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Lora Bulletin Board System
Version 2.10
Copyright (c) 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992 by Marco Maccaferri
All rights reserved
SYSOP OPERATION MANUAL
CopyRight (c) 1989-92 by Marco Maccaferri
All rights reserved
LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
INDEX
1 - INTRODUCTION 8
1.1 - CHANGES FROM VERSION 2.00 9
1.2 - TRANSLATOR NOTES 11
2 - ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 12
3 - USER'S LICENSE 13
4 - REGISTRATION FEES 14
5 - REGISTRATION FORM 15
6 - INSTALLATION 16
7 - CONFIGURATION 17
ABOUT <filename> 17
ADDRESS <zone
net/number fakenet> 17
AFTERCALLER_EXIT <errorlevel> 17
AFTERMAIL_EXIT <errorlevel> 17
AREACHANGE_KEYS <string> 18
AVAILIST <filename> 18
DATEFORMAT <string> 18
DEFINE <priv> <call> <time> <baud> <dl_baud> <max_dl>
<ratio> <start> <dl_300> <dl_1200> <dl_2400>
<dl_9600> 18
EXIT_300 <errlev> 19
EXIT_1200 <errlev> 19
EXIT_2400 <errlev> 19
EXIT_4800 <errlev> 19
EXIT_7200 <errlev> 19
EXIT_9600 <errlev> 19
EXIT_12000 <errlev> 19
EXIT_14400 <errlev> 19
EXIT_16800 <errlev> 19
EXIT_19200 <errlev> 19
EXIT_38400 <errlev> 19
EXTERNAL_EDITOR <command> 19
FLAG_PATH <path> 20
INBOUND <path> 20
INCLUDE <filename> 20
IPC_PATH <path> 20
KNOW_ABOUT <filename> 20
KNOW_AVAILIST <filename> 20
KNOW_INBOUND <path> 20
KNOW_MAX_REQUESTS <num> 20
KNOW_OKFILE <filename> 20
LANGUAGE <filename> <description> <text_path> 20
LOCK_RATE 21
LOG_NAME <filename> 21
LOG_STYLE [FRONTDOOR|BINKLEY] 21
LOGON_FLAGS <flags> 22
LOGON_LEVEL <privilege> 22
MAIL_BANNER <string> 22
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
MAIL_ONLY <string> 22
MAX_CONNECTS <num> 22
MAX_NOCONNECTS 23
MAX_REQUESTS <num> 23
MAX_REREAD_PRIV <privilege> 23
MENU_PATH <path> 23
MODEM_ANSWER <string> 23
MODEM_DIAL <string> 23
MODEM_INIT <string> 24
MODEM_PORT COM<num> <baud_rate> 24
MODEM_TRANS <type> <prefix> <suffix> 24
MONOCHROME_ATTRIBUTE 24
NETMAIL <path> 24
NO_ANSILOGON 24
NO_BIRTHDATE 25
NO_DATAPHONE 25
NO_DIRECTVIDEO 25
NO_EMSI 25
NO_LOGON_CHECKFILES 25
NO_SNOOP 25
NO_VOICEPHONE 25
NODELIST <path> 25
OKFILE <filename> 26
OUTBOUND <path> 26
PIPBASE_PATH <path> 26
PROT_ABOUT <filename> 26
PROT_AVAILIST <filename> 26
PROT_INBOUND <path> 26
PROT_MAX_REQUESTS <num> 26
PROT_OKFILE <filename> 26
QUICKBASE_PATH <path> 27
QWK_BBSID <name> 27
QWK_TEMPDIR <path> 27
REGISTRATION_KEY <code> 27
RESYNC_CLOCK <zone
net/node> 27
RESYNC_DIAL <number> 27
SCHED_NAME <filename> 27
SNOW_CHECKING 28
SPEED_GRAPHICS <baud> 28
SYSOP_NAME <string> 28
SYSTEM_FLAGS <string> 28
SYSTEM_LOCATION <string> 28
SYSTEM_NAME <string> 28
SYSTEM_PATH <path> 28
SYSTEM_PHONE <string> 28
TASK_NUMBER <num> 29
TERMINAL 29
TEXTFILES_PATH <path> 29
TIMEFORMAT <string> 29
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
USER_FILE <filename> 29
VOTE_START <priv> 29
VOTE_TARGET_DOWN <num> <priv> 30
VOTE_TARGET_UP <num> <priv> 30
8 - MAKING MENUS 31
DEFAULT_COLORS <hilight> <normal> 31
DISPLAY <text> 31
HOT_KEY <character> 33
OPTION_FLAGS <flags> 33
OPTION_PRIV <privilege> 34
MENU_TYPE <number> 34
ARGUMENTS <text> 34
FIRST_TIME 34
AUTOMATIC 34
9 - MENU' TYPES 35
9.1 - MOVING BETWEEN MENUS 36
14 - CLEAR GOTO 36
15 - CLEAR GOSUB 36
16 - RETURN MAIN 36
21 - GOTO MENU' 36
61 - GOSUB MENU' 36
66 - RETURN MENU' 37
67 - CLEAR STACK 37
9.2 - FILE AREAS 38
22 - FILE TITLES 38
23 - FILE DOWNLOAD 38
24 - FILE DISPLAY 38
25 - RAWDIR 38
68 - LOCATE FILES 38
69 - UPLOAD FILE 38
72 - PATH OVERRIDE 38
73 - NEW FILES LIST 39
102 - FILE CONTENTS 39
9.3 - PARAMETERS CONFIGURATION 40
27 - SET PASSWORD 40
29 - SET NULLS 40
30 - SET LENGTH 40
32 - SET MORE 40
33 - SET FORMFEED 40
34 - SET EDITOR 40
35 - SET CITY 40
36 - SET MAILCHECK 40
37 - SET AVATAR 40
38 - SET ANSI 40
39 - SET COLOR 41
70 - SET SIGNATURE 41
77 - SET FULL SCREEN READER 41
99 - SET HANDLE 41
100 - SET VOICEPHONE 41
101 - SET DATAPHONE 41
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
106 - SET HOTKEY 41
9.4 - MESSAGE AREAS 42
19 - KILL MESSAGE 42
40 - EDIT NEW MESSAGE 42
41 - EDIT REPLY 42
53 - LIST SHORT 42
54 - NEXT MESSAGE 42
55 - PRIOR MESSAGE 42
56 - READ NONSTOP 43
59 - CHECK MAILBOX 43
64 - READ INDIVIDUAL 43
89 - LIST VERBOSE 43
9.5 - LINE EDITOR 44
42 - SAVE MESSAGE 44
43 - ABORT MESSAGE 44
44 - LIST MESSAGE 44
46 - INSERT LINE 44
47 - DELETE LINE 44
48 - CONTINUE EDITING 44
49 - CHANGE TO 44
50 - CHANGE SUBJECT 44
9.6 - PERSONAL MAIL 45
74 - NEXT MAIL 45
75 - PRIOR MAIL 45
76 - READ MAIL NONSTOP 45
82 - LIST MAIL 45
85 - READ MAIL INDIVIDUAL 45
9.7 - MULTILINE CHAT 46
78 - SEND ONLINE MESSAGE 46
81 - ON LINE USERS 46
95 - WHO IS WHERE 46
96 - CB CHAT SYSTEM 46
9.8 - BUILT-IN DOORS 47
86 - TAG AREAS 47
87 - ASCII DOWNLOAD 47
88 - RESUME DOWNLOAD 47
112 - QWK DOWNLOAD 47
91 - SHOW ACCOUNT 48
92 - DEPOSIT TIME 48
93 - WITHDRAW TIME 48
114 - DEPOSIT KBYTES 48
115 - WITHDRAW KBYTES 48
107 - ADD TO BBS LIST 48
108 - SHORT BBS LIST 48
109 - LONG BBS LIST 49
110 - CHANGE BBS LIST 49
111 - REMOVE BBS FROM LIST 49
116 - VOTE USER 49
9.9 - MISCELLANEOUS 50
3 - GOODBYE 50
- 5 -
LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
5 - SHOW FILE 50
6 - YELL AT SYSOP 50
7 - CONFIG 50
8 - USERLIST 51
9 - VERSION 51
10 - EXTERNAL PROGRAMS 51
11 - BULLETIN MENU' 53
13 - QUOTES 53
17 - CHANGE AREA 53
51 - PRESS ENTER 53
83 - COMMENT TO NEXT CALLER 54
97 - READ TEXT FILE 54
98 - LAST CALLERS 54
104 - SET COUNTER 54
106 - USAGE GRAPHIC 55
10 - LANGUAGE FILES 56
11 - EVENT SCHEDULER 57
WEEKDAY <day> 57
TIME_DURATION <start> <end> 57
AFTERMAIL_EXIT <num> 57
BBS_ALLOWED 58
CRASHMAIL_ONLY 58
WAIT_TIME <num> 58
MAX_CONNECTS <num> 58
MAX_NOCONNECTS 58
RESERVED_FOR <zone
net/node> 58
FORCED 59
12 - AREA DEFINITION 60
12.1 - MESSAGE AREAS PARAMETERS 60
MESSAGE_NAME <name> 61
MESSAGE_PRIV <privilege> 61
MESSAGE_FLAGS <flags> 61
WRITE_PRIV <privilege> 61
WRITE_FLAGS <flags> 61
MESSAGE_PATH <pathname> 61
QUICK_BOARD <number> 61
PIP_BOARD <number> 61
ECHOMAIL 62
NETMAIL 62
ECHOTAG <tag> 62
PUBLIC_ONLY 62
PRIVATE_ONLY 62
OK_ALIAS 62
ORIGIN_LINE <text> 63
USE_ALIAS <num> 63
MAX_MESSAGES <num> 63
MAX_AGE <days> 63
AGE_RECEIVED <days> 63
12.2 - FILE AREAS PARAMETERS 63
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
FILE_NAME <name> 63
FILE_PRIV <privilege> 63
FILE_FLAGS <flags> 63
DOWNLOAD_PRIV <privilege> 64
DOWNLOAD_FLAGS <flags> 64
UPLOAD_PRIV <privilege> 64
UPLOAD_FLAGS <flags> 64
LIST_PRIV <privilege> 64
LIST_FLAGS <flags> 64
DOWNLOAD_PATH <pathname> 64
UPLOAD_PATH <pathname> 64
FILE_LIST 65
FREE_DOWNLOAD 65
NO_GLOBAL_SEARCH 65
13 - EMBEDDED COMMANDS 66
13.1 - SINGLE COMMANDS 66
13.2 - COMPOUND COMMANDS WITH ^F 66
13.3 - COMPOUND COMMANDS WITH ^K 68
13.4 - COMPOUND COMMANDS WITH ^O 68
13.5 - AVATAR COMMANDS 69
13.6 - COMPOUND COMMANDS WITH ^W 70
13.7 - COMPOUND COMMANDS WITH ^P 72
APPENDIX A - NOTES FOR MULTILINE SYSTEMS 73
APPENDIX B - THE COMPRESSED MESSAGE BASE 74
APPENDIX C - INCLUDED PROGRAMS 75
LORACOMP 75
TYM2LORA 75
L2WORLD 75
LMSG 76
Message base limits 76
Command list 76
LUSER 77
LTOP 78
USERED 78
APPENDIX D - INCLUDED EXTERNAL FILES 79
APPENDIX E - EXTERNAL DOORS 83
APPENDIX F - THE LORABBS ENVIRONMENT 84
COMMAND LINE 84
KEYBOARD COMMANDS 85
APPENDIX G - SAMPLE BATCHES 87
G.1 - LORA MAILER & BBS, WMAIL MAIL PROCESSOR 87
G.2 - FRODO MAILER, LORABBS, WMAIL MAIL PROCESSOR 88
- 7 -
LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
1 - INTRODUCTION
Maybe you've heard about the earlier versions of LoraBBS (from
Version 1.00 to 1.11), but in Lora 2.00 almost everything is
changed, from the "look" to the global use of the software.
