OS/2 Shareware BBS: 2 BBS/02-BBS.zip/va210.zip/VCONFIG.DOC

Text File | 1997-02-05 | 57KB | 1,598 lines

     VCONFIG
     ═══════

        VCONFIG.EXE is the main Virtual Advanced (VA) configuration
     utility, and you will more than likely spend alot of time with it.
     It was designed to be simple to use and yet powerful enough to let
     you manipulate configuration settings at the "low level" if desired.
     VA Installation INSTALL.EXE will set most essential configuration
     settings to proper default values when you set up the program for the
     first time.  With the possible exception of COM port settings, you may
     not need to make any changes to the configuration in order to execute
     the software for the first time.  However, you will want to use VCONFIG
     to customize your system before officially bringing your BBS online.
     You may use VCONFIG at any time to make changes as needed.

     The VCONFIG Main Menu:

     Selection

     1) Main Configuration
     2) Channel Configuration
     3) Database Configuration
     4) Paths Configuration
     5) Download Protocols
     6) Upload Protocols
     7) Network Configuration
     8) Events Configuration
     9) Control Panel Configuration
     A) Doors Configuration
     B) Voting Booth
     C) Random Messages
     D) Text Sections Configuration
     E) Multi-Feedback Configuration
     F) User Quick Validation
     G) Heart Code (Ctrl-C) Colors
     H) Diagnostics


     Main Configuration
     ══════════════════

        The "Main Configuration" portion of the set-up actually
     consists of several settings spread over three screenfuls.  Each
     screen is devoted to a particular function.  Screen 1 is the screen
     for alphanumeric data inputs such as BBS Name, Sysop Name and
     the like.  Screen 2 is composed of several toggle switches, most
     of the On/Off or Yes/No variety. Screen 3 deals with security
     issues such as security levels to be assigned to new users and
     so on.

        What follows is the name and description of each field:

     Main Configuration - Screen 1
     ══════════════════

       > BBS Name

     The name of your BBS.

       > SysOp Name

     The name of the SysOp of System Administrator.  Whether you
     enter your real name here, or an alias is up to you.  If you have
     multiple system operators then this field should contain the name
     of the primary operator.

       > Local Time Zone

     This field should contain a description of the time zone
     your BBS is located in.  For US SysOps, there are pricipally
     four time zones: Eastern, Central, Mountain and Pacific.
     The proper abbreviation depends on the time of year:

     Zone                       Standard Time     Daylight Savings Time
                      (Winter)             (Summer)

     Eastern                        EST                  EDT
     Central                        CST                  CDT
     Mountain                       MST                  MDT
     Pacific                        PST                  PDT

       > New User Password

     In this field, you may specify your system's new-user
     password.  Leaving this field blank disables the new-user
     password.  The presence of a password in this field will
     require that a first-time remote caller know the password
     to create an account.

       > System Password

     This field contains your system password and is an optional
     level of security.  All users with a security level (SL) of
     255, or sysop security, will be prompted for the system password
     when logging in.

       > Waiting-For-Call Screen Drive List

     This is the list of hard drives you want displayed on the
     WFC (Waiting-For-Call) screen.  The drive letter, size, free
     space, and percentage of space free will be displayed.  If free
     space drops below a particular percentage, that display line
     will change color.

       > Phone Number Format

     This setting lets you customize the entry format for phone
     numbers as prompted during new user account creation.
     United States systems, for example, should set this field to
     ###-###-####.  Non-US systems should set this field as
     appropriate for their local calling region.

       > Net Low Time
       > Net High Time

     These two settings let you specify a period of time for
     network transfers.  During net time, users calling the BBS
     will receive the text message as configured in the external
     string file and be logged off.  This is a way to open up a busy
     BBS for network calls, typically late at night.  Use of this
     feature may be required in some networks.  The "net low time"
     is the beginning of the net period; the "net high time" is the end
     of the net period.  The times must be entered in HH:MM format using
     military time; if both are set to 00:00, the feature is disabled.

       > QWK Packet Filename

     This is the name you wish to give to QWK packets being
     sent from your system.  It is recommended that you give
     this field a unique six-character alphanumeric name.

     Main Configuration - Screen 2
     ══════════════════

       > Tossing Options

     The possibilities for this switch are:

     Direct       Incoming network posts written directory to
              destination database, skipping LOCAL.NET
              and increasing system efficiency.

     Background   Instructs mail tossers to toss mail in the back-
              ground, if possible, after completing network
              transfers with other systems.

              Note: VA-OS2 and OS/2's "START" command supported
                at this time.  Future support to include
                VA-DOS and Win95's "START" command.

     LoadSense    Allows mail tosser to sense when users are online.
              When users are online, a small amount of CPU time
              is yielded by the mail tosser so that the system
              is more responsive to users, while only slightly
              slowing the pace of mail tossing.  When no users
              are online, the mail tosser goes at full speed.

     Note that the switches Direct, Background, and LoadSense may
     be used together in any desired combination.

     Standard     This indicates that all three switches are disabled.

       > New Upload Scanner

     If set to Scan & Warn, VA will automatically scan uploaded
     files for viruses, alert you, and keep the file for your
     inspection.  If set to Scan & Delete, a suspect upload will
     be automatically deleted.  If set to Disabled, VA will not
     check uploaded files at all.

     The included scanner program automatically identifies the
     archive format (ZIP, ARJ, LZH, and ARC) and also tests uploaded
     archives for integrity.  In addition, it automatically adds
     your archive comment (ZIPCOMNT.TXT) and reads file descriptions
     provided in FILE_ID.DIZ format.

     The default virus scanner software supported by the upload checker
     is McAfees SCAN software for DOS and OS/2.  A log file, UPLOAD.LOG
     is created for your review.  Alternate virus scanners can be
     configured through SCANNER1.CFG and SCANNER2.CFG files.

     If you desire to configure alternate virus scanning software,
     you must create two text files: SCANNER1.CFG and SCANNER2.CFG.
     SCANNER1.CFG/SCANNER2.CFG should contain one line of ASCII
     text describing the desired DOS or OS2 command line.

