home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
OS/2 Shareware BBS: 2 BBS
/
02-BBS.zip
/
v612docs.zip
/
VC6C
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1993-12-16
|
18KB
|
316 lines
.TOPIC:
File Transfer Functions
VBBS 6.12 Documentation -- 6-C-1
╔════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ CHAPTER SIX ANNEX C FILE TRANSFER FUNCTIONS ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Transferring program and data files over phone lines was
one of the original reasons for the invention of modems, transfer
protocols, and BBS softwares; to this day, it remains one of the
most popular functions of BBSs.
As a sysop, the number of files (if any) you have avail-
able for download and their content is your decision and your re-
sponsibility. Some BBSs have huge transfer sections with thou-
sands of files online; others have only a few (or even NO) files
available for download. Most boards, however, fall somewhere in
the middle of the range, with a few dozen to a few hundred files
in their transfer sections.
If you prefer to keep your transfer section small, you
might consider carrying anti-virus software (your users will ap-
preciate you for it), a communications program or two, and sev-
eral general utilities. If you want a "mondo" file section, the
sky's the limit; there are, however, a few general statements
that are in order here:
1) Having commercial programs, such as Lotus 1-2-3 or Word-
Perfect, available for download is ILLEGAL. BBS operators
are responsible/liable for the content of the files they
offer to the public, and several sysops have been arrested
for running "pirate boards" offering commercial software.
2) Adult-oriented files should NOT be made available to users
under the age of 18; the potential legal hassles over the
distribution of pornography to minors simply isn't worth
it.
3) Practice "safe computing". Use a virus-scan program on
each file that you offer for download and on each file
that is uploaded to you. If a user gets a virused program
from your BBS, word WILL get around, and it may cost you
several users.
Transfer Menu Commands and What They Do
═══════════════════════════════════════
Below is a listing of the commands available from the
Transfer Menu, which is accessed by pressing [T] at the Main
Menu (in the default setup).
[C] Change Directory Displays a list of directories in
the current topic area and asks
the user which one to change to.
[$] Change Topic Area Displays a list of available topic
areas; also allows user to view
an index of the file section, if
desired.
VBBS 6.12 Documentation -- 6-C-2
[L] List Files *.* Lists all files in the current
directory.
[S] Search All Dirs Searches for filenames based on
the mask entered by the user.
If no mask is specified, this
will display ALL files in ALL
directories.
[D] Download Files Download one or more files.
[R] Review Files Browse file information in cur-
rent directory, in a manner
similar to reading messages.
[N] New Files Scan Scans for files that have been
added since the user's last
logon.
[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 user's KB uploaded, KB
downloaded, and ratio (even if
ratios are not enabled on your
BBS).
[P] Popular Downloads Searches current topic area and
compiles a list of the most
frequently downloaded files.
[J] Set New File Scan Allows user to configure new-files
scan to show new files received
during last x number of days.
[K] Default File Dir Directory user defaults to (#1 if
not set).
[F] Find Description Finds file through keyword sear-
ches in file descriptions.
[>] Next Directory Also activated by [+]; advances
one directory in current topic
area.
[<] Previous Directory Also activated by [-]; reverses
to previous directory.
[#] Change to Dir # Entering a directory number will
take you to that directory.
[M] Download Master List Compiles a master list of files
available for download; the list
is deleted after download.
[Q] Quit to Main Exits to Main Menu.
[G] Goodbye/Log Off Exit BBS.
──────── Sysop ─────────
[X] Sysop Directory Allows sysop to review new addi-
tions to the upload directory.
[Z] Local Upload Uploads files from the sysop di-
rectory to their proper down-
load directories.
VBBS 6.12 Documentation -- 6-C-3
Setting Up Topic Areas
══════════════════════
As with message bases, file databases may be broken down
into topic areas. Typical topic-area arrangements for the file
section might look like this:
L -- Utilities T -- Windows Programs
M -- Games V -- DOS Programs
N -- Applications K -- OS/2 Programs
O -- Communications Y -- Untried/untested uploads
Of course, the characters you use for topic areas are up to you;
it wouldn't be difficult to come up with a different arrangement
for the topic areas, either ... but you get the idea. Under the
"DOS Programs" area mentioned above, you might have the databases
broken down like this:
1 Utilities
2 Graphics Games
3 Text Games
4 Word Processors/Text Editors
5 Programmers' Tools
6 Term Programs & Protocols
.
.
Again, the arrangement/breakdown is entirely up to you. VBBS al-
lows for one hundred databases within a topic area and the topic
area designator needs to be a unique character (ascii 33-255).
Uploading Files Locally
═══════════════════════
When you're setting up your file section, remember that
file databases need a specific DOS path so that VBBS will know
where to look for the file. File databases need to have UNIQUE
DOS filenames, lest your file descriptions start showing up on
networked message bases.
To "load" files into your file section, move them to the
appropriate DOS directory you've specified for the database in
VCONFIG. Log onto the BBS and go to the Transfer Menu, then
select [Z] -- Local Upload. If you specify a filename, you may
upload that ONE file into the database; if you press [Enter] at
the prompt, you're telling VBBS you want to upload ANY files
in that directory that aren't currently on display. You may also
tell VBBS to upload any new files within the entire topic area,
if you wish.
Once you've selected the desired option, VBBS will prompt
you for a one-line description (and an optional extended de-
scription). When the file is uploaded, VBBS will insert a "zip
comment" to the archive; this comment contains your ZIPCOMNT.TXT
(found in the \TXT directory).
