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Text File | 1991-11-06 | 69KB | 1,655 lines

▒▒▄ ▒▒▄ ▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█▀▒▒▄ ▒▒█▀▒▒▄ ▒▒█▀▀▀▀ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒▒▒▒█▀ ▒▒▒▒▒█▀ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒▒▒█▀ ▒▒█▀▒▒▄ ▒▒█▀▒▒▄ ▀▀▀▒▒█ ▒▒█▀ ▒▒▒▒▒█▀ ▒▒▒▒▒█▀ ▒▒▒▒▒▒█ ▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀ * The Virtual BBS/NET Version 5.30 (C) Roland De Graaf 1990, 1991 4246 Elisabeth Ave Holland, MI 49424 * -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Terms of Use & Registration The Virtual BBS and associated files are: Copyright (C) Roland De Graaf 1990, 1991 This Virtual BBS/NET software has been made available to you as SHAREWARE, and is provided to you as such with hope that after evaluating this software, you will join our growing family of SySops nationwide. Your possesion of this program entitles you to evaluate it for a reasonable period of time prior to registration and in NO case, shall this evaluation period go beyond 3 months without resulting in either formal registration, or discontinuation of it's use. You are encouraged to distribute VBBS/NET to others in it's original ZIP only and under this title: VBBS530.ZIP *** The author shall not be liable for any damages arising from the use of this software, or the VirtualNET network. By using the software you agree to the above terms. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ==*== TABLE of CONTENTS -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- SOFTWARE OVERVIEW............................... 1 VBBS INSTALLATION............................... 4 CONFIGURATION (Vconfig.exe)..................... 4 Main Config................................ 5 Channel Config............................. 6 Database Config............................ 7 Paths Config............................... 9 Security Config............................ 10 U/L D/L Protocols.......................... 10 Network Config............................. 11 Events Config.............................. 12 Control Panel Config....................... 12 Doors Config............................... 13 Voting Booth............................... 13 Random Messages............................ 13 Archive View Config........................ 13 Text sections.............................. 13 VBBS Diagnostics........................... 13 RUNNING VBBS.................................... 14 FIRST TIME STARTUP...............................15 WFC (Control Panel)....................... 15 CREATING THE SYSOP ACCOUNT...................... 16 Online F-keys.............................. 16 User Editor................................ 17 User Defaults.............................. 18 DEFAULT SETUP................................... 19 Main Menu.................................. 20 Local/Networked Message Bases.............. 20 E-Mail..................................... 20 Files Transfer Area........................ 20 Mutiluser Teleconferencing................. 26 Voting..................................... 26 Doors...................................... 26 Autoposts.................................. 26 Random Messages............................ 26 Chat Screens.............................. 26 Taglines.................................. 26 CUSTOMIZING VBBS................................ 27 VScripts................................... 27 Function Blocks............................ 28 Source Code................................ 29 VBBS OPTIMIZATION............................... 30 Use of RAMdrives........................... 30 SECURITY........................................ 31 EXPLAINATION OF FILES........................... 32 VirtualNET...................................... 33 REGISTRATION.................................... 34 THE FUTURE...................................... 35 ACKNOWLEGEMENTS................................. 36 ABOUT THE AUTHOR................................ 37 ------------------------------------------------------------- V I R T U A L B B S ------------------------------------------------------------- - 1 - VBBS Overview ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Welcome to The Virtual BBS/NET. VBBS, as it is known, is a new and fast developing Electronic Bulletin Board software designed for MS DOS compatible computers. VBBS is a very unique and powerful telecommunications tool which you will discover features nearly limitless configurability. The powerful configuration available to you is enabled in part through the use of a special telecommunications oriented script language called Vscript. Through the use of these scripts, a SysOp is easily able to achieve total "look and feel" control over VBBS by simply modifying and customizing the vscripts with any ascii editor. A built in script compiler produces code from the scripts which loads and executes very quickly. Configurable onboard databases are used to store public and private messages as well as file listings, descriptions, and other information. The number of databases, as well as their size is limited only by the size of your hard disk, and the datafields can even be used for a special database creation of your own. Although it is not necessary for a VBBS sysop to become familiar with the scripts in order to use VBBS, the heretofor unknown flexibility that is available to you, enables amazing configurability options that are limited only by your imagination. Another configuration tool which is NEW to the VBBS program are "Definable Function Blocks". This ingenious device allows you to actually define the function of each key presented to a user of your BBS by simple editing of an ascii textfile (see Function Blocks). VBBS is fast and is so without any loss to it's flexibility unlike normal 'fixed' code BBS software. Multiple Node, Multiple Network, VBBS is a feature laden BBS software that is as well the most configurable BBS program available anywhere. -2- VBBS is a Multiuser BBS which simply requires a seperate commandline (bbs <channel#>), for each node you wish to run under your multitasking software or Lan. Although VBBS multitasks as well as Windows3 and Desqview will allow, and in fact includes a Desqview aware commandline switch option, it is the author's contention that superior multitasking performance with all communication software is best acheived through the use of a LAN at this time. A seperate DOC file called MULTIUSE.DOC is in the process of being prepared and will be available independently of this documentation. VBBS can be run standalone, or as a door from inside virtualy ANY other BBS software or matrix logon. (wwiv sysops please see VWWIVSYS.DOC) VBBS creates both chain.txt and dorinfo1.def formats for doors, and it releases all but 18k of Ram (shrinks out of memory) for all doors as well as events, freeing up more memory for other programs and multitasking. VirtualNET, the name of the VBBS Network, is a standard feature of VBBS and is extremely easy to set up and use. It uses Zmodem transmission of compressed mail packets to provide maximum speed and efficiency. VirtualNET openly welcomes all, and you are encouraged to come online as a new VirtualNET node at any time. (see NETGUIDE.DOC) Above all else, VBBS is a BBS software in motion. There is a