     The command line configured in SCANNER1.CFG is used for scanning
     a single file.  The command line configured in SCANNER2.CFG is used
     for scanning a whole directory of files. %1 may be used on the
     command line as a replacable parameter to mean either filename
     (SCANNER1.CFG) or directory name (SCANNER2.CFG).

       > Log Detail Level

     This defines the level of detail that VA maintains in
     its BBS.LOG file.  There are two settings: Normal, which
     shows the typical actions of a user (login time, door calls,
     etc.), and Extended, which also shows the individual key-
     strokes the user makes at the various menus within the system.

     The Extended level is useful for tracking the users use of
     the BBS; it can be particularly helpful in identifying users
     who head straight for the Game or File Transfer sections.

       > LOGOFF.BAT/CMD

     There are three possible settings for this option: No, Channel 1
     Only, and All Channels.  This option allows you to configure
     utilities (archive converters, information updates, etc.) to be
     run when a user logs off.

     Parameters passed to the batch file are:

     %1  Channel Number
     %2  COM Port

     Note: VA for DOS executes LOGOFF.BAT
           VA for OS2 executes LOGOFF.CMD

       > MultiTasker

     This switch lets you optimize program execution depending
     on which multitasker (Desqview, Windows 3.1, Windows 95,
     Windows NT, or OS/2) you may optionally be using to multitask
     two or more sessions of VA.

       > Allow Handles

     If this setting is set to No, then users will be required to use
     their real name as their Account or Login ID.  If this setting
     is set to YES, then users are free to use either their real name,
     or an arbitrary "handle" identification for their Login ID.

       > Sys PW/WFC SysOp

     If this is set to Yes, then the system password is re-
     quired to access certain functions from the WFC screen.
     It is useful if your BBS needs to be secure locally; if you
     have a lot of your users dropping by, or if you have
     small children lurking about the computer, for example.

       > Ignore Extensions

     VA automatically checks for duplicates when a caller uploads a
     new file to the system.  With this option enabled, VA will treat
     filenames with the same name (but different extensions) as being
     the same, and therefore, duplicates of each other.

       > Req. Filename Entry

     If set to No, the user is given the choice between entering
     filenames and descriptions prior to upload or after the upload.

     If set to Yes, the user is required to enter filenames and
     descriptions before the upload.  When filenames and descriptions
     are entered before the upload, the user is also given the option
     of automatic logoff when the upload is complete.

     It should also be noted that once the file has actually been
     received, the BBS will check for the existance FILE_ID.DIZ
     within the archive, and make use of that description data also.

       > Inverse Bar

     If set to Yes, an inverse-color bar will be drawn on certain
     input fields, to show the user how much space he/she has to
     enter the information.  If set to No, the bar is not displayed.

       > Display Networks

     If set to No, minimal network information is displayed
     when the user does an online database listing.  If set to
     Yes, then full network information is displayed.

       > Force Feedback

     If set to Yes, then external string #397 is displayed to the
     new user, and they are prompted to leave feedback to the sysop.

       > Auto-Check Polls

     If set to On, VA checks to see if there are voting questions
     the user has not answered yet.  If new questions are found,
     the user is prompted to vote.

       > Allow DIRECTmail

     If set to On, DIRECTmail is enabled.  This is necessary for
     DIRECTmail FREQ ability.

     For DIRECTmail to pass between two VA systems, this feature
     must be enabled at BOTH ends of the connection.

       > Secure Uploads

     If set to On, then all new uploads are pathed to the \SYSOP
     directory, where they sit until the sysop manually moves
     them to their proper directories.  If set to Off, uploads
     go directly into the directory in which they're uploaded.

     When enabled, you have the ability to check over each file
     before it is made available to the users of your BBS.

       > SysOp F-Key Lockout

     When set to Yes, the SysOp Function Keys normally available
     to a SysOp when he/she or a user is online, are disabled.
     You would use this option if you are using VA as a multi-user
     mail system on a local area network with many people using
     the system locally (ie not via modem).

       > Detect FIDOnet

     If set to On, VA internal FIDOnet detection is enabled.  The
     included VFIDO.EXE is called upon to handle the remainder of
     the call if an incoming FIDOnet call is detected.

       > Allow Remote SysOp

     If set to Yes, Virtual Advanced will allow remote sysop logins
     ( security level >= 255 ). If set to No, then VA will allow
     the caller to login, but at only 254 SL.

     Main Configuration - Screen 3
     ══════════════════

     >>  Security Levels:

       > Autopost

     This setting is the minimum security level (MSL) needed
     to write an autopost on the system.

       > Email Others

     This setting is the minimum security level (MSL) needed
     to write email to other users (other than the SysOp).
     You might use this to screen out problem users who misuse
     the email functions of your BBS.

       > Email SysOp Att File

     This setting is the minimum security level (MSL) needed
     to write email to the sysop with attached file.

       > Email Other Att File

     This setting is the minimum security level (MSL) needed
     to write email to other users with attached file.

       > MultiMail

     This setting is the minimum security level (MSL) needed
     to be allowed to use the system's multi-mail (Mail List)
     facilities.

       > Email Carbon Copy

     This setting is the minimum security level (MSL) needed
     to be allowed to use the carbon copy feature.

      >> New User Defaults

       > Security Level

     This setting specifies the security level which is assigned to
     new users who call your BBS.

       > Time Limit

     This setting specifies the time limit which is assigned to
     new users who call your BBS.

       > Credits

     This setting specifies the number of credits which are given to
     new users who call your BBS.

      >> Credit Accounting

       > Cost/Minute

     This setting specifies the number of credits deducted per
     minute of online time used by the caller.  A setting of zero
     disables this feature.

       > Cost/Download KB

     This setting specifies the number of credits deducted per
     kilobyte downloaded by the caller.  A setting of zero
     disables this feature.

