORT card as applicable. The most difficult task is often
finding the correct modem initialization string. As SysOps report their
functioning modem strings, we try to incorporate them in to the MODEMSET modem
setup program. If your modem is not represented in the MODEMSET program and
you have a working string, please, send it to us so that we can include it in
a future update.
BBS FILES:
Insure that IBBS.EXE is in your BBS HOME directory (i.e. C:\IBBS) or somewhere
in the DOS PATH and that IBBSCFG.EXE, IBCHK.EXE, IBBSSM.EXE, and IBFILER.EXE
are also in your BBS HOME directory. You *must* have SHARE.EXE loaded before
running InterBBS. Placing SHARE.EXE in your CONFIG.SYS or AUTOEXEC.BAT file
is a good idea. If you are running multiple nodes, you should also
double check to make sure that all the shared .EXE files in the BBS HOME
directory (IBBS.EXE) are READ ONLY.
You can now confidently run InterBBS. Do this by invoking the IBRUN.BAT
file. TYPE "IBRUN" and press <ENTER>. It is also recommended that you place
the IBRUN command as the last line in your AUTOEXEC.BAT to automatically
re-boot the BBS in case of a power failure.
NOTE: Insure the paths in IBRUN.BAT are correct before running the BBS.
INSTALL.EXE does modify IBRUN.BAT with the proper paths but it is advisable to
view the file yourself before starting the BBS.
If you are running InterBBS with a FRONT-END mailer, you will have to
make some modifications to the IBRUN.BAT file. There is a sample MAILER type
IBRUN.BAT in the "RUNNING InterBBS with a Front End Mailer" appendix.
You should make sure is running properly BEFORE modifying your
IBRUN.BAT file. If you already have set the "USING A FRONT-END TO LOAD IBBS"
question in IBBSCFG to "Y", you should re-enter IBBSCFG and set it to "N" during
initial testing. Once you are sure that InterBBS is operating
properly, you can then make the modifications to your IBRUN.BAT to encompass
your front end mailer and reset the option to "Y".
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ InterBBS Version 1.0 Page 84 │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
THE ORDER OF DISPLAY:
When a user logs onto your system the display files shown to them are in a
specific order. This order may include/exclude some files depending on
whether or not they are a new user and whether or not you have specific
security level only files. Notations that start with a * are prompts shown by
the system.
*System Info/Registration Number
*# of the Current Caller
Language List - Available language Prompts the user has to chose from.
Prelog - display file if available
*Users first name
*Users last name
NEW USER Questionaire if new user
*Password
*Bithdate verification - if configured
*Phone number verification - if configured
SEC - display file if available
HELLO1 - HELLO99 - display files if available
NEWS - display file if available and user has not seen it before.
QUOTE - display file if offered
$$LOGIN.BAT - batch file if available.
TODAY - display file, if available.
USERSTAT - display file if configured in IBBSCFG.
*New BULLETIN prompt. You may configure InterBBS to force users into
the bulletin menu if new bulletins within IBBSCFG.
*Personal mail waiting prompt. You may configure InterBBS to force
users to read new personal mail from within IBBSCFG.
Main Menu - display file.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ InterBBS Version 1.0 Page 85 │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
InterBBS - Waiting For Call Screen
Options are selected with the Up/Dn/Left/Right arrow keys and executed the
command by Pressing [ENTER].
SCREEN INFORMATION:
The "Waiting For Call" (or "WFC") screen contains a wealth of information for
the SysOp if it is read correctly. This section will cover the information
fields and option available from the waiting for call screen.
THE HEADER:
The Header area of the WFC screen contains the BBS name as configured in the
InterBBS configuration editor.
THE CENTER SCREEN:
The Center area of the screen provides information on the BBS itself and gives
the SysOp time saving information. These items are as follows:
NODE - The NODE fields simply shows what node # you are viewing.
NEW USERS - The NEW USER field shows how many NEW USERS have logged on since
midnight the previous night.
OLD USERS - The OLD USERS field shows you how many users you have on the
system that had logged on previously to midnight the previous night.
CALLS/TOTAL - The CALLS field show the total number of calls to the system.
CALLS/TODAY - The TODAY field show the total number of calls to the system
since midnight.
NEXT EVENT - The NEXT EVENT field shows how much time until the next event.
NOTE: If there is no event scheduled before midnight this field will show
NONE!
SYSOP MAIL - The SYSOP MAIL field shows if you have unread mail waiting.
DATE - The DATE field shows the current date.
TIME - The TIME field shows the current time as set in your systems internal
clock.
The Current Date and Time are read from your PC's internal clock. All are
here for your convenience.
THE BOTTOM SCREEN:
The Bottom area of the WFC screen provides the balance of the information
available from this location. Among these items are the following:
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ InterBBS Version 1.0 Page 86 │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
COMx - The COM field shows what COM PORT this node is currently on.
CURRENT ACTIVITY - The CURRENT ACTIVITY field shows what the system is doing
right now, this could be "Waiting For A Call" or "Waiting To Start Event",
etc.
LAST CALLER - The LAST CALLER field shows you who the last caller was, where
they were from and at what time they logged off.
QUICK DESCRIPTION - The QUICK DESCRIPTION field gives you a reference about
what each of the option fields do as you move through them with the arrow
keys.
SYSOP OPTION FIELDS ON THE WAITING FOR CALL SCREEN:
LOCAL IN BUSY - This option will take you into the BBS and ask you to sign in
with name & password. You will go through all welcome screens etc. As
through you were logging on from remote. An ATH1 will also be sent to your
modem so callers will get a busy signal when trying to call in.
DOS BUSY - This option will exit to DOS and send an ATH1 to your modem so
callers will get a busy signal when trying to call in.
SYSOP IN BUSY - This option will take you in based on information in USER
RECORD ONE. It will not ask you for your name, password, or make you go
through the welcome screens etc. It will show you if there are new bulletins
and new mail waiting before it leaves you at the mail menu. This option also
sends a ATH1 to your modem so callers will get a busy signal when trying to
call in.
DOS NOT BUSY - This option will exit to DOS but will NOT send an ATH1 to the
modem. Any users trying to call in will see the "RING" message from their
terminal software but will not be answered.
IBFILER - This option takes you into the IBFILER utility. See the InterBBS
utilities section for more information on this and other utilities
included with your InterBBS package. IBFILER may also be accessed
from within the BBS, with or without a caller on-line.
VIEW CALLER LOGS - This option will simply let you view the entries in the
caller logs in reverse order, last user first.
IBBSSM - This takes you into the IBBSSM utility. See the InterBBS
Utilities section for more information on this and other utilities included
with your InterBBS package. IBBSSM may also be accessed from within
the BBS, with or without a caller on-line.
PRINTER ON Yes/No - This option simply toggles the CALLER LOG printer output
on and off. You must have set a parallel port in IBBSCFG for this option to
work. MAKE SURE that your printer is TURNED ON if you toggle this to ON
otherwise you will lockup with a printer retry error. You may also toggle
this from within the BBS, with or without a user on the system.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ InterBBS Version 1.0 Page 87 │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
IBBSCFG - This option takes you into the IBBSCFG utility. See the InterBBS
Utilities section for more information on this and other utilities included
with your InterBBS package. IBBSCFG may also be accessed from within
the BBS, with or without a caller on-line.
SYSOP PAGE Yes/No - This option toggles the SysOp page availability on and
off. This option may also be toggled from within the BBS, with or without a
caller on-line.
NODE MONITOR - This option will let you view the status of other nodes
currently running.
PAGE BEEP Yes/No - This will toggle the System Sounds (such as the PAGE BEEP)
on and off. This option may also be toggled from within the BBS, with or
without a caller on-line.
SYSOP OPTION FIELDS FROM THE WAITING FOR CALL SCREEN (NOT SHOWN ON SCREEN):
The waiting For Call Screen (WFC) has a number of ERRORLEVELS built into it
for using SHIFTED F-KEYS. These can be useful for shelling out to another
program like you favorite terminal program or a caller log analyzer utility.
In any case, you may use these ERRORLEVELS as shown here. See your DOS manual
for more information on using ERRORLEVELS in Batch File Programming.
SHIFTED F1 - ERRORLEVEL 84
SHIFTED F2 - ERRORLEVEL 85
SHIFTED F3 - ERRORLEVEL 86
SHIFTED F4 - ERRORLEVEL 87
SHIFTED F5 - ERRORLEVEL 88
SHIFTED F6 - ERRORLEVEL 89
SHIFTED F7 - ERRORLEVEL 90
SHIFTED F8 - ERRORLEVEL 91
SHIFTED F9 - ERRORLEVEL 92
SHIFTED F10 - ERRORLEVEL 93
SYSOP OPTION WHILE A CALLER IS ONLINE:
During normal operation of your BBS, InterBBS continually
scans for SysOp key presses. These functions are listed below.
This screen will be shown if your press F10.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ InterBBS Version 1.0 Page 88 │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Here are the functions of each function key:
NOTE: ALL <F10> SYSOP FUNCTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FROM WITHIN THE BBS.
<F1> Toggles SysOp Chat Availability.
<F2> Toggles Bell (Beep) Status.
<F3> SysOp Breaks into chat mode to type to a user.
<F4> Quickly LOGOFF the caller, or recycle the modem if nobody is on-line.
<F5> Raise/Lower the Caller's security level. This is a permanent change
and will be saved when user exits to DOS or logs off.
<F6> Access the SysOp Maintenance Utility or upgrade the caller on-line.
<F7> Adds 1 minute to user's allowed time (Current Logon Only).
<F8> Subtracts 1 minute from user's allowed time (Current Logon Only).
<F9> Local Drop to DOS. Type "EXIT" to return.
<F10> Displays a "Help" screen for the SysOp.
<Alt><C> This key combination which will capture the current screen into a
file named "IBBS.IMG". The file is maintained in each node
directory. It is an appended ASCII file and is "added to" with
each capture.
<Alt><H> This key combination toggles the 2 line status bar at the bottom of
the sysop's screen scrolling through the current users information.
<Alt><P> This key combination toggles the printer on/off. (If on, prints
caller log output)
<Alt><V> This key combination toggles the sysops screen into and out of 43
line EGA mode. EGA Mode shows only on the local monitor and lets
the sysop view all of the current users information at once.
<SPACE> Aborts most Menus/Messages/Text files.
<ESC> Exit chat.
"CALL" View Caller Logs. This can only be performed from the Main Menu
Prompt!
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ InterBBS Version 1.0 Page 89 │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
MAIN MENU
A user is always placed at the MAIN MENU of CONFERENCE 0 immediately following
the default logon sequence (which may include reading personal mail and the
$$LOGON.BAT).
From the main menu the user can access six (6) other menus plus a number of
other functions which are discussed below provided they have sufficient
security.
The commands available at the main menu are in [ ] brackets. Note that most of
these commands can be restricted by security levels covered earlier in this
documentation.
The [*] command performs a "global" scan for new messages.
This includes public and private, addressed to them or not, that a user is
allowed to read. All conferences a user has "flagged" (with the [U] command
from the Message Menu) for reading will be scanned for new mail. The user may
abort at anytime by pressing the SPACEBAR. Command is based on user's
SECURITY LEVEL and is defined in IBBSCFG.
The [B] command allows the user to go to the BULLETIN MENU.
Command is based on user's SECURITY LEVEL & is defined in IBBSCFG.
The [C] command allows the user to Leave the SysOp a Comment.
Command is based on user's SECURITY LEVEL & is defined in IBBSCFG.
The [CHAT] command allows users to access the chat menu. This displays to
the user the CHAT prompts which will allow the user to chose between the
following options.
Chat Sub-Commands Available
[#] Type the node number you wish to enter Node to Node chat with.
[A] List the availability of the other nodes.
[G] Enter Group Chat (Displays the Available Rooms Menu).
[H] Display the Chat (CHTH) Help file.
[N] Display the current status of all nodes.
[P] Page another available node to chat.
[#] Enter the number of the node to page for chat.
[N] Display the current status of all nodes.
[Q] Quit out of Group Chat.
[R] Toggle the Restricted flag on this room. Any user in the room
can toggle it between a Private and a Public room.
[/A text] Action. The system displays the text after the "/A"
command as if it were an action.
[/ALIAS] Toggles the users alias on or off.
[/R] Causes the system to roll a 6 sided die placing the node # and
the rollers first name in the display line.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ InterBBS Version 1.0 Page 90 │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
[/R #d#] Causes the system to roll X number of X sided dice placing
the node # and the rollers first name in the display line.
Examples: /R 3d6 will cause the system to roll 3 six sided
dice.
/R 5d20 will cause the system to roll 5 twenty
sided dice.
[/S] Not used at this time.
[/T] Causes the TIME and User's TIME left on the system to be
displayed.
[/W ### text] Whisper to node ### a one line message.
Example: /W 3 Hey, we are talking politics in room 4, come
join us!
[H] Displays the Chat (CHTH) Help file.
[T] Toggles Alias on or Off. A "YES" or "NO" will be displayed next
to the [T]oggle Alias prompt denoting whether or not the Alias is
turned on.
[U] Toggles your availability for chat on and off. If you turn this
off you will not be able to be paged by other nodes for chat,
however, they will still be able to whisper to you.
The [D] command allows the user to go to the DOOR MENU.
Command is based on user's SECURITY LEVEL & is defined in IBBSCFG. DOORS within
this menu are subject to additional security level and/or password
restrictions. Command is based on CONFERENCE SECURITY LEVEL as defined in
IBBSCFG CONFERENCE SETUP.
The [F] command allows the user to go to the FILE MENU.
Command is based on user's SECURITY LEVEL & is defined in IBBSCFG.
The [G] command will log a user off the BBS.
This is also known as the Good-bye command.
The [H] command displays a "Help" file for the main menu commands {MMH.}.
MMH can be edited by the SysOp and is located in the HELP sub directory. If
the SYSOP desires, additional HELP files may be available for a number of
reasons. Users can view these by entering "H <Filename>" where "FILENAME" is
the actual DOS name of the help file to be viewed. Any files to be used as
additional HELP files must be located in the "HELP" sub- directory. Command
is based on user's SECURITY LEVEL & is defined in IBBSCFG.
The [HIDE] command toggles STEALTH Mode on and off.
The HIDE command is only operational for those users specifically flags for
using STEALTH Mode by the SysOp in IBBSSM on an individual basis. STEALTH
mode is the ability for a user to sign onto the board placing a "/" in front
of thier name and being invisible to all other nodes. Users with STEALTH
technology may also toggle it on or off using the hide command.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ InterBBS Version 1.0 Page 91 │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
The [I] command allows users to view or change some of their user Information:
Security Password
City/State
Default File Transfer Protocol
Telephone Number
If the user logged in has SysOp status, more information is available to be
edited. This option will allow the SysOp to scroll through user records, edit
most user information, delete/undelete users, set conference flags, Co-SysOp
Flag and Personal Private File transfer Flag. Command is based on user's
SECURITY LEVEL & is defined in IBBSCFG.
The [J] command allows the user to Join another Conference area.
The user always starts in Conference 0 at logon. Command is based on user's
SECURITY LEVEL & is defined in IBBSCFG.
The [L] command allows the user to change the LANGUAGE prompt file.
The user may change from the prompts they chose at login or previously from
the main menu using the "L" command. (ALSO SEE: MKIBTEXT.EXE)
The [M] command allows the user to go to the MESSAGE MENU.
Command is based on user's SECURITY LEVEL & is defined in IBBSCFG.
The [N] command will list the "Node" status;
Who is on-line on each node and what they are currently doing. This command
also allows the user to optionally enter 2 line or Group Chat. While in 2
line or Group chat the user may get help with the H command which displays the
file CHAT.HLP located in the HELP sub directory. The CHAT.HLP file is SysOp
editable.
The [NEWS] command will re-display the NEWS display file to the user.
The [O] command allows the user to page the SysOp Operator for a chat.
Command is based on user's SECURITY LEVEL and is defined in IBBSCFG.
The [P] command allows users to set the Length of their Terminal Screen.
This command has no effect in RIPscrip Mode. Command is based on user's
SECURITY LEVEL & is defined in IBBSCFG.
The [Q] command allows the user to go to the QUESTIONNAIRE MENU.
Command is based on user's SECURITY LEVEL & is defined in IBBSCFG.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ InterBBS Version 1.0 Page 92 │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
The [QWK] command allows users to go into the QWK Mail Menu.
User may upload a .REP packet or download a .QWK packet. The QWK command is
available from any of the three main menu's, MAIN, FILE, and MESSAGE. Users
may also use the "QWK U" or "QWK D" stacked command to auto start an upload or
download respectively.
The [S] command toggles Screen Mode Color ANSI Graphics ON or OFF.
This command has no effect in RIPscrip Mode. Command is based on user's
SECURITY LEVEL & is defined in IBBSCFG.
The [SIG] command allows the user to see a screen with all available SIGS/
Forums available. This screen is a sysop supplied screen and may be both
security level specific and graphics defined.
The [SIG #] command will allow a user to bypass the SIG menu and jump directly
to the specified SIG number.
The [T] command will display a listing of Today's callers.
Command is based on user's SECURITY LEVEL & is defined in IBBSCFG.
The [TO # #] command is a power user command. This command will allow a user
to jump directly to a specified SIG & Conference within that SIG. The command
line should replace the #'s with the SIG number first and the conference
number second.
Example: TO 17 128 would take the user TO SIG 17 & Conference 128
The [TODAY] command
Allows users to view the contents of the ANSI or ASCII files produced by a
"TODAY" program (as discussed in the IBBSCFG section of this documentation).
Command is based on user's SECURITY LEVEL and is defined in IBBSCFG.
The [U] command will display a list of active Users on the BBS.
Command is based on user's SECURITY LEVEL & is defined in IBBSCFG.
The [V] command
Allows the user to View selected user information and statistics contained in
the display file "USRSTAT". Command is based on user's SECURITY LEVEL & is
defined in IBBSCFG.
The [VER] command will show users the current VERsion of the InterBBS
software being used.
Command is based on user's SECURITY LEVEL and is defined in IBBSCFG.
The [W] command will display the Welcome (HELLO) files again.
Command is based on user's SECURITY LEVEL & is defined in IBBSCFG.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ InterBBS Version 1.0 Page 93 │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
The [X] command toggles eXpert Mode (menus off) or Novice Mode (menus on).
Command is based on user's SECURITY LEVEL & is defined in IBBSCFG.
The [CALL] command may ONLY be used by persons with SysOp status.
This displays the CALLer log file in reverse chronological order. Command is
based on user's SECURITY LEVEL & is defined in IBBSCFG.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ InterBBS Version 1.0 Page 94 │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
MESSAGE MENU
From this menu all of the messaging functions can be accessed provided the
user has sufficient security. From the selections available here, users can
capture messages for downloading, read mail, scan messages, enter messages to
other users, search messages for specific text, flag conferences to be scanned
and adjust high message read pointers. All commands are discussed below.
The [*] command
Performs a "global" scan for new messages (public and private) a user is
allowed to read. All conferences a user has "flagged" for reading will be
scanned for new mail. The user may abort at anytime by pressing the SPACEBAR.
Command is based on user's SECURITY LEVEL and is defined in IBBSCFG.
The [CS] command
Allows a user to do a search for specific conferences matching the user's
criteria, based on the Conference KEYWORDS supplied when you setup the
conferences. This command will ask the user for a keyword or phrase to
search for and then return the SIG #'s, Conference #'s, and Conference NAMES
which meet the search specifications.
The [E] command
Allows users to ENTER a message to another user. Command is based on
CONFERENCE SECURITY LEVEL as defined in IBBSCFG CONFERENCE SETUP.
The [F] command
Allows a user to go to the FILE MENU. Command is based on user's SECURITY
LEVEL and is defined in IBBSCFG.
The [G] command
Logs a user off the BBS. This is also know as the Good-bye command.
The [H] command
Displays a "Help" file for the Conference Area (MSG.HLP). MSG.HLP can be
edited by the SysOp and is located in the HELP sub directory. If the SYSOP
desires, additional HELP files may be available for a number of reasons.
Users can view these by entering "H <filename>" where "filename" is the actual
DOS name of the help file to be viewed. Any files to be used as additional
HELP files must be located in the "HELP" sub directory. Command is based on
user's SECURITY LEVEL and is defined in IBBSCFG.
The [J] command
Allows users to Join another Conference area. Command is based on user's
SECURITY LEVEL & is defined in IBBSCFG.
The [K] command
Allows the user to Kill Messages left by him. Those with SysOp or sufficient
security level may kill other messages. Command is based on user's SECURITY
LEVEL & is defined in IBBSCFG.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ InterBBS Version 1.0 Page 95 │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
The [L] command
Allows users to reset the Level of the high message read pointer for either
the currently joined conference or ALL conferences. The currently joined
conference pointer can be set to ANY valid number while ALL conferences may be
set to either the low or high message number.
The [N] command
Allows users to read any NEW mail. This NEW mail is any message numbers
higher than the user's current high message read pointer. Of course a user
MUST have a sufficient security level to read a given message.
The [Q] command
Allows the user to Quit to the MAIN MENU.
The [QWK] command allows users to go into the QWK Mail Menu.
User may upload a .REP packet or download a .QWK packet. The QWK command is
available from any of the three main menu's, MAIN, FILE, and MESSAGE. Users
may also use the "QWK U" or "QWK D" stacked command to auto start an upload or
download respectively.