certain excitement in it's continuing development that is unmatched within the BBS community. It is hoped that if you are now installing VBBS for the first time, this experience will lead you to become part of that motion, a part of our developing VirtualNET family, and a part of what is sure to be a bright future for this remarkable new program. -3- Some of the current BBS features in VBBS include: - Extremely easy setup - Zmodem and Zmodem Batch downloads and uploads. - Automatically adds Zipcomnt.txt to uploads. - Cancelable "logoff after xfer" feature - Files attached to email local and Network - Automated offline file requesting - Automated Networked File requesting (networked feature). - Surveys and Voting - Networkable "autoposts" - Multiuser Teleconferencing with port status and paging - Prompts for prepared text uploads in email and messaging. - Easy to use quoting feature in email and messaging - Configurable 'N' scans - Easy to set up Games and other external online programs - Save to ascii text any public or private message - Unlimited number of subs and file dirs - User defined macros - system bulletins - Random messages (up to 3 lines) - Up to 20 timed events per day. - Automatic message from the sysop New user email. - User definable ansi screen colors (including background color) - File archive viewing. - Access coding - Unique Dual purpose (ansi color and ascii) menuing system. - Full messaging and file search functions - Efficient binary storage of messages and all system text - Built in daily clean-up. - System activity display at logon - Fast Login from console - Mail forwarding (across multiple networks even) - FULLY WWIVnet & WWIVLink Capable - Assignable function keys at WFC - Highly informational and customizable WFC.COM screen - Full CD Rom or WORM capable databases - Runs as a door in whole OR in components from nearly any other BBS prog - Extensive log information - Macro capable Networking software included - Built in Ansi Autodetect - Read and write Email from WFC - Enhanced Sysop functions - Split Screen Chat - "Pseudo" Dos (allows sysop to perform Dos functions w/ user online) - Multi-Mail (up to 9 lists) - Multinet CC:s - SysOp security uploads - Uses full advantage of DSZ for upload and log info - Improved multiuser ability - Full Ansi Taglines (can be made with an ascii editor or ansi draw program) - Built in BBS Diagnostics - Definable Function Blocks - Built in Ansi Color Full Screen Editor - Built in spell chek - Autovalidation of SysOps -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- -4- ┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ * - VBBS Installation - * │ └─────────────────────────────────────────┘ Installation of VBBS is quite straight-forward. It is perhaps the EASIEST BBS software in the known world to install. New Installations: ------------------ 1) UNZIP the contents of VBBS530.ZIP to the diectory named VBBS which you have created. 2) Run INSTALL.EXE (choose NEW Installation YES when prompted) 3) Verify the configuration as Vconfig is presented, particularly in MAIN.CFG and MOST importantly CHANNELS.CFG. All Single node VBBS installations use the same command line; BBS 1 (naming channel # 1) You just need to correctly identify your modem PORT # in the channel 1 config. Existing Installations: ----------------------- 1) UNZIP the contents to VBBS530.ZIP to a temporary dir. 2) Backup your LOGIN .ANS, .ASC LOGOFF.TXT NEWUSER.TXT and .DAT files (existing .CFG files will not be overwritten) 3) Run INSTALL.EXE (choose NO at new installation prompt) 4) Same as 3 for New Installation 4) Copy your backup VBBS data files to your VBBS directory and your .ANS, .ASC and .TXT files to the directory you have defined for TEXT files in PATHS.CFG - Configuring The Virtual BBS/NET - Using the VCONFIG.EXE configuration utility, you can configure main, Channel, databases, system paths, security levels, upload protocols, download protocols, VirtualNET Network data, timed events, assignable Function Keys, Door set up, Voting questions, random messages, textfiles and Archive Viewing configurations. NOTE: MOST of these configurations are properly set at default settings and configured for you already. The Following configuration is the ONLY configuration required in MOST installations to effect a first time start up: {In Main.cfg} BBS Name, SYSOP Name, System Password. {In Channel.cfg} Set channel 1 to correct modem port. It is easy to use the Vconfig configuration util at any time to do additional setup and further configuration. ==*== -5- Main.cfg ~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Main Settings are: BBS Name - The name of your system. SYSOP Name - Your name or alias. Timeout - The number of "ticks" to wait before inactivity timeout. A "tick" is a varying unit of time delay and you may need to adjust this number as per the speed of your CPU. New User Security - Security level assigned to new users. New User Time - Time given to new users. Start-Up Script - Script file to run first when a user logs in. The name entered should be 8 characters or less, and DO NOT enter in any extension. ("Start" is the default start-up script, start.v) PAUSE String - Default string of text to output for PAUSE statement. Idle Modem - What do you want the modem to do when the BBS is not available to take a call? (ie system down, editing user data, etc.) Registration Number- Your Registration Number. New User Password - Setting to ALL SPACES disables this function. (If you are not using this setting, SPACE over it once!) Blank Screen WFC - How many seconds to display WFC after inactivity WFC screen can be recalled by using "?") Reserve Space (kb) - When a user goes to upload, they are informed of the free space available on the upload drive. This option lets you "shield" a set amount of free space from the amount actually available. Note: When you as SysOp access the free space display, the ACTUAL free space is indicated. Using Watch.Com - IF you use WATCH.COM to monitor the BBS, by turning this option on, VBBS will set WATCH to OFF when appropriate. Watch.com is a utility by which is one of many such utils that reboot your computer in the event that x number of rings are sensed w/o a connect NOTE: If using WATCH.COM or facimile, be sure to load the utility BEFORE the program in your autoexec.bat file. Allow Handles - "Yes" will allow New Users to use "Aliases" on your system. "No" will require that they use Real Names only. Daily Cleanup - Time of Day to do auto-cleanup, in hh:mm format. Disable option with 00:00. Allow 255 Remote - If set to No, will not allow any user to have 255 SL from a remote login. Security Feature. System Password - A required password to be entered by those logging in at 255 security level (including you). Security Feature. Registration Code - Special code to enable your registered board status. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -6- Channel.cfg ~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 thru 64 COM Port - Your Modem port # Base Address - Configurable but set as default IRQ (hex) - " " Baud - Maximum baud rate. Init String - Modem Initialization String Locked Baud Rate - Y/N Hardware (RTS/CTS) Handshake - Y/N Note: For most installations, all that should be entered is the Com Port #. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -7- Database.cfg ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At the heart of VBBS are the DATABASES. They are used for such functions as Message Bases, File directories, email, text sections and Voting. Databases can be setup or altered in Vconfig by the SysOp at any time. Remember that you MUST make sure that the directory you name in Dadtabase config actually exists. ONLY Databases which contain actual files need to be named to their own sub directory. Also note that both tha "DB" dir where all the non-file related database data is stored, and the Sysop "UPLOAD" dir MUST be a subdirectory of VBBS. Databases in VBBS can be created for any purpose. Databases in use and configured for you here are Email (E type), Public messages (A type), File Transfer (F type), and Textfiles section (T type). A fifth database type (O type) is available for your use in creating other types of databases for other purposes. Use of DBGROUPs: (This shows the layout of the example DATABASE.CFG included with the default setup.) DBGROUP E (as in Email) E 1 Email Private E 2 Return receipts Private (VBBS sends back one line confirmations when a local or networked user has recieved your mail) DBGROUP A (for Message bases) A 1 General Public DBGROUP F (For File Directories) F 1 General Files Public DBROUP 0 (For custom database configuration) ** Databases can be given any letter designator between A and Z. To have a SECOND and seperate Message AREA, you might create a NEW database with a "B" database type (for example). To add more message bases to the BBS, simply add more databases to group A. To add more file directories to the BBS, simply add more databases to group F. ALL FILE DIRS REQUIRE A DIR ACTUALLY BE CREATED BY YOU. ALL MESSAGE DIRS ARE AUTOMATICALLY PATHED TO THE "DB" DIR DEFINED BY YOU IN PATHS.CFG AND DO *NOT NEED AN ACTUAL DIR OF THEIR OWN. Entries in your database configuration which have the same DB File and same DB Path specify the SAME database. So, be sure you give each databse a unique filename and its own unique sub-directory path. -8- 3. Database Configuration: Group - The identifier for the database type (A-Z) File Name - The filename of the database. File Path - The pathname for the database. Long Name - The long name of the database. Private? - Private Database. VirtualNET Sub # - VirtualNET Sub-board identification code. 0 if not a net sub. Max Entries - Max Entries per database. 0 means unlimited. Read SL - Read Security Level. If user SL is less than this value, the database is invisible. Write SL - Write Security Level. Each time a DB is executed, the special variable $WRITESL is updated to reflect this value. Access Flag - Not associated with DBGROUP in any way. Group Codes let you restrict databases to certain groups. If the group code is zero, the feature is disabled for the database. If not, then a user must have a matching group code (or be SYSOP) to access the database. Age Limit - Restricts database access from users below defined age WWIVnet - WWIVnet Subtype (if any). See NETGUIDE.DOC WWIVLink - WWIVLink Subtype (if any). See NETGUIDE.DOC Tagline - Define tagline to be used in that database. 0=none 1= Tagline.1 527= Tagline.527 etc.. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -9- Paths.cfg ~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. System Paths: Main VBBS Directory - VBBS Home Directory: Executables *.FB and *.CFG files go here (This should be your current directory when you are executing the program.) Scripts Directory - Where VBBS expects to find any script files: *.LIT, *.COD, *.V Data Directory - Where VBBS expects to find system data files: USERFILE.DAT, USRMACRO.DAT, STATVBBS.DAT, CONNECT.DAT Network Files - Where VBBS expects to find network configuration files, and store net packets awaiting transfer. System Text Files - Where VBBS expects to find *.TXT, *.ANS, *.ASC files. (except Announce.txt and logoff.txt) CONTROL.DAT Directory - Where VBBS will maintain the temporary system file, CONTROL.DAT. Use of a RAM Drive for CONTROL.DAT is highly recommended in multiuser VBBS installations. Temporary Directory - The directory VBBS will use for temporary storage of incoming network packets and files. This directory you specify here should be not be used for any other purpose. Database Dir - Directory where VBBS will store all database data which is not related to actual files storage (ie. messages) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- -10- Security Config ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MSL = Minimum Security Level required 1) MSL to Autopost - Who gets to post Autoposts 2) MSL to email others - Who get's to use the basic email function 3) MSL to email sysop an attached file- Who gets to attach files to email to the sysop 4) MSL to email others an attached file - Who gets to attach files to other users (and across the network) 5) MSL to use Multimail features - Who get's to use Multimail 6) MSL to use email carbon copy feature - Who gets to use CC:s 7) upload/download ratio Upload to download ratio used by the system (if any) This may be exemptable in the user editor. 8) Allow Sysop Validation- Enables/Disables Autovalidation of SysOps. A) Auto-Sysop Validation - Sets SL given to Visiting Sysop. B) Auto-SysOp Time Limit - Sets Visiting SysOp Time allowed on --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Download amd Upload Protocols ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. Download Protocols and 8. Upload Protocols: Each Protocol is configurable by: 1. Letter Pressed to Select 2. Name/Description of Protocol 3. DOS Command Line to run Protocol %1 = Port #, %2 = Baud, %3 = FileName, %4 = HandShake 4. Batch Compatible? * Xmodem, Ymodem and Zmodem protocols have been preconfigured for you. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -11- Network Config ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9. Network Config Net Low Time - Begin time for accepting net xfers only (00 = disabled) Net High Time - End time for accepting net xfers only (00 = disabled) Net Redial Attempts - Number of attempts for connection to Host or remote system. (default is 10 attempts) SYSTEM VirtualNET node # - Your systems Unique VirtualNET node number SYSTEM VirtualNET Config SERVER VirtualNET Node # - VirtualNET node # of your host (Defaults to VirtualNET @1) VirtualNET Network Password- Network Password assigned by Net coordinator VirtualNET Server Distance- Local/Long Distance. If set to Local, VBBS will dialout whenever the Network message threshold is met. Long distance will only dialout once per day. VirtualNET Server Threshhold- # of messages Vnet will allow before going into Autodialout mode to Server. 