       > Given/Post

     This setting specifies the number of credits awarded per
     message posted by the caller.  A setting of zero disables
     this feature.  Note that if a user posts a message and deletes
     it, they lose the credits they were awarded.  This keeps callers
     from posting nonsense just to get credits.

       > Given/Upload KB

     This setting specifies the number of credits awarded per
     kilobyte uploaded by the caller.  A setting of zero disables
     this feature.

      >> Call-Back Verifier

       > Security Level

     This setting specifies the security level assigned to new
     users who successfully pass call-back verification.  A setting
     of zero for this field disables the call-back verifier.

       > Time Limit

     This setting specifies the time limit assigned to new users who
     successfully complete call-back verification.

      >> Auto-SysOp Validation

       > Security Level

     This setting specifies the security level assigned to new users
     who request auto-sysop validation.  A setting of zero for this
     field disables auto-sysop validation.

       > Time Limit

     This setting specifies the time limit assigned to new users who
     who request auto-sysop validation.

      >> Miscellaneous

       > Inactivity Timeout

     This numeric value determines how long a user may remain
     inactive (not typing anything) before being automatically
     logged off the BBS.  The value is expressed in seconds,
     and the user will receive a "beep" warning at the midpoint
     of the interval.  For example, a setting of 360 seconds would
     allow for 6 minutes of inactivity.  The user would receive an
     audible warning after 3 minutes, and be logged off after 3
     more minutes of inactivity.

       > Blank WFC Screen

     This setting configures the VA automatic WFC (Waiting
     For Call) screen blanker.  Like the "Timeout" option,
     this value is expressed in seconds; a value of 300 seconds in
     this field would blank out the WFC screen after 5 minutes.
     A value of 0 in this field disables screen blanking.

       > Reserve Space

     This setting, expressed in kilobytes (KB), instructs VA
     to reserve some of your hard-drive space so that suffi-
     cient space to operate the BBS is always available on your
     hard drive.  When the free space on your upload drive
     drops below this value, uploads will not be allowed onto
     the board; this is for your protection.  A value of 0 in
     this field disables this feature.

       > # Active Channels

     This setting lets you optimize VA for the number of
     simultaneous online users (active ports) that you will be
     running on your multi-user VA installation.  If you have two
     lines running into your multi-user VA, set this to 2; if
     you have four lines, set it to 4, and so on.  Single-line
     VA installations should set this value to 1.

       > Network Poll Delay

     This setting configures how often VA checks to see if
     it needs to perform some type of automatic network dial-
     out.  It is expressed in seconds (i.e., a value of 600
     would represent 10 minutes).

       > UL/DL Ratio

     This is the place for the desired upload to download ratio.

     This setting specifies the optional system upload/down-
     load ratio.  If enabled, it requires that users upload
     files in order to be able to download them.  A setting of 0
     disables ratio's entirely.  To calculate the value to enter
     in this field, use the following formula:

     decimal ratio = (required uploads) / (allowed downloads)

     For example, to require that a user upload 1K for every
     5K downloaded (a ratio of 1:5), you would convert the
     fraction 1/5 into a decimal and enter the value .2 in
     the ratio field.  Other values are possible; some of the
     more common ones are:

        .1   (1:10 ratio)     .05  (1:20 ratio)
        .25  (1: 4 ratio)      .5  (1: 2 ratio)

       > QWK Message Limit

     This setting defines the maximum number of QWK messages
     to put into one QWK packet.

     Suggesting a good number to enter in this field is dif-
     ficult to do.  If you have a large number of active net-
     worked message bases, you will probably want to set this
     high (say, 500 or so).  This is a trial-and-error setting,
     but easily changed.

       > Mail Hold Time

     This specifies the time, in days, that E-mail should be
     kept active on the system.  When an E-mail reaches the
     age limit, it is automatically purged from the BBS.  A
     value of 0 disables this feature, although this is not
     recommended.

       > Max Time Bank

     This specifies the maximum number of minutes that a user
     may deposit into their time bank.  A setting of zero will
     disable the built-in time bank feature.

       > Redial Attempts

     This specifies the number of network redial attempts VA's
     network utilities should make for each try.

       > Rings To Answer On

     This setting defines how many times the phone will be
     allowed to ring before VA answers.  For most installa-
     tions, a setting of 1 is proper.  If you have Caller ID
     on your system, you may want to set this to 2 to give your
     equipment time to "capture" the originating phone number.

       > VCONFIG Colors

     These allow you to set the screen colors used by VCONFIG.


     Channel Configuration
     ═════════════════════

        In this section of VCONFIG you can configure the multi-user
     communications aspects of VA.  You can define the COM port, baud
     rate, modem initialization string and so on for each CHANNEL (line)
     you will be running.

        When you bring up the CHANNEL configuration screen, you
     will see a long list of channel numbers and their current
     characteristics.  To edit a particular line, use the arrow keys
     to move the highlight bar to the channel you want to edit, then
     press [Enter].  This will bring up a second screen with the
     following information:

       > Serial Port

     This setting can range from COM1 to COM8 for "standard"
     communications ports, DigiPort 1 to DigiPort 64 for DigiBoard
     ports, Fossil Device 0 to Fossil Device 15, or Local (no COM
     port used).  Whichever port you specify here is what this channel
     will use.  (By using the Local setting, VA could be used as an
     inter-office mail system on a LAN.)

       > Base Address (Hex)
       > IRQ (Hex)

     For unique addressing, you may configure the port base address
     and IRQ directly.  Both entries should be entered in hexadecimal
     format.

       > Baud Rate

     This field sets the baud rate of the COM port.
     Valid ranges for the DOS version are 300 to 115200 baud,
     and for the OS/2 version, 300 to 57600 baud.

       > Locked Baud Rate

     If you are using a standard 2400-baud modem without error
     correction, this should be set to No.  If you are using a
     high-speed modem, or a modem with error correction, this
     should be set to Yes.

       > Hardware (RTS/CTS) Handshake

     If you are using a standard 2400-baud modem without error
     correction, this should be set to No.  If you are using a
     high-speed modem, or a modem with error correction, this
     should be set to Yes.