Main features:
- Supporting up to four different message bases at the same
time (with no diffences seen by the users). Presently
LoraBBS supports the standard Fido-Base (*.MSG), the
QuickBBS (also know as Hudson message base), the PIP-Base
and the new Squish-Mail<tm> made by Scott J. Dudley.
- Supporting up to 500 message/file areas, and allowing fast
extension if necessary.
- Hyper-Scan function for fast user and message/file areas
search.
- Compatible built-in Front-End Fidonet Mailer, FTSC-0001,
WaZOO and full EMSI capable.
- Supporting three and four dimension points at the same time.
- Supporting Aka's and ZoneGates.
- Supporting Janus bidirectional protocol for mail transfer.
- Supporting multitaskers, leaving not used time to the
active task, and local networks.
- Supporting many tasks with one directory and one
configuration file only.
- Integrated multiline chat.
- Supporting up to twenty different languages, for a full
international system.
- Memory swap in EMS, EXP or disk during the execution of
external doors (leaving in memory only 1.6K for the recovery
code).
- Supporting AVATAR/0+ protocol in alternative to ANSI-BBS
- Supporting automatically Nodelist Version 6, version 7 and
Quick Nodelist (QuickBBS), using them accordingly.
- Userlist features 12 access levels and 32 configurable
flags.
- Supporting RemoteAccess (1.10 version) and Maximus CBCS
(2.00 version) compatible Embedded Commands.
- Built-in TimeBank, FileBank, BBS List and UserVote doors.
- Support for offline mail readers compatible with the QWK
packet format, as well as human redable ASCII format.
- Remote clock synchronization with FTSC-0001, WaZOO and EMSI
sessions.
- Automatic clock synchronization with an Atomic Clock,
compatible with the Galileo Ferraris Institute of Torino,
Italy.
- User limits (such as on-line time, download limits, etc.)
overrides in a single user basis.
- 8 -
LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
- Exclusive ZModem auto-upload feature, your users can upload
files at any menu prompt.
- Support for new 16800 baud HST modems.
If you register LoraBBS you will have the following additional
features:
- Keyboard lock by password. The local use of the keyboard
(see also Appendix F) will be possible, but all functions
like Alt-x, Dos Shell, etc. will be disabled.
- Possibility of disabling the internal front-end mailer to
use Lora with other programs (FrontDoor, D'Bridge,
BinkleyTerm, etc.).
- Front-End mailer execution from inside LoraBBS.
- Multitasking allowed. Without registration it's possible to
use only task 1.
- Memory swap during external doors.
1.1 - CHANGES FROM VERSION 2.00
- Fixed a bug with the 'Upload prepared message' function
into a QuickBBS message area.
- Fixed a problem with inbound *.pkt that aren't detected
correctly.
- Fixed (I hope) the problem that caused an incorrect
'Carrier lost' message after a WaZOO/ZedZap mail session.
- LoraBBS now remember correctly the main directory, and
restore it after a DOS shell or an outside program.
- Fixed a bug with the usered that caused a system crash if
the users.bbs doesn't exist in the current directory.
- Better support for multitaskers and LANs.
- Added remote time synchronization between two LoraBBS
systems (version 2.10 or greater). Added the RESYNC_CLOCK
<z>:<net>/<node> in the main configuration file to define
up to 10 nodes with wich is active the automatic
synchronization.
- Added the RESYNC_DIAL <number> parameter in the main
configuration file to define the number to call for the
automatic clock synchronization with the Atomic Clock.
Currently LoraBBS supports only the format of the Galileo
Ferraris Institute of Torino, Italy.
- Added the 4th message base: Squish<tm> the new message base
created by Scott J. Dudley.
- Fixed a bug with the outbound scanner.
- Added the menu' type 19 - KILL MESSAGE, to allow users to
kill their proper messages (the Sysop can kill every
message).
- With LoraBBS you can now specify more than one file to
- 9 -
LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
download on the same command line (wildcards allowed). The
search is made on all areas (if allowed).
- Added support for the Binkley's 4d points directory
(<boss>.PNT). LoraBBS can send mail to a point either with
the 3d or 4d address in one call, even if exist mail for
both addresses.
- The ABOUT file will no longer be sent to the remote system
if a file request was not found, they will be signalled
with the request report message sent after the last
request.
- The ALT-Q key now rescan the outbound directory after the
modem initialization.
- Added support for TRASHCAN.DAT and TRASHPWD.DAT that
contains respectively the names and the passwords that
aren't allowed on this system.
- Added the command *X to the menu' type 10 that prevents the
creation of the LORAINFO.T?? file if isn't needed.
- The shell to the external full screen editor now creates
the LORAINFO.T?? file, if you don't need it, you must
explicitly disable the creation with the *X command.
- Fixed a little bug with the scan of Hudson message base
areas.
- Added the new files scan at logon, just after the personal
mail scan.
- Added the kbytes bank, like the time bank allow your users
to deposit their kbytes left of download for later use. Two
new menu' types are added: 114 - DEPOSIT KBYTES, 115 -
WITHDRAW KBYTES.
- Fixed a bug with the big letters and the users in TTY mode.
- Added EMSI support. New parameters for the main
configuration file are: NO_EMSI (disable EMSI to avoid
possible problems), SYSTEM_PHONE, SYSTEM_LOCATION and
SYSTEM_FLAGS.
- Added support for remote clock synchronization with EMSI
sessions, compatible with BinkleyTerm 2.50.tb9 and
FrontDoor 2.02.
- Fixed a bug with scrolling of the outbound status window.
- Added the user vote door. New menu' type 116 - VOTE USER
and the verbs VOTE_START (defines the starting level to
vote), VOTE_TARGET_UP (minimum number of votes to raise the
level) and VOTE_TARGET_DOWN (maximum of vote against the
user before their level will be lowered).
- Fixed a bug with FTSC-0001 sessions that reported a
password error assumed message.
- With the current version, LoraBBS can be identified by the
XA flag in the fidonet nodelist.
- Added new switch for menu' type 8 - USER LIST: /S swap the
lastname and firstname, /V lists only users eligible for
vote, /H lists the user's handle instead of their real
names.
- 10 -
LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
- Changed the coding method of the registration key. All
registered users will receive the new key free of charge.
- Added the parameters MAX_KBYTES, KNOW_MAX_KBYTES and
PROT_MAX_KBYTES to limit the amount of file request beyond
a certain amount of kbytes per session.
- Added support for the new 16800 baud HST modems.
1.2 - TRANSLATOR NOTES
This manual has been translated from Italian to English, and
may contain errors. If you find some of them, feel free to
send me a message, so that I can correct them in next
versions.
Mario Battacchi (2:332/403.1@Fidonet.org)
- 11 -
LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
2 - ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank all the Beta-testers, for the help given
in developing LoraBBS, and particularly:
Marcello Ardini, for supporting with his patience (and his
programs) the bugs of the software and the
crashes of the system in Alfa-test.
Mario Battacchi, for the translation of this manual and for
his unfailing support even in the worst
moments. It's only Mario who up until now
has supported the bugs of Version 1.11 of
LoraBBS.
Roberto Piola, for giving me the source code of his PIP-
Base, the new italian compressed message
base.
Alfonso Martone, for his hundreds suggestions and hints in
the development of the software. He gave me
also part of the source code to help me in
the implementation of the new features
required.
Special thanks to all the people who registered and will
soon register Lora. I'm sorry if I forgot somebody, please
don't worry, but feel you free to inform me, so that I can
insert you in the next documentation.
- 12 -
LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
3 - USER'S LICENSE
LoraBBS is not a public domain program, but belongs to the
category of programs called "shareware".
You are free to use LoraBBS for a restricted period of time
(up to 30 days) to evaluate its features, and to decide if it
fullfitts your needs.
When this period is expired, if you want to go on using it,
you have to register following the instructions described
later.
LoraBBS is not a a life-limited program; it will work also
without registration, but some secondary features will remain
disabled.
For registration, you must send a postal order or a not
transferable check to the address written later. The amount of
the fee depends on your particular configuration.
The registration key you receive will work also on later
releases. Anyway the author has the right of changing the key
coding at any time, and (if necessary) of asking a new
registration, at his judgement only.
No guarantee of any kind is given on the functioning of
LoraBBS. If you want to use it you will do it at your own
risk. Due to the particular method of software distribution,
the author is not obliged to refund partially or entirely your
registration fee if you suffer a damage in your system that
may be caused by a proper or not proper use of LoraBBS.
You are encouraged to distribute the original archive of
LoraBBS without limits only if the money you receive is just
what is necessary to cover postal and diskettes costs.
It's strictly forbidden to distribute the personal
registration key.
The source code of this and later versions of LoraBBS will not
be distributed.
For any inconvenience, you can reach the author at
2:332/402.1@Fidonet.org. We have little time, but sooner or
later everybody will receive an answer.
Marco Maccaferri, FidoNet 2:332/402.1
via Ferrara, 9
40139 Bologna, ITALY
- 13 -
LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
4 - REGISTRATION FEES
To register LoraBBS, you must send a postal order or a not
transferable check to Marco Maccaferri (the address is shown
above); the amount depends upon your particular configuration.
Please, make checks payable in Italian Lire.
Registration fees:
[1] Special FidoNet Sysop ..................... Lit. 60.000
(Software will work up to 2 telephone lines)
[2] 3 Lines ................................... Lit. 90.000
[3] 10 Lines .................................. Lit. 150.000
[4] Unlimited Lines ........................... Lit. 200.000
Discounts:
6 - 10 copies ...................................... 5%
11 - 50 copies ..................................... 10%
51 - 100 copies .................................... 20%
101 - 500 copies ................................... 30%
more than 500 copies ............................... 40%
Note: discounts are based on the total price, excluding mail
expenses for the key (via crash netmail). Discounts are
applied only if more than 5 copies are requested.
- 14 -
LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
5 - REGISTRATION FORM
Complete the following form in every part and send it with the
receipt for payment or a non transferable check to the address
already reported.
Sysop Name: ________________________________________________
System Name: _______________________________________________
Fidonet Node: _________________
(Note: These parameters will affect the registration key
definition, so pay attention and write them down exactly as
they are in the configuration file of LoraBBS. If your system
is not a Fidonet node, 0:0/0 will be assumed.
Address: ___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
BBS Phone: ____________________ Working hours: _____________
Voice phone: ___________________ Availablility: _____________
I would like to receive the following copies:
[1] N. _______ Unit price ______________ Total ____________
[2] N. _______ Unit price ______________ Total ____________
[3] N. _______ Unit price ______________ Total ____________
[4] N. _______ Unit price ______________ Total ____________
Discount _________ %
Forwarding expences ________ 3.000
Total ____________________
I declare to have read the license requirements carefully and
I agree with them in every part.
Signature
_________________________
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
6 - INSTALLATION
To install LoraBBS you need a PC/XT/AT computer with at least
256K of free RAM, DOS 3.31 or later versions, at least one
free serial port and 3MBytes of Hard disk space.