0 = Never autodial. VirtualNET server macro- If your server is being run from inside another system or matrix Login, you may create a macro textfile for it and name it here. The macro.txt should go in your NETWORK directory. (see Network.doc) VirtualNET Clients Config - Information on systems to which you serve as host to (if any) WWIVnet Config SYSTEM WWIVnet Node # - Your WWIVnet node # (if any) NOTE: Do not set this to a WWIVnet node # unless you are running WWIVnet directly inside of the program WWIVnet Data Dir Path - Where VBBS will find your WWIVnet DATA dir WWIVLink Config SYSTEM WWIVLink Node# - Your WWIVLink node # (if any) WWIVLink Data Dir Path- Where VBBS will find your WWIVLink DATA dir. Network Poll delay at WFC- Time interval (in seconds) between Auto-net dialouts from WFC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -12- Events Config ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A. Events: VBBS allows up to 20 timed events per day. Possibilites here include your daily external maintenance (usually done by a batch file), network dialouts, etc. You can specify: Time - Time event runs Command - The DOS command line to execute For a daily maintenance batch file, you might use EXTERNAL.BAT. To automatically do a network dialout, use: VNET /NET To automatically poll a remote system (which you serve as host to), use: VNET /DIAL<remote sys#> VNET.EXE features a macro facility which makes it possible to access a VirtualNET BBS that is being run as a door or in a matrix logon. (see, NETGUIDE.doc) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Control Panel ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In addition to other commands found in the Waiting For Call menu, VBBS allows you to assign up to 10 Function keys for whatever use you desire. At default, the F1 key is assigned to call a batchfile called Terminal.bat (but ofcourse can be anything you want). The F2 and F3 keys call up System Log and Network Log respectively using a List utility (not included). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- -13- Doors Config ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In Doors config, you are prompted for the Name of the online game or other external program you wish to run, the security level required to access that program if any, and the name of the batchfile (including the .BAT extention) from which the program is run. VBBS shrinks out of memory for all external programs. You may use this to add, delete or modify your doors at any time. VBBS creates both Chain.txt and Dorinfo1.def formats for your use. Those three parameters are all that need be defined. At the present time VBBS will NOT run older online programs that rely on DOS interupts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Voting Booth ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ There are two methods of employing the Voting fuction in VBBS. You may enter your survey questions from within Vconfig which will be displayed from the voting function from within the VBBS.EXE or, you can change the statement in the BBS1.V script to call "Link Vote.v" in place of where it calls "VOTE". The Vote.v and nags.v are included in the distribution archive for this use should you decide to use the vscript function in place of the internal one. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Random Messages ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ VBBS features a "random messaging" function that can display one, two, or three line quips, quotes or whatever upon display and redisplay of the main menu. These messages are called randomly by the program and are entered in Vconfig. Archive View ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ VBBS allows you to view the contents of a compressed file within the File Transfer Directories. Configured at default are the .ZIP, .ARC, .ZOO, .LZH and .ARJ archive extentions. Text Sections ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ With the internalization of the Textfile/Bulletin section, setup of the different texfile directories is now done here. VBBS Diagnostics ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ VBBS now gas the ability to run diagnostics on your setup. If you recieve an error, go here and run the diagnostics. Chances are, it will show you where your error is. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- -14- Running VBBS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When running VBBS, a Ram Resident BBS.EXE controls the program and should be used as the ONLY means of starting VBBS. The EXE is used to transfer needed information to the program. The basic syntax for bringing VBBS online is: BBS <channel #> (NOTE that ALL single node intallations use the "BBS 1" command line) <port #> is a number from 0 to 4. Ports 1 to 4 correspond to COM1 to COM4. BBS 0 specifies LOCAL MODE execution only, using the console keyboard, and bypassing WFC initialization. Command line options include: /AC - Use this when running VBBS as a door, or from a matrix logon. Example: BBS 1 /AC /DV - Turns on Desqview Awareness. When this option is on, VBBS will multitask better under desqview. When the program is idle, (waiting for a call, or waiting for user input), more CPU time is given to other tasks that may be running on the system. /WWIV - command for logging user to VBBS being run as a door from WWIV, VBBS or any BBS program using the chain.txt format. (see .doc) -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- -15- --------------------- First Time Start up --------------------- Note: VBBS uses true Ansi. Ansi.sys or similar device driver is required in your config.sys for Ansi display. To enable all BBS functions to work properly, DSZ.COM (or exe), LIST.COM, PKUNZIP.EXE, and PKZIP.EXE (all Shareware) should be in your path. By executing VBBS using "BBS 1" (single node installation), you will bring up the program in the WFC mode. This is the online control panel for VBBS and in this screen, the BBS is in a "Waiting for call" state. Logging on the first time: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If your VBBS is a new installation, then the USERFILE.DAT (user accounts) file is empty. Use the (L)ogin Local from the WFC screen to Log yourself in as NEW, and create yourself a SYSOP account. Thereafter, you can use (F)ast Login. DO NOT use (F)ast Login until your sysop account has been created! ┌──────────────────┐ │ Waiting For Call │ └──────────────────┘ VBBS uses a highly informational WFC.COM screen. This screen not only provides System statistics, time, drivespace and system status, and BBS name, it is also customizable from within any Ansi Draw program that saves screens to the .COM format. Note that if your drive space on a given drive drops below 5% of capacity, that line will begin flashing until more space has been freed up. -CONTROL PANEL- F) Fast Local Login - Fast login from console (Estab. SysOp acct 1st) L) Login Local - Logs you into the system (Use this to estab. Sysop account) S) Shell to DOS - Shells to Dos environment within VBBS U) User Editor - Allows editing of user information V) VConfig - The VBBS configuration utility I) System Info - "To date" information on your BBS C) Today's Callers - Log of callers since midnite W) Who's Online - Shows status of each port /) Dial NET to CLIENT - Allows a forced net callout to a system that is listed in your remote configuration N) Dial NET to SERVER - Forces a network connect to SERVER E) Email - This function allows you to email local and network from the WFC M) Read All Mail - Sysop read all mail on system Scr/Lock) Sysop avail. - Toggles sysop page (beep) on/off Esc) Quit BBS - Quits VBBS and returns to DOS -DEFINABLE FUNCTION KEYS- F-1 thru F-10 - Configured in Vconfig to call up various batchfiles. (might be a term program, text editor or whatever) These