       > Minimum Baud Rate Allowed

     This feature can be used to "lock out" users using slower
     modems, should you desire to do so.  This can be config-
     ured independently for each active channel.  For example,
     a sysop running a single-channel installation may wish
     to lock out 300-baud callers and would enter a value of
     1200 in this field.  A value of 0 in this field disables
     the minimum-baud-rate feature.

     If you are running more than one channel, one of which
     uses a high-speed modem, you may wish to use the minimum-
     baud-rate feature to reserve the high-speed channel for
     the exclusive use of high-speed callers.

       > Init String1

       > Init String2

       > Init String3

     Up to 3 modem initialization strings of up to 40 characters
     each may be entered here.

       > Off-Hook String

     The string configured here is sent the modem when the BBS
     needs to take the phone off-hook, as when processing netmail
     or some other offline event or task.  If you do not want to
     modem to busy out the phone line, then leave this field blank.
     This field is typically set to ATH1, but can be altered to suit.

       > Answer String

     The string configured here is sent the modem when the BBS
     needs to answer an incoming call.  This field is typically
     set to ATA.

       > Dial String

     The string configured here is sent the modem when the BBS
     needs to dial an outgoing call.  This field is typically set
     to ATDT.

     Modem strings may optionally contain the following special
     characters, which VA will filter out and act upon accordingly:

     ~    2 Second Pause
     {    Carriage Return


     Database Configuration
     ══════════════════════

        VA uses a sophisticated database structure for storage
     of message bases and file listing directories.  It can also be
     used for custom script-based applications.

        There are three basic types of databases: message databases,
     file databases, and other databases.  All databases may be set
     up and grouped into Topic Areas.  Each topic area needs its own
     DBGROUP identifier, which may be any letter, number or symbol
     from ASCII characters 33 to 255.

          When you enter the DATABASE configuration screen, you are
     presented with a scrolling menu of choices:

     Message Databases
     File Databases
     Custom Databases
     Optimize Databases
     Compile Network Info
     Automatic QWK Numbering
     Make NEWS.LST for NNTP
     CDROM/HardDrive Auto-SetUp

     Message Databases
     ═════════════════
     Message bases, also known as "message subs" or simply "subs,"
     are databases in which messages are stored.  Subs may be about
     a specific topic, or they may simply be "chat"-type subs in
     which people can write messages, or "post", about whatever is
     on their minds.  Selecting this option will let you edit the
     Message Base set-up.

     File Databases
     ══════════════
     The file databases work in much the same way as the message bases,
     except that they store file descriptions instead of messages.
     The major difference between the way file and message databases
     are set up is that each file database requires a unique, specific
     sub-directory to store the actual files your users will be download-
     ing from your BBS.  The file directory must be manually created by
     the SysOp, and existing file downloads placed there.

     To upload these files locally, the SysOp uses the /UPL command on
     the Transfer Menu where he will be prompted to add descriptions.
     Like message databases, file databases may be grouped into topic
     areas by giving each topic a unique letter DBGROUP identifier.
     Selecting this option will let you edit the File Area set-up.

     Custom Databases
     ════════════════
     Custom databases may be set up to work in conjunction with
     script-based applications.  Selecting this option will let
     you edit Custom Database set-up.

     Optimize Databases
     ══════════════════
     Compresses and reorganizes the DATABASE.CFG file so that
     database groups and databases can be accessed most quickly.

     Compile Network Info
     ════════════════════
     Recompiles the data which establishes the "connection"
     bewteen a database and a networked message area or file area,
     so that network interface programs like VUUCP and VFIDO
     can run most quickly.

     Automatic QWK Numbering
     ═══════════════════════
     Automatically assigns QWK conference numbers to all un-numbered
     (QWK conference number=0) message bases.

     Make NEWS.LST for NNTP
     ══════════════════════
     Create the ASCII file NEWS.LST, for use by VISK's NNTP software.
     VISK = Virtual Internet Survivial Kit.

     CDROM/HardDrive Auto-SetUp
     ══════════════════════════
     Allows the SysOp to automatically set-up file directories
     in VCONFIG.  The directories can be on either hard-drive
     or CDROM.  This program works by seeking out directories
     containing FILES.BBS, and setting those directories up
     in VCONFIG.

     After this step is completed, login to the BBS as SysOp, and
     do a sysop upload (/UPL) on the newly set-up directories, and
     select Automatic Upload.  Files will be uploaded automatically
     with minimal sysop intervention required.

     This process should handle most BBS-ready CD's without the need
     for any external utilities.

     Tip: This procedure can be used to auto-upload files on
     hard drive also. If you are migrating from another BBS
     software that used FILES.BBS, then your set-up and conversion
     should be very easy. If you don't have FILES.BBS in your
     directories, then create a "fake" one that consists of
     one empty line -- this will allow VCONFIG to find the
     directory and set it up for you.

     Configuring and Editing Databases in VCONFIG
     ════════════════════════════════════════════

     Z) DB Group

     This is a letter (A-Z), numeric digit (0-9) or any other
     ASCII character from 33 to 255.  This field designates
     which database topic group this database

     It is not necessary to create a new database group each
     time you wish to add a new database.  You may put up to 100
     Databases into each Database Group.

     1) File Name

     This is the filename to be used by the database.  Any legal
     filename of 8 characters or less may be used, and may not
     contain periods or spaces.  Each database must be assigned
     a unique filename.

     The importance of giving databases unique filenames cannot
     be overemphasized.  Database entries that have the same
     database filename specify the same database!

     2) Files Path

     Enter a path in this field only if you are creating a
     file database or a custom database that uses messages or
     files.  If you are setting up a message database, leave
     this field blank.

     3) Long Name

     This is the longer, more descriptive database name that
     is displayed to the user, such as "General Discussion."

     4) Private? (Y/N)

     This switch is for special uses only.  You should set this to
     No when creating public-access message and file databases.