Here is the right procedure to install LoraBBS in your system:
1. Create a directory called LORA and uncompress inside it the
original archive, LORA210.ZIP
2. Run INSTALL.BAT
The batch file will create all the necessary directories and
will copy the files inside them. Be sure that the PKUNZIP
program, used to uncompress the files, is in the current
directory or in a directory inside the PATH.
If you have installed LoraBBS in C:\LORA, you can begin using
it; if not, you have to change all the references at C:\LORA
in the configuration files (LORA.CFG and SYSTEM.CFG) with the
proper name of the directory in which you installed LORA, and
you have to run the LORACOMP program (see appendix C).
Obviously you have to correct the SYSTEM_NAME, SYSOP_NAME and
ADDRESS parameters in LORA.CFG, as well as the LOGON_PRIV
statement with the correct values.
LoraBBS needs a FOSSIL (Fido, Opus, SEAdog Standard Interface
Layer) driver for serial communications in order to work. If
you have not yet got it, you can find a FOSSIL driver in the
nearest BBS (on node 2:332/402 you can find the newest
versions of the avaiable FOSSIL drivers).
LoraBBS has been succesfully tested with the BNU 1.70 FOSSIL
driver, but it can work also with different kind of drivers
(X00, etc.).
- 16 -
LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
7 - CONFIGURATION
There are three main configuration files:
LORA.CFG - Definition of system directories, languages and
many options. LoraBBS will read this file at
every run. Only LORA.CFG doesn't need to be
compiled to make the changes have effect.
SYSTEM.CFG - Definition of file/message areas.
SCHED.CFG - Definition of the system event scheduler.
Every line starting with a semicolon (;) or with the percent
symbol (%) will be treated as a comment and ignored.
We will now describe every available option for the main file
LORA.CFG. For the other files, please read the EVENT SCHEDULER
and AREAS DEFINITION sections, to be presented later in this
manual.
For easier consultation, all the options are listed in
alphabetical order.
ABOUT <filename>
It defines the name of the file to be sent when a file request
fails (file not found) or when 'ABOUT' is requested.
ADDRESS <zone:net/number fakenet>
It defines your node number, zone included, and the fakenet
used with points. It's possible to define up to 10 addresses.
LoraBBS adjusts automatically its own address depending on
the called/caller zone number, choosing the one that fits
better. In absense of the right address, the first one will be
chosen.
AFTERCALLER_EXIT <errorlevel>
It defines the errorlever of the DOS exit after a human call,
or after a mail call with no received mail, or after a mail
call with received mail if the AFTERMAIL_EXIT statement is not
present.
AFTERMAIL_EXIT <errorlevel>
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
It defines the errorlevel of the DOS exit after a mail call
with received mail (both .PKT bundle and ARCMail). If the
statement is not present LoraBBS will exit the errorlevel
defined in the AFTERCALLER_EXIT statement.
The errorlevel definition of the event scheduler has priority
over this definition.
AREACHANGE_KEYS <string>
It defines the three characters used for the command of
message/file areas change. The first character is used to go
to the next areas, the second one to go to the previous area,
and the third one is the key used to get a list of avaiable
areas.
AVAILIST <filename>
It defines the name of the file to be sent when a remote
system requests 'FILES'. Usually it's the list of the files
available on the BBS.
DATEFORMAT <string>
It defines the date format to be displayed in the message
header. <string> may contain the following sequences:
%D - Show the day of the month.
%B - Show the month in digital form.
%C - Show the month in alphabetical form (Jan, Feb, Mar,
Apr, etc.).
%Y - Show the last two digits of the year (89, 90, 91,
etc.).
The USA date format is displayed with the string %C-%D-%Y.
DEFINE <priv> <call> <time> <baud> <dl_baud> <max_dl> <ratio>
<start> <dl_300> <dl_1200> <dl_2400> <dl_9600>
It defines the parameters related to the access levels:
<priv> It's the level itself, it can be TWIT, DISGRACE,
LIMITED, NORMAL, WORTHY, PRIVEL, FAVORED, EXTRA,
CLERK, ASSTSYSOP, SYSOP.
<call> defines the maximum amount of time per call.
<time> defines the maximum amount of time per day.
<baud> defines the minimum baud rate to establish
connection.
<dl_baud> defines the minimum baud rate to download files.
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
<max_dl> defines the maximum number of download kbytes per
day.
<ratio> defines the maximum download/upload rate that allows
to download files.
<start> Sets the number of downloads after which the
download/upload rate has effect.
<dl_300> defines the maximum number of download kbytes per
day for 300 baud callers.
<dl_1200> defines the maximum number of download kbytes per
day for 1200 baud callers.
<dl_2400> defines the maximum number of download kbytes per
day for 2400, 4800 and 7200 baud callers.
<dl_9600> defines the maximum number of download kbytes per
day for 9600, 12000 and 14400 baud callers.
ENTER_BBS <string>
Defines the string shown to the user to invite him to press
the ESC key to enter the BBS.
If the string begins with the character @, the string will be
treated as a file to be shown.
EXIT_300 <errlev>
EXIT_1200 <errlev>
EXIT_2400 <errlev>
EXIT_4800 <errlev>
EXIT_7200 <errlev>
EXIT_9600 <errlev>
EXIT_12000 <errlev>
EXIT_14400 <errlev>
EXIT_16800 <errlev>
EXIT_19200 <errlev>
EXIT_38400 <errlev>
They define the errorlevels of the front-end mailer exit to
signal incoming human call at one of the shown baudrates.
These parameters may be omitted if you are using an external
front-end mailer, or if LoraBBS is called from a batch file
without using the extended version of the -m switch of the
command line (see appendix F - COMMAND LINE for more details).
EXTERNAL_EDITOR <command>
It defines the name of the external Ansi/avatar full screen
editor to be used to write the messages.
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
It's possible to use all the special commands for external
doors; for more details, please read the instructions of menu
type 10 - OUTSIDE.
FLAG_PATH <path>
It defines the directory in which the flags for task control
will be created.
INBOUND <path>
It defines the directory in which the files coming from other
nodes shall be put. This is the default directory for not
listed and not password-protected nodes. To be also used if
the statements PROT_INBOUND and KNOW_INBOUND are missing.
INCLUDE <filename>
It defines the filename, without extension, to be included in
the compilation. This statement is used by LORACOMP program
only.
IPC_PATH <path>
It defines the directory in which the task intercommunication
files will be saved (IPC = Inter-Process Communications). Use
of a RAM disk is suggested.
KNOW_ABOUT <filename>
Equivalent to the ABOUT statement, to be used for listed but
not password-protected nodes.
KNOW_AVAILIST <filename>
Equivalent to the AVAILIST statement, to be used for listed
but not password-protected nodes.
KNOW_INBOUND <path>
Equivalent to the INBOUND statement, to be used for listed but
not password-protected nodes.
KNOW_MAX_REQUESTS <num>
Equivalent to the MAX_REQUESTS statement, to be used for
listed but not password-protected nodes.
KNOW_OKFILE <filename>
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
Equivalent to the OKFILE statement, to be used for listed but
not password-protected nodes.
LANGUAGE <filename> <description> <text_path>
It defines the available languages. <filename> is the file
containing language data, without extension. <description> is
the description of a given language, shown to the user when he
selects it.
<text_path> defines, if present, the directory from which
LoraBBS will search for the text files to display to the user
during a call. Only the text_path for the first language must
be defined.
If a text file isn't found in the directory specified by
text_path, then it will be searched, if present in the
configuration file, in the directory pointed to by the
TEXTFILES_PATH command.
It's possible to define up to 20 languages.
LOCK_RATE
This option has been inserted for compatibility, but it can be
ignored. It allows locking the serial port at the fastest
speed (defined by MODEM_PORT statement). Anyway we suggest to
use the lock functions of the FOSSIL driver, for more safety.
LOG_NAME <filename>
It defines the log filename in witch every act of the BBS will
be saved. You have to define a different log for each task.
LOG_STYLE [FRONTDOOR|BINKLEY]
Allows to choose the style of logfile to be created, so that
it can be similar to other programs.
Example of logfile FRONTDOOR like:
---------- Sun 12 Jan 92, LoraBBS v2.10
# 00:50:16 Connect Local
+ 00:50:22 Marco Maccaferri calling
: 00:50:23 User's last time 12 Jan 92 0:43:27
# 00:50:23 Given 25 mins (Sysop)
+ 00:51:14 Marco Maccaferri off-line. Calls=433, Len=0,
Today=1
Example of logfile BINKLEY like:
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
: 11 Jan 00:19:43 LORA Begin, v2.10, (task 1)
# 11 Jan 00:19:43 LORA Connect Local
+ 11 Jan 00:19:48 LORA Marco Maccaferri calling
: 11 Jan 00:19:49 LORA User's last time 4 Jan 92 14:30:36
: 11 Jan 00:19:49 LORA Time/DL Zeroed
# 11 Jan 00:19:49 LORA Given 18 mins (Sysop)
+ 11 Jan 00:28:35 LORA Marco Maccaferri off-line. Calls=429,
Len=9, Today=9
: 11 Jan 00:28:35 LORA End
LOGON_FLAGS <flags>
It defines the active flags for new users. The 32 flags may be
specified with digits from 0 to 9 or letters from A to V. The
binary correlation ranges from 0 (the more significant bit) to
V (the less significant bit).
Example: LOGON_FLAGS 012ADV
To use a menu option, or an area, its level must be equal to,
or smaller than the access level of the user and every active
flag has to be defined also for the user.
For example, a user with NORMAL level and 34AG flags, may
enter an area with NORMAL level and 34 flags, but not an area
with DISGRACE level and 034AG flags.
LOGON_LEVEL <privilege>
It defines the access level for new users. If you want to
verify the user's data, the LIMITED level is suggested; if you
don't, use the NORMAL level.
With the PRE-REGISTERED flag, the access to the BBS will be
reserved. Registered users only may have access to the system.
MAIL_BANNER <string>
It defines the string shown to the user after connection. If
the first character is '@', the file specified after it will
be shown.
MAIL_ONLY <string>
It defines the string shown to the user, to make him know that
the BBS is processing mail-only calls and does non accept
human calls.
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
If the first character is '@', the file specified after it
will be shown.
MAX_CONNECTS <num>
It defines the maximum number of calls with carrier detection
(the modem answers, but the remote front-end does not react,
because of too much noises), after which a node becomes
unusable.
Since the calls with Carrier detection are registered in the
phone bill and must be paid, it is suggested to keep this
value as low as possible.
The values defined by MAX_CONNECTS and MAX_NOCONNECTS are
ignored if they appear in the event scheduler file (see EVENT
SCHEDULER section).
MAX_NOCONNECTS
It defines the maximum number of failed calls (busy line or no
answer) after which a node becomes unasable.
The values defined by MAX_CONNECTS and MAX_NOCONNECTS are
ignored if they appear in the event scheduler file (see EVENT
SCHEDULER section).
MAX_REQUESTS <num>
It defines the maximum number of files that can be requested
in a single call.
MAX_REREAD_PRIV <privilege>
It defines the maximum access level to be read from the
LORAINFO.Txx file, after the execution of an external door.
Very useful to prevent "misterious" rises of user's access
level.
MENU_PATH <path>
It defines the directory where LoraBBS finds the files for
menus and available languages. The .MNU extension is for
menus, the .LNG extension is for languages.
MODEM_ANSWER <string>
It defines the string to be sent to the modem to make it
answer a call after a RING. If not specified, LoraBBS uses the
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
ATA| string, which is compatible with all Standard Hayes
modems.