The [R] command
Allows users to Read any messages they have a sufficient security level for.
Command is based on CONFERENCE SECURITY LEVEL as defined in IBBSCFG CONFERENCE
SETUP.
The [S] command
Performs a message header Scan of the currently joined conference.
Information displayed is FROM, TO, SUBJECT, DATE & TIME, MESSAGE STATUS. and
the FIRST LINE OF THE MESSAGE. Command is based on user's SECURITY LEVEL & is
defined in IBBSCFG.
The [SS] command
Performs a brief message header Super Scan of the currently joined conference.
Information displayed is FROM, TO, SUBJECT, DATE & TIME of Message and MESSAGE
STATUS. Command is based on user's SECURITY LEVEL & is defined in IBBSCFG.
The [SIG] command allows the user to see a screen with all available SIGS/
Forums available. This screen is a sysop supplied screen and may be both
security level specific and graphics defined.
The [SIG #] command will allow a user to bypass the SIG menu and jump directly
to the specified SIG number.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ InterBBS Version 1.0 Page 96 │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
The [T] command
Allows users to perform a TEXT search in messages. The currently joined
conference or all flagged conferences may be included in this search. If a
user has ANSI capability InterBBS will HIGHLIGHT the "found" text.
No wildcards (* or ?) are allowed, nor are they necessary. Searches may be
done using OR (|) {pipe symbol} or AND (&) operators as well as a single text
string search. The below examples are all assuming you are already at the
message menu area.
"OR" SEARCH: Enter text to search using the "|" operator between the text
strings.
EXAMPLE: COMMAND: S "SEARCH"
SEARCH FOR WHAT TEXT: RON | INTERBBS
AREAS TO SEARCH? A "ALL"
RESULT: Displays messages in all conferences containing the text "RON" OR the
text "INTERBBS".
This could also be input from the command line "stacked"
EXAMPLE: S RON | INTERBBS A
"AND" SEARCH: Enter text to search using the [&] operator between the text
strings.
EXAMPLE: S VIRUS & SCAN
RESULT: Displays all messages in the selected conference(s) containing the
text "VIRUS" AND the text "SCAN".
The only thing changed is the search operators. Directory numbers may be
entered on the command line as always.
You can also perform an AND search with an OR search for the ANDed text. To do
this you must use the "(" and ")" around the OR search parameter. See the
example below.
Example: T <ENTER>
BBS & (INTERBBS | DEVELOP) <ENTER>
1 <ENTER>
Y <ENTER>
The above commands will search thru every available message in ALL conferences
areas you are set to scan for any message that has both the text "BBS" AND
either the text "INTERBBS" OR the text "DEVELOP" in it.
The parenthesis tell InterBBS how you want to group your criteria if you
have a complex search request such as the one above.
Command is based on user's SECURITY LEVEL & is defined in IBBSCFG.
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The [TO # #] command is a power user command. This command will allow a user
to jump directly to a specified SIG & Conference within that SIG. The command
line should replace the #'s with the SIG number first and the conference
number second.
Example: TO 17 128 would take the user TO SIG 17 & Conference 128
The [U] command
Allows users to Update flagged conference status to be used in global message
scans. Conferences flagged are included when a [*] global new message read is
performed and is also used by the internal QWK system for which conference
areas will be scanned when building a QWK packet for downloading. This is the
same as the "S" command from within the QWK menu. A user may also use the "S
##" command to start selecting at a particular conference number. This is
useful if only one conference is to be updated. Command is based on user's
SECURITY LEVEL and is defined in IBBSCFG.
The [X] command
Allows users to toggle eXpert mode - menus on or off. Command is based on
user's SECURITY LEVEL & is defined in IBBSCFG.
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FILE MENU
From the selections available here, users can list/search files and
descriptions, view archives and perform manipulations such as reading files
with an archive and downloading specific files from the archive, test archives
for integrity and having them scanned for viruses, download/upload files,
perform personal private file transfer functions if authorized by the SysOp
and change default transfer protocol.
NOTE: The RIPscrip menus are available anywhere a normal graphics display or
menu file is available and this one was just to show you what a default menu
looked like.
The [D] command
Allows users to Download a file from the BBS. Download means to receive a
file from a remote system (BBS). Command is based on user's SECURITY LEVEL &
is defined in IBBSCFG.
The [F] command
Shows the user the current FILE DIRECTORY LISTING of all available file
download directories in the CURRENT CONFERENCE. This corresponds to the
display file DIR0 which is a SysOp editable ASCII/ANSI/RIP file. From the
DIRECTORY LISTING SCREEN the user may select a single directory, several
directories or a range of directories to list. Command is based on user's
SECURITY LEVEL and is defined in IBBSCFG.
The [G] command
Will log a user off the BBS. This is also know as the Good-bye command.
The [H] command
Displays a "Help" file for the File Transfer Area. Command is based on user's
SECURITY LEVEL and is defined in IBBSCFG.
The [J] command
Allows the user to Join a new Conference area. Command is based on user's
SECURITY LEVEL & is defined in IBBSCFG.
The [L] command
Provides a means of Searching ONLY for the specified FINENAME or part of a
filename. This is basically a narrowed Zippy search. Command is based on
CONFERENCE SECURITY LEVEL as defined in IBBSCFG CONFERENCE SETUP.
The [M] command
Allows the user to go to the MESSAGE MENU of the CURRENT CONFERENCE.
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The [N] command
Allows users to search for New files in the CURRENT CONFERENCE by date range.
The last search date is maintained in the users file. Command is based on
user's SECURITY LEVEL and is defined in IBBSCFG.
The [P] command
Allows users (the SysOp has granted authorization to) to perform personal
PRIVATE file transfers. A user can send a private file to another AUTHORIZED
user and only that user may see the name of the file and its one line
description. ONLY that user may download a personal PRIVATE file. Of course
the SYSOP has complete control of the BBS files when he is at the computer the
BBS is run on. Command is based on user's SECURITY LEVEL and is defined in
IBBSCFG. Command is also based on a SysOp Set Flag and may not be accessed
without BOTH qualifiers being satisfied.
The [Q] command
Allows the user to QUIT to the MAIN MENU.
The [QWK] command
Allows users to go into the QWK Mail Menu. User may upload a .REP packet or
download a .QWK packet. The QWK command is available from any of the three
main menu's, MAIN, FILE, and MESSAGE. Users may also use the "QWK U" or
"QWK D" stacked command to auto start an upload or download respectively.
The [SIG] command
Allows the user to see a screen with all available SIGS/Forums available.
This screen is a sysop supplied screen and may be both security level
specific and graphics defined.
The [SIG #] command
Allows a user to bypass the SIG menu and jump directly to the specified SIG
number.
The [T] command
Allows a users to TYPE or display a TEXT or ANSI file that is within a
download directory. With this command you can set up a file directory with
contains, for example, all ANSI Ads for various BBS's and then the users
may display them.
The [TO # #] command
This is a power user command. This command will allow a user to jump directly
to a specified SIG & Conference within that SIG. The command line should
replace the #'s with the SIG number first and the conference number second.
Example: TO 17 128 would take the user TO SIG 17 & Conference 128
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The [TEST] command
Allows users to TEST an archive for Integrity to determine if the archived
file is intact and capable of being de-archived to disk. ULTester (used during
this test) also uses the SysOp's selected virus scan program to check all
files in the archive for known viruses.
The [TP] command
Allows users to change the users currently defines file Transfer Protocol.
Command is based on user's SECURITY LEVEL and is defined in IBBSCFG.
The [U] command
Allows users to Upload a file to the BBS. Upload means to send a file to a
remote system (BBS). Command is based on user's SECURITY LEVEL and is defined
in IBBSCFG. Command is based on CONFERENCE SECURITY LEVEL as defined in IBBSCFG
CONFERENCE SETUP.
The [UF] Command
Allows a user to upload a file which contains a listing of files to tag for
download. This file MUST be named IBFILES.FLG and the filenames within
it must be ONE PER LINE. When the user uploads the file IBFILES.FLG it will
auto tag all filenames within IF the user has suffient security level and the
files exist on your system.
You MUST Add a display file named UFLG to the \DISP sub-directory where your
PREUP (or PREUL) file is located. This will be displayed to users before they
upload the IBFILES.FLG file. In this file you should make it clear that ONLY
the file IBFILES.FLG may be uploaded at this time.
The [V] command
Allows users to View the contents of archives. Additionally users may read
text files within an archive & download specific files from within an archive.
The user's file ratio is maintained when downloading files from within an
archive and the SysOp controls the number of lines a user may read from a text
file via set parameters set in IBBSCFG. Command is based on user's SECURITY
LEVEL and is defined in IBBSCFG. Command is based on CONFERENCE SECURITY LEVEL
as defined in IBBSCFG CONFERENCE SETUP
The [X] command
Allows users to toggle eXpert mode - menus on or off. Command is based on
user's SECURITY LEVEL and is defined in IBBSCFG.
The [Z] command
Allows users to perform a Zippy text search of the file descriptions in the
CURRENT CONFERENCE. This will locate filenames or text in the descriptions.
No wildcards (*.*, ?.?) are allowed, nor are they necessary. Searches may be
done using OR (|) {pipe symbol} or AND (&) operators as well as a single text
string search. The below examples are all assuming you are already at the
file transfer area.
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The [Z] command - continued
"OR" SEARCH: Enter text to search using the "|" operator between the text
strings.
EXAMPLE: COMMAND: Z "SEARCH"
SEARCH FOR WHAT TEXT: RON | INTERBBS
DIRECTORIES TO SEARCH? A
RESULT: Displays file descriptions or filenames in all directories containing
the text "RON" OR the text "INTERBBS".
This could also be input from the command line "stacked"
EXAMPLE: S RON | INTERBBS A
"AND" SEARCH: Enter text to search using the [&] operator between the text
strings.
EXAMPLE: S RON & INTERBBS A
RESULT: Displays all file descriptions and filenames in all directories
containing the text "RON" AND the text "INTERBBS".
The only thing changed is the search operators. Directory numbers may be
entered on the command line as always.
You can also perform an AND search with an OR search for the ANDed text. To do
this you must use the "(" and ")" around the OR search parameter. See the
example below.
Example: T <ENTER>
RON & (INTERBBS | DEVELOP) <ENTER>
1 <ENTER>
Y <ENTER>
The above commands will search thru every available file discription looking
for both the text "BBS" AND either the text "INTERBBS" OR the text " DEVELOP"
in it.
The parenthesis tell InterBBS how you want to group your criteria if you
have a complex search request such as the one above.
Command is based on user's SECURITY LEVEL & is defined in IBBSCFG.
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BULLETIN MENU
The BULLETIN MENU allows the SysOp to group together important news or display
files he want the users to have access to at all times from within the CURRENT
CONFERENCE. Among these files might be the rules of the BBS or CONFERENCE,
membership information, door game scores and/or other informational reading.
The SysOp may have up to 512 Bulletins within EACH and EVERY CONFERENCE for a
maximum of 2,097,152 bulletins within the BBS. From the bulletin menu the user
will have several options to choose from. They are defined as follows:
The [A] command
Allows the user to read All bulletins, one after another.
The [D] command
Allows the user to Download bulletins. The bulletin files MUST be in a
download path in order to be download able. The user may download one or more
bulletins.
The [N] command
Allows the user to read only those bulletins which are New or updated since
his last logon.
The [T] command
Allows the user to do a Text search through all the bulletins for a specific
text string. This works exactly like the FILE MENU [T]ext search command. If
the text string is found, the entire bulletin will be displayed with the text
string highlighted for the user (If the user is in ANSI or RIP mode).
The [#] command
Simply lets a user type the bulletin number they wish to view. The user may
view more than one bulletin at a time by separating bulletin numbers with a
space.
NOTE: You will notice on the SAMPLE Bulletin Menu screen above that the
command line states that there are only bulletins 1-3 available to be viewed.
The SysOp has not yet set access to bulletins 4 and 5 in IBBSCFG even though the
display file shows they are there. Regardless of the display file, if a user
tries to view bulletins 4 or 5 the system will tell them they don't have
access to them.
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QUESTIONNAIRE MENU
The questionnaire menu allows the SysOp to display a listing of questionnaires
available to be answered within the CURRENT CONFERENCE. Among these
questionnaires might be scripts to update user information, visiting SysOp
information, user interest scripts, etc.
The SysOp may define up to 99 Questionnaires in EACH and EVERY CONFERENCE for
a maximum or 405,504 within the BBS. The users have two options from this
menu.
The [#] command
Allows the user to type the number of a questionnaire they wish to fill out.
The [Q] command
Allows the user to Quit back to the MAIN MENU.
NOTE: The number of questionnaires available in each conference must be set in
that conferences configuration screen within IBBSCFG.
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QWK MENU
The .QWK Menu allows users to perform a number of functions dealing with
uploading and downloading mail packets to be read offline. The internal QWK
feature is a little different from other menu option as the QWK menu may be
accessed from any of the three major menus, MAIN, FILE, and MESSAGE Menu's.
User may call the QWK menu with any command found on it in a stacked manner,
such as, QWK DG which would perform a QWK Download with immediate logoff after
completion. The following commands are available of the QWK menu.
The [?] command:
The ? will redisplay the QWK display menu.
The [C] command:
The C ommand will bring up the QWK configuration menu. From the configuration
menu users may set up to "only receive messages addressed to them" and/or
whether to "recieve messages addressed to ALL" or not.
The [D] command:
The D command simply allows users to start a download of a QWK packet.
The [DC] command:
The DC command allows users to a download of a QWK packet of the CURRENT
conferences mail ONLY.
The [DC #] command:
The DC command allows users to a download of a QWK packet of the CURRENT
conferences mail ONLY starting at the message number specified.
The [DG] command:
The DG command simply allows users to start a download of a QWK packet then
InterBBS will immediately log them off the system.
The [H] command:
The H command will bring up a help menu for the QWK command structure.
The [J] command:
The J command allows the user to Join a new conference within the CURRENT
forum/SIG.
The [P] command:
The P command will allow you users to set thier message pointers just like the
L command of the message menu.
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The [Q] command:
The Q command will Quit to the previous menu.
The [S] command:
The S command will allow users to set the flags of the conferences they wish
to recieve messages from and also at the same time set the message pointers
for the conferences selected. A user may use the "S ##" command to start
selecting at a particular conference number. (i.e. "S 34" would start the user
at conference number 34)
The [SIG] command allows the user to see a screen with all available SIGS/
Forums available. This screen is a sysop supplied screen and may be both
security level specific and graphics defined.
The [SIG #] command will allow a user to bypass the SIG menu and jump directly
to the specified SIG number.
The [TO # #] command is a power user command. This command will allow a user
to jump directly to a specified SIG & Conference within that SIG. The command
line should replace the #'s with the SIG number first and the conference
number second.
Example: TO 17 128 would take the user TO SIG 17 & Conference 128
The [U] command:
The U command simply allows users to start a upload of a REP packet.
The [UG] command:
The UG command simply allows users to start a upload of a REP packet then
InterBBS will immediately log them off the system.
The [UP] command:
The UP command simply allows users to upload a PTR file.
The [X] command:
The X command toggle eXpert mode on and off. This simply means the menu is or
is not shown to the user. The user still may get the menu by using the ?
command.
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HMR MENU
The HMR Menu is presented when a user selects "L" from the message menu. It
will allow them to manage their High Message Read pointers if they should
happen to get messed up or if the want to reset them to a different level.
The commands are 0-5;
[0] Resets the HMR pointers in all FLAGGED conferences within this FORUM to
a specific date.
[1] Resets the HMR pointers in the CURRENTLY joined conference to specified
message number.
[2] Resets the HMR pointers in the currently joined conference to the LOWEST
message number.
[3] Resets the HMR pointers in ALL flagged conferences within THIS forum to
the LOWEST message number.
[4] Resets the HMR pointers in ALL flagged conferences within THIS Forum to
the HIGHEST message number.
[5] Exit from this menu.
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SIG MENU
The SIG menu is simply a menu that the sysop creates in which to show their
users what SIGS or FORUMS are available on the system. The SIG menu may be
security specific, graphics specific, and language specific, like any other
menu or display file.
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DOOR MENU
The DOOR menu is a SysOp definable display file which allows the SysOp to show
their users the "DOOR" programs that are available for use, provided that they
have the necessary security level and/or passwords within the CURRENT
CONFERENCE. Among these external door programs might be BBS lists, games,
files might be the rules of the BBS, membership information, door game scores
and/or other informational reading.
The SysOp may define up to 1024 DOORS within EACH and EVERY CONFERENCE for a
maximum 4,194,304 of within the BBS.
Door programs may be entered in one of two ways from the door menu. A user
may enter the # of the door if you display it by number or the user may enter
the NAME of the call file as you have defined it in the DOORS.LST editor
within IBBSCFG.
EXAMPLE 1: Door 1 can be accessed by the user via entering a "1 [ENTER]"
EXAMPLE 2: Door 1 can also be accessed by the user typing: MAIL [ENTER] This
assumes that the CALL FILE defined in your DOORS.LST file for door 1 is called
MAIL (The CALL FILE is the file that is called by InterBBS, copied to a
file called DOOR.BAT and then run to access the external program)
NOTE: External DOOR programs can also be called from the MAIN, MESSAGE, and
FILE menus by simply typing the CALL FILE NAME defined in the DOORS.LST file
within IBBSCFG.EXE.
i.e. If you setup a door in the DOORS.LST section of IBBSCFG which you called
the run file "CONNECT", you could then place the "CONNECT" command on the
FILE, MSG, or MAIN menus and if the user typed "CONNECT" they would be taken
into the door. Some SysOps use a single letter instead of a word, however, if
you do this, make sure it does not conflict with any other letter on ANY MENU!
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VISUAL EDITOR
The Visual Editor is a full screen, easy to use, message editor. A full help
file is provided to users who are working with in it. A brief explanation of
it follows.
PC Keyboard and CTRL command processing are available within the visual editor
to allow for the broadest user base being able to work with it.
Cursor Movement PC Keyboard Control Keys
-------------------------- -------------- ----------------
Move Left a Character Left Arrow Ctrl-S
Move Right a Character Right Arrow Ctrl-D
Move Left to Previous Word Ctrl-Left Arrow Ctrl-A
Move Right to Next Word Ctrl-Right Arrow Ctrl-F
Move To Next Tab Stop Tab Key Ctrl-I
Move To Start of Line Home Key Ctrl-W
Move To End of Line End Key Ctrl-P
Move Up a Line Up Arrow Ctrl-E
Move Down a Line Down Arrow Ctrl-X
Move to Bottom of Screen Ctrl-End Ctrl-L
Move to Top of Screen Ctrl-Home Ctrl-K
Move Up a Page PgUp Key Ctrl-R
Move Down a Page PgDn Key Ctrl-C
Edit Function PC Keyboard Control Keys
-------------------------- -------------- ----------------
Toggle Insert Mode Ins Key Ctrl-V
Reformat Paragraph Ctrl-B Ctrl-B
Delete a Line Ctrl-Y Ctrl-Y
Delete Char Del Key Ctrl-G
Delete Char to the Left Backspace Ctrl-H
Delete Word to the Right Ctrl-T Ctrl-T
Delete to End of Line Ctrl-N Ctrl-N
Insert a Line Ctrl-Enter Ctrl-Enter
Insert a Text File ALT-I (Local Mode Only)
Justify Paragraph Ctrl-J Ctrl-J
Special Functions PC Keyboard Control Keys
-------------------------- -------------- ----------------
Exit Full Screen Editor ESC Ctrl-U
Quote or List Original Ctrl-Q Ctrl-Q
ReDisplay Screen Ctrl-O Ctrl-O
Using the above keystrokes, all systems should be able to use the Control Key
method of performing the above functions (press and hold the <CTL> key while
typing the letter key that follows it in the above table).
The more familiar PC Keyboard keys, such as the arrow keys, will work while on
locally. They will also work if your users communications program is capable
of either sending the actual keystroke (keyboard scan code) or an ANSI escape
code equivalent through to the host system.
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An example would be calling in from remote using Telex or QModem to connect to
InterBBS If utilizing the "Doorway Mode", keystrokes will be passed
directly on to InterBBS
INSERT MODE:
While in "Insert Mode" it should be noted that characters to the right of the
cursor will be pushed one character to the right as each letter is typed.
Pressing the <ENTER> key while in Insert Mode will cause a new line to be
inserted.
NOTE FOR SYSOPS WITH NON-PC KEYBOARD USERS!
Some modems and packet switch environments will filter out <CTL><S>
keystrokes and interpret them to mean "Stop Sending Data". In these
environments pressing <CTL><S> will not move the cursor as expected - in fact
it will appear to do nothing. Your user will need to press <CTL><Q> to get
going again. If you have a number of non-PC users you should make this clear
to them.
You can work around this by using <CTL><A> which means move left to previous
WORD rather than moving a character to the left.
Those of you who can send either an <ESC>, then [D] or the PC scan code for
the Left Arrow will not encounter this problem and will never have to worry
about it.
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BATCH FILES - IBRUN.BAT
IBRUN.BAT is the batch file which starts and controls InterBBS There is
an unlimited amount of possible configurations for this file, thus we could
not even begin to print them. What we have included is a batch file that may
reside in your MAIN BBS Directory and be used by all nodes (You must call it
from the node's "Home" directory which you want to start however).