     5) Max Entries

     This defines the desired size of the database (in messages or
     files, not bytes).  A value of 0 in this field allows un-
     limited message/file storage.  A non-zero number in this field
     sets a limit on the number of messages/files.

     When VA runs daily cleanup, it will "pack" the database
     by removing enough of the oldest messages, bringing the database
     back to the specified limit.

     For file databases, you should set the limit to 0.
     Gauging the proper limit for a message database is largely
     a matter of trial and error.  For slow message bases, you
     will want to keep the limit fairly low, to promote message
     turn-over.  For active subs, like large FIDOnet and Internet
     conferences, you may want to set it somewhat higher.

     6) Read SL

     This is the minimum security level needed to access (read)
     the database.  If the user's SL is less than this value,
     the database will not show up in their listing.

     7) Write SL

     This is the minimum security level needed to write (post)
     in the database.  If the user's SL is less than this
     value, the database will not allow posts or uploads.

     8) Access Flag

     This setting defines which access flag, if any, must be
     set in the user's account to access the database.  This
     value may be none, or a letter from A to Z.  If set to a
     letter, the user must have a matching access flag in his
     account information in order to access the database.  Access
     flags are set in the user editor (see "The User Editor" for
     details).

     Access flags are useful for restricting access to databases
     to a particular group of users.  For example, if you wanted
     to have a sysops-only sub, you could enter an 'S' in
     this field and give visiting sysops an 'S' access flag.
     They would be the only users who could access the database.

     9) Age Limit

     This setting defines the minimum age required to access
     this database.  For example, a value of 18 in this field would
     require that a user be at least 18 years old to have access
     to the database.

     A) Tagline

     This setting optionally specifies a tagline file to be used
     with this database.  Contents of the tagline file are appended
     to messages posted in the database.  If set to zero or left
     blank, no tagline is added (see "System Taglines" for
     more information).

     B) Random Titles

     This setting specifies which random title file to use in
     messages, and is disabled if set to 0.  The range for
     this value is 1 to 999; specifying a value here instructs
     VA to look for the file RNDTITLE.xxx (where "xxx" is the
     entered value, without leading zeroes) in your VA Text
     Directory.  Entries in RNDTITLE.xxx file may be made using an
     ASCII text editor and should be one per line in this file.

     C) Name Used

     This setting defines the name used in the "From:" field
     when a new message or file upload is saved in the database.
     The possible settings are handle, real name, or anonymous.

     D) QWK Conference

     This setting defines the database's QWK conference number
     as used by QWK-format offline mail readers.  The range for
     this value is from 2 to 255, and each QWK conference
     assignment must be unique to the particular database.

     E) Database Co-Sysop

     Some sysops allow trusted users to moderate discussions on
     local message bases.  This setting defines the co-sysop,
     sub sysop, or moderator for the database.  Leaving this
     field blank disables this feature; any nonzero value specifies
     the user number of the moderator.

     F) Req Net Validation

     If you wish to review posts before they are transmitted
     out to any networks, turn this option ON.  Post validation
     is handled via the [V] option from the Sysop Menu within VA.

     G) Networks Configuration

     Selecting this option allows you to directly edit the network
     configuration for the database.  This is not the recommended
     approach; rather, VMB.EXE should be used for this purpose.
     VMB.EXE makes it quick and easy and painless.  Use of the VCONFIG
     editor lets you access the low-level portions of the database
     configuration and do things manually:

     If you wish the database to be networked, you must configure
     the network and network sub/conference identifier.  VCONFIG
     will prompt you for the network, then for the identifier.
     The format of the identifier varies from network to network.

     You can configure a database to be on one network or on several
     networks.  Configuring a database to be on multiple networks
     creates a "gateway" between two or more networks.  The common
     term is "gating."

     Prior to establishing a gateway connection, you should obtain
     permission from any conference or message base host/moderator.


     Paths Configuration
     ═══════════════════

        This part of VCONFIG configures the path settings for your
     VA installation.  These settings are set-up for you when you
     install VA, but you may wish to change and/or optimize these
     settings in the future.

     1) Main Directory  (\VADV)

     The system executables (*.EXE) belong in this directory along with
     your configuration (*.CFG) files.  This should be your current
     directory when you are executing the program.  A typical path
     might be "C:\VADV".

     2) Scripts Directory  (\VADV\V)

     This is where VA expects to find script (*.V) and function-block
     (*.FB) files.

     3) Data Directory  (\VADV\DATA)

     This is where VA expects to find system data files:
     USERFILE.DAT    CONNECT .DAT     NET.1 ... NET.999
     USERFILE.IDX    STATVBBS.DAT     NETWORKS.LST

     4) System Text Files  (\VADV\TXT)

     This is where VA expects to find system text files:
     *.TXT     *.ANS    *.ASC     *.MNU     *.PDM     *.RIP     *.VWC

     5) CONTROL.DAT Directory

     This specifies in which directory VA will maintain the temporary
     system file containing the current user's information.  It is
     highly recommended that you use a RAMdrive for this directory.

     6) Temporary Directory  (\VADV\TEMP)

     This is the directory VA will use for temporary storage
     of incoming network packets and files.  The directory you
     specify here should not be used for any other purpose.

     7) Database Directory  (\VADV\DB)

     This is the directory where VA will store all database
     information, such as messages and file descriptions.

     8) Upload/E-Mail Directory  (\SYSOP)

     This specifies the path for storage of E-mail attached files
     and new uploads from users.

     9) FDX Database Directory

     This specifies the path for storage of the database files
     .FDX components.  These components are responsible for
     fast filename searches.  For optimum efficiency, this directory
     should be a unique directory on your fastest hard drive, and
     the directory should not be used for any other purpose.
     It is also OK to use a RAMdrive for this directory, since
     .FDX files are automatically rebuilt if missing.


     Download/Upload Protocols Configuration
     ═══════════════════════════════════════

        Protocols are the means by which files are transferred to
     and from your system.  VA comes preconfigured to handle Xmodem,
     Ymodem, Zmodem protocols using the included VXY protocol driver.