keys are configured in the main.cfg using Vconfig.exe. Use of a LIST utility is needed to read the various log files. Note: If you encounter any program errors at this point, it is likely that you have either misstated a path in paths.cfg, moved a file to a wrong dir, or forgot to compile the V.Scripts. Use the Diagnostics option in Vconfig to isolate any problems. -16- Creating The SYSOP Account ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ From VBBS WFC, Login locally by pressing 'L'. You will first see the Login.txt screen from Virtual Reality BBS. This screen, as well as the logoff.txt screen will need to be replaced later with an ascii or ansi screen of your own creation. Directly following the login.txt will be the login prompt. Type "New" to create the first entry into your user data file. You will then see the Newuser.txt followed by the prompts to fill out your user information. VBBS currently also allows the user to configure his default colors here as well. It may be best to choose "8" (none) at each prompt, and then experiment with the settings, once an account has been created and you are inside of the BBS. Once your account has been created, you will login with mail waiting. This mail is a scripted auto New User mail from the sysop welcoming the new user. It is created from the "start.v" script and is an excellent place for you to later get your feet wet inside of the scripts by personalizing that mail. A "?" displays your email options at the end of the mail. The following Hot keys are available to the console while a user is online: [F1] Enter/Exit Chat Mode [shift][F1] Enter/Exit Split Screen Chat [F2] Enter user editor [F3] Add 1 minute to user session [Shift F3] Subtract 1 minute from user session [F4] Increases online user's SL by 5 [Shift F4] Decreases online user's SL by 5 [F5] Drop to DOS [F6] pseudo DOS multitasker (allows sysop to run small DOS commands from the console while the user is online and navigating the BBS. [F8] Sysop Alert (alerts sysop when board is free after user logs off) [F10] Boot User Off [shift][F10] Boot user with "storm.txt" (BBS coming down due to inclimate weather conditions) [Control-F10] Boot user off with "line noise" [scroll lock] can be used at any time to toggle the "SysOp Available" status. As you continue with creating your SysOp account, you will need to change your security level to 255 (maximum), and assign yourself a "max time" which is how many minutes per day a user is allowed on the system. For Sysop, make this 1440 (24 hours). By pressing F-2, you will call up the user editor to enable your editing of the appropriate fields. -17- VBBS User Editor ------------------- User No. 1 - Displays User # a. Handle : - User Handle b. Name : - User Real Name c. Address : - Street or PO Box address d. City : - City e. State : - State f. Zip : - Zip code g. Security: - User's Security level h. Flags : - (see note) i. PW : - User's Password j. Title : - (see note) k. Phone 1 : - Voice Phone # l. Phone 2 : - Data Phone # m. MaxTime : - Maximum time allowed on per day n. Access Flags: - (see note) o. Verify Birthday: - Displays user's Birthday. (see note) p. Ex1: q. Ex2: r. Ex3: s. Ex4: t. Ex5: u. Ex6: v. Ratio Exempt: - Allows you to exempt user from Up/Down Ratio reqs. w. U/L:1 x. D/L: Sets Ratio for up/downloading of files ANSI:Y Page Length: 24 Colors: 32 4 6 Calls: Time: 12411 910807 (a-v)=edit, Esc)Quit, Enter)Next, -)Previous, /)Find !)Delete-> Note: g. - Security levels are 1 thru 255 (255 being SysOp access). Default new user security levels are set in Vconfig {main}. h. - The use of flags - There may as many as 26 flags (a-z) A - AutoPost at login time on/off X - Expert mode N - If set, has received the new user welcome message. F - If set, user is configured for the full screen editor j. - This area can be used for one line notes concerning the current user. p. thru u. - Extra variables $EXTRA1 - User's default message base # $EXTRA2 - USer's deafult file base # $extra3 - Kb uploaded $extra4 - Kb downloaded o. - if toggled will ask user to re-enter his or her b'day at login. / - Searches User list ! - Deletes user. -18- User Account Defaults 1. ANSI Toggle [ON] - Toggles Ansi on/off 2. Expert Toggle [OFF] - Expert mode will bypass the menu display 3. Page Breaks [0] - Defaults at 24. "0" = Continuous scroll. 4. Password - User password 5. Auto-Posts [OFF] - Toggles AutoPost display at login 6. Ctrl-A User Macro- Users can set up 2 seperate macros each containing 7. Ctrl-B User Macro- up to 79 chars including Ansi control chars. 8. ANSI Color Set-Up - Allows user to select screen display to taste. 9. Full Screen Editor [ON] - Toggles between FSE or Line editor. A. Mailbox: - Allows users to forward mail to another user or Network system. B. Security- Displays list of things that the user has sufficient security to do on the system. C. Long Distance Cost- Allows user to keep track of Lond distance usage and billing by defining cost per minute and knowing the billing cycle. Q. Quit - Saves changes and quits to main menu ==*== -19- The Default setup ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ VBBS could easily be distributed with a BLANK menu. Instead, a default menu and Function Block set are provided with the program reflecting the configuration of the software on the Author's BBS. Below is the START.FB (function block) which is provided with VBBS 5.30. It corresponds exactly to what has been defined in the MAIN menu (.ans/.asc). For more info on FBs, see Customizing options. MAIN A > 001 1 nextbase < 001 1 prevbase l 001 1 selectbase j 001 1 setquickscan s 001 1 scanmsg n 001 1 readnewmsg r 001 1 readseqmsg p 001 1 post e 001 1 sendemail y 001 1 reademailfrom m 001 1 reademailto q 001 1 quickmail f 001 1 feedback o 001 1 door z 001 1 telecon d 001 1 account c 001 1 pagesysop t 001 5 files b 001 1 textfiles k 001 1 listcallers u 001 1 listusers a 001 1 autopost v 001 1 vote i 001 1 sysinfo w 001 1 who x 001 1 listnet * 255 5 sysop G 000 1 logoffyn Menus ~~~~~ VBBS uses Ansi and Ascii Menus that can be created with your favorite Ansi Draw program. VBBS comes with a complete menu set (various .ans and .asc menus). You simply need to save your menus in the appropriate .ANS and corresponding .ASC menus. Note also that VBBS uses lines within both the main and transfer menus which are visible only to users with sec levels of 255 (sysop level). Newly saved Ansi menus will need to have these lines "tagged" into the menu using an ascii type editor. "!" is a VBBS comment line. "!" followed by 255 tells VBBS to only display this line to users who have a security level of 255. -20- --------------- The Main Menu --------------- Messaging functions ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ L) List Bases - Brings up prompt to list available local and Networked bases. P) Post a Message - Post a message in the current base. N) New message scan - New-scans all bases. R) Read Sequential - Read messages in current base sequentially S) Scan Brief - Scans posts in current base backwards in groups of 10, showing the number, author and message subject. J) Join/ Ignore Base - Allows users to set up bases to ignore or mark for scanning. >) Next Base - (or +) Next message base in sequence. <) Previous Base - (or -) Previous