A Sample IBRUN.BAT;
@ECHO OFF
CLS
SET NODE=1
SET IBDRV=E:
SET IBDIR=\IBBS\NODE%NODE%
SET DSZLOG=%IBDRV%%IBDIR%\DSZLOG
:BEGIN
%IBDRV%
CD%IBDIR%
IBBS.EXE
GOTO BEGIN3
:BEGIN2
IBBS.EXE
:BEGIN3
IF ERRORLEVEL 255 GOTO ReStart
REM
REM Errorlevel 254 only used if using a front end mailer
REM IF ERRORLEVEL 254 GOTO End3
REM
REM Errorlevel 253 only used if using a FAX Modem with FAX
REM Software
REM IF ERRORLEVEL 253 GOTO FAX
REM
REM Errorlevel 252 only used in conjunction with the EXIT to
REM DOS after every BBS call configuration option in IBBSCFG -
REM Modem Setup
REM IF ERRORLEVEL 252 GOTO AFTER_BBS
REM
REM IF ERRORLEVEL 93 GOTO F10
REM IF ERRORLEVEL 92 GOTO F9
REM IF ERRORLEVEL 91 GOTO F8
REM IF ERRORLEVEL 90 GOTO F7
REM IF ERRORLEVEL 89 GOTO F6
REM IF ERRORLEVEL 88 GOTO F5
REM IF ERRORLEVEL 87 GOTO F4
REM IF ERRORLEVEL 86 GOTO F3
REM IF ERRORLEVEL 85 GOTO F2
REM IF ERRORLEVEL 84 GOTO F1
REM
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IF ERRORLEVEL 3 GOTO ReStart
IF ERRORLEVEL 2 GOTO End3
IF ERRORLEVEL 1 GOTO End2
%IBDRV%
CD%IBDIR%
IF EXIST EVENT.BAT CALL EVENT.BAT
IF EXIST DOOR.BAT DOOR.BAT
%IBDRV%
CD%IBDIR%
ECHO SETTING UP NODE #%NODE%
IBRUN.BAT
:ReStart
GOTO BEGIN2
:End2
ECHO OFF
IF EXIST DOOR.BAT DEL DOOR.BAT
ECHO 30H
InterBBS is Cancelled
ECHO 32H
Have a Nice Day!
:End3
REM If running a front-end mail goto it here.
(Continued next Page)
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$$LOGON.BAT & $$LOGOFF.BAT
The $$LOGON.BAT (if present) is run immediately after a caller enters his/her
password during the logon process. This batch file may contain commands to do
whatever you desire. A typical use would be running some utility program.
The $$LOGOFF.BAT (if present) is run immediately prior to carrier begg dropped
during the logoff process. This batch file may contain commands to do
whatever you desire. A typical use would be running some utility program.
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BATCH FILES - IBBS*.BAT
The IBBS*.BAT files are what InterBBS uses to archive
messages for downloading when a user requests it from the QWK
Menu. These "MUST" be located in the MAIN BBS Directory
(typically \IBBS).
IBBSQWK.BAT
IBBSQWK handles the archiving of QWK packets in the archive format
the user choses.
@echo off
IF %1 == Z PKZIP -ex -a %3 %2
IF %1 == J ARJ a -y %3 %2
IF %1 == L LHA a /m %3 %2
IF %1 == A pkPAK -a %3 %2
:END
%IBDRV%
CD %IBDIR%
IBBSREP.BAT
IBBSREP handles the unarchiving of received REP packets in the
archive format the user choses.
@echo off
IF %1 == Z PKUNZIP -o %2
IF %1 == J ARJ e -y %2
IF %1 == L LHA e /m %2
IF %1 == A PKUNPAK -r %2
:END
%IBDRV%
CD %IBDIR%
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BATCH FILES - IBBSTEST.BAT
IBBSTEST.BAT controls how the uploads to your system are handled.
Included with your InterBBS system is ULTester, a commercial quality
upload tester and conversion program by Ron Pierce, author of InterBBS.
Below is the Batch File which will run ULTESTER. Modifications to this batch
file while running ULTESTER are discouraged. This file should reside in your
MAIN BBS Directory.
NOTE: This batch file assumes that when you set up ULTester that your ULTester
configuration files are named "ULT1.CFG", "ULT2.CFG" etc. and correspond to
node1, node2, etc.
REM ---------- IBBSTEST.BAT ----------
@ECHO OFF
%IBDRV%
CD\IBBS\ULT
ULTESTER ULT%NODE%.CFG %1 %2 %3 %4
%IBDRV%
CD %IBDIR%
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BATCH FILES - Running Multiple Nodes
Running multiple nodes with InterBBS is not difficult. If you wish to
install more than one node, you will have to perform the following;
MAKE ALL .EXE FILES IN YOUR \IBBS DIRECTORY READ ONLY!
When you make any file "READ ONLY" you take the responsibility away from DOS's
"SHARE" which no longer has to monitor it. None of InterBBS's .EXE
files are written to by any utilities and thus can and should be changed to
"READ ONLY" status.
MAKE A NEW NODE DIRECTORY FOR THIS NODE TO USE.
NOTE: DO NOT confuse the BBS "MAIN" directory with the BBS "NODE" directories.
The BBS's MAIN directory (i.e.: \IBBS) is where the majority of the SHARED BBS
program files reside. The BBS's NODE directories are where the individual
nodes are started from (where the node configuration is stored and where the
node is started from). Each node "MUST" have it's OWN SEPARATE directory.
COPY THE FOLLOWING FILES INTO THE NEW NODE DIRECTORY.
NOTE: Some files are not required in the NODE directory unless they are NODE
SPECIFIC.
SRCONFIG - MUST BE IN EACH NODE DIRECTORY
IB.PTR
IBBS.IMG
Copy your SRCONFIG file from your original NODE1 directory or any other node
that you have already setup to the new node directory for editing.
NOTE: This assumes that you are running identical conference setups on all
nodes. If you are NOT then you must have a separate directory structure for
each node that varies from your NODE1 setup.
You "MUST" run IBBSCFG FROM THE NEW NODE DIRECTORY and edit the NODE PATH and
WORK DIRECTORY and any other information which might vary from your NODE1's
configuration such as log file information.
Make sure that you CAREFULLY check all the paths and filenames in the FILE
LOCATION screens for proper configuration. Most errors in setting up multiple
nodes stems from overlooking these screens!
MAKE SURE THAT YOU SAVE THE SRCONFIG FILE AFTER EDITING!
THIS WILL VERIFY/CREATE ALL PATHS AND FILES AS REQUIRED
Setup your multi-tasker or network to handle the new node or nodes. A later
section has a small overview on quickly setting up DESQview for use with
running InterBBS multi-line.
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Edit your IBRUN.BAT file as follows;
@ECHO OFF
CLS
---------- EDIT THIS PART ----------
REM SET NODE=1 REM THIS OUT!
SET NODE=%1
---------- END EDIT ----------
ECHO SETTING UP NODE #%NODE%
SET IBDRV=D:
SET IBDIR=\IBBS\NODE%NODE%
SET DSZLOG=%IBDRV%%IBDIR%\DSZLOG
%IBDRV%
CD %IBDIR%
:BEGIN
IBBS.EXE
IF ERRORLEVEL 254 GOTO DoMail
IF ERRORLEVEL 253 GOTO Fax
--- CUT FOR BREVITY - SEE IBRUN.BAT FOR MORE DETAILS ON THE IBRUN.BAT FILE ---
Now when you start InterBBS from your node directory, simply include
the node number as a parameter!
Example: IBRUN 3 Will start InterBBS as node3 assuming it has a node 3
configured. IBRUN 234 Will Start InterBBS as node 234 assuming it has a
node 234 configured.
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BATCH FILES - Tips & Other Troubleshooting
Questions & Answers
You should not have any problems getting InterBBS up and running if you
have run INSTALL.EXE and the setup/configuration instructions.
Here are some additional troubleshooting items that will hopefully provide the
information you will need for a smooth installation.
Q: When I try to run IBBS.EXE I get a "fatal" error and the program recycles
continuously. What's going on?
A: Check the SET statements in your "IBRUN.BAT" and confirm that all paths are
correct. Also check all paths you may have added both in the "IBRUN.BAT" file
and the SRCONFIG file for the node which you are setting up. Also, ensure you
have edited the com port/node setup in IBBSCFG.EXE. If you are running a single
node BBS, the node MUST be "1". Make sure that RECORD ONE of IBBSSM matches
EXACTLY the name in the IBBSCFG SysOp's Name field!
Q: InterBBS loads and waits for a call but when I call the BBS, it
doesn't answer. What's wrong?
A: Run "IBBSCFG.EXE" and check your modem initialization string. DO NOT put
"ATZ" anywhere in it unless you are sure your modem has the proper string
saved in NRAM (non-volatile ram).
Remember, your modem must send verbal response codes and that auto-answer MUST
be DISABLED. Run MODEMSET and reinitialize your modem. If modemset does not
have your modem init string in it, call us, we may have one for you. If you
have a working string that is not listed, leave a message with it so we can
support your modem.
Tips
A single Node BBS MUST be identified as Node 1.
The Node home directory MUST be identified as well. If this is a single node
board, the InterBBS Main directory (ie: \IBBS) and the Node directory
may be the same DOS directory, but it is "NOT RECOMMENDED".
Double check the paths in "IBRUN.BAT" and the other ".BAT" files which are
included. Insure they are correct for your system setup.
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If you have extended or expanded memory available, a virtual (RAM) disk setup
as your "WORK" directory will increase performance and dramatically reduce
hard disk access. It is especially beneficial to use a RAM disk for loading
your IBBSTEXT prompt file.
For the same reasons stated above, if you have extended or expanded memory
available, install a disk cache sucha as SMARTDRV.EXE or PC-CACHE.
If your modem has Non-Volatile Ram (NVR, NRAM, etc.) you should enter the
modem initialization string into the modem's NVRAM and ONLY use "ATZ" in your
InterBBS modem initialization string. If your modem is a US Robotics
HST or Dual Standard (or any other high speed modem) you should have the com
port initialized at the opening baud rate (i.e. 19200, 38400, etc.) before
saving the initialization string into the modem's NRAM with the "AT&W"
command.
NOTE: You do NOT have to put in a modem initialization string if the NODE is
being handled by a "Front End Mailer Program", however, you must still provide
all other information such as comm port information etc.
If there are any problems not mentioned here which are keeping InterBBS
from operating properly, please call InterBBS Support. Voice calls
will be accepted on a LIMITED basis for unregistered SysOps. Registered
SysOps, please keep in mind that we will always be more than happy to help you
with any aspect of setting up and operating the InterBBS system. We can
only offer limited help when dealing with the operation of third party
programs but we will try when time and knowledge allow us to.
Tips
Please contact the authors of third party programs before calling the InterBBS
Support BBS with questions about them and setting them up.
Insure your modem initialization string TURNS ON DTR and ENABLES hardware flow
control.
Insure that your modem initialization string DISABLES AUTO ANSWER.
InterBBS handles the ring detect and gives the "ATA" answer command to
the modem.
Note: You should ensure the comm port speed (baud rate) in use when the
modem configuration is written to NVRAM with MODEMSET.EXE (or manually
with a terminal program) is the port opening speed you specify in
IBBSCFG's Modem/Node/Subscription configuration speed.
Likewise, if using a FOSSIL driver, the fossil driver *must* be LOCKED
at this speed.
If this is not done, the bbs may not answer calls. Call the InterBBS
Support BBS at (813) xxx-xxxx if you encounter problems with your modem
NOT answering calls and linking correctly.
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The following files should be obtained by you and placed somewhere in your
PATH. InterBBS uses these files for file transfer functions and archive
manipulations. Each of these files are SHAREWARE and you should takes steps
to register them and support the authors of these programs if used.
PKUNZIP.EXE
PKZIP.EXE
PKUNPAK.EXE
PKPAK.EXE
LHA.EXE
ARJ.EXE
DSZ.COM (or .EXE) or GSZ.EXE (Renamed DSZ.EXE)
Other Optional External Protocol Drivers
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BATCH FILES - Error Codes
InterBBS has comprehensive error protection. If a critical system file is
inadvertently deleted or corrupted, InterBBS will not be able to continue
and will gracefully terminate after closing all files and generating an error
report. The IBRUN.BAT will "pick-up" the error condition when InterBBS
terminates and will restart the session immediately with the caller being
sent to the MAIN MENU in SIG 0, Conference 0.
If you have an unlikely error which prevents the BBS from running, the cause
is one of a few possible situations. Please check the following for possible
glitches:
A corrupted message file or message index file. Run IBBSPACK to attempt to
repair the message file. Run IBBSPACK with the "/IN" (index pack) command line.
If you receive an error #76 the cause is that a file exists with the name you
attempted to give to a sub-directory in IBBSCFG. You will need to check for an
existing filename in which you have specified in IBBSCFG to be a sub-directory.
DOS does not know how to handle a file named with the same name as the
sub-directory it is in (i.e. The filename TEMP in a directory called \TEMP).
You probably have noticed by now there are very few files used by InterBBS
with file extensions. You must take some care that you do not name a
filename the same as a directory name or you will receive a DOS error. One
more possible reason you may get an ERROR #76 is that the BBS is trying to
access a file that is not in the proper place, has been marked "READ ONLY", or
does not exist. This is particularly true with DATA files and LOG files.
If you edit ANY of the InterBBS data files by hand, you must use EXTREME
CARE. There are no cases in which this procedure is necessary! One note for
all of you who will try and manually edit your files anyway, is that all data
and configuration files used by InterBBS can NOT have a blank line
between the last line of the file and the EOF marker or you will receive an
error. It is HIGHLY recommended you only edit these files with the provided
configuration editor utilities!
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SYSOP UTILITIES - General
Included with InterBBS are a number of utilities to handle various aspects of
managing your system. Among these are IBBSSM, the system manager, IBFILER,
the file base and file description manager, IBBSPACK a message base packer,
IB-NET a message pointer update utility for echo mail conferences and the
internal QWK processor, ULTester, an upload processor and Virus checker, and
MODEMSET, a utility to help you setup your modem for use with InterBBS.
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IBBSSM - InterBBS's System Manager
Like most other InterBBS utilities (IBBSCFG, IB-NET, etc.) IBBSSM must be
run from a node directory.
Moving around in the InterBBS system manager is just like most of the
other editors. Simply move the field bar with your up and down arrow keys
until you are on your choice and press [ENTER]. You may also press the <ESC>
key to exit back to DOS or wherever you called IBBSSM from.
[A] EDIT USERS - Lets you edit Information in your user's records including
financial & conference availability
[B] CREATE USER INDEX - RE-writes the user index files
[C] PACK USERS - Purges deleted users from the users file
[D] PURGE USERS - Purges user who have not called in x number of days
[E] DEFINE EDITORS - Lets you set your favorite editors for use in IBBSCFG
[F] IBBSCFG - Takes you into IBBSCFG & returns you here when completed
[G] IBFILER - Takes you into IBFILER and returns you when completed
[H] PRINT USER RECORDS - Lets you print out the records of your users
[I] SORT USER RECORDS - Let's you sort your user base by a number of methods
[J] STANDARDIZE FORMATS - Checks and standardizes the format of all phone #'s
in the user records
[K] SIG SELECTION - Allows you to chose the current SIG that you will be
editing users for. It is not nesc. to select a SIG if you are just editing
user information, but, it is nesc. if you will be editing the user's
conference or co-sysop flags.
IBBSSM - Edit Users
[A] EDIT USERS:
IBBSSM handles a lot of record management for you. When a new user logs onto
your system InterBBS it asks all the questions it needs to keep track
of each user and handle the account. The System Manager user edit area will
let you edit and manipulate that data, take care of all the user financial for
you, and allow you to manage each user on an individual level.
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Below are explanations on each items you may encounter:
<F1> Help - Display the Help screen
<F2> Toggle - Go to 2nd page of users record
<ALT A> Add User - Add a user to the users file
<ALT B> Bottom Record - Go to last user record on file
<ALT C> Clear Record - Clear this user record
<ALT D> Delete Record - Delete this user record
<ALT F> User Finance - Go to users financial screen
<ALT L> Repeat Last Search - Search for information in all user records
<ALT M> Conf Registration - Go to users conference registration screen
<ALT R> Restore Record - Restore this record
<ALT S> Text Search - Do a text search through all user records
<ALT T> Top Record - Go to 1st user record on file
<CTL PgUp> Rev 20 - Go back 20 users records
<CTL PgDn> Fwd 20 - Go forward 20 users records
<PgUp> Rev 1 - Go back 1 user record
<PgDn> Fwd 1 - Go forward one user record
USER'S NAME:
Enter the users Complete Name. The name may be a maximum of 25 characters
long. The name must not start with a number or the system will reject it.
CITY AND STATE USER IS FROM:
Enter the city and state the user is from. This is a "text" field so any
format you desire may be used.
USER'S SECURITY PASSWORD:
This may be up to 12 characters. It is "Strongly" recommended you do NOT let
users use an easy password such as their first or last name. Sometimes it is
good to have a bulletin explaining the importance of unique passwords and the
rules about sharing their account and passwords with others.
BUSINESS/DATA PHONE NUMBER:
This should be the user's "Work" or "Data" phone number. Any format may be
used. You may standardize phone numbers with IBBSSM option [J] at the main
menu.
VOICE PHONE NUMBER:
This should be the user's "Voice" (Home Phone) number. Any format may be
used. You may standardize phone numbers with IBBSSM option [J] at the main
menu.
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USER'S SECURITY LEVEL:
Enter the users security level. This may range from 0 to 255. The security
level entered must have been set up in the InterBBS configuration
editor's (IBBSCFG) PWRD file located on the file location's one screen.
Otherwise, the next time the user logs in, he/she will be dropped to whatever
security level you have set up for new user status.
DELETED USER FLAG:
Enter a "Y" to have the users account deleted. When you pack your user base
the next time, such as in your system event. An alternate method to mark this
user for deletion is to press the <ALT D> keys.
EXPIRATION DATE:
If operating in subscription mode, enter the user's expiration date in
"yymmdd" format.
EXAMPLE: 911225
LAST DATE ON SYSTEM:
Enter the date the user last logged onto the BBS. Utilize the "mm/dd/yy"
format.
EXAMPLE: 04/18/91
TIME USED TODAY:
Enter the time to be charged to the users maximum allowed time for Today. If
you set this field to "0" and the user calls back during the same day, the
user will have the full amount of time as defined in the PWRD file for his/her
security level.
USER'S TEXT PAGE LENGTH:
Enter the user's screen height. This setting controls the number of lines in
a file or message that will be displayed before a "More" prompt is sent. 24
is recommended for most users. (SysOp Screen Has 1 More Status Line Than The
Users Screen. 1 Line Scroll Locally Is Normal.)
TIMES LOGGED ONTO BBS:
Enter the number of times the user has logged onto the BBS.
FILE TRANSFER PROTOCOL:
Enter the letter which signifies the default file transfer protocol to use.
This letter "Must" match one specified in the "IBBSPROT.DAT" file.
FILES DOWNLOADED TODAY:
Enter the number of files this user has "Downloaded Today". This number is
reset to zero at midnight.
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NUMBER OF UPLOADS:
Enter the Number of Files the user has "Uploaded" to your BBS.
NUMBER OF DOWNLOADS:
Enter the number of files the user has "Downloaded" from your BBS.
BYTES DOWNLOADED TODAY:
Enter the total number of bytes the user has "Downloaded" from your BBS today.
BYTES UPLOADED TO BBS:
Enter the total number of bytes the user has "Uploaded" to your BBS.
BYTES DOWNLOADED FROM BBS:
Enter the total number of bytes the user has "Downloaded" from your BBS.
ALLOWED TO USE THE [P]RIVATE FILES FUNCTION:
Enter "Y" if you want this user to be able to use the private file transfers
command from the file transfer area. Persons who use this command may send
private files to any user who also has authorization to use the [P] command.
PRIVATE FILES AWAITING DOWNLOAD:
Enter "Y" if you want to flag this user's account to indicate "Private" files
are waiting to be downloaded.
This allows the SysOp to make files available for users who are allowed to use
the "Private" upload and download functions
Private files uploaded by one user to another will cause this bit to be set
automatically.
Press <F2> to toggle between the 1st and 2nd page of the users record.
USER'S NAME:
Enter the users complete name. The name may be a maximum of 25 characters
long. The name must not start with a number or the system will reject it.
NOTE: This is carried over from the user record - page one.
USERS ALIAS NAME:
Enter the users alias or nickname. This name will be allowed to be used in
place of the users real name based on your configuration setup. (IBBSCFG.EXE)
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USERS STREET ADDRESS #1:
Enter the users street address #1. This would normally be the physical street
address. Use street address #2 for post office boxes, apartment numbers suite
numbers, etc.
USERS STREET ADDRESS #2:
Enter the users street address #2. Normally this is the post office box,
apartment number, suite number, etc.
Use street address #1 for the "Physical Street" address.
USERS CITY:
Enter the city from where the caller is actually calling from.
USERS ZIPCODE:
Enter the users postal zip code. This may be either in the 5 or in the 5+4
code format.
EXAMPLE: "12345" or "12345-6789"
NUMBER OF MESSAGES THE USER HAS LEFT:
This number reflects the number of messages the user has left whether private
or public.
USERS DATE-OF-BIRTH:
Enter the users Date-Of-Birth. The format is "mm/dd/yy".
NOTE: The "/" will automatically be placed between the proper fields.
USERS SEX:
Enter "F" for female or "M" for male.