        Other protocols may added at your discretion.  Each protocol
     is configurable by:

     1) Which letter the user will press to select that protocol.
     2) The name and description of the protocol.
     3) Command line to run protocol.  Parameters passed are:

     %1  COM Port
     %2  Baud Rate
     %3  Filename
     %4  Handshake
     %5  UART Rate
     %6  Port Base Address
     %7  Port IRQ
     %8  Channel Number
     %9  Upload Directory
     %C  COM Handle (VA-OS2 Only)

     4) Whether the protocol is batch compatible or not.

        For most installations, the preconfigured protocols will
     be more than sufficient.  Should you wish to add other protocols,
     consult the protocol's documentation for information on constructing
     the proper command line.


     Networks Configuration
     ══════════════════════

        For set-up of networking interfaces (VirtualNET, Internet,
     FIDOnet, or QWKnet), plase see the appropriate DOC file devoted
     to that particular interface.


     Events Configuration
     ════════════════════

          VA allows up to 48 timed events per day.  Possibilities for
     these events include your daily external maintenance routine
     (usually done through a batch file), network dialouts, online
     game daily maintenance, etc.  An event is basically nothing more
     than the ability to execute a batch file or program at a certain
     time every day.

     1) Time

     The time the event is to run, entered in HH:MM format
     using military time.  A time of 00:00 disables the event.

     2) Command Line

     The DOS command line or batch file to execute.  For example,
     you might enter:

     VCLEANDB.EXE
     or
     C:\VADV\CLEANUP.BAT

     for an external daily-cleanup routine.  Complete pathnames
     are not required if the batch files are located in your main
     VA directory.


     Control Panel Configuration
     ═══════════════════════════

        In addition to the commands already configured in the WFC
     menu, VA allows you to assign the F1 through F10, alt-F1 thru
     alt-F10, shift-F1 thru shift-F10, and Ctrl-F1 thru Ctrl-F10
     keys to execute what programs or batch files you desire.

        If you find yourself continually dropping to DOS to run
     the same program over and over, it's probably a good idea to assign
     a function key to handle it.


     Doors Configuration
     ═══════════════════

        VA will run almost all modern doors and online games
     created for use on BBSes, either straight from the command line
     or through the use of an external door converter, such as DOORWAY
     or DoorMaster.  Doors can be called from function blocks or from
     scripts, as well as this internal doors configuration.

        VA-DOS shrinks out of memory for all external programs,
     reserving only a small amount of RAM for its "hooks" that allow
     the user to return to the BBS.  VA creates the CHAIN.TXT, DOOR.SYS,
     and DORINFOx.DEF "drop files" which contain user information for
     use by the door program; most doors will accept at least ONE of
     these formats.

        When you access this configuration option, you will see a
     scrolling window screen listing the door programs you have
     installed, along with the SL needed to access them.  Moving th
     the highlight bar and pressing [Enter] selects that program's
     configuration entry.

        This section describes the input fields that VCONFIG
     allows you to configure for each door.  For more details on
     door set-up, such as methods and batch files, please see
     the end of this document.

        When configuring a door program in VCONFIG, you will be
     prompted for the following information:

     1) Program Name

     The name of the door program, as it will be presented to the user.

     2) Command Line

     The name of the batch file or command line to execute the
     door program, along with any command-line parameters that
     need to be passed to the door.  Full pathnames are recommended
     for better system security.

     Also, there are a number of replacable parameters which may
     be essential and/or conveneint to use:

     %1  Channel Number
     %2  COM Port
     %3  Baud Rate
     %C  COM Handle (VA-OS2 Only)

     The above "place-holders" can be used on the Command Line,
     and VA will replace them with the proper values at run-time
     before passing the Command Line to the operating system for
     execution.

     3) Security Level

     The Minimum Security Level needed to access the door.

     4) Access Flag

     If set, allows only those users with matching access flags
     to access the door.  Access flags are set in the user editor;
     for more information, see "The User Editor".

     5) Single User

     Indicates whether the game is playable on single nodes or
     multi-nodally.  Single-line installations should leave this
     set to Yes.

     6) Credit Cost

     Allows sysops running a credit system to charge credits for door
     program access.  This is configurable for each individual game.

     D) Delete This Entry

     Removes this door from the configuration.

     The importance of reading the door program's documentation
     thoroughly, especially with regard to installation, cannot
     be overstressed.


     Voting Booth
     ════════════

        The VA Voting Booth allows you to present your users with
     a perpetual survey in which they can "vote" on particular issues
     you define.  Frequently-asked questions deal with political
     candidates, which online games should be registered/discontinued,
     reasons for calling the BBS, how users first heard of your BBS,
     how they like changes you've made, etc.

        When you select this option from the VCONFIG Main Menu, you
     will see a scrolling window containing the questions themselves.
     To select a question for editing, move the highlight bar
     to the correct entry and press [Enter].  The question and its
     responses will then be available for editing.

        To add a new voting question, press [F1] at the scrolling
     window screen.  You may then type in a question and supply up to
     eight responses from which your users may choose.

        The poll results are displayed as the number of users choosing
     a particular answer, along with the percentage of the total number
     of votes each choice received.

        Automatic check for new voting questions upon login is
     optional.  See VCONFIG Main Screen 2 for this switch.


     Random Messages
     ═══════════════

        VA features an optional "random messages" function that can
     display one-, two-, or three-line messages right before the user
     initially sees the Main Menu.  Random messages are commonly used
     for quips and quotes or friendly advertisements for other BBSes
     in the area; you may, of course, use them for whatever purpose
     you wish (or not use them at all, if you so desire).

          To add a random message, press [F1] at the scrolling window
     initial screen and type in your message.  DO NOT press [Enter],  as
     that will delete the currently-highlighted random message.

          Random messages are displayed by including the RANDOM command
     from anywhere within a script or function block.