MODEM_DIAL <string>
It defines the prefix string to call a number. To call a
number LoraBBS sends this string, the number and then one CR.
The '|' and '~' characters are translated as CR (ascii code
13), and as a one-second pause, respectively.
MODEM_INIT <string>
It defines the initialization string of the modem. The '|' and
'~' characters are translated as CR (ascii code 13) and in a
one-second pause.
MODEM_PORT COM<num> <baud_rate>
It defines the serial port to be used (<num>) and the maximum
baud rate (<baud_rate>).
MODEM_TRANS <type> <prefix> <suffix>
It defines the commands to be sent to the modem, before and
after the phone number, to call particular kinds of modems.
To use this option you have to compile the nodelist with a
program that supports the 'Modemtype' command. For example,
Parselst 1.30x4 by Bob Hartman, revised by Alberto Pasquale.
Presently the possible values for <type> are:
<type> Nodelist Modem Flag Set
------- ----------------------------------
1 HST
2 PEP
3 Either HST or PEP
For the <prefix> and <suffix> strings, read the instructions
concerning the MODEM_DIAL parameter.
MONOCHROME_ATTRIBUTE
Remaps all colors so that they are readable also on monochrome
video cards.
NETMAIL <path>
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
Defines the path to your netmail (matrix) directory. This
statemente is needed only for compatibility with other
programs and isn't used by LoraBBS at this time.
NO_ANSILOGON
Makes Lora avoid displaying an ANSI/Avatar file as BBS logo
when the connection begins. Without this parameter, the user
has to answer the 'Do you want ANSI logon' question whenever a
connection begins.
NO_BIRTHDATE
Makes Lora avoid asking the birthdate at the first login.
NO_DATAPHONE
Makes Lora avoid asking the data/office phone number at first
login.
NO_DIRECTVIDEO
By default all video output is done by writing directly on
memory. However, sometimes this may give rise to some
problems, for instance multitasking environment, or when non
totally compatible machines are used.
This option tells LoraBBS to use the normal BIOS calls for all
video output.
NO_EMSI
Disables the EMSI handhsake if, for some reason cause problems
with other BBS or users.
NO_LOGON_CHECKFILES
Disables the check for new files at every logon for all users.
NO_SNOOP
Usually it is possible to see whatever happens to the online
user on the local monitor. This options prevents the video
output, leaving only the status lines on the bottom of the
screen.
NO_VOICEPHONE
Makes Lora avoid asking the voice/home phone number at first
login.
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
NODELIST <path>
It defines the directory in which the files for the nodelist
are present. LoraBBS still uses nodelist version 6.
OKFILE <filename>
It defines the name of the file containing the list of
directory out of which files may be requested. LoraBBS
supports magic names in the same way as BinkleyTerm, with a
'@' character before the name.
Examples of valid okfile:
@LORA C:\FILE\BBS\LORA210.ZIP ; Magic filename
C:\FILE\TEXT\*.*
C:\FILE\NEWS\*.ARJ ; Only files with .ARJ
extension can be requested.
OUTBOUND <path>
It defines the directory containing the files to be sent to
the network. LoraBBS determines what node is to be called by
scanning this directory.
PIPBASE_PATH <path>
It defines the directory containing the files for the PIPbase
message base (MPTR*.PIP e MPKT*.PIP).
PROT_ABOUT <filename>
Like the ABOUT statement, but used for password-protected
nodes.
PROT_AVAILIST <filename>
Like the AVAILIST statement, but used for password-protected
nodes.
PROT_INBOUND <path>
Like the INBOUND statement, but used for password-protected
nodes.
PROT_MAX_REQUESTS <num>
Like the Max_REQUESTS statement, but used for password-
protected nodes.
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
PROT_OKFILE <filename>
Like the OKFILE statement, but used for password-protected
nodes.
QUICKBASE_PATH <path>
It defines the directory containing the files for the QuickBBS
message base (MSG*.BBS).
QWK_BBSID <name>
Defines the filename for the compatible QWK offline reader
packet. <name> can't be longer than 8 (if it's longer it will
be truncated at the eighth character); the QWK extension is
automatically added by the program.
QWK_TEMPDIR <path>
Defines the temporary directory in which the files for QWK
packets will be created. Please note that inside this
directory a subdirectory named TASKxx, where xx is the task
number in hexadecimal digits, will be created.
REGISTRATION_KEY <code>
Allows you to tell to LoraBBS what is your personal
registration code, obtained from an authorized support point,
in order to activate some features reserved only to registered
users.
RESYNC_CLOCK <zone:net/node>
Defines a maximum number of 10 node numbers for the clock
resync feature. If LoraBBS call (or is called by) one of these
nodes it try to adjust the local clock with the remote one.
This feature is available with EMSI sessions with any other
mailer front-end. With a normal WaZOO session, this feature is
supported only by LoraBBS 2.10 or greater.
Use with care, an improper use may cause a serious system
malfunction.
RESYNC_DIAL <number>
Defines the number to call for the automatic clock resync
feature with the Atomic Clock. At this time, LoraBBS can call
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
only the Galileo Ferraris Institute of Torino, Italy, and all
systems that sends a compatible string.
SCHED_NAME <filename>
It defines the filename for the system event scheduler.
Usually the name is SCHED.DAT, but it could be changed.
SNOW_CHECKING
If the computer has an old CGA video card that makes some snow
on the screen when the program uses video memory. This option
prevents it, since only synchronized access to the video
memory is allowed.
SPEED_GRAPHICS <baud>
It defines the minimum speed at which the ANSI/AVATAR graphics
will be displayed. The program will not ask anything about
ANSI/AVATAR graphics at the first login.
SYSOP_NAME <string>
It defines the sysop name. This name is used for the
registration key code. Please be sure that the name in the
registration form you send, and the name in the configuratio
file are exactly the same.
SYSTEM_FLAGS <string>
Defines the flags assigned to the BBS. These are the same that
are present in the nodelist. The file-request flag for LoraBBS
2.10 is XA (Bark and WaZOO file/update request).
The information entered with this statement area used only
with an EMSI session to fill the appropriate field. No other
use is made at this time.
SYSTEM_LOCATION <string>
Defines the location of the BBS.
The information entered with this statement area used only
with an EMSI session to fill the appropriate field. No other
use is made at this time.
SYSTEM_NAME <string>
It defines the system name. This name will be used as default
origin for echomail messages.
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
SYSTEM_PATH <path>
It defines the directory containing all the system files for
LoraBBS. Usually the current directory is defined.
SYSTEM_PHONE <string>
Defines the phone number of the BBS.
The information entered with this statement area used only
with an EMSI session to fill the appropriate field. No other
use is made at this time.
TASK_NUMBER <num>
It defines the current task number. In non-registered copies
this option is ignored and the task is set to 1.
In registered copies LoraBBS controls that the specified
number is not higher that the maximum number of lines allowed.
If the task number is too high, it will be set to 1.
TERMINAL
It tells that no moded is connected to the serial port, but an
ANSI/ASCII terminal instead. In this way, no modem strings
will be sent, and no phone calls will be made. The Front-end
mailer has to be excluded manually.
To enter the BBS you have only to rapidly press Enter twice.
TEXTFILES_PATH <path>
Defines, if present, the directory from which LoraBBS will
search for the text files to display to the user during a
call, if those files aren't found in the directory specified
with the LANGUAGE command.
TIMEFORMAT <string>
It defines the time format to be shown in the message header.
String may contain the following control sequences:
%A - Show "am" or "pm" when the 12 hour format is used.
%E - Show time in 12 hour format
%H - Show time in 24 hour format
%M - Show the minutes
%S - Show the seconds.
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
USER_FILE <filename>
It defines the filename (without extension) of the users'
file. LoraBBS adds the right extension by itself (.IDX for the
index file and .DAT for the real database).
VOTE_LIMIT <num>
Defines the maximum number of votes that a user is allowed to
send in one call. <num> can range from 1 to 255, but a limit
of 1 or 2 is suggested.
VOTE_START <priv>
Defines the priviliege level that a user must have to be
allowed to receive votes. VOTE_START NORMAL means that all the
users with a privilege level of NORMAL are allowed to receive
a vote from another user.
VOTE_TARGET_DOWN <num> <priv>
Defines the maximum number <num> of votes needed to change the
user level to a lower <priv>. Usually this is a negative
number.
When the user found it's privilege lowered, the file
VOTEDOWN.??? will be displayed.
VOTE_TARGET_UP <num> <priv>
Defines the minimum number <num> of votes needed to change the
user level to a greater <priv>. Usually this is a positive
number.
When the user found it's privilege raised, the file VOTEUP.???
will be displayed.
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
8 - MAKING MENUS
Menus are made with a single text file, to be compiled with
LORACOMP program (see appendix C), so that LoraBBS can read it
its own way.
The filename has to be the one specified in the configuration
file LORA.CFG in the LANGUAGE statement, and the extension has
to be .CFG. Each language must have its menu file.
The tipical structure of each menu is:
BEGIN_MENU <name>
DEFAULT_COLORS <hilight> <normal>
DISPLAY <text>
HOT_KEY <character>
OPTION_PRIV <privilege>
OPTION_FLAGS <flags>
MENU_TYPE <number>
[ARGUMENTS <text>]
[FIRST_TIME]
[AUTOMATIC]
END_ITEM
END_MENU
Each menu must begin with a BEGIN_MENU statement, followed by
the name of the menu, and must end with a END_MENU statement.
The only limit to the number of menus depends on the space
available on your hard disk.
Each entry of the menu must end with the END_ITEM statement.
Every available option is now described:
DEFAULT_COLORS <hilight> <normal>
It defines the color code, to be used as default if not
specified in each entry, for both high intensity (between two
'^' characters) and normal texts.
DISPLAY <text>
Text to be shown to the user. The '^' character marks the
beginning and the end of hilighted texts, the '~' character is
replaced by the minutes left for the call.
Spaces must be represented by and underscore character (_).
The underscore character can be used only if preceded by a
backslash character (\_).
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
A semicolon character (;) will be substitued by a CR/LF
sequence.
Some embedded commands (listed later) can be inserted in the
text to be shown to the user. The embedded commands cannot
always be insterted, since some of them are useful for
questionnaires only or are useless inside menus.
The following embedded commands are avaiable inside menus:
^FC - Displays CPS rate of the last file transmitted.
^FD - Displays office/data phone number.
^FE - Displays home/voice phone number.
^FF - Displays the date (without the time) of the last
connection.
^FG - Displays the time of the last connection.
^FH - Displays the efficiency of last file transmitted.
^FL - Displays netmail credit.
^FM - Displays the number of the last message read.
^FN - Displays the number of the last message read in current
area.
^FO - Displays the privilege level of the user.
^FQ - Displays the number of files sent.
^FR - Displays the number of kbytes sent.
^FS - Displays the number of files received.
^FT - Displays the number of kbytes received.
^FV - Displays the number of screen lines set.
^FX - Yes/No ANSI flag.
^FY - Yes/No end-of-page pause flag.
^FZ - Yes/Nn formfeed trasmission (code 12) flag.
^F0 - Yes/No full screen editor flag.
^F2 - Yes/No hot keyed menu.
^F3 - Displays user's handle.
^F4 - Displays the date of the first time connection.
^F5 - Displays the user's birthday.
^F6 - Displays the registration date.
^F8 - Yes/No AVATAR/0+. codes flag.