USERS PERSONAL COMMENT:
This reflects the users personal comment that was entered when logging on.
This may be edited by the user. If this field is not filled in by the user a
default line of "I LOVE COMPUTERS" will be inserted.
NOTE: This field may be displayed with the @UCOMMENT@ macro in a display
screen.
SYSOPS USER COMMENT:
This field is used for the SysOp to store any information about the user.
note: this information is private and may only be seen by the SysOp in IBBSSM.
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USERS STATE OR PROVINCE:
Enter the state or province the user is actually calling from.
USERS COUNTRY:
Enter the country the user is calling from.
CLEAR SCREEN "BETWEEN" MESSAGES:
Enter a "Y" to clear the screen "Between" messages. Entering an "N" in this
field will allow the screens to "Scroll", including the header.
SCROLL SCREEN WHILE READING MESSAGES:
Entering a "Y" will cause the screen to scroll normally. Entering an "N" will
"Lock" the message header at the top of the screen while the message text
scrolls.
USE THE HI-LITED FLAG AND/OR VIEW OPTION:
Entering a "Y" will allow the user to use the hi-lighted file marking method
when viewing or flagging files. User must have ANSI capabilities to use this
feature. Normal operation is used if an "N" is entered.
STEALTH:
Allow user to use STEALTH MODE. Entering a "Y" here will allow this user to
enter the BBS in STEALTH mode. This may be done by placing a / (forward
slash) before their name when logging on or using the HIDE command from the
main menu to toggle STEALTH on or off. When in STEALTH mode the user will be
STEALTHed from all other users on the system. When a node status is displayed
it will not show who is on the STEALTHed node. Placing a "N" here will
disable this function for this user.
SUBSCRIPTION MODE:
When running in subscription mode you can charge users by the hour.
InterBBS has simplified this sometime bothersome, tedious, and time
consuming task for you. In most cases all you must do is enter the amount of
money received and how much you are charging that particular user for an hours
worth of time.
Press <ALT><F> for the users financial record screen.
AMOUNT RECEIVED (SysOp Edit):
Enter the amount of funds you have received from this user to be credited to
his account. This amount will be used to calculate the total amount of money
received and the total number of hours purchased. To clear the entry before
leaving this field, press the <ALT><C> key combination.
AMOUNT TO DEBIT (SysOp Edit):
Allows the SysOp to make corrections and/or deduct monies recieved from the
total amount. Will be added to the monies used column.
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TOTAL MONEY RECEIVED (Calculated Field):
You do not enter any information in this field. InterBBS will show the
total money received from the user here. This field is updated each time you
add to the money received field.
COST PER HOUR (SysOp Edit):
Enter the cost for one hour of system use to this user. This figure combined
with any prior balance determines the amount of time a user has "Bought". The
figure you enter is immediately used to recalculate any remaining balance.
NOTE: Altering this value permanently changes the subscription time remaining
for this user and adjusts the account's balance automatically.
CURRENT MONEY USED (Calculated Field):
This field is calculated by cost per hour multiplied by the time used and
shows how much the user has spent.
AMOUNT OF BALANCE (Calculated Field):
This field is calculated by total money received minus the money used and
shows the users current balance of spendable money.
CURRENT HOURS USED (Calculated Field):
This field is calculated by current money used and cost per hour and shows how
many hours the user has used to date.
CURRENT HOURS AVAILABLE (Calculated Field):
This field is calculated by amount of balance and cost per hour and shows how
many hours the user has left on account.
DAYS BEFORE EXPIRE (Calculated Field):
This field is calculated by current hours available and hours available per
day (set in PWRD file) and give you an idea of how long before the users
subscription runs out. This field is also used to determine when the expired
warning file will be displayed to the user as his account comes close to
expiring.
LAST PAYMENT DATE (Calculated Field):
This field is calculated by the last time you entered a payment into the
amount received field. Each time you edit the amount received field the date
will record here.
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CONFERENCE FLAGGING
Press <ALT M> for users conference registration screen.
This area lets you override a users access to the conferences of your BBS.
You may give access to a conference a user usually would not have access to or
in fact make him a Co-SysOp of that conference if you wish. Care should be
used when editing the user's available conferences.
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FLAG:
Enter an "X" to register a user in a conference or press the [SPACEBAR] to
UNregister a user in a private or public conference. Note that a user "Must"
be registered by the SysOp to have access to a private conference.
A user not already registered in a public conference "Must" have a security
level equal to or greater than that required to read messages in the
conference in order to join the conference unless the SysOp manually registers
the user using this utility.
CO-SYSOP CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FLAG:
Enter an "X" to designate a user as a Co-SysOp for a conference. Use the
[SPACEBAR] to deny the user access to Co-SysOp privileges. The user "Must"
meet the normal criteria to join a conference (Private or Public) to be
recognized access as a Co- SysOp by the InterBBS software. A user with
Co-SysOp privileges can do the following in a conference:
Read Any Mail - Public or Private
Delete - (Kill) Any Message
Edit Any Message
NOTE: The use of this should be done with caution, and only those whom you
trust should be granted Co-SysOp status.
LISTING USERS
MISC. NOTES: When entering USER EDIT you will be presented with a listing of
users, you may scroll through this list and PRESS ENTER to edit that users
record which is highlighted. You can also get this user listing when exiting
from any of the four previous areas, User Edit Screen 1 or 2, Conference
Registration Screen, or the User Financial Page, you will be brought to a
screen that asks if you want to Quit to the menu or get a USER LISTING. The
USER LISTING will give you a brief list of current users, city and state where
they are from, their security level, and the last call date.
IBBSSM - Create Users Index
[B] CREATE USER INDEX FILES: This function will very quickly sort the users
file and creates 26 individual updated user index files which the system uses
to create user records. It is recommended that you use this after you do work
within the edit user section of IBBSSM.
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IBBSSM - Pack Users File Base
[C] PACK USERS FILEBASE: This function will delete all user records that have
been tagged for deletion in the users record by you in the edit user section
of IBBSSM in the purge user by call date section. This function is
irreversible! Make SURE that there are no records that should be kept are
"Tagged for Deletion" before you run this. It is recommended that you use the
print user records option before packing the user base. When this function
finishes it will then automatically re-index your user files (Option B).
IBBSSM - Purge Users
[D] PURGE USERS BY CALL DATE: This function will search through all the user
records and search for all records with a "last called" date older than that
which you specify and a "Security Level" lower than you specify. If any
records are found meeting the criteria they will be tagged for deletion when
the user base is next packed. It is recommended that you verify the users
records "Tagged for Deletion" in the edit user section before packing your
user base.
IBBSSM - Define Text & Graphic Editors
[E] DEFINE TEXT AND GRAPHICS EDITORS: Enter the full path and filename of your
favorite text editor.
EXAMPLE: C:\DOS\EDIT.EXE
Enter the full path and filename of your favorite ANSI editor.
EXAMPLE: C:\ANSI\THEDRAW.EXE
This will allow you to edit menus and batch files that are defined in various
configuration editors in InterBBS with-out leaving the configuration
editor. Most of the InterBBS configuration editors will allow you to
edit the ASCII or ANSI files by simply pressing <F2>(ASCII) or <F3>(ANSI).
You will see a highlighted bar at the bottom of the editor screen which will
tell you the "F" key(s) to press to edit the file whose name is being edited.
Some files only allow a ASCII editor to be used when there is no ANSI version
of the file to be created. When ANSI versions of menus and text files are to
be edited, you must keep in mind that the length of the file name *MUST* be 4,
5, 7 or fewer characters depending on the type of screen it is (check the
display file list for further information) and there *MUST NOT* be a file
extension on the file name.
A "G" should be appended to the ANSI version of a file you wish to maintain
both ANSI and ASCII versions of and an "R" to RIP versions of the file (you
can not enter RIPaint from any InterBBS configuration editors). The
"G" or "R" should not be reflected in the name that you enter into the
configuration editor, but only in the name you give the physical file.
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InterBBS will allow you to use one @Xcode or ANSI file for menus and
text files versus having you maintain one ASCII and one ANSI version. Simply
name your display file without a "G" appended to it and if the user has ANSI
turned off, InterBBS will strip color Xcodes from the file before it is
display to them.
InterBBS uses "PCBoard" designated color xcode system. When you press
either key while your field selection bar is on the defined path and filename
the configuration editor will call your favorite editor and load the filename
for you to edit. When you are done editing the file, simply exit the program
and you will be returned to the same place you were in the configuration
editor.
IBBSSM - System Configuration (IBBSCFG)
[F] SYSTEM CONFIGURATION (IBBSCFG): This calls and allows you to work in the
InterBBS configuration editor and returns you here when you leave
IBBSCFG.
IBBSSM - File Directory Utility (IBFILER)
[G] FILE DIRECTORY UTILITY (IBFILER): This calls and allows you to work in the
InterBBS file utility IBFILER and returns you here when you leave
IBBSCFG.
IBBSSM - Print User Records
[H] PRINT USER RECORDS
This function will allow you to print out a list of the users on your system
and their information.
IBBSSM will ask you which records you want to print:
Enter record to start printing at: Example: 1
Enter record to end printing at: Example: 12
IBBSSM will then determine which format of information you want printed
(A,B,C):
[A] Short Format (one line) - Name, city & state, security level, voice phone
[B] Long Format (multiple lines) - Complete users record info
[C] Expiration Date (one line) - Name, voice phone number, expiration date
IBBSSM will ask you where you want the information printed: Parallel port:
EXAMPLE: 1
IBBSSM will then proceed to print out the information that you have requested.
It is suggested that you use this function once in a while and before packing
your user base in case you accidentally delete a user and need to re-enter
their information into the system by hand.
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IBBSSM - Sort User Records
[I] SORT USER RECORDS: IBBSSM will allow you to sort your user records in a
number of ways. This allows you to run data checks on your users in a matter
of seconds! Check for multiple users using the same password or home phone
number, calculate how many users you have by city or find out in an instant
who is entering messages and who isn't. This function is one of IBBSSM's most
powerful features and we think that you will find it one of the most useful
utilities included in the InterBBS package!
SORTING THE USER RECORDS:
Use your up and down arrow keys or press the letter to select you preferred
sorting method.
[A] Name - Sort by user names,ascending or descending
[B] Password - Sort by passwords, ascending or descending
[C] Voice Phone - Sort by voice numbers, ascending or descending
[D] Data Phone - Sort by data numbers, ascending or descending
[E] City / State - Sort by city/state, ascending or descending
[F] Registration Expiration -Sort by expiration date, ascending or descending
[G] Security Level - Sort by security level, ascending or descending
[H] Date-Of-Birth - Sort by date of birth, ascending or descending
[I] Messages Left - Sort by messages left, ascending or descending
[J] Last Date Called - Sort by Date Users Last called.
After choosing a sort method, IBBSSM will ask whether you want the records
sorted in ascending or descending order. IBBSSM will then sort the user files
and then update your user index files automatically.
IBBSSM - Standardize Phone Formats
[J] STANDARDIZE PHONE FORMATS This function simply goes though all your user
records and puts all phone numbers into the "xxx xxx-xxxx" format which
provides meaning to the SORT BY PHONE NUMBER option.
IBBSSM - SIG Selection
[K] SIG SELECTION This function simply allows you to chose a SIG in which
you will be editing USER's conference data.
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IBBSSM - Command Line Operation
IBBSSM supports a limited command line mode of operation which allows you to
perform INDEXing, SORTing and PACKing from the command line. This will
typically be used during a system EVENT.
The command line options MUST be preceded with a "/" (forward slash).
PACK and INDEX options expect "
ONLY" /PACK and /INDEX respectively.
SORT, on the other hand, is a little more involved. There are nine sort
options. Sorting may be performed in ascending (default) or descending order.
SORTING OPTIONS:
(1) Sort by User Name
(2) Sort by Password
(3) Sort by Voice Phone
(4) Sort by Data/Business Phone
(5) Sort by City/State
(6) Sort by Registration Expiration Date
(7) Sort by Security Level
(8) Sort by Date of Birth
(9) Sort by Number of Messages Left
The command line for the SORT option is:
IBBSSM /SORT <option> <direction>
Where <option> is 1-9 above and <direction> is 0 for ascending order and 1 for
descending order.
EXAMPLE 1: IBBSSM /INDEX
The above command will create new FNPNDX.x user record index files.
EXAMPLE 2: IBBSSM /PACK /SORT 1 1
This command line first performs a PACK of the USERS file followed by a SORT
on the name field (#1 in the selection list above) in DESCENDING order
(reverse alpha order).
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IBFILER - General
IBFILER is the InterBBS SysOp's file directory manager. It will move
or copy, files and descriptions from any of your conference file directories
to any other specified conference directory path and DIRxx file respectively.
It will also delete unwanted files from any of your conference file
directories and delete the entry from your DIRxx file. In addition to these
actions IBFILER allows the SysOp to edit a file description listing file
(DIRxx) and [V]iew files within archives, view GIF and PCX files, import files
from your sub directories and auto search them for FILE_ID.DIZ's and build a
DIRxx file automatically, show you which files are missing from the disk and
read text.
Upon running IBFILER for the first time, you must chose option [E] and answer
the questions posted. This will insure that IBFILER is properly configured
for your system and with your preference in DIRxx handling. See the section a
little later on about editing the IBFILER defaults.
[A] EDIT DIR FILES - This allows you to edit your file descriptions.
[B] LOCATE FILE ON DISK - This will allow you to locate a particular file that
is/might be on your hard drive.
[C] LOCATE FILE IN DIR FILES - This will allow you to locate a file
description with your DIR files.
[D] LOCATE TEXT IN DIR FILES - This will locate the text you input with the
filebase, either in the DIR file or the filename itself.
[E] EDIT IBFILER DEFAULTS - This will allow you to edit the standard defaults
for IBFILER.
[F] SIG (Forum) SELECTION - This will allow you to select the SIG in which you
wish to edit the files in.
IBFILER - Edit
EDIT DIRxx FILES:
This is the main function selection of IBFILER. Within this area you handle
all file manipulations and DIRxx file edits. Upon selection of this function,
IBFILER will present you with a listing of all of the conference areas set up
for your BBS.
Use your up and down arrow keys to move the selection bar to the conference
which you want to edit and press <ENTER>.
IBFILER - Selecting A SIG to edit the files in [F], then select a Conference &
Directory Once you have selected your conference, you will be presented a file
directory screen listing all the file directories within the current
conference plus your upload and private upload areas within that conference.
Again, use your up and down arrow keys to select the file directory and
corresponding DIRxx file that you wish to work with and press <ENTER>.
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IBFILER will now bring you into the IBFILER editor screen and load the
DIRxx file for that file directory, if it exists.
IBFILER - DIR File Editing Key Controls
From the IBFILER editor you can perform just about any manipulation you could
hope for. Below some of these are discussed in detail. When the IBFILER
editor loads you will the first description in the DIRxx file, if the file is
not in the correct format and you try to leave it, the editor will beep a
warning to you. You may use the editor to re- write the description, color
the description, draw ANSI boxes or lines, and much more. The following
commands are available:
<F1> Help - This will give you a brief reminder of the commands available
<F2> View - View the contents of the currently displayed file. (zip/arj/lha)
<F3> Delete - Toggle delete flag for file & description currently displayed
<F4> Copy - Toggle copy flag for file &description currently displayed
<F5> Drive Space - Obtain free space on any disk drive on your system
<F6> Find Text - Do a text search of entire DIRxx file you are currently
working with.
<F7> Repeat Search - Continue last text search in current DIRxx file.
<F8> Restore - Restore original description before editing.
<F9> EOF - Go to end of description
<F10> Justify - Justify file description (make all lines even)
<PgUp> Down - Go back one record
<PgDn> Up - Go forward one record
Arrow Up ---
Arrow Down | Use these keys to move your
Arrow Left | cursor around the screen
Arrow Right ---
<ALT A> Add - Add a file description
<ALT B> Bottom - Go to last file in DIRxx
<ALT C> Case - Proper name case description
<ALT I> Insert - Insert line in file description
<ALT J> Jump - Drop to a DOS shell
<ALT M> Move - Toggle the move flag on this file
<ALT S> Sort - Sort the DIR file being edited
<ALT T> Top - Go to top of DIRxx file
<CTL R> Repeat - Select last copy/move settings
<CTL T> Del Word - Delete word where cursor is
<CTL Y> Del Line - Delete line where cursor is
<CTL-R.Arrow> Move Right - Move word right
<CTL-L.Arrow> Move Left - Move word left
<CTL PgDn> Fast Forward - Go forward 20 files
<CTL PgUp> FastBack - Go backward 20 files
<CTL End> Del EOL - Delete all characters to the EOL
<CTL Home> Goto Top - Go to the upper left of the DIRxx
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<Shift F1>
<Shift F2>
<Shift F3>
<Shift F4>
<Shift F5> Shift F1-10 and CTRL F1-F10 Are used for Line Drawing Within Your
<Shift F6> DIRxx file. Please see the "F1" Help in IBFILER for the Exact
<Shift F7> Functions of these keys.
<Shift F8>
<Shift F9>
<Shift F10>
<Ctl F1>
<Ctl F2>
<Ctl F3>
<Ctl F4>
<Ctl F5> Shift F1-10 and CTRL F1-F10 Are used for Line Drawing Within Your
<Ctl F6> DIRxx file. Please see the "F1" Help in IBFILER for the Exact
<Ctl F7> Functions of these keys.
<Ctl F8>
<Ctl F9>
<Ctl F10>
<Tab> Tab - Tab Forward
<Shift Tab> Tab Back - Tab Reverse
<Del> Delete - Delete Char at Cursor
<Home> Jump 1 - Move to Column 1
<Enter> New Line - New Line & Insert "|"
<End> Move Right - Move to RightMost Column
<Bksp> Backspace - Delete Char to Left
<Ins> Insert - Toggle Insert Mode
<Esc> Quit - Quit File and Make Changes
You will also notice that an "L" is sometimes placed in the IBFILER "EDIT"
screen header. This means that the file you are currently using can not be
located in the specified directory. Double check you physical file location.
(Note: If you are using a CD-ROM drive and INDEX files then this is acceptable
and the file will be found by a user looking for it.)
IBFILER will, if you wish, import all files in the directory you chose that
are not listed in the DIRxx file. Upon doing this it will check for
FILE_ID.DIZ files within each archive found. If found, the FILE_ID.DIZ
discription will be imported automatically into the DIRxx file. If a
FILE_ID.DIZ can not be located then a "No Discription Available" is placed in
the discription area.
If a discription can not be found within an archive, you may look for one with
the View Command. The view command will allow you to open the archive and
read a TEXT (ASCII) file within to acertain the files purpose. A GIF/PCX
viewer can also be added to your defaults to allow you to view a picture type
file and then add a discription based on what you see.
LOCATE FILE ON DISK:
This function allows you to search all paths listed in your dlpath.lst and
DIR.LST files. It will not search your index file. Wildcards are allowed.
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LOCATE FILE IN DIRxx FILE:
This function allows you to search all of your DIRxx files for a specific file
name.
LOCATE TEXT IN DIRxx FILE:
This function allows you to search for any text string within all of your
DIRxx files.
EDIT IBFILER DEFAULTS:
This function allows you to set memory allocation for your system and certain
preferences. The following questions will be asked when you enter this
function: Sort Method (1,2,3): Sort by Filename Sort by File Size Sort by File
Date
Once you chose a method it will ask:
Sort in ascending or descending order:
Enter your choice.
Determine memory allocation:
Use EMS/XMS memory if available: Enter "Y" or "N"
The use of EMS/XMS is strongly recommended as it speeds up processing of large
DIRxx files tremendously!
Determine file security:
Make backup files before processing: Enter "Y" or "N"
It is highly recommended you set this to "Yes" to ensure that In case of
system failure or mistakes, you have a backup of the DIRxx file.
Path and Name of Archive utility: Enter the path and name of your favorite
Archive utility such as SHEZ. The archive utility MUST be able to accept a
path and file name as a parameter to be compatible.
Path and name of Graphics Viewer utility: Enter the path and name of your
favorite graphics viewer such as VPIC. The graphics viewing utility you chose
must be able to accept a path and file name as a parameter to be compatible.
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IBFILER COMMAND LINE OPTIONS
As many SysOps like to do file mantainence during nightly events we have built
into InterBBS's IBFILER utility a few commands that are much in demand.
Among these are the ability to SORT your DIRxx files and an option to create
an ALLFILES listing. Additional configuration settings are available to allow
unique sort parameters for the public and private upload DIR files. The all
other DIR files will be sorted in the mode specified for the DIR files.
The command line IBFILER expects for sorting the dir files of a conference is:
IBFILER /SIG:#### /SORT ###-###,###
The above command line will cause IBFILER to sort all the DIR files in
SIG ####, conferences #### through #### and conference ####. Separate each
non-inclusive conference with a COMMA as is done in the sample above.
To create an ALLFILES list use a command line:
IBFILER /SIG:#### /LIST E:\FREE\ALLFILES 0,1
This would create an allfiles list named "E:\FREE\ALLFILES" for the DIR files
of SIG ####, conferences 0 and 1.
IBFILER /SIG:4 /LIST C:\FILES\ALLFILES 0,3-5
(Creates All files list of SIG:4, Conferences 0, 3, 4 & 5)
Note: The default is SIG:0 if not specified, as shown below.