     Text Sections
     ═════════════

        Text files from within various directories on your system may
     be configured here for display.  Types of text files commonly
     configured here include (but are not limited to) game scoreboards,
     general information about your BBS, standard operating procedures
     and rules for your BBS, advertisements, and so on.

        To add a new entry to the text section configuration, press
     [F1] at the scrolling window screen.  You will be prompted for
     the following information:

     1) Name

     The name of the text section, as it will appear to the user.

     2) Path

     The full pathname to the directory in which the text file(s)
     is located.

     3) Security Level

     The Minimum Security Level needed to access this text section.

     4) Access Flag

     The access flag needed to access this text section.

     To edit an entry, move the highlight bar to the desired entry
     and press [Enter].  You will have a chance to edit the above
     information.

     In VCONFIG, you can define any directory on your system as
     containing text for a defined subject area.  Text directories may
     be networked by using a script maintaining a database for text
     files.


     Multi-Feedback
     ══════════════

        Here you can configure the feedback capabilities of your VA
     installation.  This will allow users to E-mail you or any co-sysops
     quickly and easily.

        To add an entry into the multi-feedback list, press [F1] at
     the scrolling window screen.  You will then be prompted for the
     following information:

     1) Description

     The name/title you want your users to see, like "The Great
     and Powerful Wizard of Oz", "Sysop", or whatever.

     2) Handle

     The addressee's user handle.  If your system does not allow
     handles, put the addressee's real name here.

     3) User #

     The addressee's user number.  For most sysops, this will be "1".

     4) Net Address

     The addressee's node number, regardless of network.  For
     example, my net address would read '2056', without a
     user number or an '@' symbol in front.  Since most feedback
     is to a local sysop/co-sysop, most sysops will only need
     to enter their OWN node number here.

     5) Network #

     The network on which the addressee will be receiving his
     feedback.  The network number corresponds to the list in
     the NETWORKS configuration screen.

     You may delete an entry by selecting it and pressing [D].  You
     will NOT be prompted for confirmation.


     Quick-Validation
     ════════════════

        The Quick-Validation feature allows the system operator to
     preset up to nine validation 'Profile' levels.  These are used
     to quickly enter pre-established Security Levels, Time Limits, and
     Access Flags into the new user's account from the User Editor screen.
     The idea is to let you validate something with as little effort
     required as possible.

     The following screen appears when you choose to edit this option:

     Profile 1

     1) Security Level
     2) Time Limit
     3) Access Flags

     Simply choose the appropriate option and enter the respective
     information.

     When editing a user account via the User Editor, the various
     profiles may be called up by pressing the (Z) Q-Val key as indicated
     at the bottom of the User Editor screen.


     SLIP/CSLIP/PPP Pass-Thru
     ════════════════════════

        The Internet Pass-Thru feature allows your BBS to serve
     double-duty as both a BBS, and a possible access point for real,
     direct Internet access for your callers.  Simply put, this
     mechanism allows you to share an Internet SLIP, CSLIP, and/or
     PPP account with others, under controlled conditions, while
     "metering" and/or restricting the amount of time used by
     the caller.

        This text describes the set-up parameters in VCONFIG
     for this feature.  For a more detailed description of how
     it does what it does, see BBS.DOC.

     ISP Phone Number

     The phone number to be dialed to reach your Internet provider
     for SLIP and/or CSLIP and/or PPP.  Which of the three connect
     modes (SLIP, CSLIP, PPP) you'll be able to offer depends entirely
     which ones are supported by your chosen ISP.  NOTE: THE ISP
     YOU CHOOSE MUST SUPPORT THE STANDARD TEXT-STYLE login: / password:
     SEQUENCE AS THE MEANS FOR LOGGING IN TO THE INTERNET AND
     MUST NOT REQUIRE PAP (Password Authentication Protocol) OR
     CHAP (Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol).

     Max Session (mins)

     The maximum time a user can spend doing SLIP/CSLIP/PPP in
     one session.  Setting this value to a non-zero value enables
     this feature, and over-rides the normal user time limit
     as necessary.  Setting this value to zero disables this feature
     and is NOT recommended.

     Max Monthly (mins)

     The maximum time that can be used in one month.  Useful in cases
     where your Internet account is limited to a specific number
     of hours per month.  Setting this value to zero disables
     the monthly limit -- something you could do if you aren't
     concerned about the amount of Internet connect time used.


     Door Set-Up Hints
     ═════════════════

        Dropfiles are the link between the BBS and the game itself.
     A dropfile contains all of the required info for the game to
     operate properly.  This includes the user's "handle" (so he al-
     ways uses the same slot in the game), the user's COM port & speed
     (so the game knows where to send the data), and other miscellan-
     eous info - the BBS name, sysop name, user's time remaining (on
     the BBS), etc.

     Here is a list of the common dropfile formats that Virtual Advanced
     supports:

        CHAIN.TXT
         DOOR.SYS
         DORINFOx.DEF

        The dropfile is created just before invocation of the door.
     The dropfile is written in TWO places on your harddrive:

     (a) In the Main VADV Directory

        C:\VADV

     (b) In a Private Node Directory

        Channel 0  C:\VADV\TEMP\N0
        Channel 1  C:\VADV\TEMP\N1
        Channel 2  C:\VADV\TEMP\N2
          ..and so on...

     Which copy you decide to use is up to you.  On a single-user site,
     using copy (a) from the VADV directory is always safe, and makes
     game set-up easy.

     On a multi-user system, it may be necessary to use the private copies
     (b) which are segregated by channel.

     Preparation Installation And Execution Of Doors
     ═══════════════════════════════════════════════

        Carefully read and follow the Door vendor's instructions
     when installing the door.  You may have to modify one or more
     of the door's configuration files.

        Typically, you will use batch files to execute the doors
     on your system.  Most doors in existance run from their own
     directories.  There are three basic methods doors use to find
     the dropfiles.  Each will be discussed in turn.