^F9 - Displays the received/sent file ratio in x:1 format.
^F! - Yes/No color flag.
^F^A - Displays the next quote taken from the file defined in
the configuration file (^Fa also).
^F^B - Displays the user's full name.
^F^C - Displays the user's city (^Fb also).
^F^D - Displays the current date.
^F^E - Displays the number of calls made by the user (^FP
also).
^F^F - Displays the user's first name (^FW also).
^F^G - Makes a one-second pause.
^F^K - Displays the total online time for the day (including
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
other calls made on the same day).
^F^L - Displays the online time for the current call (^FU
also).
^F^N - Ends the connection.
^F^O - Displays the time left for the current call.
^F^P - Displays date and onset time of the call.
A CR/LF sequence is added automatically.
^F^Q - Displays the number of different users who have called
the system.
^F^R - Displays the net download (download - upload) made
until that moment.
^F^T - Displays current time.
^F^U - Does not allow the user to answer a question with
a blank line.
^F^V - Allows the user to answer a question with a blank line.
^F^W - Displays the number of Kbytes sent.
^F^X - Displays the number of Kbytes received.
^F^Y - Displays the received/sent kbytes ration in x:1 format.
^KA - Displays the total number of calls to the system (every
line).
^KB - Displays the name of the last user who called this
line.
^KD - Displays the number of the first message (this command
has been added for compability, it's set to 1).
^KE - Displays the number of the last message in the current
area.
^KO - Displays the time left for this call.
^KQ - Displays the time available for each call.
^KR - Displays the current baud rate.
^KT - Displays the daily download limit.
^KU - Displays the number of minutes before the next forced
(or non BBS) event.
^KW - Displays the number of the line.
^KX - Stops the connection immediately.
^KY - Displays the title of the current message area.
^KZ - Displays the title of the current file area.
^K0 - Displays the number of message in the current area.
^K1 - Displays the number of the current message area.
^K2 - Displays the number of the current file area.
^K[ - Changes the color (declared in the following byte)
^K\ - Erases the line from the position of the prompt.
HOT_KEY <character>
It defines the key to be pressed for command selection. If
more than one key are equivalent, the first in the menu will
be selected.
OPTION_FLAGS <flags>
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
It defines the active flags for this option. There are 32
flags, from 0 to 9 and from A to V. The most significant flag
is 0, the least one is V.
OPTION_PRIV <privilege>
It defines the minimum level required for this command to be
displayed and selected.
MENU_TYPE <number>
It defines the command type related to the option. See
MENU_TYPES section for the full list.
ARGUMENTS <text>
It defines the optional arguments related to the command type.
See the MENU_TYPES section for a list of the arguments
available for each command type.
FIRST_TIME
This command will be displayed or executed only once.
AUTOMATIC
This command will be executed each time the menu is displayed.
For each menu' type it is possible to set the /K= switch in
the ARGUMENTS field. That switch is used to insert the
characters written after the '=' in the imput buffer. LoraBBS,
before executing the command, puts those characters, that
allow complex automatic operations in the imput buffer. This
option is avaiable in registered copies only.
It's possibile to display every option of the user's record by
operating /C<count><op><value> switch (see also menu_type
104), where:
<count> - Number of the counter, from 0 to 3.
<op> - Command to be executed. Presently are available
= (equal), < (smaller), > (bigger), ! (different).
<value> - Value from 0 to 255.
I. E., /c1=10 displays that particular option only if the
counter is equal to 10.
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
9 - MENU' TYPES
In this chapter all the menu types allowed by Lora will be
described. With them is possible to build complex menus
different for every BBS.
For sake of clarity, menu types are described in an order
based on the arguments.
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
9.1 - MOVING BETWEEN MENUS
14 - CLEAR GOTO
Has the same function as the GOTO MENU command, but the menu
stack is erased before executing the command.
There is a clear screen code before entering the menu. If you
don't want it, you have to insert a NOCLEAR flag in the menu.
15 - CLEAR GOSUB
Has the same function as the GOSUB MENU command, but the menu
stack is erased before executing the command.
There is a clear screen code before entering the menu. If you
don't want it, you have to insert the NOCLEAR flag in the
menu.
16 - RETURN MAIN
Erases the menu stack and goes back immediately to MAIN, the
first menu of the tree.
21 - GOTO MENU'
Makes a GOTO function (the name of the current menu is not put
in the stack) to a general menu.
It's possible to give a password protection to this menu, with
the /P=xxxx option, where xxxx is the password, case
insensitive, asked to the user who tries to enter this menu.
Opzionalmente e' possibile specificare l'area file e/o l'area
messaggi di default tramite gli switch /M[=n] e /F[=n]. Se non
si specifica anche il numero dell'area (come indicato tra le
parentesi quadrate), verra' assunto il numero dell'ultima area
visitata dall'utente.
There is a clear screen code before entering the menu. If you
don't want it, you have to insert the NOCLEAR flag in the
menu.
61 - GOSUB MENU'
Makes a GOSUB function (the name of the menu is put in the
stack) to a general menu.
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
It's possible to give a password protection to this menu, with
the /P=xxxx option, where xxxx is the password, case
insensitive, asked to the user who tries to enter this menu.
Opzionalmente e' possibile specificare l'area file e/o l'area
messaggi di default tramite gli switch /M[=n] e /F[=n]. Se non
si specifica anche il numero dell'area (come indicato tra le
parentesi quadrate), verra' assunto il numero dell'ultima area
visitata dall'utente.
There is a clear screen code before entering the menu. If you
don't want it, you have to insert the NOCLEAR flag in the
menu.
66 - RETURN MENU'
Goes back to the previous menu, taking it from the internal
stack. If the current menu is the first one, it has no effect.
67 - CLEAR STACK
Erases the internal menu stack, so that is not possible to go
back to the previous menu.
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
9.2 - FILE AREAS
22 - FILE TITLES
Displays the list of files in the current area.
23 - FILE DOWNLOAD
Enables the user to choose a transfer protocol and download
one or more files.
It's possible to specify a filename in the ARGUMENTS field
(wildcard accepted), so that the user may choose only the
transfer protocol. This feature is useful, for example, if you
want to give the latest version of some programs with a single
command.
If you specify a filename in the ARGUMENTS field, the
limitations like maximum Kbyte limit, Upload/download ratio,
etc. will be ruled out. Only the maximum connection time limit
will be considered.
24 - FILE DISPLAY
Displays an ASCII file in the current area.
25 - RAWDIR
Displays the dos Directory of the current area.
68 - LOCATE FILES
Allows the user to find one or more files in any area,
specifing a keyword.
Setting the /F parameter in the ARGUMENTS field, the search
will be done in the current area only.
69 - UPLOAD FILE
Allows the user to send a file using one of the internal
transfer protocol.
72 - PATH OVERRIDE
Allows the user to set a different path to the current area.
It's useful if you want to send or to receive files in any
directory of the hard disk.
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
CAUTION! It's suggested to give access to this command to
SYSOP or faithful people only.
73 - NEW FILES LIST
Displays the list of files arrived after the last user's
login, or after a date specified by the user.
Setting the /F parameter in the ARGUMENTS field, the search
will be done in the current area only.
102 - FILE CONTENTS
Displays the contents of compressed files. LoraBBS is able to
display the contents of the files archived with ARJ, ZIP, ARC
and LZH.
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
9.3 - PARAMETERS CONFIGURATION
27 - SET PASSWORD
Allows the user to change his password.
29 - SET NULLS
Allows the user to set a number of null characters (ASCII 0)
to be sent after each CR/LF sequence. Useful for very slow
computers.
30 - SET LENGTH
Allows the user to set the number of lines to be displayed
before a "more?" request.
32 - SET MORE
Allows the user to enable or disable the end-of-page pause.
33 - SET FORMFEED
Allows the user to enable or disable the clear screen code
(ASCII 12). In ANSI emulation, the code is automatically
expanded in the correct sequence.
34 - SET EDITOR
Allows the user to enable the full screen editor (only if ANSI
graphic is active) or the line editor.
35 - SET CITY
Allows the user to set or change the city from which he calls.
36 - SET MAILCHECK
Allows the user to enable or disable the persona mail check at
login.
37 - SET AVATAR
Allows the user to enable or disable the AVATAR/0+ emulation
for graphics and colors.
38 - SET ANSI
Allows the user to enable or disable the ANSI/VT100 emulation
for graphics and colors.
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
39 - SET COLOR
Allows the user to enable or disable the color sequences.
Useful if the user has an ANSI terminal with a B/W monitor.
70 - SET SIGNATURE
Allows the user to set his personal signature. That sentence
will be inserted automatically at the bottom of each message,
just before the tearline for echomail messages.
77 - SET FULL SCREEN READER
Allows the user to enable or disable the full screen reader
for the messages. To enable it, it's necessary to have ANSI or
AVATAR/0+ emulation set on.
99 - SET HANDLE
Allows the user to set his handle, for message areas that
permit pseudos. By default, the handle is the same as
username.
100 - SET VOICEPHONE
Allows the user to set his voice phone number.
101 - SET DATAPHONE
Allows the user to set his office or data phone number.
106 - SET HOTKEY
Allows the user to set the menu hot keys. With hot keyed menus
isn't more necessary to press the ENTER key to confirm a
command.
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
9.4 - MESSAGE AREAS
19 - KILL MESSAGE
Allows the user to kill their messages (written by or sent to
his/her). The Sysop can kill every message.
40 - EDIT NEW MESSAGE
Allows the user to write a new message. In the ARGUMENTS field
it's possible to set the menu name for the line editor. Call
to this menu is made by a GOSUB MENU function.
It's possible to set the following switches, to let the user
write essential data, on particular circumstances:
/T="<to>" - Message receiver.
/S="<subj>" - Message subject.
/A=<n> - Number of the area in which the message will be
saved.
/L - After saving the message, the user will be
logged off immediately.
In every parameter, spaces must be replaced with underscore
characters ('_').
41 - EDIT REPLY
Like the previous command, but it replies to the last message
read, changing automatically receiver and subject. The menu
name for the line editor must be set in the ARGUMENTS field.
Call to this menu is made by a GOSUB MENU function.
For the full screen editor, Lora creates a file containing the
original message the user is replying to.
53 - LIST SHORT
Lists the messages in the selected area on one line only
(short mode). The information displayed is: message number,
sender, receiver and subject.
54 - NEXT MESSAGE
Reads the next message. If the user is in a message area
actived by the MESSAGE command, hitting ENTER at the prompt
plays the same function.
55 - PRIOR MESSAGE
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
Reads the previous message.
56 - READ NONSTOP
Reads all the messages, after the last read, without stopping
at the end of any message or page. The full screen reader is
temporarily ignored.
59 - CHECK MAILBOX
Checks the user's personal mail, and if the user has personal
mail not yet read, makes a GOSUB MENU function to the menu
name set in the ARGUMENTS field.
64 - READ INDIVIDUAL
Reads a message specifing the number. Please note that the hot
key used to activate this menu type is the first digit of the
message number; other digits, if there are, are taken from the
input buffer.
It's suggested to add the digits from 0 to 9 to this menu
type, to allow the user to read any message simply by entering
its number.
89 - LIST VERBOSE
Displays the list of messages in the area, showing the sender,
the receiver, the subject, the flags, date and time at which
the message was written.
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
9.5 - LINE EDITOR
42 - SAVE MESSAGE
Saves the message text. If the /RET parameter is set in the
ARGUMENTS field, a RETURN MENU function will be executed.