IBFILER /LIST C:\FILES\ALLFILES 0,8-10
(Creates All files list of SIG:0, Conferences 0, 8, 9, & 10)
Support is included for EXCLUDING directories within a conference while
building an ALLFILES list. IMPORTANT: You *MUST* NOT have any spaces on the
command line after the conference information begins.
Example: IBFILER /SIG:1 C:\FILES\ALLFILES 0/2/4/,1-2,5/6/55/
In the above example, SIG:1 is being processed. The conferences being
processed are 0, 1, 2 & 5. File Directories 2 & 4 are being excluded from
conference 0's listing, no file directories are being excluded from
conferences 1 or 2, and file directories 6 & 55 are being excluded from
conference 5's listing.
The first conference to process is 0. The forward slashes ("/") are used to
specify directory numbers in the conference to EXCLUDE. NOTE: The excluded
directory number is sandwiched between the slashes.
There can be NO RANGE of file directories between slashes (You can't use a
/2-5/ to exclude directories 2 through 5, you must use the format: /2/3/4/5/
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IBFILER looks for the commas "," to distinguish the start of a new conference
and those numbers sandwiched between slashes "/" to denote directories to
exclude from the processing conference.
IBFILER /SIG:23 /LIST C:\FILES\ALLFILES 3-6,9/2/3/4/22/27/,11
In the above example SIG:23 is being processed. Conferences 3-6 will be done
first, there are no exclusions. Conference 9 will be done next, file
directories 2, 3, 4, 22, & 27 will be excluded from it. Finally, conference
11 will be processed.
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MKIBTEXT - Prompt Editor
Because we realize that all SysOps are different and have varying degrees of
ideas on how items should be presented to a caller, we have included
MKIBTEXT.EXE with your InterBBS package. InterBBS's MKIBTEXT is
a prompt editor which allows you, the SysOp, to customize your prompts to meet
your needs & tastes. This program will let you create you LANGUAGE FILES to
be chosen by your users when logging on or at the MAIN menu with the "L"
command.
The command line to activate this utility is: MKIBTEXT [prompt filename]
EXAMPLE: MKIBTEXT IBBSTEXT or MKIBTEXT IBBSTEXT.ext
Because all instructions are provided on-screen, we will not go into a lot of
detail here on the utility. However, we will point out a few items of
importance:
<F1> RESETS ALL PROMPTS IN FILE TO DEFAULT! (SEE NOTE)
<F2> Will allow you to quickly search through your prompt file and find all
occurrences of a words or text string and allow you to edit them.
<F4> Resets only the prompt you are looking at to original. (SEE NOTE)
<ESC> Quits and Saves
NOTE: InterBBS has a built in "Original" copy of the default prompt
file. At any time you may restore defaults to the original InterBBS
prompts by pressing the <F1> or <F4> keys.
MOST any prompt may be re-directed to a DISPLAY file. To do this, simply
remove the default prompt from the edit box and replace it with a "%"
redirection command followed with the path and filename of the file you wish
to display.
Example: After removing the prompt "NO MAIL WAITING" you could then place a
"%C:\IBBS\DISP\NOMAIL" which could contain a larger ANSI display stating that
the users mail box was empty.
MOST any prompt may be re-directed to a EXECUTABLE file. To do this, simply
remove the default prompt from the edit box and replace it with a "!"
redirection command followed with the path and filename of the file you wish
to display. This filename MUST be a .BAT, .EXE, or .COM file and must support
standard MODEM comm routines. (IE. You could send all users to a SPECIFIED
door via this redirection command)
Example: After removing ALL prompts leading to "CHAT MODES" such as item #65
you could then place a "!C:\IBBS\DOORS\CHAT.EXE" which could contain a
different CHAT system for your users to use.
NOTE: SOME PROMPT FILES CONTAIN DATA FIELDS USED BY InterBBS You must
be very careful when editing these fields or format fields, make sure to
thoroughly check all changes before users re-enter the BBS!
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IBCHK - Upload Integrity Checker
---------
OVERVIEW:
Verifying newly uploaded files is now a "Way of Life" in the BBS world. The
threat and widespread distribution of computer "Viruses" has made a dramatic
impact on SysOps. Most SysOps now use some method of scanning newly uploaded
files for virus infection. Doing this certainly reduces the likelihood of
receiving infected files and inadvertently allowing them to be distributed to
other computer system once downloaded by users.
InterBBS employs IBCHK.EXE to aid in verifying the integrity of
uploaded files. IBCHK performs several tasks. It first reads a configuration
file (IBCHK.CFG). It determines the number of archive "Testers", their
default archive format file extension (ZIP, LZH, ARJ, etc.) and each
archiver's testing commands (PKUNZIP -t, ARJ t, etc.) are read from IBCHK.CFG.
A SysOp may choose not to define testers in the IBCHK.CFG file if his/her
external program to test archives (discussed below) handles these tests. Once
IBCHK has read its configuration file it checks the node's WORK directory and
retrieves the filenames of all newly uploaded files. It then calls
"IBBSTEST.BAT" to verify the uploads with any external upload verification
utility the SysOp chooses to use (if any). If ULTESTER is used for upload
verification, IBCHK calls "IBBSTEST.BAT" for each file name otherwise
"IBBSTEST.BAT" is called once.
Then IBCHK will perform archive testing as directed by the SysOp in
"IBCHK.CFG" and update the "CALLER.LOG" and "TRANSFER.DAT" files.
After the testing is completed IBCHK will move all files which tested good
from the WORK directory to the UPLOAD directory.
Note: You should configure your "external" archive testing program to move any
files which test bad (no viruses) to the HOLD directory as defined in the
InterBBS IBBSCFG setup. This allows all partial uploads to be resumed if
a user takes advantage of a file transfer protocol which allows resumption of
an aborted transfer.
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IBCHK.CFG - Upload Integrity Checker Configuration
IBCHK.CFG must reside in the MAIN BBS directory with IBCHK.EXE. Its purpose
is two-fold:
1) It let's the SysOp state if he is going to use the "ULTESTER" utility by
2) It allows the SysOp to define the archive testers he wants IBCHK to use
after the external archive testing program has completed its job
A sample "IBCHK.CFG" file and comments follow:
Y "Y" if using ULTESTER otherwise enter an "N"
1 (See Note Below)
3 Number of Archive testers you will use (0 - 25)
ZIP File extension first archiver uses by default
PKUNZIP -t Command needed to test archives with ZIP extension
LZH File extension first archiver uses by default
LHA t Command needed to test archives with LZH extension
ARJ File extension first archiver uses by default
ARJ t Command needed to test archives with ARJ extension
NOTE: The "1" in the 2nd line of IBCHK.CFG means you do want to swap IBCHK to
EMS, XMS or to DISK when shelling out to the archive testing program
(ULTESTER). This will free up about 64k (all but 2k of the memory IBCHK was
utilizing). IBCHK will only accept up to 24 lines from a FILE_ID.DIZ.
If you do not want to swap IBCHK out then place a "0" on the 2nd line.
If you wish to handle upload testing differently on different nodes, then
place the IBCHK.EXE and IBCHK.CFG file in each node directory and change the
PATH statement in the C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT file by placing the node directory as
the first entry.
NOTE: This should "only" be done if you are running under a network with each
node being run from a separate workstation or if you use a true multitasking
operating system which creates "virtual machines" such as OS/2 or if you use
multitasking emulators such as DESQview or Windows.
Example: PATH=C:\IBBS\NODE1;C:\IBBS
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ULTESTER - Upload Processing & Virus Checker
ULTester will test archives for integrity, Scan for virus' using any scan
utility, such as McAfees SCAN.EXE (or other quality virus detection utility),
and will optionally test your GIF files for integrity and ensure files meet
your age requirements.
Among some of the major features of this product we draw your attention to the
following;
FEATURES
* Identifies and processes all ZIP, ARJ, LHA, GIF and TD0 files regardless of
the actual file extension. This includes self-Extracting archives.
* Supports the use of FILE-ID.DIZ and DESC.SDI description files in an
archive. ULTester will replace the description with the contents of
FILE_ID.DIZ or DESC.SDI respectively.
* Moves all Virus Infected programs into a Virus Holding directory the Sysop
has defined.
* Will save descriptions of rejected files in the current conf.'s PRIVATE
upload description file.
* Will delete all files names located in a text file if those names appear in
the archive.
* Optionally will test GIF and TD0 files for integrity using the file tester
available for Teledisk'd files (TDCHECK.EXE). GIF testing is performed
internally.
* Optionally Inserts the number of files in the archive, OLDest file date and
NEWest file date into the file description. Adds .GIF resolution to .GIF
file descriptions (on the 1st line if possible or last line/new line).
* ULTester will optionally SWAP itself to EMS, XMS or DISK when running the
archive and swap utilities to make as much room as possible available for
these programs. When swapped, ULTester will leave a 2k Kernel in DOS Ram.
* Includes an easy to use and informative configuration program. (ULTCFG.EXE)
* Allows the SysOp to append a 7 line display file to the bottom of the
ULTester caller display information screen.
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SETTING UP ULTester
ULTester will test archives for integrity, Scan for viruses using McAfee's
SCAN.EXE or other quality virus scanner, optionally test .GIF files for
integrity and ensure files meet your age requirements, among other things
which were listed above.
When running ULTCFG.EXE the file "ULTCFG.HLP" should be in one of two
locations:
(1) In the Directory from which ULTCFG.EXE was started
(2) In the directory in which the .CFG file resides or will be created
You must include a complete path and name to the .CFG file when starting
ULTCFG.EXE.
Example: Say I am in the C:\IBBS directory. My ULTCFG.HLP file happens to be
in the C:\ULT directory. A normal command-line to run ULTCFG and create or
re-edit the .CFG file named "ULT1.CFG" would be:
ULTCFG C:\ULT\ULT1.CFG
Remember that ULTCFG.HLP must be in either the directory where the .CFG file
is located or in the directory from which you run ULTCFG.EXE.
ULTCFG has complete built in HELP files accessed by pressing the F1 key.
Since all information is provided with the F1 Help files we will not go into
the configuration options in these docs. You will find that the information
provided in the F1 help files will assist you in getting each item configured,
with a minimal amount of brain damage.
1: Run "ULTCFG.EXE" to create a configuration file. ULTCFG will edit an
existing configuration file.
Enter: "ULTCFG <CONFIG FILE NAME> to start ULTCFG.EXE.
It DOES NOT DEFAULT to ANY file name.
Example: ULTCFG ULT1.CFG
See the following section on Configuring ULTCFG
2: Make sure that your IBBSTEST.BAT files is properly configured. A sample
IBBSTEST.BAT file is shown here. It is assumed that you have set the NODE
environment variable; SET NODE=# where "#"=the node currently operating, in
your BBS' start up batch file.
@ECHO OFF
C:
CD \IBBS\ULT
ULTESTER ULT%NODE%.CFG %1 %2 %3 %4
C:
CD\IBBS
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3: ULTester reads the configuration file (ULT1.CFG in the above samples) and
determines the node directory where SRCONFIG is located and retrieves all
necessary information.
WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING
The files in the WORK directory specified for ULTester in the configuration
file for ULTester are ALL DELETED. Insure this WORK DIRECTORY is ONLY used by
ULTester. The BBS work directory MUST NOT be specified as the ULTester work
directory. Additionally, the ULTester WORK directory may have recursed
sub-directoried created during file extraction and scanning. These
sub-directories and the ULTester work directory are all KILLED by ULTester
prior to its termination. Then the ULTester work directory is recreated.
4: If you *DO NOT* allow a particular archive format or want to just restrict
acceptable uploads to a particular archive format use the "Y" or "N" as
indicated above to ALLOW or NOT ALLOW an archive type.
5: All extensions or archive formats NOT ALLOWED will be tested if they are in
a supported archive format.
6: All files - allowed or not - are SCANNED for Virus infection.
7: Files found having virus are moved to the Virus hold directory.
8: Files not allowed are moved to the holding directory specified in the
configuration program for ULTester.
9: The swap to EMS/XMS/Disk works fine with ULTester for users of MS/PC-DOS
and OS/2. If you have enough memory you do not need to Swap ULTester.
10: ULTester requires about 65k of ram when running.
11: It is recommended you make a separate directory for ULTester to be run
from.
12: Each BBS node *MUST* have a separate configuration file and work
directory.
13: Insure you rectify any missing file warnings received when running ULTCFG.
14: For local operation outside the BBS use the normal command line syntax
followed by " /L":
Example: ULTESTER ULT1.CFG C:\TEMP\TEST.ZIP TEST C:\IBBS\UPDESC.1 /L
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
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SETTING UP ULTCFG
Configuring ULT is basically a straight forward proceedure. In a future
version this will be incorporated into the IBBSCFG proceedure but for now it is
external. We will go step by step through the questions within ULTCFG and
tell you what they mean.
ENTER: ULTCFG ULT#.CFG (Where # is the node number of the configuration file
you are editing)
ENTER THE SYSOP'S (YOUR) NAME
Enter your name here.
ENTER THE BBS NODE DIRECTORY PATH
This is the directory where the SRCONFIG file is located. Example Directory:
C:\IBBS\NODE1
ENTER A "WORK" DIRECTORY FOR ULTESTER
This MUST be a unique directory which is use by no other program. The files
ULTESTER places in this WORK directory are routinely deleted. It MUST NOT be
the work directory for InterBBS! The WORK directory path/name
"MUST" be at least 5 characters in length and MUST be in the format
"C:\WORKDIR" or "C:\IBBS\ULT\WORK1".
NOTE: If running more than one node EACH node MUST have a separate WORK
directory. SAMPLE Work Directory: C:\IBBS\ULT\WORK or C:\IBBS\ULT\WORK3
ENTER THE HOLD DIRECTORY FOR REJECTED FILES THAT ARE "NOT" VIRUSED
This should be the same as the InterBBS holding directory in order for
aborted uploads to be resumed. Example Hold Directory: C:\IBBS\FILES\HOLD
ENTER A "HOLD" DIRECTORY FOR VIRUSED FILES
This directory should "NOT" be the same as the HOLD directory for other
rejected files. Example Virus Hold Directory: C:\IBBS\ULT\VIRUSED
ENTER THE DOS PATH WHERE PKZIP.EXE AND PKUNZIP.EXE ARE LOCATED
Enter ONLY THE PATH and NOT the complete path and filename. Example archive
directory path: C:\UTIL\
ENTER A "Y" IF YOU "WILL" ACCEPT FILES COMPRESSED WITH PKZIP.EXE
Enter an "N" if you do not want to accept these files. All PKZIP archived
files will be tested and scanned prior to being moved to the appropriate HOLD
directory if you do not want to accept files of this archive format. NOTE:
Self- extracting PKZIP archives which have the .EXE file extensions are also
tested and scanned.
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ENTER THE DOS PATH WHERE THE FILE LHA.EXE IS LOCATED
Enter ONLY THE PATH and NOT the complete path and filename. Example archive
directory path: C:\UTIL\
ENTER A "Y" IF YOU WILL ACCEPT FILES COMPRESSED WITH LHA.EXE
Enter an "N" if you do not want to accept these files. All LHA archive files
will be tested and scanned prior to being moved to the appropriate HOLD
directory if you do not want to accept files of this archive format. NOTE:
Self-extracting LHA archives which have the "EXE" extensions are also tested
and scanned.
ENTER THE DOS PATH WHERE THE FILE ARJ.EXE IS LOCATED
Enter ONLY THE PATH and NOT the complete path and name of the file. Example
archive directory path: C:\UTIL\
ENTER A "Y" IF YOU WILL ACCEPT FILES COMPRESSED WITH ARJ.EXE
"N" if you do not want to accept these files. All ARJ archive files will be
tested and scanned prior to being moved to the appropriate HOLD directory if
you do not want to accept files of this archive format. Example archive
directory path: C:\UTIL\
ENTER A "Y" IF YOU WILL ACCEPT GIF UPLOADS
All ".GIF" files will be tested prior to being moved to the appropriate "HOLD"
directory if you do not desire to accept GIF files. NOTE: Your .GIF test
program must return a DOS ERRORLEVEL if a GIF file is corrupt.
ENTER THE PATH AND NAME OF YOUR TDCHECK FILE
You MUST enter the COMPLETE PATH AND NAME of the TDCHECK program! Leave this
line blank if you do NOT want to test uploads created using the TELEDISK
program. Example path and filename: C:\UTIL\TDCHECK.EXE
ENTER A "Y" IF YOU WILL ACCEPT TELEDISK UPLOADS (.TD0)
NOTE: All .TD0 files will be tested and moved to the appropriate HOLD
directory if you do not desire to accept these files.
ENTER THE COMPLETE PATH AND FILENAME OF YOUR VIRUS SCAN UTILITY
It doesn't matter which scan utility you use as long as it is a quality virus
detection scanning utility. Example scan path and filename: C:\UTIL\SCAN.EXE
ENTER THE COMMAND LINE PARAMETERS TO USE WITH YOUR VIRUS SCANNER
You must enter /NOPAUSE /NOEXPIRE /NOBEEP /SUB to prevent SCAN.EXE from
waiting for a local keyboard response if your SCAN.EXE is outdated or for
some other reason a keypress is required.
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ENTER A "Y" IF YOU WANT TO SWAP TO EMS, XMS OR DISK WHEN TESTING
ULTESTER uses about 80k of ram. Some archive utilities use 300k of ram when
in the archive mode. If your memory situation is critical and you have enough
EMS or XMS available, it is recommended that you DO SWAP testing uploads. IF
you do not have EMS or XMS, you can swap to disk which only takes a couple of
seconds when testing archives. The exact SWAP method used is determined by
ULTESTER.
ENTER THE OLDEST FILE YOU WILL ACCEPT IN DAYS
All files within an uploaded archive are examined for the date stamp. If ANY
file has a date stamp OLDER than the number of days you enter the OVERAGE file
count is incremented. If the percentage of OVERAGED files is greater than the
number you specify in the configuration item below, the uploaded file is
rejected. These files WILL still be scanned for virus. The maximum number of
days allowed is 9999. Example entry: 180 In this example, all files more than
180 days will be added to the OVERAGE count.
ENTER THE MAXIMUM % OF OLDER FILES IN AN ARCHIVE YOU "WILL" ACCEPT
For example, if 730 (two years) is your old age limit and the uploaded archive
has 20 files and you allow 20% of them to exceed the old age restraints, then
no more than 4 files in the archive can be older than 199001.
ENTER "Y" TO ACCEPT FILES OTHER THAN THE ARCHIVE FORMATS SUPPORTED
If you answer "Y" to the above question, files which are not of the archive
formats supported (ARJ, GIF, LHA, TD0 or ZIP ) would be Passed and Scanned
only. This will allow any file extension to be uploaded to your BBS. Enter
an "N" to restrict uploads to the archive formats you have chosen earlier in
the configuration.
ENTER THE PATH AND FILENAME OF A FILE YOU WANT TO ADD TO UPLOADS
This may be an Advertisement for your BBS or any file you desire for that
matter. Leave this line blank if NO file is to be added to the new archive.
Example: C:\IBBS\ULT\MYBBS.COM
ENTER THE COMPLETE PATH AND FILENAME OF A THE FILE WHICH CONTAINS THE NAMES
OF FILES YOU WISH TO BE "DELETED" FROM ANY ARCHIVES UPLOADED TO YOUR SYSTEM.
This MUST be a text file with only one name per line in UPPER CASE. This is
convenient for deleting unwanted BBS ads and other "NUISANCE" files. Leave
blank if no files are to be deleted. Example: C:\IBBS\ULT\BADFILES.LST
ENTER THE SERIAL PORT ADDRESS TO USE
If you will be using the "STANDARD" Port Address for COM Ports 1 or 2 then you
may skip this question. Examples: &h3F8 or &h2F8
ENTER THE IRQ NUMBER YOUR COM PORT WILL USE
If you will be using a "STANDARD" IRQ for COM ports 1 or 2 then you may skip
this question. Example: 4 (for COM Port #1)
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SERIAL DRIVER SELECTION
Enter the serial driver mode you desire to use. Selections available are (A)
ASYNC, (F) FOSSIL and (M) Intelligent DigiBoard. Normally ASYNC will be
selected. FOSSIL could be selected in situations where an ASYNC driver might
have problems such as under a software multitasker such as DESQview. You must
have a FOSSIL DRIVER such as X00 or BNU loaded if you select (F). You MUST
have a DigiBoard Intelligent MultiPort Board to utilize the "M" option.
ENTER "Y" IF YOU WANT TO "CREATE" AND ADD A FILE_ID.DIZ FILE
If you select "Y", ULTESTER will use the description the user entered for an
uploaded file and make a file_id.diz file, then add it to the archive. Enter
"N" if you do NOT wish to CREATE a file_id.diz.
SELECT AN ARCHIVE TYPE TO CONVERT ALL FILES TO
ULTESTER will extract ALL files from an uploaded archive (including recursed
directories). After scanning, the file(s) will be re-archived with this
default IF the "convert to" archive type is different than that which was used
on the uploaded file.
ENTER A "Y" TO HAVE ULTESTER CONVERT FILES OTHER THAN ZIP/ARJ/LZH
Selecting "Y" will cause *ALL* files uploaded to be converted to the specified
default archive type.
ENTER A "Y" TO ADD A ZIP OR ARJ COMMENT TO THE ARCHIVE HEADER
Enter "N" if you do NOT wish the header comment added to the archive. This is
naturally dependant upon the archive type(s) you allow uploaded to your
system.