For procedures on uploading files from a CD-ROM into VBBS
please refer to the CDROM.DOC in the Appendix.
VBBS 6.12 Documentation -- 6-C-4
To upload files to specific directories after a remote
user uploads a file to your \SYSOP directory, simply choose the
"Copy File" option from the sub-menu to place the file where it
belongs in your transfer section. You may then wish to use the
"Toggle File Online/Offline" option to move the original file
to a backup diskette, directory, or tape drive.
Remote Transfers
════════════════
VBBS comes configured for several transfer protocols. The
"de facto" standard protocol is ZModem, a shareware protocol by
Omen Technologies that is readily available from other BBSs.
ZModem allows for the "batch" uploading and downloading of files
to and from your BBS (this means that users can upload or down-
load files in groups, instead of one at a time). ZModem is also
faster than the earlier XModem or YModem protocols, particularly
at a 2400-baud connect rate. ZModem comes in two "flavors":
DSZ, which has been the standard for a while, and GSZ, which is
basically DSZ with a graphical display and is becoming quite
popular. If you use GSZ, it is highly recommended that you
rename that file to DSZ.COM so that it matches the DSZ command
line already configured within VBBS and is also used by the
VNET networking software.
VBBS comes pre-configured for XModem, YModem, ZModem,
ZModem Batch, and the developing HS-Link bidirectional proto-
col (which allows simultaneous uploading and downloading of
files). If you're using ZModem and/or HS-Link, the .EXE and/
or .COM files for these programs need to be in your main VBBS
directory to facilitate transfers.
VBBS' own standalone VXY.EXE is an integral part of the
package. VXY handles XModem, YModem, ZModem, and ZModem
Batch also and is a fully functional replacement for DSZ. This
is preconfigured for you in the upload.cfg and download.cfg
files when you first install VBBS.
In the case of uploads, the sysop may define in VCONFIG
whether the user will be prompted for a file description before
or after the upload (if before, VBBS will check for duplication
of files). Another VCONFIG upload option is whether an "upload
event" (such as a virus scan) will be performed offline after
the upload. In any case, VBBS checks for compressed file
integrity following upload (and optionally, at download). A
file located in the defined \TXT directory, called REMUPLD.TXT,
is displayed to the user immediately prior to the upload prompt;
this file may be edited according to your needs.
VBBS displays the user's upload/download ratio after each
transfer. In VCONFIG, you may opt to have a specific minimum
ratio to allow downloads; you may also exempt particular users
(such as visiting sysops) from this ratio in the user editor.
If you want to make certain files available as "free"
downloads that will not be charged against a user's ratio, you
simply need to create a file called FREEDL.TXT in your \TXT
directory. This file should contain the names, one per line, of
the files you wish to have as "free" downloads. Typical files
that might fall into this category might include virus-scan pro-
grams, text files describing your BBS and its features/policies,
VBBS 6.12 Documentation -- 6-C-5
etc. It should be noted that if you're running a credit system,
the user WILL be assessed a credit charge for these files (in
"default" VBBS, anyway).
Files Sub-Menu
══════════════
[Enter] Next Entry Advances to next file or file lis-
ting.
[D] Download File Download current file; [?] dis-
plays options.
[B] Batch Functions Adds file to "batch queue" for
multiple file transfers.
[A] List Again Redisplays the current file's in-
formation.
[###] Jump to File ### If you enter a number, VBBS takes
you to that file's description.
[Q] Quit Quits to Transfer menu.
[V] View Archive View the contents of the archived
file (for details, see section
D of the VCONFIG setup instruc-
tions).
[R] Request File Allows user to request a file from
its networked file listing. The
sysop will be prompted to approve
or disapprove a request. This
also works for local files listed
as <OFF-LINE>.
[T] Test Archive Allows testing of the current
file's archival integrity.
──────── Sysop ──────────
[O] Move File Online/Offline Toggles file to/from diskette or
tape drive. It may also be used
simply to toggle the file's
availability.
[X] Remove File Remove file listing and/or file
from the current directory. Use
VBBS 6.12 Documentation -- 6-C-6
with caution.
[M] Move File Move file from one directory to
another (there have been some
reported problems with this
command; don't use it to move
a file into the first database
in the first topic area, and
all should work well).
[E] Edit Description Allows the sysop to edit the short
file description.
Parting words on files: The file transfer section can be
a real joy to work with, or it can be a real pain; it depends on
how you (and your users) approach it. Even the most idealistic
sysop can be driven almost to distraction by persistent file
leeches -- users who do nothing but download files without ever
exploring the other areas of the BBS (I speak from personal ex-
perience here). Never say "I'll never run a ratio or credit
system" unless you: a) truly don't care whether your users ever
use the BBS to communicate with others, or b) like to eat crow
(perhaps with peppercorn sauce). :-)
Of course, NOT having a file section GREATLY reduces your
system's risk of contracting a virus ... but it can be of great
comfort if you have the latest anti-virus software when a user
REALLY needs it!
Some sysops take a sort of perverse pleasure in seeing
just how many files they can have online; if you're a beginning
sysop, don't sweat it. Have as many files online as you feel
comfortable with. Don't get into a "competition" with BBSs
that have 1.2-gigabyte hard drives or multiple CD-ROM drives
if you don't want to; it gets REAL expensive, both in hardware
costs and long-distance charges.