43 - ABORT MESSAGE
Aborts the message creation. A RETURN MENU function is
executed. The text deletion is operated only by this command.
It must also be used to go back to the previous menu.
44 - LIST MESSAGE
Displays the text of the message just written.
46 - INSERT LINE
Allows the user to insert a line inside the text.
47 - DELETE LINE
Allows the user to delete one or more lines from the text.
48 - CONTINUE EDITING
Allows the user to go on writing the message, starting from
the line after the last written.
49 - CHANGE TO
Allows the user to change the message receiver. If the /RET
parameter is not specified in the SAVE MESSAGE command, it can
be used to send the same message to more than one receiver.
50 - CHANGE SUBJECT
Allows the user to change the message subject.
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
9.6 - PERSONAL MAIL
74 - NEXT MAIL
Reads the next personal message. This command can also be
called by hitting the ENTER key from the menu set in the CHECK
MAILBOX command.
75 - PRIOR MAIL
Reads the previous personal message.
76 - READ MAIL NONSTOP
Reads all the messages, after the last read, without stopping
at the end of any message or page. The full screen reader is
temporarily ignored.
82 - LIST MAIL
Displays the list of personal messages not yet read by the
user, showing sender, receiver, subject, flags, date and time
at which the message was written.
85 - READ MAIL INDIVIDUAL
Reads a message specifing the number. Please note that the hot
key used to activate this menu type is the first digit of the
message number; other digits, if there are, are taken from the
input buffer.
It's suggested to add the numbers from 0 to 9 to this menu
type, to allow the user to read any message simply by entering
its number.
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
9.7 - MULTILINE CHAT
78 - SEND ONLINE MESSAGE
Allows the user to send a one-line message to another user
connected on a different line of the system.
It' s the only way to send a message to users not connected
with CB CHAT SYSTEM.
81 - ON LINE USERS
Displays the list of users currently connected to the system.
95 - WHO IS WHERE
Displays the list of CB Chat System channels that are
currently active, and the users connected to each channel.
This command is the same as the /a command in Chat System.
96 - CB CHAT SYSTEM
Sets the multiline chat with a 40 channel transreceiving
simulation. The user is automatically 'tuned' on channel 1.
In the ARGUMENTS field it's possible to set the channel number
to which the user will be tuned when entering the chat.
The following commands are available inside the CB chat:
/a - Displays who is connected on each channel.
/c<num> - Allows the user to change channel. <num> ranges
from 1 to 40.
/q - Exits the CB chat.
/w - Displays who's connected on the current channel.
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
9.8 - BUILT-IN DOORS
LoraBBS includes a few usually used doors, so that the
external programs to be added are special doors only (like
games).
Presently LoraBBS includes a QWK compatible message processor,
a time/file bank, a BBS database and a user vote door.
Now the menu types related to these doors will be described,
with a quick description of their general work.
86 - TAG AREAS
Allows the user to define the message areas where Lora must
keep the pointer to the last message read. During the export
of messages in QWK and ASCII format only these areas will be
considered.
When asking the list of areas (with the question mark) the "@"
character will be associated to the marked areas.
A maximum of 30 areas can be marked.
87 - ASCII DOWNLOAD
Allows the user to download the new messages present in the
marked areas in ASCII format. Lora will ask which packer (Zip,
Arj or Lharc) and which transfer protocol must be used.
This method is offered as an alternative to QWK for those
users who don't have (or don't want to install) a QWK reader.
No control is made upon the dimension of the file to be
downloaded, except for the one regarding the transfer time,
that must not be longer than the time left for the current
call.
88 - RESUME DOWNLOAD
Allows the user to resume the download of the message packet,
if it has not yet been completed.
112 - QWK DOWNLOAD
Allows the user to download the new messages present in the
marked areas, in QWK compatible format. Lora will ask which
packer (Zip, Arj or Lharc) and which transfer protocol must be
used.
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
To use this option the user needs to have a QWK reader
installed. Presently many readers, more or less powerful,
exist for a lot of common systems.
No control is made upon the dimension of the file to be
downloaded, except for the one regardin the transfer time,
that must not be longer than the time left for the current
call.
91 - SHOW ACCOUNT
Allows the user to see the amount of time and kbytes in his
account at the BBS time/file bank.
92 - DEPOSIT TIME
Allows the user to deposit a certain amount of time left for
the current call in the BBS time bank. The deposited time will
be automatically subtracted from the time left for the current
call and from the daily total time.
93 - WITHDRAW TIME
Allows the user to withdraw time from the BBS time bank. The
minutes added are usable only for the current call. If for any
reason the current call ends, all the time withdrawn will be
lost and at the next call the time left before withdrawing
only will be available.
114 - DEPOSIT KBYTES
Allows the user to deposit a certain amount of kbytes left for
today in the BBS file bank. The deposited kbytes will be
automatically subtracted from the kbytes left for today.
115 - WITHDRAW KBYTES
Allows the user to withdraw kbytes from the BBS file bank. The
kbytes added are usable only for today.
107 - ADD TO BBS LIST
Allows the user to add a record in the BBS database included
in the program. Lora will ask for the data that are needed for
the BBS identification.
108 - SHORT BBS LIST
Displays the BBS database contents in short format (one line).
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
109 - LONG BBS LIST
Displays the BBS database contents in detailed format, showing
all information introduced with the ADD TO BBS LIST command on
many lines.
110 - CHANGE BBS LIST
Allows the user to modify the data of one or more BBS present
in the database. Lora will ask the name (even partial) of the
BBS to be changed.
Caution: everybody can change any record of the BBS database,
no control upon the user who selects this command is being
made.
111 - REMOVE BBS FROM LIST
Allows the user to delete one or more BBS present in the
database. Lora will ask the name (even partial) of the BBS to
be changed.
Caution: everybody can delete any record of the BBS database,
no control upon the user who selects this command is being
made.
116 - VOTE USER
Allows the user to send a vote to another user, to raise or
lower their privilege level.
The parameter /V=?? allows to vote against (negative values)
or for (positive values) a user.
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
9.9 - MISCELLANEOUS
3 - GOODBYE
Stops the connection displaying the LOGOFF.* file to the user.
No confirmation is asked. If you want to request confirmation
to the user before logging him out, you have to create a
proper menu.
5 - SHOW FILE
Displays a text file. You must specify the name of the file to
be displayed in the ARGUMENTS field.
If no extension is specified Lora searches for the following
extensions: .AVT (if Avatar graphics is selected), .BBS, .ANS
(if ANSI graphics is selected) and .ASC.
The files may contain the internal special commands.
By default a clear screen code is sent before displaying the
file. If you don't want it, you have to specifyu the NOCLEAR
command.
6 - YELL AT SYSOP
Allows the user to call the sysop for a chat. Lora displays a
window with the commands available to begin the chat or to
stop the user's request.
When the user asks for this function, Lora looks in the
current directory for a file called 'PAGE.DAT', containing the
notes of the music that is played in the wait of the sysop's
answer.
The file is a normal ASCII text; each line could be a comment
(if the first character is ';' or '%'), or a tone/lenght
command, or a pause command. Please look at the sample file
for a clear explanation of music composition.
In the ARGUMENTS field it is possible to set a string to be
displayed to the user, that is different from the one defined
in the language file, to signal that Lora is calling the
sysop.
7 - CONFIG
Displays a coded internal page related to the present
configuration of the online user. All the shown parameters
are also available as embedded commands.
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
8 - USERLIST
Displays the BBS' userlist. Allows also to find somebody by
specifing a part of the name.
It's possible to set the following switches in the ARGUMENTS
field:
/L[=x] - Displays only the users who called in the last x
days. If the command is given in the short form /L,
the user may specify the number of days.
/T[=x] - Displays only the users who called at least x times.
If the command is given in the short form /t, the
user may specify the number of times.
/H - Displays the user handle, instead of their real
names.
/S - Swap the first and last name of the users displayed.
/V - Displays only the list of votable users, as defined
in the LORA.CFG file.
9 - VERSION
Displays the program copyright and version number, and much
other information, like the processor type, the free memory
in the heap (variable's space in Borland C), etc.
10 - EXTERNAL PROGRAMS
Executes an external program in a dos shell. The full name of
the file to be executed must be set in the ARGUMENTS field.
It's possible to execute also batch files.
It's possible to set other special commands to give some
additional information to the called program. The commands are
the following:
*0 - Path of the current file area.
*1 - Path of the current message area.
*B - Baud rate (0 if in local mode).
*F - User's first name
*G - 0=No graphics, 1=Ansi, 2=Avatar.
*H - Disables FOSSIL driver before executing the program.
*L - User's last name.
*M - Swap of the total memory occupied by Lora, leaving only
1.5K for the recovery routines.
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
*N - Task number.
*P - Serial port (1=COM1, 2=COM2, etc.).
*R - User's position inside the user's database (record
(number).
*S - Don't read the LORAINFO file after the end of the
external program.
*T - Time left for the current call.
*W - Actives the FOSSIL watchdog. If the carrier drops, FOSSIL
driver reboots the system.
*X - Prevents the creation of the LORAINFO.T?? by LoraBBS.
*! - Stops time during the door execution.
The user will be allowed as much time he was before
entering the door.
*# - Disables the 'wants chat' flag. Useful for external
chat programs.
For compatibility to Scott Dudley's Maximus-CBCS 2.00,
the following command are available:
%A - User's first name, all capital letters.
%b - Baud rate (0 if in local mode).
%B - User's last name, all capital letters.
%c - The place of the call.
%C - The last answer to the questionaire ^OR command (see the
EMBEDDED COMMANDS section for more details).
%d - The number of the current message area.
%D - The number of the current file area.
%E - Length, in lines, of the user's screen.
%f - User's first name.
%F - Path of the current message area.
%g - 0=No graphics, 1=Ansi, 2=Avatar.
%G - User's daily download limit.
%h - Voice phone number of the user.
%H - Kylobytes number downloaded today.
%i - Total download.
%I - Total upload.
%j - Connection time for the current call.
%k - Task Number.
%l - User's last name.
%L - In remote calls the flag is substituted with the
'-pX -bY' string, where X is the serial port (1=COM1,
2=COM2, etc.) and Y is the baud rate. In local calls
the flag is substituted with the '-k' string.
%M - Path of the current message area.
%n - User's first name.
%N - BBS name, as defined in the configuration file.
%p - Serial port (0=COM1, 1=COM2, etc).
%P - Serial port (1=COM1, 2=COM2, etc).
%q - Path of the current message area, without final
backslash.
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%Q - Path of the current file ares, without final
backslash.
%s - Sysop's last name.
%S - Sysop's first name.
%t - Time left for the call, in minutes.
%T - Time left for the call, in seconds.
%u - User's number.
%U - Substituted with the underscore '_'.
%v - Path of the upload directory.
%V - Path of the upload directory, without the final backslash
%Z - User's full name in capital letters.
11 - BULLETIN MENU'
Displays the file set in the ARGUMENTS field, in the same way
as menu type 5. At the end of the display the user must write
a suffix of 8 - <filename length> characters. The file whose
name is made out of the ARGUMENTS field name plus the
characters entered by the user is displayed, is the same way
as menu type 5.
For example, if the BULLET name is set in ARGUMENTS field, the
BULLET.AVT (or ANS, ASC, BBS) file is displayed. Then the user
enters two characters; if the user digits "1B", the
BULLET1B.AVT (or ANS, ASC, BBS) file will be displayed.
To stop the command the user has to press Enter on an empty
line.