ENTER THE PATH AND FILENAME OF A "FOOTER" FILE TO BE ADDED TO THE BOTTOM OF
THE ULTESTER TESTING SCREEN.
ULTESTER will attempt to control screen output of lines 19 through 25 for the
footer file, therefore limit this file to "7" screen lines to avoid the screen
scrolling. NOTE: You should have 2 files! (1) An ASCII one whose path & file
name you should enter above and (2) an ANSI file which *MUST* have a "G"
appended to the name entered above. Example: C:\IBBS\ULT\FOOTER (Include a
FOOTERG file for ANSI)
ENTER A "Y" IF YOU WOULD LIKE ULTESTER TO ADD THE TOTAL FILES RECEIVED IN AN
ARCHIVE FOLLOWED BY THE NEWEST AND OLDEST FILE DATES IN THE ARCHIVE.
ULTESTER counts the total number of files in an uploaded archive, including
all files in imbedded archives and those which might be in recursed
sub-directories. If you enter "Y" for this item, ULTESTER will make an entry
in the file description stating the number of files, the newest file date in
the archive and the oldest file date found in the archive.
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ENTER THE MINIMUM GIF RESOLUTION ALLOWED. YOU MUST ENTER IT IN THE FORMAT OF
###x###x###.
IF you do not enter a MINIMUM GIF Resolution, ULTESTER will bypass the
resolution verification. DO NOT enter any spaces in the minimum resolution.
It MUST be in the format depicted above. Example: 640x480x256
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IBBSTEST.BAT - Upload Testing Batch File
"IBBSTEST.BAT" is the last file to be mentioned in the UPLOAD testing
procedure. It is completely up to the SysOp to determine what goes in this
file as it controls the external testing of uploads by a program other than
IBCHK.EXE.
If you are not familiar with any of the external upload file verification
utilities such as "ULTESTER" then create one line in your IBBSTEST.BAT stating
":END" (no quotes).
IBCHK.EXE shells to IBBSTEST.BAT as mentioned above. If there are any
problems processing commands in IBBSTEST.BAT then IBCHK.EXE will resume
operation once control is returned by IBBSTEST.BAT.
To utilize an IBBSTEST.BAT file to call an archive test program such as
ULTESTER, you must ensure IBBSTEST.BAT has the correct command line for the
program being called.
NOTE: InterBBS passes two parameters to the IBBSTEST.BAT file:
1) File path & filename
2) The letter "T" if this is a test function Only
During a TEST, InterBBS lets the archive test program provide the
interaction and test progress information to the user. ULTESTER is aptly
suited for this function.
For ULTESTER, the below "Sample" command line is appropriate.
A sample IBBSTEST.BAT file:
@ECHO OFF
%IBDRV%
CD C:\IBBS\ULT
ULTESTER ULT%NODE%.CFG %1 %2 %3 %4
%IBDRV%
CD C:\IBBS\NODE%NODE%
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IBBSPACK - Message Packing Utility
IBBSPACK is a message file maintainance/packing utility. It currently
performs a number of useful functions. The FIRST parameter for IBBSPACK is
the /SIG:#### parameter which denoted the SIG in which you want to work on
conferences. IF you leave off the /SIG:#### paramter, it will default to
SIG:0
IBBSPACK will search to see if you have a RAMDISK. If it finds one and the
message file is small enough to use it, it will. This will dramatically speed
up your proccessing time. If you do NOT wish to use the RAM disk (ONLY if
available) you may use the /NORAM paramter on the end of any command line to
disable IBBSPACK from using it.
IBBSPACK will allow you to use a /FAST parameter on any command line which
will result in less screen output and speed up processing time.
Additionally IBBSPACK will accept the /NOBACK parameter which will cause NO
BACKUP files to be created when IBBSPACK performs it's functions. Using this
parameter should be used with extreme caution.
IBBSPACK pack supports removing messages older than a specified DATE or number
of DAYS, the command line option for this is:
IBBSPACK /SIG:#### <CONF#####> /DATE:MM-DD-YY
(removes messages from specified SIG, conference ##### with a
date before that date specified) Note that the date may be entered
as: MM-DD-YY, MM-DD-YYYY, MM/DD/YY, MM/DD/YYYY, MMDDYY
Example; IBBSPACK /SIG:3033 222 /DATE:12/25/89
OR
IBBSPACK /SIG:#### <CONF#####> /DATE:XX
(removes messages older than XX days)
Example; IBBSPACK /SIG:1 34 /DATE:90
PACK THE MESSAGE FILE: IBBSPACK /SIG:#### <CONF#>
Example: IBBSPACK /SIG:2 34
This removes deleted messages from the specified SIG and Conference,
preserving the low message number. To run IBBSPACK you need to be in a NODE
directory. IBBSPACK.EXE needs to be located somewhere in your DOS path.
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RENUMBER THE MESSAGE FILE: IBBSPACK /SIG:#### <CONF#> /RE:<STARTING MSG#>
Example: IBBSPACK /SIG:17 34 /RE:15000
This example will pack SIG 17, conference #34 and will change the starting
message number to 15000. "/RE:" is currently the *only* option available for
repacking. a "plain" repack just removes deletes messages from the file,
while a (/RE:) renumber removes deleted messages and renumbers all messages.
If you renumber messages, user's high message read pointers will be affected.
The pointers will either be reduced to the low message number, raised to the
high message number or be located somewhere in between. If you renumber
messages, be sure to leave users some "News" and advise them to use the [L]
command after joining a conference to adjust their high message read pointers
as required.
REBUILD THE CONFERENCE FILE INDEX: IBBSPACK /SIG:#### <CONF#> /IN
Example: IBBSPACK /SIG:1033 34 /IN
IBBSPACK will attempt to rebuild SIG 1033, conferences 34's INDEX file if the
conference has been corrupted. Depending on how badly the conference has
become it may or may not succeed. You SHOULD always run a /INDEX on a
conference BEFORE PACKing or RESIZing it.
RESIZE THE CONFERENCE MESSAGE FILE: IBBSPACK /SIG:#### <CONF#> /MAX:#
Example: IBBSPACK /SIG:98 34 /MAX:500
IBBSPACK will resize the conference message base to the last "X" number of
messages entered. This is a good way to keep you message bases small or to
trim them before lowering the number of message blocks allocated in IBBSCFG.
Remember, 1 message block will hold upto 1024 messages.
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IB-NET - Message Pointer Utility
The program IB-NET.EXE is included for the SysOps who are running echo mail
conferences which handle echo mail such as FIDONet, LinkUSA, etc. IB-NET will
also update mail waiting pointers after an upload to the system of a .REP
packet from the QWK Mail menu.
Place IB-NET.EXE in your path.
Go to the node directory IB-NET will ALWAYS be run from and run:
IB-NET SIG:#### SCAN
NOTE: The parameter only should be run the first time you run IB-NET for
EACH SIG number you have to build the INDEX file. Once run with the SCAN
parameter, you do not need to run it again. IB-NET should be run directly
after you import any echo mail into your message bases from an echo mail
network.
The command line for this program is simply:
IB-NET SIG:#### [where #### = the SIG number mail was imported in to]
This will update all message pointers and set all "Mail Waiting" flags in the
echo mail conferences. There is a 3 second pause after the program runs so
that you can see the results. You may append a QWK parameter to the command
line to disable the 3 second pause.
Example; IB-NET SIG:2 QWK
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MODEMSET - Modem Setup Utility
MODEMSET is a utility to assist you in "Installing" your modem. It has
initialization and setup parameters for many popular modems.
MODEMSET expects you to specify the serial port to use and the baud rate to
open the serial port at. If using serial port 3 or 4 or if using a
non-standard base address or IRQ, the IRQ and serial port base address must be
included on the command line.
EXAMPLE: MODEMSET 1 38400
This tells MODEMSET you will use serial port "1" which will be opened at 38400
baud.
EXAMPLE: MODEMSET 4 57600 15 &h3f8
This tells MODEMSET you will use serial port #4 and want to open the port at
19200 baud. additionally, you are specifying IRQ #15 and a serial port base
address of 3f8 (&h3f8).
NOTE: The format for the serial port base address must be specified, if in the
format above, with "&h" as the first 2 characters.
MODEMSET will give you two menu options:
Select Modem
Quit
Selection "1" allows you to view the available modems in alphabetical order
pausing at each screen full. Once you see the modem you use and answer "N" to
the "More" query, you may enter the number adjacent to the your modem. You
will be presented with some initialization parameters for your modem and you
may have the initialization process performed by pressing <ENTER>.
If you choose to initialize the modem with the listed settings, your modem is
sent the commands you see on the screen if it has NRAM (non-volatile ram).
If initialization is successful, the initialization string of "ATZ" is placed
in SRCONFIG for a modem with nram. for non-nram modems, the recommended
initialization string shown on the screen is written to SRCONFIG. Consult
your modem manual if you have problems with calls not being answered.
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BUILDNDX.EXE - File Index Compiler
With the advent of CD-ROM technology and the scramble to add huge amounts of
information to bulletin board systems with high capacity, low cost hard
drives, many found themselves with a problem. Their BBS software couldn't
handle dealing with CD-ROM drives due to not being able to write to those
directories. Slow transfer times and the huge amount of files would bog down
the system while the software searched through the physical directories and
read the names of each of thousands of files on the hard drive. Even now, a
lot of BBS software can only "deal" with CD-ROM drives but do not allow you to
manipulate files on them.
InterBBS's BUILDNDX handles all this and more. If you are using CD-ROM
or Floptical drives with your BBS you should read this section carefully. Be
sure to take advantage of the "File To Run Before And After File Transfer"
option setup in IBBSCFG.
BUILDNDX is a utility to build an index file of all the file names on your
system. When you run your system using an index file instead of the DIR.LST
parameters, InterBBS ignores your DIR.LST paths during file searches
and instead searches your index file for the filename. If not found, it then
searches your DLPATH.LST for alternate file download directories to search.
This allows fast file searching and eliminates the need to search huge DIRxx
description files and physical searches of your CD-ROM drives or hard drives.
InterBBS will search through a typical index file with approximately
30,000 files on a 486 machine in under a second and then verify the physical
file still exists in the place the index file has it recorded as being (this
time depends on the seek time of your CD-ROM drive but is usually also under 1
second).
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A sample of an index file transfers is similar to this:
USER REQUEST:
Searches INDEX file -IF EXIST GOTO FOUND
Searches DLPATH.LST -IF EXIST GOTO FOUND
If NOT FOUND, Tell User that file is not on disk or his security level is
too low.
FOUND:
Checks the users security level against that which is recorded for the file
directory
IF OK GOTO SLOW DRIVE
IF BAD, Tell User that file is not on disk or his security level is too low.
SLOW DRIVE: Is drive listed as a slow drive?
IF YES GOTO MOVE ELSE GOTO BAT
MOVE: Copies file from slow drive to hard drive - GOTO BAT
BAT: If you specified a batch file to run before and after a file transfer it
will be done now. This allows you to strip BBS ads or zip comments
from files on your CD-ROM before transferring it to your user,
however, this will take a few extra seconds.
DL: The file is sent to your user.
IMPORTANT!
This is not a batch file and only shown here to give you reference to how
indexed file transfers are handled!
As you can see, this allows you complete and total control over every file on
your system, including the files on your CD-ROM drives. Setting up your index
configuration file is fairly simple. Once completed, it can be used over and
over again with minimal maintenance.
BUILDNDX.EXE should be located in your path or in the directory you are
compiling your index file in. Before you can compile your file index, you
must create an index configuration file. This file simply lists a file
listing, the path to the directories you wish to index, and the security level
needed to obtain files in that directory.
On the following page is a sample setup of an index configuration file:
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The following is what the contents of the .PTH file should look like,
referencing all Hard Drive and Slow Drive's and thier PATHS with downloadable
files.
C:\ZIP\,40
C:\FILES\,100
C:\FILES\ARCHIVE\,40
C:\FILES\BATCH\,40
C:\FILES\BBSAPPS\,40
C:\FILES\BBSLISTS\,40
G:\001A\,40
G:\002A\,40
G:\004A\,40
G:\005A\,40
G:\006A\,40
G:\007A\,40
H:\010A\,40
H:\011A\,40
H:\012A\,40
H:\013A\,40
H:\015A\,40
H:\016A\,40
H:\017A\,40
I:\COMPRESS\,40
I:\DBASE\,40
I:\DIAG\,40
I:\DOOR\,40
I:\DRIVER\,40
I:\EDITOR\,40
I:\EDUCATE\,40
I:\FONT\,40
In the above sample, C:\ is a hard drive with the file to index (all available
file directories can be listed) and G:\, H:\, and I:\ are all CD-ROMs. The
setup is as follows:
[drive and path],[security level needed to access]
EXAMPLE: C:\FILES\ANSI\,100
In the above example, the path is C:\FILES\ANSI\.
NOTE: You must have a trailing backslash, then a comma "," then the security
level of 100 which means that the user accessing must have a security level of
100 or greater to download, view or test files in this area.
Please also note that there may be NO SPACES in the file.
Once this file is created, you can run the compiler with the following command
line:
BUILDNDX [file_in.PTH] [file_out.IDX]
EXAMPLE: BUILDNDX DIR.PTH CONF0001.IDX
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CONFUTIL - InterBBS Conference Utility
The conference utility will perform a few operations on existing conferences.
The InterBBS Conference Utility (CONFUTIL.EXE) enables you to perform
several operations on your existing conference configuration.
The options are:
1: Move a Conference - Move to another Conference's Position.
2: Copy a Conference - *replaces* the target conference #.
3: Blank Conferences - Disables a range of conferences by "BLANKING" the
conference name and resetting all user message pointers for the affected
conferences to null.
4: Swap two Conferences - Swaps the position of two conferences.
5: Delete Conferences - Deletes a range of conferences. Resets all user
message pointers for the affected conferences to null.
6: Insert Conferences - Inserts a specified number of conferences unless the
total number of conferences would exceed 32765. Moves all user message
pointers as necessary. All user message pointers for the INSERTED
conferences are nulled.
IMPORTANT! The numbering of conferences on the command line is from 0 to the
highest conference # you have configured. This is exactly the same method used
by InterBBS (IBBS.EXE) and IBBSCFG.EXE. The maximum conference number allowed
on the command-line is 32765. You may NOT move conferences across SIGS.
Now that you have an indication of what this utility can do, be forewarned! -
it is extremely powerful and caution must be exercised. Much care and testing
has been done to this point, however it is possible under certain
circumstances things could go wrong without warning. It is most advisable you
back up these files (.ZIP, TAPE, FLOPPY, etc) prior to starting Confutil:
USERS
SIG####.@@@
SIG####.SEC
SIG####.LST
SIG####.USR (if More than 40 total conferences are present).
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Running CONFUTIL.EXE
Confutil operates from the DOS command line. There is no user interface or
menu. Before running confutil ensure you have performed a CHDIR to an
InterBBS node sub-directory (where an SRCONFIG file is located). To start
Confutil, enter "confutil" followed by the command line parameters necessary
to perform the task you want completed. Examples of command lines follow:
Confutil /SIG:7 0 5 /COPY ; Copies Conf #0 to #5 (Conf #0 remains).
Confutil /SIG:5 5 12 /BLANK ; Blanks out 12 Conferences starting at #5
Confutil /SIG:3 5 845 /SWAP ; Swaps Confs #5 and #845.
Confutil /SIG:1 105 17 /DELETE ; Deletes 17 Conferences starting at #105
Confutil /SIG:0 1 5 /MOVE ; Moves Conf #1 TO Conf #5.
Confutil /SIG:11 10 /INSERT ; Inserts 10 Conferences starting at #5
Confutil does minimum Syntax checking on the passed command line. It will not
function is a conference number less than 0 or a conference number greater
than the highest existing conference is passed. Confutil will prompt you if
you wish to continue before it begins working on any files. This is your last
opportunity to avoid permanent changes to the existing files mentioned above.
Confutil does backup each file prior to modifying the original files. You
would be wise to check the affected files listed above after *each* time
Confutil is allowed to run its course. If no /SIG:#### parameter is specified
then CONFUTIL will assume SIG 0.
Confutil Function Details
Copying
confutil /sig:# x y /COPY
When the /COPY parameter is seen on the command line Confutil prepares to
perform one of its most simple functions. Copying will read conference "x"
from the SIG####.@@@ and replace conference "y" with an exact duplicate of
conference "x".
Swapping
confutil /sig:# x y /SWAP
When the /SWAP parameter is seen on the command line Confutil prepares to
perform another its simple functions. Swapping will read conferences "x" and
"y" from SIG####.@@@ and swap their positions.
Delete
confutil /sig:# x y /DELETE
When the /DELETE parameter is seen on the command line Confutil prepares to
work a bit harder. Deleting a conference means all conferences beyond the
deleted conferences will be shifted left "y" places in the SIG####.@@@ file.
The end result is "y" fewer conference.
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Blank
confutil /sig:# x y /BLANK
When the /BLANK parameter is seen on the command line Confutil prepares works
with enthusiasm. Blanking conferences removes the names from the SIG####.@@@
file for all conferences from "x" to "y". This causes InterBBS to ignore this
conference as it is inactive. Additionally, all user message pointers are
nulled in the "blanked" conferences.
Move
confutil /sig:# x y /MOVE
When the /MOVE parameter is seen on the command line Confutil prepares to
perform its most intense task. Moving a conference involves placing
conference "x" into conference "y"'s position. In order to do this all the
affected conferences from "x" to "y" must be shifted as necessary to complete
the move.
For example let's say x is 20 and y is 30. When Confutil is finished records
21 - 30 have been shifted left one position to make room for the move of
conference 20 to position 30.
Insert
confutil /sig:# x y /INSERT
When the /INSERT parameter is seen on the command line Confutil prepares to
get busy!. Inserting a conference(s) involves placing conference "x" into
conference "y"'s position. In order to do this all the affected conferences
from "x" to "y" must be shifted as necessary to complete the Insertion.
For example let's say x is 20 and y is 10. When Confutil is finished records
20 - 29 will have the default MAIN BOARD settings. The original conferences
20-29 have been shifted right to make room for the new conferences. You may
never insert so many conferences so that the maximum of 32765 conferences is
exceeded.
Summary
Confutil will assist you in organizing obsolete conferences. It also provides
a simple way of inserting or deleting conferences. The "hard" work will be
updating your conference listing files (CL/CLS/CLR). It is strongly suggested
you plan ahead and make some room for insertion of future conferences by
leaving some BLANK conferences at strategic locations in your conference
planning.
Confutil is quite efficient and its speed is ultimately governed by the number
of users present in your users file and the number of conferences in use.
NOTE: You *must* run IBBSCFG.EXE from a node directory when you are finished
with CONFUTIL. Once IBBSCFG is started, be sure you exit with the "Y" response
to the "Save Configuration?" question.
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When Confutil performs a task, each user record in the USERS and SIG####.USR
files are manipulated to reposition the bitmaps which keep users' flags and
the high message read pointers. The more users you have the longer this
will take.
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CNAMES120 - PCBoard's CNAMES.@@@ Utility
With compatibility in mind, and since we have a number of features in
InterBBS that are PCBoard compatible, we created CNAME120.EXE. This
utility will create a PCBoard v15.x compatible CNAMES, CNAMES.@@@, CNAMES.ADD
and PCBOARD.DAT file. This will allow InterBBS to use many utilities
and doors already designed for PCBoard such as QFront, a FidoNet Mail Front
End program.
The CNAMES, CNAMES.ADD and CNAMES.@@@ file may be shared if all your nodes
that have identical conference information.
CNAME120.EXE must be run from a node directory.
COMMAND LINE EXAMPLE: CNAME120
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IBBSNODE - Node Monitoring Utility
IBBSNODE enables you to view a list of who is currently on-line and what they
are doing on the system. The list shown on your screen is updated every few
seconds.
If you are running a multi-node BBS via a network, IBBSNODE will interface
with "Network" monitoring utilities (such as The Network Eye by Artisoft).
You may "Pop-In" on one of the nodes that is displayed on your IBBSNODE screen
by arrowing down and pressing enter once the node monitoring utility is
installed.
In order to accomplish this, you will need to create a batch file called
"NODE.BAT" in your BBS's Main directory (ie: \IBBS). This file MUST be called
NODE.BAT and be "read-only" once created.
Below is the necessary contents of the NODE.BAT file:
@ECHO OFF
REM - NODE.BAT NETWORK MONITORING INTERFACE BATCHFILE -
TNE-USE %1 %2 >NUL
The variables above (following TNE-USE) represent the following:
%1 - Node# (where # = node number)
%2 - The actual node number
The node number in the batch file is represented two times. This may seem
redundant but is necessary.
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CONTROL FILES - UPSEC
This file is not required by InterBBS but is described for those who
will run ProDoor.
C:\UPLOADS\,*.EXE,100, - Path, file name info, access required
C:\UPLOADS\,*.TXT,100, - Path, file name info, access required
C:\UPLOADS\,*.ZOO,100, - Path, file name info, access required
C:\ANSI\*.*,30, - Download Path, filename info, access level required etc.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
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CONTROL FILES - DIRxx
Use a text editor to edit the various directories listing files. You must use
the file names you have specified in the file directory configuration when you
edited the List File (DIR.LST) in IBBSCFG.
There MUST be at least two non-description line in the file before the actual
file directory information begins in order for the search to properly work.
The first of the non- descriptive lines may be a call for a file header (See
below).