base number. #) Change to Base # - Change to a base by entering it's number. Email functions ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ M) Mailbox Scan - Displays all mail in user mailbox '*'= unread N)Read New mail A)Read ALL mail Q)Quit Y) Read Mail You've Sent - Displays list of all local mail sent as well as all unbundled Network mail. E) Write Email - Write email to another local or network user. F) Feedback to the SysOp - Auto mails the SysOp Q) Multimail- Users configured for Multimail usage may store up to 9 seperate "mailing lists" which may include an unlimited # of local, VirtualNET and/or WWIVnet addresses. It is important that responsible Network usage of this feature is maintained. BBS Sub-System ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ T) File Transfer - This calls up the Files menu B) Bulletin/Texfiles - General Textfiles available for reading S) System info - Provides a display of VBBS system stats. V) Voting Booth - Users are allowed to vote on polling questions posted by the sysop or others as determained in $Vconfig7. D) Defaults - User configurable default settings. O) On-line Programs - Displays menu for games and other online programs configured in Vconfig A) Autoposts - Displays AutoPosts Other Functions ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ K) Today's Callers - A list of callers who have logged on today. U) User Listing - The list of system users and their location. I) System Info - Shows statistical chart of BBS usage. C) Page SysOp - If the console scroll lock is selected to "on", this will activate an audible page, otherwise count off silently and then prompt the user to send email instead. W) Who's Online - Shows status of console and each modem port Z) Mutiuser Telecon. - This is the mutiuser teleconference feature that allows users to chat beween nodes. X) Network info - Displays Network BBSlist(s) *) SysOp Menu - Go to Sysop function menu (displayed to 255 SL only) G) Logoff - Exits VBBS -21- SysOp Menu ~~~~~~~~~~~~ M) Read All Mail - Review all mail on system E) Edit File - Edit any file U) User Editor - User Editor S) Security - Displays Users with "security" status C) Force Cleanup - Force Daily cleanup Q) Quit - Quit to main menu ==*== -22- Communications ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ VBBS, in the default setup, places all communications functions in the main menu. The messaging function in VBBS provides an easy to use interface for email and the posting of public messages. In addition to the standard line editor for messages, VBBS also includes a built in full screen editor which provides function in addition to that of line editor. Users may set their default to whichever editor they prefer. A quoting feature is built in to VBBS and can be used in either editor. Users are prompted whether or not to quote from a message when replying to a mail or post. When a user choses to write mail or post, he or she will also be asked by the program whether or not to upload a prepared text. Choosing Yes will prompt for a filename followed by the upload. At the end of an email, users whom have the proper security level are able to attach a file to a piece of mail. Sysops may send attached files to email accross the Network. The "FSE" in 5.30 has been improved to incluse line by line scrolling, a cut and paste feature, Control code colors and a built in Spell check dictionary (not included). Note: Both VBBS editors as well as Post titles, and Autoposts are capable ^P color enhancement (8 color WWIV style) and ^C codes (reflecting the 28 option VBBS true ansi color selection). A list of those colors is shown in the editor help screen. Message sub-menu ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ [ENTER] Next Message - Advances to next Message Base. R) Reply to message - Reply to the current message. A) Read message again - Re-read the current message. D) Delete Message - Delete the current message. ###) Jump to Number ### -Entering a number will take you to that message S) Scan Next 10 Messages - Scans forward. B) Bypass Sub (QuickScan) - Bypasses msgs to next sub during Quickscan E) Send Email Reply - Sends a private reply to a message. Q) Quit Reading Messages - Returns to Communications menu ----- SysOp ----- X) Extract Text - Extracts message to a textfile which is named by you. M) Move Message - Moves message to a different message base. -23- Email sub menu ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ [ENTER] Next Email - Advances to next mail R) Reply To Email - Reply to email sent you A) Re-Read Email - Re-displays current message L) Re-List Email Scan - Re lists messages in mailbox D) Delete Email - Deletes an email Q) Quit Reading Email - Quits to communications menu T) Download Attached File - If file is attached, this will allow the remote user to download the attached file ###) Read Mail number ---- SysOp ---- X) Extract Text - Allows SysOp to save & name a message to a textfile. F) Forward - Forward mail to another local or network user V) Validate User - Goes to User editor to update User account ==*== -24- Transfer Section ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FILES.FB ~~~~~~~~ FILES F g 000 1 logoffyn m 001 1 dlmasterlist u 001 1 remoteupload d 001 1 downloadfile r 001 1 reviewfile c 001 1 selectbase j 001 1 setquickscan l 001 1 listfiles n 001 1 newfiles s 001 1 searchall b 001 1 batchdl f 001 1 findfiles > 001 1 nextbase < 001 1 prevbase p 001 1 topdownloads y 001 1 ratio z 255 1 sysopupload x 255 1 reviewuploads q 000 5 start Files Menu ~~~~~~~~~~ C) Change directory- Displays list of dirs and prompts for dir change L) List Files *.* - Lists all files in the current dir. S) Search All Dirs - Searches for filenames based on D) Download Files - Download file(s) R) Review Files - Browse files in current directory N) New files - Scans files that are new since last call. U) Upload Files - Prompts user for files to upload B) Batch Functions - Used to mark and then download multiple files Y) Your Transfer Stats - Displays users transfer statistics P) Popular D/Ls - Searches and compiles display of top user downloads J) Join/Ignore Dirs- Sets dir to include or ignore in newscan K) Default File Dir- Dir that user defaults to (#1 if not set) F) Find Description- Finds file through keyword searches in file descriptions >) Next Directory - (or +) Advances to next file directory <) Previous Directory - (or -) Reverses to previous directory #) Change to Dir. # - Entering a dir number will take you to that dir M) Master List - Creates Masterlist of Files for user to download. Q) Quit - Quits to main menu G) Log Off - Exits VBBS ---- SysOp ---- X) Sysop Directory - Review NEW uploads to Sysop Directory Z) Local Upload - Uploads files to directory. -25- Filesub menu ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ [ENTER] Next Entry - Advances to next file or file listing D) Download - Download Current file (? displays options) B) Batch Functions - Add files to "batch queue" (for multiple file transfers) A) List Again - Re-displays the current file ###) Jump to ### - Jumps to file number pressed Q) Quit - Quit to Files menu B) By-Pass (New Files Scan) - Bypass current dir in newscan V) View Archive - View the contents of the archived file R) Request NET File - Allows user to request a file from it's networked file listing. SysOp will be prompted to Approve or Disapprove a request (also for local offline files) T) Test ZIP - Allows the testing of the current file with a virus scanning software such as SCAN (not included) This feature is currently ONLY available for .ZIP files ---- SysOp ---- O) Move File Offline/Online- Toggles file to/from diskette or Tape drive Can also just toggle the file's availability Z) Add ZIPCOMNT.TXT to ZIP - Manually adds Zipcomnt.txt to archive X) Remove File - Remove filelisting and/or file from current dir. C) Copy File - Copies file from one directory to another. ==*== -26- Multiuser Teleconference ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Multiuser Teleconference is a simple demonstration of an internode "chat" setup. It has been internalized into the exe for speed. Even if you are running only one node under Windows or Desqview, you can run multiuser by running one node from the BBS 1 command and one from a BBS 0 commandline. Autoposts ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Autoposts are Networkable electronic Post-It notes that appear at program login or from choosing their display from the main menu. Users who have the appropriate security level may post a 3 line message for display. The most recent 5 autoposts are displayed. Random Messages ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A "random message" feature is included with VBBS which displays a one (or up to three) line message each time the main menu is displayed. It is configured in Vconfig. Chat Screens ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ VBBS uses a special Chat feature which splits the screen into TWO halves. The upper half of the screen for the sysop, the lower half for the user. The User's name appears at the bottom end of the screen and the Sysop's name appears at the very top. Split screen can be called at any time by using [shift][F1]. Normal chat is called by pressing [F1]. System Taglines ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ VBBS now uses a file called TAGLINE.### for system taglines. This multiline tagline may either be created in an ascii editor, or made with your favorite Ansi Draw program (note that Ansi taglines must be limited to a line legnth of 80 columns). The ### signifies a number between 1 and 999. You may have as many as 999 taglines (TAGLINE.1 , TAGLINE.2 etc). Taglines are defined in each DATABASE. 0 means no tagline will be used. Note NOT to define taglines for ONELINERS, or FILES. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- -27- Customizing VBBS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The configurability of VBBS cannot be overstated. You may easily modify VBBS to look and feel like some other BBS software. You may borrow features from several different BBS softwares to form one of your own design. You might just go absolutely nuts one night and decide to make VBBS emulate GEnie (or other CIS). Aside from obvious limitations in actual STORAGE, you could accomplish this to the point where a user could not tell the difference! It is doubtful that anyone would actually want to RUN a BBS that looked exactly like GEnie. This was just used as an illustration as to the capabilities of script customization. Unlike source code, which normally contains strict rules on code segment distribution (VBBS included), Vscripts as well as Function Blocks and menus may be distributed freely in full, or even in entire configuration sets. Creating and Editing Vscripts- The ability to create and edit scripts is completely self contained. You simply need to use your favorite text editor or word processor and of course become somewhat familiar with the Vscript language. (see Vscript.doc) Compiling the Vscripts- VBBS includes a special compiler (VCOM.EXE), that is used to compile the .V script text into code. -28- ---------------- Function Blocks: ---------------- Creating and editing Function Blocks- Function Blocks are simple ascii files residing in the MAIN VBBS dir. The syntax for their use is: <menu file (8 chars max)> <database group attached to this FB> (if any) <one or more lines of the following, in strict columns:> 1 3 7 9+ x yyy z ccccccccccccccc x=Key to assign yyy=Security Level (must be 3 digits (like 001)) z=command type 0= Null (no operation) 1= Internal command (like SENDEMAIL) (Any one word script command will work) 2= Script 3= DOS function (don't shrink) 4= DOS function (shrink) 5= TRansfer control to a different function block c=command string ------- an example FB might look like: ------- EMAIL (name of menu file) (no database attached (email is automatic)) E 001 1 sendemail M 001 1 reademailto F 001 1 feedback S 001 1 reademailsent Q 000 5 START (on Quit, return to START FB) ------- For msg bases: ------- MSG A (since this references group A, A is the attached dbgroup) R 001 1 readseqmsg N 001 1 readnewmsg P 001 1 post C 001 1 selectbase > 001 1 nextbase < 001 1 prevbase Q 000 5 START ------- START.FB must be the first FB run. It is to be the MAIN FB of a BBS. It takes control immediately after START.V finishes running. Once you are a VirtualNET node, you will be able to access the SysOp sub message bases which includes the Vscripts discussion sub as well as the Vscripts FBs and Mods networked File directory. <Please see Vscript.doc for detailed script info> -29- The Source ~~~~~~~~~~ VBBS may also be modified through "source mods" by Sysops who have registered at the SOURCE level. Sysops are encouraged to share their modifications with others and in fact, specific "sub" areas have been devoted to this on both VirtualNET and WWIVnet. -=-==-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- -30- Optimizing VBBS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Aside from the frequent running a disk speedup/optimization utility, A VBBS installation can be optimized further by the use of Ramdrive. Although it is not at all nescessary to do so, if you have the RAM to spare, further improvement to system speed can be made this way. Use of a RamDrive ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A VBBS installation can be optimized through the use of a RAMDRIVE (virtual disk). By loading some of the smaller, frequently accessed files into RAM memory, many systems will apreciate system speed up ranging from modest to substantial. The CONTROL.DAT directory probably benefits the most from being located on a RAM drive. CONTROL.DAT is the "buffer" or channel between two or more nodes, and is as well, the file that holds temporary status information about who is logged onto the system. VBBS Textfiles and Menus within the TEXT directory can be put on a RAMDRIVE. These would be the *.TXT, *.ASC, and *.ANS files. Because they are frequently used, loading them into RAM can reduce hard disk access substantially. Last, the SCRIPT directory can be put on a ramdrive. These would be the *.COD and *.LIT files. Putting your script files on the ramdrive speeds the process of loading the scripts. In a typical installation, RAMDRIVE installs in the following manner: DEVICE=RAMDRIVE.SYS 80 /E The "80" refers the size of the desired ram disk in kilobytes. The "/E" locates the ram disk in extended memory. (In order to use this option, you need to be running a 286 or 386, with at least 1 megabyte of ram, and with either HIMEM.SYS (An Extended Memory Manager), or QEMM386 (if you have a 386) installed. Leaving the "/E" part off puts the ram disk in conventional memory. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- -31- - Security- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ VBBS provides a high level of security. One of the most significant security features of VBBS is that it will not allow a remote user to drop to Dos. If you would would like to enable a Remote Dos capability, you will need to install Doorway (shareware), RemDos (shareware), or other program to run as a door in VBBS. This is generally a much safer method, and in the case of using "Doorway" provides a much more powerful remote interface. In Vconfig, you have the option of allowing Remote Sysop. Allowing a remote Sysop will let users with a security level of 255 (who know the current system password) to access the SysOp functions of VBBS EXCEPT accessing Dos. Pressing "S" from the SysOp menu will show all users on the system who have security level access. Although a user may view an archive, there is no function that will allow him or her to extract an archive. As with all BBS software, it is recomended that you use a registered Zmodem. New since VBBS 5.21 is a SysOp "UPLOAD" directory to which ALL files uploaded to the system are automatically uploaded to. Here, the sysop has the ability to view, scan and move the files and file listings to the appropriate directory after review. Be sure to leave the security settings at 0 for this database and also insure that DSZ.COM is either IN your path or in the UPLOAD dir itself. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- -32- Explanation of files used by VBBS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ VBBS expects to find these files in your system text directory as specified by VCONFIG System Paths Configuration. LOGIN ANS Your system's login screen LOGIN ASC Ascii version of above LOGOFF TXT Displayed to user at logoff NEWUSER TXT Displayed to new users before sign-up COLORS TXT Menu for selecting user's default ANSI colors EMAILHLP TXT Help File for addressing email/netmail EDITHLP TXT Help File for line editor FEDITHLP TXT Help File for full-screen editor WFC COM SysOp's Waiting-for-caller Menu TRASHCAN TXT Ascii file containing words disallowed in user handles. STORM TXT Used as an emergency logoff screen to online users (various)LOG System activity log files (various)CFG System configuration files produced by Vconfig (various)NET Network files (various)V Script files " COD " " " LIT " " START FB Start function block (main menu) FILES FB Files " " (files menu) SYSOP FB Sysop " " (Sysop menu) INSTALL EXE VBBS Auto install program VBBS EXE Main VBBS executable VNET EXE Network executable VCONFIG EXE VBBS Configuration program VCOM EXE VBBS Vscript compiler BBS EXE Resident program used to execute the VBBS and pass % parameters to the program (must also include correct path to your DSZ) SERIAL BIN Assembly language handling of serial routines Dorinfo1.def chain.txt are files that are produced to pass needed information to online programs being run from the BBS. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- -33- VirtualNET Network Information ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ VirtualNET is the networking feature of the Virtual BBS. VirtualNET, in its early beginning stages, has been on-line for 11 months as of this update. You will find VirtualNET easy to become setup with, and alot of fun to participate in. VirtualNET is free from the politics that may be found on other networks. Come, join us! Networking your BBS with VirtualNET is quick, easy and more affordable than you might think. A typical network call at 2400 baud takes only one or two minutes, due to the efficiency of the design. Network "packets" are automatically ZIPped for transmission, reducing the length of the transfer to 1/3 of sending unZIPped data. The main mail server is located in Western Michigan, and utilizes a US Robotics HST 14400 bps modem. It is available for network transfers 24 hours a day. The author is currently the Network Coordinator, and is always ready to assist you. Registration is NOT required to join the network. We welcome everyone! Setting up is EASY! Join the national NET Today! It is anticipated that other Networks will be added to the Multi-Net in very near future. * Please see NETGUIDE.DOC for information on VirtualNET and the VNET.EXE -34- VBBS/NET Registration ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ REGISTRATION: Only $35.00 ! The current cost of a Basic VBBS LIFETIME registration is ONLY $35.00. This makes VBBS affordable to all and an unsurpassed value in telecommunications software. Your registration of this young and fast growing program enables you to become a part of it's continuing developement. You will receive a life-time registration #. as well as access to VWW4.EXE and other available VBBS utilities which will make your VBBS even MORE powerful. Source Code: the VBBS SOURCE code, is available on a continuing basis to registered VBBS sysops for a seperate one time registration fee of $25.00 **** Please note that if you register your VBBS prior to 11-30-91, you **** will recieve the VBBS source code FREE! (see MAIL_REG.TXT) -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- -35- The Future ~~~~~~~~~~~~ VBBS is a software that does not stand still. The near future will find VBBS with further enhancements and system features through the wizardry of it's author and through the input of the growing number of VBBS SysOps that are beginning to assemble nationwide. Plans for the immediate future include as always, the continuing and regular occurence of improved, new and added features that find thier way into the program in each successive release. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ACKnowledgements DSZ.COM is an external protocol driver product by Omen Technology, Inc. PKZIP and PKUNZIP are archive programs by Phil Katz. DOS Programmer's Reference by Terry R. Dettmann (QUE Books). Portions of the code are Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation 1985-1988. Windows 3.0 is a product of Microsoft Corporation. Desqview, Desqview 386, and QEMM are products of Quarterdeck. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -36- For More on VBBS: Virtual Reality BBS 616-399-4818 24hrs USRobotics HST (300 to 14,400 bps) (fast file xfers! sysop support BBS!) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- -37- About the Author Roland DeGraaf is 26 years old and does not sleep. Earning a following as a gifted programmer and program developer in Western Michigan, Roland's passion for the past year has been the continuing developement of the Virtual BBS software. Born in 1964 with detached retnas from a premature birth, Roland is legally blind. Although his sight is very weak, his vision is intense and focused. Roland is blessed with both photographic and audiographic memory, but above all else, he is blessed with a drive to excel. Under the deft helmsmanship of Roland De Graaf, VBBS continues sailing into the virtual blue water of the modeming cyberspace. =-=-=-*-=-=-= VBBS/NET SysOp Documentation (C) 1991 J.Jaros