13 - QUOTES
Displays a sentence taken from the text file called
QUOTES.BBS. The file must be in the directory specified by the
TEXTFILES_PATH parameter in the configuration file LORA.CFG.
Each quote must be separated by a blank line.
17 - CHANGE AREA
Displays the list of areas (message of file area depending on
the currently active section) in two columns and allows the
user to choose one of them.
51 - PRESS ENTER
Displays the message 'Press [Enter] to continue' and waits for
the user pressing the Enter key.
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
It is possible to set in the ARGUMENTS fieldthe text to be
shown instead of the default message defined in the language
file.
83 - COMMENT TO NEXT CALLER
Allows the user to leave a message to the next user calling
the system. The message will be displayed after the WELCOME.*
file, then killed.
To write the message the user has to use the line-oriented
editor, (even if he choose the external full screen editor).
In this way about 70 lines of 80 characters each are
available.
The utility developers for LoraBBS should note that the name
of the file created is NEXT<n>.BBS, where <n> is the current
task number. The file is the same as a Fido format message
(*.MSG).
97 - READ TEXT FILE
Reads and displays a file from the directory set by the
TEXTFILES_PATH parameter in the configurarion file LORA.CFG
In the ARGUMENTS field you must set the filename, with or
without extension. If no extension is specified, Lora looks
for the following: .AVT, .BBS, .ANS (if ANSI is active) and
.ASC.
By default a clear screen code is sent before displaying the
file. If you don't want it, you must insert a NOCLEAR entry in
the menu item.
98 - LAST CALLERS
Displays the list of calls previously received.
104 - SET COUNTER
Inside the users' database, four counters, ranging each from 0
to 255 are available for particular application. This menu
type allows you to change the contents of these parameters.
In the ARGUMENTS filed you must set the counter number and the
action to execute, with the following switches:
/C<n> - Counter number from 0 to 3.
/R<n> - Set the <n> value to the counter.
/D<n> - Decrease the counter by <n>.
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
/I<n> - Increase the counter by <n>.
106 - USAGE GRAPHIC
Show a nice formatted graphics with the on-line statistics of
the system.
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
10 - LANGUAGE FILES
The language files are regular text files, to be compiled with
the LORACOMP program (see appendix C) to allow Lora to read
them.
The filename must be the same as the one set in the
configuration file LORA.CFG by the LANGUAGE statement, and the
extension must be .TXT.
The first line must contain a number telling Loracomp the
number of lines to be set. Empty lines or lines beginning with
a semicolon (;) will be ignored.
The special character sequences of the C language, beginning
with a percent character (%), must be left in the same order
as in the original file. If you change their order,
serious damage to the system could occur.
It's possible to set the color codes, following the AVATAR
notation, by setting the color byte (the value corresponding
to the attribute byte in the video card) with the CTRL-V CTRL-
A sequence. If your editor can't specify some attribute bytes
(like CTRL-C, CTRL-J, or CTRL-M), you can set them anyway by
adding a CTRL-P code and a value plus 128. The final sequence
will be: CTRL-V CTRL-A CTRL-p <color>+128.
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11 - EVENT SCHEDULER
The event scheduler is defined by the SCHED.CFG file, a text
file to be compiled by the LORACOMP program.
The general format of an event is the following:
BEGIN_SCHEDULE <n>
WEEKDAY <days>
TIME_DURATION <start> <end>
[AFTERMAIL_EXIT <num>]
[BBS_ALLOWED]
[CRASHMAIL_ONLY]
[WAIT_TIME <num>]
[MAX_CONNECTS <num>]
[MAX_NOCONNECTS <num>]
[RESERVED_FOR <zone:net/node>]
[FORCED]
END_SCHEDULE
Each event must begin with a BEGIN_SCHEDULE <n> statement,
where <n> is the event number, and must end with a
END_SCHEDULE statement. The parameters between square
parentheses can be omitted.
In the following pages the parameters used for event
definition will be described one by one:
WEEKDAY <day>
Defines the day, or the days, in which the event is active.
<day> can be:
All Every day.
Sun,..,Sat Sunday,..,Saturday
Dom,..,Sab Domenica,..,Sabato (in Italian)
Weekday From Monday to Friday.
Weekend Saturday and Sunday.
It's possible to set groups of days by dividing them with a
pipe character (|). For exemple: Sun|Wed.
TIME_DURATION <start> <end>
Defines the time activity of the event. <start> and <end>
define, respectively, the start and the end of the event in
military format (hh:mm).
AFTERMAIL_EXIT <num>
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Defines the Dos exit errorlevel after have been recived one or
more mail packets (both bundles or arcmail). <num> is the
errorlevel value.
BBS_ALLOWED
Allows the BBS to receive human calls during the event. If
this parameter is missing during the current event, the system
will not accept human calls, showing to the user the message
defined in the configuration file LORA.CFG by the MAIL_ONLY
parameter.
CRASHMAIL_ONLY
Calls nodes that have crash mail in the outbound directory
only. (*.CUT e *.CLO).
WAIT_TIME <num>
Defines the time in seconds between calls. The default value
is 0.
MAX_CONNECTS <num>
Defines the maximum number of calls with carrier detection
(the modem answers but the remote front-end does not react
because of too much noise), after which a node becomes
unusable.
Since the calls with carrier detection are recorded in the
phone bill and must be paid, keeping this value as low as
possible is friendly suggested.
This parameter enjoys priority upon the homonymous parameter
of the configuration file LORA.CFG.
MAX_NOCONNECTS
Defines the maximum number of failed calls (busy line or no
answer) after which a node becomes undialable.
This parameter enjoys priority upon the homonymous parameter
of the configuration file LORA.CFG.
RESERVED_FOR <zone:net/node>
Reserves the event for a specific node. During the event only
the specified node can call or can be called, if there is mail
for it.
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This option is very useful for hub or backbones, to avoid that
a node may call out of its slot.
FORCED
Defines an event that must be executed at the specified time.
The online time limit for the user is adjusted in order to
terminate the call just before the event is executed.
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12 - AREA DEFINITION
The message/file areas definition is made by creating a text
file called SYSTEM.CFG. Each area has approssimately this
structure:
BEGIN SYSTEM <n>
MESSAGE_NAME <name>
MESSAGE_PRIV <priviliege>
MESSAGE_FLAGS <flags>
[WRITE_PRIV <privilege>]
[WRITE_FLAGS <flags>]
[MESSAGE_PATH <pathname>]
[PUBLIC_ONLY]
[PRIVATE_ONLY]
[ECHOMAIL]
[ECHOTAG <tag>]
[QUICK_BOARD <number>]
[PIP_BOARD <number>]
[SQUISH]
[OK_ALIAS]
FILE_NAME <name>
FILE_PRIV <privilege>
[FILE_FLAGS <flags>]
[DOWNLOAD_PRIV <privilege>]
[DOWNLOAD_FLAGS <flags>]
[UPLOAD_PRIV <privilege>]
[UPLOAD_FLAGS <flags>]
[LIST_PRIV <privilege>]
[LIST_FLAGS <flags>]
DOWNLOAD_PATH <pathname>
UPLOAD_PATH <pathname>
[FREEAREA]
END_SYSTEM
The options between square brackets can be omitted. Each
system definition can contain either only one type (file or
message sections), or both. If you want only a file (or
message) area, simply omit the message (or file) parameters.
12.1 - MESSAGE AREAS PARAMETERS
The following parameters refer to the message section only. If
basic parameters are absent, only the message section will be
invalidated.
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Every area definition must begin with a BEGIN_SYSTEM <number>
statement (the number being the area number), and must end
with a END_SYSTEM statement.
MESSAGE_NAME <name>
Defines the message area title. This parameter is compulsory
for the definition to be effective.
MESSAGE_PRIV <privilege>
Defines the user's minumum level needed to access the message
area. This parameter is compulsory for the definition to be
effective.
MESSAGE_FLAGS <flags>
Defines the flags that are active for the message area. The 32
flags may be specified by numerical characters from 0 to 9,
and from A to V. The most significant flag is 0, the least one
is V.
WRITE_PRIV <privilege>
Defines the minimum level needed to write a message in the
current area. The HIDDEN privilege is used to make a READ ONLY
area.
WRITE_FLAGS <flags>
Defines the flags that are active for the message writing. The
32 flags may be specified by numerical characters from 0 to 9,
and from A to V. The most significant flag is 0, the least one
is V.
MESSAGE_PATH <pathname>
Defines the directory in which the files of the messages
contained in the area are placed. This definition is applied
on Fido-base areas only (*.MSG).
QUICK_BOARD <number>
Defines the number of the board in which the messages
contained in the area are placed. This parameter defines the
area in QuickBBs format and has priority over the Fido format.
Please note that the board number can be different from the
area number.
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SQUISH
Defines that this area contains messages in Squish<tm> format.
This definition has priority over the Fido format only. Please
note that the trailing backslash, if present, will be removed
from the MESSAGE_PATH definition and the resulting will be
used as base file name (without extension).
ECHOMAIL
Defines the area as echomail. That means that the messages
written by LoraBBS will follow the echomail rules and will
contain a tearline (three dashes followed by the name of the
program that generated the message) followed by an origin line
(any text ending with the number of the node that generated
the message).
NETMAIL
Defines the area as a netmail area. The user has to give not
only the receiver name and the subject, but also the node
number of the receiver, in the zone:net/node.point form.
The use of only one netmail area in the BBS is suggested.
ECHOTAG <tag>
It defines the echomail tag of the area. Each time a user
write a message, the tag will be written in the ECHOTOSS.LOG
file. In this way, it's possible to process areas with new
messages only.
PUBLIC_ONLY
Forces the messages in the area to be public. Writing private
messages is made impossible. If neither PUBLIC_ONLY, nor
PRIVATE_ONLY parameter is defined, the user can specify
whether the message will be private or not.
PRIVATE_ONLY
Forces the messages in the area to be private. Writing public
messages is made impossible. Private messages can be read by
the sender, the receiver, and the sysop only. If neither
PUBLIC_ONLY nor PRIVATE_ONLY parameter is defined, the user
can specify whether the message will be private or not.
OK_ALIAS
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The messages in this area will have the handle of the user as
sender. The default user handle is the same as the name.
ORIGIN_LINE <text>
Defines the origin line for that particular echomail area.
This definition replaces the default origin line taken from
the SYSTEM_NAME field in the configuration file LORA.CFG.
USE_ALIAS <num>
Defines the address to be used in this echomail area. The
addresses are numbered in the same order in which they are
listed in the configuration file LORA.CFG, starting from 0.
MAX_MESSAGES <num>
Defines the maximum number of messages that can be present in
the area. This parameter is used by the LMSG program only,
which is described in appendix C.
MAX_AGE <days>
Defines after how many days the messages must be deleted. This
parameter is used by the LMSG program only, which is described
in appendix C.
AGE_RECEIVED <days>
Defines after how many days the messages read by the receiver
must be deleted. This parameter is used by the LMSG program
only, which is described in appendix C.
12.2 - FILE AREAS PARAMETERS
The following parameters refer to the file section only. If
fundamental parameters are absent, only the file section will
be invalidated.
FILE_NAME <name>
Defines the file area title. This parameter is compulsory for
the definition to be effective.
FILE_PRIV <privilege>
Defines the minimum level at which a user can enter the file
area. This parameter is compulsory for the definition to be
effective.
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FILE_FLAGS <flags>
Defines the flags that are active for the file area. The 32
flags may be specified by numerical characters from 0 to 9,
and from A to V. The most significant flag is 0, the least one
is V.