This is the format and a sample InterBBS File Listing Directory file;
0 1 1 2 2 3 3 7
1----------2 5-----1 4------1 4-------------------------------------------9
NAME OF FILE SIZE DATE| DESCRIPTION OF FILES
( May be Multiple Lines )
1) File Name is positions 1-12.
2) Size is positions 15-21 right justified.
3) Date is positions 24-31.
4) Description text is positions 34-79.
5) A "|" character is at position 32 for each multiple description line.
A sample entry for a DIRxx file might look like this:
MC-VISA.ZIP 1202640 10-28-93 Master-Card Visa SysOps, use
| Credit Cards on your BBS
| Uploaded by: JOE TESTER
The format is provided as a guide to properly format the directory entries.
ALL fields MUST begin at the start positions indicated in the sample except
for the SIZE field. It should END at position 21 and begin at position 15 or
higher.
You may add a header to the top of your DIRxx file. To do this, simply add a
line to the FIRST LINE of your DIRxx file in this format;
%[PATH][FILENAME]
% directs InterBBS to read the file pointed to in the PATH and FILENAME
statement.
The filename you specify should have 7 or less characters as it will look for
the specified filename with an appended "G" if the user is in ANSI or an
appended "R" if the user is in.
RIPscrip mode. You may have 3 versions of the header file in the path you
specify. In the below example, we user the filename HDR-STD, this would be
the name of the ASCII version of your header. In the same path you may also
have HDR-STDG for ANSI users and HDR-STDR for RIPscrip users.
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This line MUST be followed by a BLANK LINE then start your DIRxx entries.
%C:\IBBS\DISP\HDR-STD
<Blank Line>
MC-VISA.ZIP 1202640 10-28-93 Master-Card Visa SysOps, use
| Credit Cards on your BBS.
| Uploaded by: JOE TESTER
IMPORTANT!
The DIRxx files MUST have a minimum of 2 lines in the header for proper
operation and to prevent possible lockups due to the extreme speed of the
InterBBS routines used for text and/or date searches.
NOTE: There are a number of utilities that make short work of DIRxx list
maintenance. Among them are DFMS, RWDIR and WGM-DMS. They can be found
(along with a ton other DIR utilities) on most BBSes. Another valuable
utility is WGM-MAKE which will read all the files in your directory, extract
any FILE_ID.DIZ's found, and create a complete DIRxx file for you. All you
need to do is add your header!
The directory listing files are configured in the conference configuration
section in IBBSCFG. The names of the listing files are contained in the DIR.LST
type file along with the category or name of the directory listing, security
level and a DOS path where InterBBS should look for the actual files
(See also DLPATH.LST and File INDEXing).
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CONTROL FILES - IBBSPROT.DAT
One of the biggest complaints we hear from SysOps is that their BBS software
does not allow external protocols, does not allow enough external protocols,
or that protocols such as ZModem were built into the BBS and could not be
updated to newer versions. When we developed InterBBS we took a look
at this problem and decided that a separate, single control file for all the
transfer protocols was preferable to building them into the software. We
think that you will find this to be an easier method for transfer protocol
installation and maintenance.
This is an ASCII text file that must be EDITED BY THE SYSOP which contains
external protocol information that InterBBS uses to display the
available file transfer protocols and to create the "on the fly" batch files
for file transfers.
A sample IBBSPROT.DAT file and its format description is given below.
1
Z110Zmodem with Resume Capability - (Still the best!)
DSZ port %1 handshake slow pB4096 sz -s -m
DSZ port %1 handshake slow pB4096 rz -m -r
Breakdown of the entry
1 Number of external protocols available
Z Letter (HOTKEY) to select this protocol,
1 Use a 1 if the protocol can resume an aborted upload as ZModem can.
0 if it can not,
1 Enter a 1 if the protocol supports batch transfers.
0 if it can not.,
1 Enter a 1 if the protocol supports bi-directional transfers.
0 if it can not,
ZModem with Resume Capability = Protocol desc (40 Char Limit)
DSZ port %1 ha sl pB4096 sz -s -m = This is the send command line
DSZ port %1 ha sl pB4096 rz -m -r = The receive command line
The above is a DSZ (ZModem) command line. For further information, refer to
the documentation for the external protocol you are configuring for use.
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This is an actual IBBSPROT.DAT file for your reference;
5
Z110Zmodem with Resume Capability - (Still the Best!)
DSZ port %1 handshake both pB4096 sz -s -m
DSZ port %1 handshake both pB4096 rz -m -r
P110Puma Protocol with Resume Capability
Puma LC:\IBBS\NODE1\DSZLOG p%1 x+ s
Puma LC:\IBBS\NODE1\DSZLOG p%1 x+ r+ r
G010Ymodem-G Batch (Error Correcting Modems ONLY!!)
DSZ port %1 handshake both sb -k -g -s
DSZ port %1 handshake both rb -g -p
O000Xmodem-1k
DSZ port %1 handshake both sx -ks
DSZ port %1 handshake both rx -c -k -y
C000Xmodem CRC and Checksum
DSZ port %1 handshake both sx
DSZ port %1 handshake both rx -c
YOU DO NOT NEED TO MAINTAIN A SEPARATE IBBSPROT.DAT FILE FOR EACH NODE. THE
SERIAL PORT INFORMATION IS PASSED TO THE FILE THROUGH THE %1 DOS VARIABLE.
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CONTROL FILES - % Syntax
InterBBS looks for the "%" syntax imbedded within display, menu, and
other files. When InterBBS encounters a %PATH\FILENAME syntax it will
immediately suspend what it is currently displaying and run or display the
FILENAME on the % syntax specified.
NOTE: Files may be "chained" by adding a "%FileName" to an existing file.
EXAMPLE: If you started your Main Menu Display File with a;
%C:\IBBS\DISP\UPDATE.TXT
@WAIT@
@CLS@
[REGULAR MAIN MENU]
InterBBS would display the contents of UPDATE.TXT which might be a new
command you have added, wait for the user to Press enter, then clear the
screen and proceed to display the normal Main Menu Display File.
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CONTROL FILES - Remote Mode Doors
In remote mode, a DOOR requires a SERIAL port for proper execution. The DOORS
are created like those in local mode, but further manipulation is necessary.
REMOTE Mode DOORS are handled in three ways:
1) The Serial port routines may be written directly into the "DOOR" program.
This provides greatest control, but the most work.
2) Communication routines to initiating the DOOR application. A sample batch
file to initiate such door with the CTTY command is below. The caller sees
any host or local node that is displayed such as the MYTEXT display.
@ECHO OFF (No DOS echo)
CTTY COM1: (COM1 output)
TYPE MYTEXT (function)
CTTY CON (Output to scrn)
IBRUN.BAT (Load BBS)
IMPORTANT! IMPORTANT! IMPORTANT! IMPORTANT!
IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO USE THIS TYPE ROUTINE UNLESS YOU HAVE A BREAK COMMAND
DISABLE PROGRAM AND A CARRIER DETECT PROGRAM. IF A USER DROPS CARRIER IN A
COMM ROUTINE LIKE THIS THE NEXT CALLER COULD LOG IN TO YOUR DOS! IF A USER
BREAKS OUT OF THIS, HE COULD BE SITTING IN YOUR DOS DIRECTORY AND EXECUTE A
"FORMAT C:" COMMAND!
BE VERY CAREFUL!
3) Instead of using the CTTY command, a program called "DOORWAY" by Dudley
Marshall, may be used (AND IS RECOMMENDED). It also redirects screen output
and keyboard input through the Serial Port, but provides many additional
features that add reliability, further compatibility and SECURITY.
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CONTROL FILES - Downloadable Files
The SysOp can place a file inside one of the directories specified in DIR.LST
or DLPATH.LST to make it available for download. This doesn't provide a
listing for the file. It only places the file in the directory and only users
aware of its existence can download it. To add a file listing that includes
the filename, date, and description, the SysOp has several options:
As previously discussed in the IBBSCFG DIR.LST section, the DIR.LST file holds
the names and paths of several DIRx text files. Each file represents a
different directory which contains the names of files available for
downloading within that directory. Among others, the DIR.LST file consists of
DIR Text Filename & Path and Hard Disk Sub-directory fields.
1a) Run IBBSCFG to edit the DIR.LST file. (Conference Configuration Section)
b) Add definitions for the new DIR file or locate an existing DIR file that
will eventually hold the file to download.
c) Make note of the Hard Disk Sub-directory and the DIRxx file name.
d) Then exit IBBSCFG.
e) At the DOS prompt, copy the file to the Hard Disk Sub-directory listed in
the DIR.LST file for the directory in which the file will be stored.
f) Use the IBFILER utility to edit the DIRxx file. (See IBFILER in the SYSOP
UTILITIES SECTION).
2a) Place the file in any of your alternate directory paths (DLPATH.LST) and
let the users know it is there.
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FILE STRUCTURES
Below you will find a listing of ALL the files that InterBBS v1.0
uses/creates.
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APPENDIX A - Running With A Front-End Loader
InterBBS supports the capability for a SysOp to utilize a "front-end"
program to load the BBS and control the events such as net mail exporting and
importing.
If you desire to use a "front-end" loader, you will have to answer "Y" to the
"Using a front-end to load BBS" question in IBBSCFG's Modem Set Up Section.
This will cause InterBBS to return to DOS after each call. Your
front-end batch file will then be able to take control of communications and
events until another call is received.
Parameters which MUST be passed to InterBBS by the front-end program
are BAUDRATE and /ERR (If error correcting connection is made). Any baud rate
may be passed to InterBBS by using the baud rate on the command line as
in: /C:2400 /C:9600 /C:14400 etc. InterBBS handles baud rates up to
115200. These items are passed to InterBBS as shown:
IBBS /C:BAUDRATE <ERROR CORRECTION STRING> EVENT<MINUTES>
The following two parameters may also be passed to InterBBS:
/C:0 (Local Logon)
/C:8 (SysOp Logon)
Example IBBS.EXE string: IBBS /C:%1 %2 EVENT%3
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APPENDIX B - Running Under DESQview & OS/2
DESQview, from Quarterdeck Office Systems, and OS/2 2.11 and Warp v3.0, from
IBM provide excellent, low-cost, software platforms for SysOps wanting
multiple nodes on a single PC. DESQview has continued to be a proven
environment for multitasking over the years where so many others have
floundered and IBM has provided a reliable multitasking enviroment that does
not require a DOS platform beneath it. It is because of this that we have
included on our Tech Support BBS, text files that will help you set up your
system with these multitaskers.
For OS/2 users, please download OS2-IBBS.ZIP
For DESQview users, please download DV-IBBS.ZIP
NOTE: These files will be available after DEC 15th, 1994
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APPENDIX C - Macros
InterBBS supports a wide array of macros for conveniently displaying
information about the caller and the system, controlling the display and user
input and addressing messages.
A "SysOp" level user can enter a message to a users having specific security
level or to users who fall within a range of security levels:
@70@ (level 70 ONLY) or @70-100@ (Level 70 through level 100)
A message addressed to a security level will result in the message being
treated as a NEW personal message to any user whose security level is being
addressed and the user will be notified of new mail waiting at logon.
A "SysOp" level user may also address a message to @USER@. A message addressed
to @USER@ will result in the message being treated as a NEW personal message
to all users and they will be notified of new mail waiting at logon.
InterBBS is unique with this mail waiting notification in that it needs
to perform no search at logon to notify the user of new mail. The
conference(s) having mail waiting are included in the notification. A user
may choose to read new personal mail at the time of notification or wait until
later (Unless the SysOp has the "FORCE Users to read waiting Mail" option
turned on!).
Many MENU and DISPLAY sample files are included in your InterBBS
package and will serve as prime examples of how to use the InterBBS
macros within them.
With the exception of 9 macros, all may be included in text files, menus,
bulletins and messages. The macros not supported within messages are:
@BEEP@@MORE@ @QON@
@CLS@@PON@@QOFF@
@HANGUP@ @POFF@ @WAIT@
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INFORMATION ABOUT THE CALLER:
@ALIAS@ = User's "ALIAS" name
@BAL@ = BALANCE in user's hourly subscription account (hr)
@BLEFT@ = User's BYTES LEFT for download today
@BLIMIT@ = Daily BYTE LIMIT on downloads
@DOB@ = User's BIRTHDATE
@BDAY@ = Download BYTES TODAY
@BRATIO@ = Download BYTE RATIO
@CITY@ = CITY the caller is from (from FNUSERS.INF file)
@CTYSTATE@ = CITY & STATE the caller is from (from USERS file)
@DLEFT@ = DAYS LEFT for hourly subscription
@EXPDATE@ = EXPIRATION DATE for non-hourly subscription
@EXPDAYS@ = EXPIRATION DAYS left for non-hourly subscription
@FDT@ = FILES Downloaded TODAY
@FIRST@ = FIRST name (first letter capitalized)
@FIRSTU@ = FIRST name (all caps)
@FRATIO@ = Download FILE RATIO
@KBLEFT@ = K BYTES LEFT (= @bytesleft@ / 1024)
@KBLIMIT@ = K BYTE LIMIT (= @bytelimit@ / 1024)
@LDATE@ = LAST DATE on
@LFIRST@ = lower case first name of caller.
@LLAST@ = lower case last name of caller. Note: If user has
a single word name, @LLAST@ will return the same
information as @LFIRST@.
@LNEW@ = LAST "NEW files search" date
@LTIME@ = LAST amount of TIME on
@MAXB@ = MAXIMUM number of BYTES allowed to download
@MAXBATCH@ = MAXIMUM Number of files in a BATCH file transfer
@MAXBR@ = MAXIMUM allowed BYTE RATIO
@MAXF@ = MAXIMUM number of FILES allowed to download
@MAXFR@ = MAXIMUM allowed FILE RATIO
@MSGLEFT@ = Number of MESSAGES LEFT (Written)
@PDESC@ = Default PROTOCOL DESCRIPTION
@PLTR@ = Default PROTOCOL LETTER
@SEC@ = SECURITY level
@STATE@ = STATE caller is from (from FNUSERS.INF file)
@TDB@ = TOTAL DOWNLOADED BYTES
@TDF@ = TOTAL DOWNLOADED FILES
@TIMESON@ = Number of TIMES ON
@TLEFT@ = TIME LEFT today
@TLIMIT@ = TIME LIMIT
@TUB@ = TOTAL BYTES UPLOADED
@TUF@ = TOTAL FILES UPLOADED
@UCOMMENT@ = USER's *Public* personal information COMMENT
@USER@ = USER's full name (all caps)
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ADDRESSING MESSAGES (Placed In The "TO:" Field Within A Message):
@USER@ = Addresses a message to EVERYONE
@##@ = Messages are addressed to users of the security
level specified by "##".
@##-##@ = Messages are addressed to users of the security
level specified by a range of numbers ##-##.
SYSTEM INFORMATION:
@BBSNAME@ = Displays the BBS NAME as defined in IBBSCFG.
@CNUM:####@ = where #### is the number of a conference to for
InterBBS return the CONFERENCE NAME for.
Example: @CNUM:0000@ would return the name of
the first conference, normally "MAIN BOARD" or
something similar.
@CMSGS@ = Current CONFERENCE total active MESSAGES
@CONFNAME@ = Current CONFERENCE NAME joined
@CONFNUM@ = Current CONFERENCE NUMBER joined
@CSIG@ = Returns the name of the Current SIG/Forum joined.
@DNAM:####@ = Returns the DOOR Name for the door number specified.
@DNAM:0133@ would return the doorname for door 133
as it is in the IBBSCFG door.lst file.
@EVENT@ = Time next EVENT "Window" opens
@FNUM:####@ = where #### is the number of a file area within
the current conference joined for InterBBS
to return the FILE AREA NAME for. This is the
CATAGORY name defined in the DIR.LST file.
Example: @FNUM:0000@ would return the name of the
first conference, say "InterBBS Files" or
something similar.
@FVER@ = InterBBS Version running (ex: v1.0)
@HMR@ = User's HIGH MESSAGE READ
@HMSG@ = HIGH MESSAGE number in current conference
@LMSG@ = LOW MESSAGE number in current conference
@NEWM:####@ = will report the number of new messages in the
specified conference number for the user that is
currently viewing the macro.
Example: New Message Available: @NEWM:45@
@NODE@ = NODE Number
@NUMBLT@ = NUMBER of BULLETINS
@PNODE@ = The Node being paged for chat
@PREVCALL@ = Name of the PREVIOUS CALLER on this node
@SDATE@ = Current SYSTEM DATE
@SALIAS@ = SysOp's ALIAS name.
@SFIRST@ = SysOp's FIRST name only
@SIG:####@ = Returns the name of the SIG/Forum number specified.
@SIG:0000@ would return the name of SIG 0, usually
"Main Board".
@SLAST@ = SysOp's LAST name.only
@SNAME@ = SysOp's FULL name
@SNODE:##@ = STATUS of NODE(xx) and Caller Information
(Similar to IBBSNODE's information).
@STIME@ = Current SYSTEM TIME.
@TCALLS@ = TOTAL number of CALLS the system has received.
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CURSOR, DISPLAY, SCREEN AND SYSTEM CONTROL MACROS:
@BAN:##@ = Scrolls a line of text through a designated line
length ("window") on a single line as a BANNER.
The window size must be less than 78 characters
and must not exceed 78 plus the current position.
The "##" is the window length. You may use a
single line of text following the macro or you
may display the contents of a file (entire
contents) by having a "%" followed by the path
and filename of a file to.
@BEEP@ = Sends a <CTL><G> (ASCII BELL character) to the
caller but is not heard on the local machine
unless the Beep is turned on.
@CBUP:##@ = Cursor back-up ## places on a line. Requires ANSI
Support (should *only* be used in files)
@CLREOL@ = Clear to End-of-Line. Requires ANSI Support.
(Should *ONLY* be used in files)
@CLS@ = Clear the entire screen (must start in column 1)
@CPOS:####@ = Locates the cursor to the position implied but
the (####) value. A user *MUST* have ANSI
capability (not necessarily in graphics mode) for
this function to proceed. The function expects a
strictly formatted number indicating the row and
column to locate the cursor to. As for example:
@CPOS:1235@ would cause the cursor to be located
to row 12, column 35 on both the local and remote
(if caller is connened) computers. The numbers
are based 1-based. 01-23 and 01-80 are valid
numbers for this function.
@CLW:#############@ = where the "#" characters translate to:
ULRow, ULCol, LLRow, LLCol, FGCcolor, BGColor,
Intensity. This macro REQUIRES ANSI capability
on the caller's end. The color codes are ANSI
colors such as 30-37 and 40-47 where the numbers
beginning with "3" are foreground colors and those
beginning with "4" are background colors. The
intensity "#" should be set at "0" for low
intensity or "1" for high intensity. This macro
clears a "window" on the screen by filling it with
spaces. Use the "@CWIN:####@" macro to quickly
clear a portion of the screen by erasing ENTIRE
lines of text with the ANSI CLREOL code.
Example: @CLW:1015206533401@ The example will
clear the portion of the screen starting at row 10,
column 15 through row 20 column 65. It will use
high intensity 30 on 40 (yellow on black).
Note: ALL "#" characters must be replaced by
numbers. Use "05" instead of "5", etc.
@CWIN:####@ = which will use the ANSI CLREOL command to quickly
clear a portion of the screen by erasing entire
lines of text. Example: @CWIN:0510@ The above
example clears the lines 5 through 10 of the
screen. Note: ALL "#" characters must be
replaced by numbers. Use "05" instead of "5", etc.
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@DELAY:###@ = Stops program execution for (###) tenths of a
second. An approximate maximum delay of 25.5
seconds is possible.
@DOFF@ = Cancels the delayed print mode.
@DON:#@ = A teletype-like printing function. Causes text to
be printed as though it is being typed. Currently,
the # should be 1 or 2 (max.!). This is a
"delayed" print function. You should restrict
its use to files only. NOTE: This macro will
only work for a full line (or lines).It can not
be used to print "part" of a line at one speed
and another "part" of the *SAME* line at a
different speed. Different lines may use the
command to change the speed.
@FIRST:20C@ = Added support for "ALL Data Related Macros" to
include Centering, and Left/Right justification
of the text the macro produces. You use the
normal macro (as our example), followed with the
":##?" all prior to the ending "@" terminator.
The "?" may be "C" for center, "R" for right
justify or nothing to left justify. The number
after the ":" indicates the designated space the
macros is to fill. Based on the output method
(Centered, Left, or Right justified), blanks are
used to exactly fill the desired portion of the
screen. If a variable length is equal to or
greater than that specified as the "field" length,
the request is ignored.
@HANGUP@ = Hangs the caller up (ONLY may placed in a file,
not a message and must start in column 1) current
position of the cursor.
@MORE@ = Cause a "more?" prompt to be displayed. This
macro, placed within a multi screen display will
also give the user the ability to Page Up to
previos screens.
@POFF@ = Turns Prompts OFF (disables "More?" prompt)
@PON@ = Turns Prompts ON (enables "More?" prompt)
@POS:##@ = Positions the cursor "forward" on the same line to
the (##) position. The new location can not be
less than the current position of the cursor.