     Games That Look In Their Own Directories
     ════════════════════════════════════════

        Most games look in their home directory for one of the
     dropfiles mentioned above.  Your batch file, then must take a
     few steps before actually starting the door.  Here is an example
     VCONFIG door set-up and batch file for Trade Wars 2002, with VA
     installed on Drive C, and Trade Wars installed on Drive D:

     ** SINGLE-USER **

     VCONFIG DOOR SET-UP:

       TW.BAT                                            (1)

     TW.BAT:

       D:                                                (2)
       cd \TRADEWAR                                      (3)
       copy C:\VADV\CHAIN.TXT                            (4)
       tw2002 -wwiv                                      (5)
       C:                                                (6)
       cd \VADV                                          (7)

     (1) Execute TW.BAT.

     (2) Log to Drive D.

     (3) CD (CHDIR) to the TRADEWAR directory.

     (4) Copy the CHAIN.TXT file from C:\VADV.

     (5) Execute the game.

     (6) Return to Drive C.

     (7) Return back to the Main VADV Directory.

     ** MULTI-USER **

     VCONFIG DOOR SET-UP:

       TW.BAT %1                                         (1)

     TW.BAT:

       D:                                                (2)
       cd \TRADEWAR                                      (3)
       copy C:\VADV\TEMP\N%1\CHAIN.TXT                   (4)
       tw2002 -wwiv                                      (5)
       C:                                                (6)
       cd \VADV                                          (7)

     (1) Execute TW.BAT, %1 replaced at run-time with channel number.

     (2) Log to Drive D.

     (3) CD (CHDIR) to the TRADEWAR directory.

     (4) Copy the CHAIN.TXT file from C:\VADV\TEMP\N%1.  %1 is the
         first prarameter passed to the batch file, which is the
         channel number.  So, the expression evaluates as C:\VADV\TEMP\N0
         for channel 0, C:\VADV\TEMP\N1 for channel 1, and so on.

     (5) Execute the game.

     (6) Return to Drive C.

     (7) Return back to the Main VADV Directory.


     Games That Examine A Configuration File
     ═══════════════════════════════════════

        Some doors use a configuration file to determine where
     to look for dropfiles.  They will have a line where you can specify
     a drive/directory where the BBS writes the dropfiles. On a single-
     user system, set-up is easy.  You can just point the game's config
     file to look in C:\VADV (for example) and you're ready to go:

     VCONFIG DOOR SET-UP:

       EXAMPLE.BAT                                            (1)

     EXAMPLE.BAT:

       D:                                                     (2)
       cd \EXAMPLE                                            (3)
       GAME.EXE                                               (4)
       C:                                                     (5)
       cd \VADV                                               (6)

     (1) Execute EXAMPLE.BAT.

     (2) Log to Drive D.

     (3) CD (CHDIR) to the EXAMPLE directory.

     (4) Execute the game.

     (5) Return to Drive C.

     (6) Return back to the Main VADV Directory.

     On a multi-user system, however, you may need to create multiple
     configuration files.  For example, if the door calls for a GAME.CFG
     file which contains the path to the dropfiles, you might create 3
     or 4 files called GAME0.CFG, GAME1.CFG, GAME2.CFG and so on, one for
     each channel.  GAME0.CFG would point to C:\VADV\TEMP\N0, GAME1.CFG
     would point to C:\VADV\TEMP\N1, and so on.  The batch file that you
     use to run the door would then copy whichever GAMEx.CFG file is
     is appropriate to GAME.CFG before starting the game:

     VCONFIG DOOR SET-UP:

       EXAMPLE.BAT %1                                         (1)

     EXAMPLE.BAT:

       D:                                                     (2)
       cd \EXAMPLE                                            (3)
       copy GAME%1.CFG GAME.CFG                               (4)
       GAME.EXE                                               (5)
       C:                                                     (6)
       cd \VADV                                               (7)

     (1) Execute EXAMPLE.BAT, %1 replaced at run-time with channel number.

     (2) Log to Drive D.

     (3) CD (CHDIR) to the EXAMPLE directory.

     (4) Copy the GAME%1.CFG to GAME.CFG.  GAME%1.CFG evaluates as
         GAME0.CFG for channel 0, GAME1.CFG for channel 1, and so on.

     (5) Execute the game.

     (6) Return to Drive C.

     (7) Return back to the Main VADV Directory.


     Games That Use A Command Line Parameter
     ═══════════════════════════════════════

        Yet another method employed by some doors to determine the
     location of the dropfiles is to pass this information on the
     command line:

     ** SINGLE-USER **

     VCONFIG DOOR SET-UP:

       EXAMPLE.BAT                                            (1)

     EXAMPLE.BAT:

       D:                                                     (2)
       cd \EXAMPLE                                            (3)
       GAME.EXE /dropfile=C:\VADV                             (4)
       C:                                                     (5)
       cd \VADV                                               (6)

     (1) Execute EXAMPLE.BAT.

     (2) Log to Drive D.

     (3) CD (CHDIR) to the EXAMPLE directory.

     (4) Execute the game, with the proper command line:

         GAME.EXE /dropfile=C:\VADV

     (5) Return to Drive C.

     (6) Return back to the Main VADV Directory.

     ** MULTI-USER **

     VCONFIG DOOR SET-UP:

       EXAMPLE.BAT %1                                         (1)

     EXAMPLE.BAT:

       D:                                                     (2)
       cd \EXAMPLE                                            (3)
       GAME.EXE /dropfile=C:\VADV\TEMP\N%1                    (4)
       C:                                                     (5)
       cd \VADV                                               (6)

     (1) Execute EXAMPLE.BAT, %1 replaced at run-time with channel number.

     (2) Log to Drive D.

     (3) CD (CHDIR) to the EXAMPLE directory.

     (4) Execute the game, with the proper command line:

         GAME.EXE /dropfile=C:\VADV\TEMP\N0 for channel 0,
         GAME.EXE /dropfile=C:\VADV\TEMP\N1 for channel 1, and so on.

     (5) Return to Drive C.

     (6) Return back to the Main VADV Directory.