@QOFF@ = Disables CTRL-X/CTRL-K checking (display abort)
@QON@ = Enables CTRL-X/CTRL-K checking (display abort)
@WAIT@ = Display a "Press Enter to Continue" prompt
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APPENDIX D - Color Macros
InterBBS employs a fast internal ANSI driver. This reduces the urge to
employ the popular @Xfb macros in text files and menus. However, because so
many display files are in existence today using the popular @Xfb macros, we
have included compatibility with InterBBS @Xfb codes do have an
advantage in that they can be edited quickly and easily in a text editor while
ANSI is more difficult. We should also point out here that ANSI display files
are some what quicker to display than the @Xfb codes.
Both ANSI and @Xfb coded files may be used in a single file with no graphics
version of that file necessary. A caller in non-graphics mode will see the
contents of the file as pure ASCII with no color added, because InterBBS will
automatically strip the ANSI or @Xfb codes out for them. A user in color
graphics mode will see the colors designated by the @Xfb macros or ANSI codes.
TheDraw version 4.60+ has provisions to save files in either ANSI or @Xfb
coding. If you wish to use the @Xfb coding in TheDraw, simply chose [S]ave,
[@], [D].
The color codes are:@Xfb, where "f" is the Foreground color and "b" is
Background color.
IMPORTANT!
The following codes are case-sensitive. All color macros MUST BE IN CAPITAL
LETTERS. @XFB will work, @xfb will not.
@Xcodes:
Background Foreground w/Blinking FG Hi-Intensity FG
0 = Black 0 = Black 8 = Black 8 = Black
1 = Blue 1 = Blue 9 = Blue 9 = Blue
2 = Green 2 = Green A = Green A = Green
3 = Cyan 3 = Cyan B = Cyan B = Cyan
4 = Red 4 = Red C = Red C = Red
5 = Magenta 5 = Magenta D = Magenta D = Magenta
6 = Yellow 6 = Yellow E = Yellow E = Yellow
7 = White 7 = White F = White F = White
EXAMPLES
Code BG FG Code BG FG
@X1F Blue Brt Wht @XCF Red Blinking Brt Wht
NOTE: Blinking foreground colors are supported. To use them, choose both your
FOREGROUND and BACKGROUND colors from the high intensity chart.
Example: @XDFHELLO This will produce a blinking white HELLO on a magenta
background.
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APPENDIX E - Aborted Download Credits
The vast majority of file transfers will be done successfully, however, there
are some that will be aborted in midstream for various reasons (i.e. carrier
loss, noisy phone lines, user abort, etc.).InterBBS has an additional
function that reads the file "DSZLOG" (MUST be located in each NODE directory)
after each download. If the download was aborted, this will be indicated in
"DSZLOG" and the caller will not be charged for a download.
The file "DSZLOG" is created by external protocol drivers (DSZ, PUMA, ETC).
You must use the protocol driver's instructions for specifying a log file in
order to create a "DSZLOG" file in each NODE directory.
For DSZ, placing the following command in your IBRUN.BAT file will cause DSZ to
create a DSZLOG during each file transfer.
"SET DSZLOG=%IBDRV%\IBBS\NODE%NODE%\DSZLOG" (you must edit this according to
your setup)
If a download is aborted but InterBBS can't find a file called "DSZLOG"
in the current node directory, the user will be charged for the download as if
it was a successful transfer. Consequently, it is in your user's best
interest to enable this feature.
NOTE: InterBBS also looks for the "DSZLOG" after running a DOOR.
Because this feature is read after the use of a DOOR InterBBS will
update a users personal file with upload/download credits if s/he made use of
a CD-ROM DOOR or another type of transfer DOOR.
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APPENDIX F - Script Questionnaire Instructions
InterBBS supports script questionnaires. Set them up as follows.
1) If scripts questionnaires are activated, you MUST make a script for new
users to answer. The name for the new user questionnaire is "SCRIPT.0"
2) Additional script questionnaires may be added (up to 99 per node) as
desired. The name for each of these is "SCRIPT.x" where "x" is the number of
the questionnaire from the questionnaire menu.
3) The questionnaire menu is "QUESsssi" (must exist if more than one script)
where "sss" is the optional security level needed to view the file and "i" is
the optional graphics identifier "G" or "R".
4) On the first line of each question place ONLY a ";" for an optional
question or a ":" if the user MUST answer the question.
5) On the 2nd line place a number on a line by itself indicating how many
lines of text are in the forth coming question.
6) Type in a question. DO NOT use more lines of text for a question than have
been specified. IF THIS OCCURS, YOUR QUESTIONNAIRE WILL BOMB.
7) DO NOT PUT ANY BLANK LINES IN THE FILE! If you wish to create a blank line
you must use the <ALT> 255 Key press combination. (Move to the line you want
blank and hold the <ALT> key down while you type 255 on the keypad (w/ the
number lock OFF). This will create an invisible character that the script
reader will be fooled into thinking that there really is a character there,
you MUST count these lines when totaling lines in the question.)
8) Answers to SCRIPT.0 are found in the file "SCRIPT.ANS". Answers to other
script files are found in "SCRIPTx.ANS" where x is the number of the script.
9) You may use any @MACRO@ or @XColor Code within your script.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
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SAMPLE NEW USER SCRIPT QUESTIONNAIRE:
:
8
Welcome to the InterBBS Support BBS! In order to establish an account for you
here we will need some information to satisfy our records. If you are a
Registered User of InterBBS Bulletin Board Software, your account will be
upgraded within 24 hours. If not you will have general access to most of the
system. Please fill out these questions as completely as you can so that we
may track demographics and other such things.
(ALT 255 CHAR)
FOR LATER VERIFICATION, ENTER YOUR MOTHER'S MAIDEN NAME:
;
1
ENTER YOUR COMPUTER TYPE:
;
1
ENTER YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM TYPE AND VERSION:
;
1
ENTER YOUR TERMINAL PROGRAM NAME:
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
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APPENDIX G - Private "Personal" File Transfers
InterBBS includes a feature which permits the SysOp to allow designate
users the ability to perform private file transfers with other authorized
users.
A flag is set and the user is automatically notified during the logon process
if any private files for him/her are waiting to be downloaded. After a
successful download the file is flagged as received and will not be listed to
the user again.
Users WILL see only files meant for them to be downloaded. No user may
download a file even if he enters the filename unless it is in the private
file transfer database with his/her name attached.
1) To enable the private file transfers (from user to user) the SysOp must run
"IBBSCFG.EXE" and set the option to "Y" under the "General Information 2"
heading. Then the SysOp MUST define a DOS file path where the private files
will be stored in the "file locations" (1) section. This should ONLY be
available to the private file transfer function. Do not place this path in
any conference's DLPATH.LST (type) file. This would compromise the security
afforded by this feature. Insure you save the configuration with the "Y"
answer and the private file directory will be created for you.
2) Insure the file "PRIVUTIL.EXE" is in your main BBS directory.
PRIVUTIL.EXE
RUN from the BBS HOME directory to "ADD" files to or "DELETE" files from the
database. Command Line: PRIVUTIL
3) The SysOp MUST manually turn on a user's "private" file transfer flag using
IBBSSM. When the SysOp uses "PRIVUTIL" to make a private file available to a
user, that user is automatically authorized private transfers and the private
file waiting flag is turned on for the user.
4) An authorized user selects the private file transfer option by using the
(P) command from the file transfer command prompt.
Then they may:
[1] Download any files waiting for them
[2] List a directory of any files waiting for them
[3] Upload a file(s) to another authorized user
[Q] Quit to the main file transfer menu
NOTE: You MUST ensure you have the command "SET DSZLOG=C:\IBBS\NODE1\DSZLOG"
(whereC:\IBBS\NODE1\DSZLOG will be your BBS NODE directory and the text file
"DSZLOG") in your "IBRUN.BAT" file or in a batch file which calls "IBRUN.BAT" to
load InterBBS. Without this setting downloads cannot be verified and
files will continue to be listed to the user even after a successful download.
5) "PRIV.DAT" will be created in the BBS HOME directory when the 1st private
file is transferred to another user.
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APPENDIX H - Attaching Files to Messages
InterBBS allows files to be uploaded and "attached" to messages. This
is done by saving a message with the [SA] command instead of the regular [S]
command. Only users with sufficient security level may use the [SA] command
and upload a file attached to the message.
Each conference has a flag to allow ATTACHED files to be uploaded when saving
a message. If ATTACHED files are disallowed in a conference the [SA] message
save command is processed as an [S] and no upload is solicited.
Procedure for "ATTACHING" a file to a message.
1) Write a message and save with the [SA] command. Prior to the message
actually being saved, user will be prompted for a file name to UPLOAD. Only
one file will be processed during an "attached" upload - ensure users are
aware of this. No description of the file is solicited (nor is one
necessary).
2) Once the file is uploaded, it is processed as any uploaded IBCHK handles
the testing of the upload, running the batch file IBBSTEST.BAT and adding a
successfully upload to the appropriate conference #.ATT attachment database
(where # is the number of the conference (1 -High Conf#)). When control is
returned to InterBBS, it checks for a file named "ATTACH.INF" which is
in the attachment directory for the joined conference.If the information in
ATTACH.INF indicates a successful upload, the record number in the conference
attachment database is then written to positions 126 and 127 of the message
header as it is saved. This record number is what InterBBS uses when
reading a message to determine if a message has an attached file.
3) Database File Maintenance is automatic in that whenever a message is
deleted which has an attached file record number in the header, that record
number is blanked in the attachment database. Files in each attachment
directory are never deleted. This is a function the SysOp must manually do
since he may want to keep some files after the messages they were "attached"
to have been deleted.
Attached files can be uploaded "locally" as can any file. It is strongly
recommended you do not CARBON COPY messages with files attached. Once a
message is deleted the record in the database is blanked. IBCHK searches for
blank records in the database when adding a file. If there are multiple
copies of a message with the same attached file and file record # in the
database, a user deleting the message could unknowingly delete the database
entry for a newer attached file.
Please advise your users allowed to attach files of this potential problem.
You may delete the database from the attachment directory at any time without
creating any problem.
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APPENDIX I - About Default RIPscrip Screens
With your purchase of the InterBBS package you have received a full
set of RIP MENUS and some other assorted display files that you can use
forever or as a temporary set until you develop your own.
WHAT IS RIP?
RIP(Remote Imaging Protocol)scrip is a new way to transmit graphics to your
users based on a Base36 coding which makes transmission of files about 3-4
times faster than ANSI.
RIPscrip was developed by Telegrafix Communications, INC and has taken the BBS
community by storm. They have made available as a FREEWARE program the
RIPterm program and also are the developers of RIPaint, the RIP screen
development package.
The RIPaint program costs $200.00 (+CA tax if applicable) from Telegrafix and
will allow you to create your own screen or alter the ones provided to you
with your InterBBS Package.
WHERE CAN I GET IT RIPaint?
Telegrafix Communications, Inc.
16548 Bolsa Chica #15
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
(714) 379-2131 Voice
(714) 379-2132 Fax
(714) 379-2133 BBS
CHECK - M.O. - C.C.
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There are also a number of third party programs hitting the streets every day
such as Dead Paint, Casket Paint, WinRIP, WinRIP Utilities, Tombstone and
more. As these products become available you will see more and more advances
in RIPscrip and also a fall in prices for the paint programs. You will also
see more and more BBS's using the RIP technology and competing for the best
looking menus.
If you have the DEMO of RIPaint, boot it up and look at the default menus
provided. All RIP Menus and Files will end in "R"
i.e.: MM ; No Color
MMG ; ANSI Color
MMR ; RIPscrip
It is important to remember that if you have a REGISTERED version of RIPaint,
that the menu's are sent to the user as they were originally drawn, this is
to say that if you make a circle on the bottom of the screen then a square at
the top, this is how the user will see it displayed/re drawn. To further this
point, if you don't like a button the way it was created, change it from the
text editor, NOT RIPaint. The reason for this is, if you delete a button in
RIPaint then make a new one, the user will see a "hole" where the button would
have been until the complete screen is re drawn/displayed and then it is
filled in at the end. Not pretty.
These are the files that have been provided to you to use. You MUST rename
them if needed to what you call the display file and place them where you have
them configured in IBBSCFG.
MENUS WHAT
----------- --------------------------
MMR Main Menu
CMR Message Menu
FMR File Menu
SUBMENUS WHAT
----------- --------------------------
QUESR Questionnaire Menu
BLTMR Bulletin Menu
DORMR Doors Menu
CLR Listing of Conferences before Message Menu
QWKR QWK Menu
HMRR HMR Menu
SIGMR SIG Menu
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DISPLAY FILES WHAT
------------- ----------------------------------------------------
BDAYR File displayed on users birthday
PRELOGR File displayed to callers before login
HELLO1R Hello screen to callers
NEWSR News bulletin screen
USRSTATR Users Statistics file
DIR0R Listing of File Areas for Main Conference
PREUPR File displayed before upload
PREDNR File displayed before download
EXPWARNR File displayed to users about to expire
EXPIREDR File displayed to users who have expired
INTROR File displayed when joining a NON-ECHOed Conference
F_INTROR File displayed when joining a FidoNet ECHOed conference
L_INTROR File displayed when joining a LinkUSA ECHOed conference
LOGOFFR Goodbye screen.
NON-DISPLAY FILES
RIP-36 Shows all Base36 codes
RIP-CMD Shows all RIP commands
IBBSICN.ZIP A complete ICONS package for your users to download to use all
the RIP MENU and DISPLAY files that you have here.
WARNING
YOU MUST PROVIDE THE SUPPLIED ICONS TO YOUR USERS IN ORDER TO USE THESE MENUS
AND DISPLAY FILES OR ELSE THEY WILL SEE JUNK AND YOU WILL GET ALL SORTS OF
COMPLAINTS FROM THEM! PLEASE PUT THIS ICONS FILE, IBBSICONS.ZIP, IN WITH YOUR
VERSION OF RIPTERM SO THEY GET THE ICONS AT THE SAME TIME THEY GET RIPTERM!
YOU PROBABLY SHOULD ALSO LOOK INTO ONE OF THE MANY GOOD ICON UPDATER DOORS
AVAILABLE THAT CAN BE RUN FROM YOUR $$LOGON.BAT FILE.
THESE DISPLAY AND MENUS FILES WERE CREATED WITH RIPAINT V1.54 AND USERS WILL
GET ERRORS IF USING A VERSION OF RIPTERM THAT IS LOWER THAN 1.54. IF A USER
SAYS THAT TEXT IS OVER WRITING OTHER TEXT, TELL HIM/HER TO GET A NEWER VERSION
OF RIPTERM OR UPDATE THEIR VERSION OF QMODEM PRO/TELIX.
(THE REMAINDER OF THE EDITING RIPscrip FILE HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE SHARE-
WARE DOCUMENTATION FOR SPACE REASONS)
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I have tried to do RIP and I just can't get it! Everything gets messed up
and I don't have the time, patience or money to buy RIPaint and learn ANOTHER
package... What do I do now?
SOLUTION #1: Take all the RIP menus and screens off your BBS. This way your
users don't ever see them and then you don't have orry about it. If RIP is
detected when the caller logs in they will get a the default RIP ANSI instead.
SOLUTION #2: Contact another SysOp in your area that has RIP on his/her BBS to
help you and/or give you some tips. They may you come over and use thier
computer and show you where you have errored. There are also A LOT of SysOps
ring to make screens for a profit advertising in a lot of the echo
conferences.
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APPENDIX J - Converting from other BBS Systems
A number of conversion utilities are available on the InterBBS Support
BBS. Please log on and do a search for them.
Most of these are for converting your FILE areas and Message bases to the
InterBBS/PCBoard style bases. At this time there are no conversion
utilities available for converting USER bases to InterBBS. However, if the
USERS' file formats are available, a conversion utility is possible. Call
the InterBBS support BBS and leave a message to the sysop.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
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APPENDIX K - Misc Utilities included with InterBBS
IBBSMSG - A text or file echo utility by Ron Pierce. This will echo text to a
caller (and/or local screen). The text may be a single string you
pass as a command-line paramater or the path and name of a text file
to send to the caller.
IBBSMSG You must wait until the door is not in use.
IBBSMSG D:\IBBS\DISP\DOORBUSY.TXT
UREC - This is a program by Ron Pierce to support callers viewing
essentially the same information a SysOp views when Alt-V is used to
toggle the display mode. Add the path and name of UREC.EXE to you
CMD translation configurations (Main, Conference, File Transfer) in
IBBSCFG and when UREC<enter> is typed, UREC.EXE is run. Urec also
comes with LISTUREC.TXT which *MUST* be in your bbs' \DISP
sub-directory (D:\IBBS\DISP\ for example). Urec lets the caller
type in "H" to view this text file. Urec has a 30 second timer for
the "Press ENTER" prompt and a 10 second delay for the other prompts.
The one hitch is that you *must* make sure you have the IBDIR and
IBDRV environment variables properly set for each node you operate.
FNPCSZ - This program simply EXPORTS the NAME, address 1 & 2, City, State &
zip codes of all your users to a comma deliminated file for use with
your favorite database program. This program has one command line
parameter in which you may specify a security level of user to
export. FNPCSZ 50 would export all the above info for users with a
security level of 50.
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This is an initial release - there is no upgrade necessary. InterBBS
upgrade costs for future releases will be minimul ($20.00 or less).
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BUG REPORT - Software
InterBBS has been thoroughly tried and tested. It is inevitable, however,
that no amount of testing by even thousands of users will result in a
"perfect" piece of software. "Bugs" seem to surface in all major software
products, as is InterBBS.
The following should be filled out and uploaded to the InterBBS
bulletin board as soon as you run into a problem situation you feel InterBBS
is creating. It will receive *immediate* attention and you will recieve a
prompt voice call when we rectify the problem.
Check the appropriate box below of the area of the BBS that is in question,
followed with the date and time of the .EXE file.
InterBBS version:
[ ] IBBS.EXE Date: _____________ Time: ___________
[ ] IBBSCFG.EXE Date: _____________ Time: ___________
[ ] IBBSSM.EXE Date: _____________ Time: ___________
[ ] IBFILER.EXE Date: _____________ Time: ___________
The information you furnish to us on these forms will assist us in helping
solve your difficulties. Please respond to each question (if known) and be as
thorough as possible with your explanations.
If an item's response requires additional space to complete, please use a
separate page that letter (i.e. "A").
You may send these pages in either of the following methods:
1) Upload it as a Message or File to the InterBBS BBS at the number:
(813) 885-5718 [BBS]
2) Mail the completed forms to the address listed below:
InterBBS Development
8301 Carmel Pl
Tampa, FL 33615
Describe the nature of the problem. Be specific. If known, describe the
exact sequence of events leading to discovery of the problem.
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
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We need some information about your computer system. Please answer all
applicable questions:
1) MAIN SYSTEM BOARD:
a) Type of System (286/386/486): ____________________________________________
b) Brand of Computer (CLONE/IBM/ZEOS, Etc):__________________________________
c) Computer Motherboard Manufacturer:________________________________________
d) Motherboard BIOS Manufacturer: ________ Version:______
e) Enter your BIOS Serial #: ________________________________________________
(Usually displayed on screen during System START-UP).
2) OPERATING SYSTEM / ENVIRONMENT:___________________________________________
a) Operating System - Enter the name and version number of your OS. If you
are using a MS Windows version earlier than Windows95, be sure you include
the DOS version you are using (PCDos, MSDos, etc).
--------------------------------
b) Running under Desqview (Y/N): __________ Version: ___________
c) Running under Windows (Y/N) : __________ Version: ___________
d) Running under OS/2 (Y/N) : __________ Version: ___________
3) CD-ROM:
a) Using a CD-ROM (Y/N): __________
Manufacturer: ____________________________________________________________
Model: ____________________________________________________________
d) Using Soundblaster (Y/N): __________
e) Using another Sound Generator (Y/N): __________
Manufacturer: ____________________________________________________________
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4) HARD DISK:
a) Model: ________________________________________________________________
b) Manufacturer: __________________________________________________________
c) Size (in Megabytes): ___________________________________________________
5) CONTROLLER:
a) Hard Disk Controller Manufacturer: _____________________________________
b) Hard Disk Controller Model: ____________________________________________
6) RAM:
a) Amount of RAM available on your System (in Megs): ______________________
7) I/O:
a) Manufacturer: __________________________________________________________
b) Number of Serial Ports available: ______________________________________
c) Are Non-Std IRQ's & BASE Addresses supported (Y/N): _____
d) Does serial card have 16550 UART(s) installed(Y/N): _____
e) If a Non-Std serial port BASE address or IRQ is used: _____
Port Base Address (i.e. 03e8) : _____
IRQ used by this port (i.e. 4): _____
8) VIDEO:
a) Type of Video Adapter (VGA/CGA/MGA/SVGA, etc.): _____
b) Manufacturer: __________________________________________________________
c) Model: _________________________________________________________________
d) Memory ([Megabytes] 256k = 1/4 M/B): _____
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9) MODEM:
a) Manufacturer: __________________________________________________________
b) Model:__________________________________________________________________
c) Highest Opening Speed Allowed: _________________________________________
d) Your Opening Speed: __________ (Set in IBBSCFG.EXE)
e) Are you LOCKing the port (Y/N): __________ (Set in IBBSCFG.EXE)
f) Serial Port # you are using: __________ (Set in IBBSCFG.EXE)
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BUG REPORT - Documentation
If you have found any misprints, errors, or incorrect information in the
documentation, we would be gratefully appreciative if you would let us know.
This is not a requirement, only a request. You may follow the same
instructions as found in the Software Bug Report Section.
1) Page number: _______
2) Section: _______________________________________________________________
3) Brief description: _____________________________________________________
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