DOWNLOAD_PRIV <privilege>
Defines the minimum level required to download a file.
DOWNLOAD_FLAGS <flags>
Defines the flags that are active for downloading. The 32
flags may be specified by numerical characters from 0 to 9,
and from A to V. The most significant flag is 0, the least one
is V.
UPLOAD_PRIV <privilege>
Defines the minimum level required to upload a file.
UPLOAD_FLAGS <flags>
Defines the flags tha are active for uploading. The 32 flags
may be specified by numerical characters from 0 to 9, and from
A to V. The most significant flag is 0, the least one is V.
LIST_PRIV <privilege>
Defines the minumum level required to display the file list of
the current area.
LIST_FLAGS <flags>
Defines the flags that are active in displaying the file list.
The 32 flags may be specified by numerical characters from 0
to 9, and from A to V. The most significant flag is 0, the
least one is V.
DOWNLOAD_PATH <pathname>
Defines the directory in which the files of this area are
contained. All the available files and the list with their
description must be in this directory.
UPLOAD_PATH <pathname>
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Defines the directory in which the files sent by the users
will be stored. The directory can be different from the one
set in the DOWNLOAD_PATH statement. After uploading, the list
of files in this area will be updated.
FILE_LIST <filename>
Defines the file name containing the list of files of this
area. This parameter is useful for systems with CDROMs online,
in which, of course, creating a list of files is impossible.
The name of the file and its description are taken from this
list, length and date are taken from the download path
directory.
FREE_DOWNLOAD
With this parameter, the downloads from this area will not be
counted in the user stats, and no control upon time and Kbytes
will be made.
NO_GLOBAL_SEARCH
With this parameter, the area will be excluded from the
commands working on all the areas (like file search, new file
list, etc.).
Useful if the system has CDROMs online that would slow down
the search operations.
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13 - EMBEDDED COMMANDS
Each file displayed by LoraBBS may contain the control code
sequences listed below. They can be used for status file
creation, or for questionnaire generation.
These commands are compatible with those available in Opus
1.72, RemoteAccess 1.10 and Maximus 2.00. In case of conflict
between homonymous commands, the Opus 1.72 standard has been
preferred.
If not specified all the printable characters, as part of an
embedded command, are treated case sensitive.
13.1 - SINGLE COMMANDS
^A - Display the message 'Press ENTER to continue'
^D - Displays the message 'More [Y,n]?'
^E - Makes a pause at the end of the page
^F - Compound command (see below)
^G - The computer emits a beep.
^H - Backspace
^I - Tab.
^J - Line feed
^K - Compound command (see below)
^L - Cls
^M - Carriage return
^O - Compound command (see below)
^P - Compound command (see below)
^Q - Used for XON/XOFF controls. Unavailable.
^S - Used for XON/XOFF controls. Unavailable.
^V - Avatar commands.
^W - Compound command (see below)
^X - External door execution.
^Y - Repeates the first character after the command, the
number of times specified by the second character after
the command.
^Z - End of File (not to be used).
13.2 - COMPOUND COMMANDS WITH ^F
The commands preceded by ^F are related to the data of the
online user and allow to create information text to be shown
at the beginning of the connection.
^FC - Displays the CPS of the last file transmitted.
^FD - Displays the phone number of office/data.
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^FE - Displays the phone number of home/voice.
^FF - Displays the date, without time, of the last login.
^FG - Displays the time of the last login.
^FH - Displays the percentage efficiency of the last file
transmitted.
^FL - Displays the netmail credit.
^FM - Displays the number of the last personal message read.
^FN - Displays the number of the last message read in the
current area.
^FO - Displays the user's privilege level as text.
^FQ - Displays the number of files sent.
^FR - Displays the number of kbytes sent.
^FS - Displays the number of files received.
^FT - Displays the number of kbytes received.
^FV - Displays the number of screen lines set by the user.
^FX - YES/NO ANSI toggle.
^FY - YES/NO end of page toggle.
^FZ - YES/NO formfeed code (ascii 12) toggle.
^F0 - YES/NO full screen editor toggle.
^F2 - YES/NO hot keyed menu.
^F3 - Displays the user's handle.
^F4 - Displays the first login date.
^F5 - Displays the user's birthday.
^F6 - Displays the user's registration.
^F8 - YES/NO AVATAR/0+ toggle.
^F! - YES/NO colors toggle.
^F^A - Displays the next quote reading it from the file
defined in the configuration file (^FA also).
^F^B - Displays the user's full name.
^F^C - Displays the user's city (^FB also).
^F^D - Displays the current date.
^F^E - Displays the number of calls made by the user (^FP
also).
^F^F - Displays the user's first name (^FW also).
^F^G - One second pause.
^F^K - Displays the total online time of the day (counting all
the calls made during the day).
^F^L - Displays the online time of the present call (^FU
also).
^F^N - Stops the connection.
^F^O - Displays the time left for the current call.
^F^P - Displays date and time of the beginning of the
connection. A CR/LF character is added.
^F^Q - Displays the number of different users who called on
that day.
^F^R - Displays net download of the user so far made
(download - upload).
^F^T - Displays current time.
^F^U - Forces the user to give an answer to a question.
^F^V - Allows the user to answer with a blank line.
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^F^W - Displays the number of Kbyte sent.
^F^X - Displays the number of Kbytes received.
^F^Y - Displays the received/sent kBytes ration in x:1 format
(^F: also).
^F; - YES/NO full screen message reader.
^F[ - Download remaining for today.
^F\ - The user's selected language.
^F] - Displays the comment field of the user's record
(currently not implemented but available).
13.3 - COMPOUND COMMANDS WITH ^K
These commands are related to the general situation of the
system, and have been introduced for compatibility with
RemoteAccess 1.10.
^KA - Total number of calls to the system (all the lines).
^KB - Name of the last user who called the current line.
^KD - Number of the first message (this command has been
introduced for compatibility, and is always set to 1).
^KE - Number of the last message in the current area.
^KF - Displayes the rest of the line only if the date and time
of last modify of the file specified after the command
is geater or equal to the user's last call date.
^KG - Displays the day of the week.
^KI - Displays the current time in the form hh:mm:ss.
^KJ - Displays the current date in the form dd mmm aa.
^KK - Minutes online so far for the current call.
^KM - Number of personal messages found in the message base.
^KO - Time left for the current call.
^KQ - Time limit for each call.
^KR - Baud rate of the connection.
^KT - Daily download limit.
^KU - Number of minutes still available before the next forced
or non BBS event.
^KW - Number of the line.
^KX - Stop immediately the connection.
^KY - Title of the current message area.
^KZ - Title of the current file area.
^K0 - Number of messages in the current area.
^K1 - Number of the currently active message area.
^K2 - Number of the currently active file area.
^K7 - Displays the user's time bank account.
^K8 - Displays the user's file bank account.
^K[ - Download remaining for today.
^K\ - Delete the line from cursor to the end.
13.4 - COMPOUND COMMANDS WITH ^O
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These commands are related to the user-BBS interaction, and
allow the creation of questionnaires, or the execution of
programs needing particular parameters. It's also possible to
execute batch file with the command described later.
^OC - Executes an external program. Everything written after
the C character is passed to DOS as it is. LASTUSER.BBS,
LORAUSER.BBS and DORINFO1.DEF are created.
^OD - If the current file terminates for any reason, the file
specified after the command will be displayed to the
user.
^OE - The rest of the line is displayed only if the user has
the ANSI or AVATAR graphics enabled.
^OF - Declares the file name to be displayed at the endinf of
the current file (no matter in what way).
^OM - Saves the last answer given to the ^OR command in the
answer file (if it has been opened), with the
comment written after the M character.
^ON - Asks to the user to write a line. If an answer file has
been opened (see ^OO command), the line will be recorded
with the comment written after the O character.
^OO - Opens or creates a file in which the answers to the
questionnaire will be recorded.
^OP - Saves the essential data of the online user (name, city,
last time call) in the answer file.
^OQ - Ends the file. If another file has ben defined with the
^OF command, the control passes to that file.
^OR - Allows answers. After the R character the list of
letters constituting a valid answer must be inserted.
The file execution will continue only if the user
answers with one of those letters.
^OS - The control passes to the file set after the S
character.
^OT - Makes a 'GOTO beginning of file' function (to be used
cautiously because there's no way to terminate the file
execution without the ^OQ command).
^OU - Immediately after the U character, a capital letter must
be written. All the line will be displayed (or executed)
only if the last answer to the ^OR command was the same
as that of the specified letter.
^OV - Makes a 'GOTO offset (number of bytes from the beginning
of file)' function, in digit form. To be used cautiously
and with programs that can compute the offset with
precision.
13.5 - AVATAR COMMANDS
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The AVATAR commands (Advanced Video Attribute Translator And
Recreator) allow to change the remote video attributes in an
intelligent way. That means that, if the user cannot see ANSI
graphics or his terminal is unable to receive directly the
ANSI codes, they will be ignored (color codes) or transformed
into TTY sequences to be displayed on simple terminals.
^V^A - Changes video attribute. The immediately following
character represents the attribute to be changed. The
bit neaning is equivalent to the attribute byte of the
video card Please note that if the attribute is CTRL-P,
it has to be repeated twice. (^V^A^P -> ^V^A^P^P).
^V^C - Cursor toward the top of the screen.
^V^D - Cursor toward the bottom of the screen.
^V^E - Cursor toward left.
^V^F - Cursor toward right.
^V^G - Deletes the current line from the cursor position to
the end.
^V^H - The two following bytes represent the x and y
coordinates in which the cursor will be moved.
13.6 - COMPOUND COMMANDS WITH ^W
Some of the following commands have been already presented.
They've been added for compatibility to Maximus-CBCS 2.00.
Note that the commands are case sensitive.
^W^A - Displays the last login date.
^W^B1 - The rest of the line will be displayed only if the
baud rate is equal to, or greater than, 1200 baud.
^W^B2 - The rest of the line will be displayed only if the
baud rate is equal to, or greater than, 2400 baud.
^W^B9 - The rest of the line will be displayed only if the
baud rate is equal to, or greater than, 9600 baud.
^W^C - Displays the board's name as defined in the system
configuration file.
^W^D - Displays the sysop name, as defined in the system
configuration file.
^W^E - Displays the last string written with the ^ON command.
^W^FA - Displays the number of the current file area.
^W^FN - Displays the title of the current file area.
^W^G - Only local ring beeps.
^W^MA - Displays the number of the current message area.
^W^ML - Displays the number of teh last message read.
^W^MN - Displays the title of the curren message area.
^W^MH - Displays the number of the last message.
^W^M# - Displays the total number of messages present in the
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current area.
^W^NB - The same of ^NC.
^W^NC - Displays the user's netmail credit.
^W^ND - Since LoraBBS does not consider the netmail debit,
this command returns 0. Included for compatibility.
^W8 - The rest of the line will be displayed only if the
user's screen has 80 or more columns.
^WA - Put the last response to a ^ON command in the log
file.
^Wa - Send the last response to a ^ON command to all the
users currently online as a broadcast message.
^WB - Toggle capitals letters on/off.
^WcA - The rest of the line is sent only if the user is
connected locally (not via modem).
^WcR - The rest of the line is sent only if the user is
connected to the system with a modem.
^WD - Deletes the file set after the D character.
^WGA - Displays the number of the current file area.
^WGN - Displays the title of the current file area.
^WIL - The rest of the line is sent only if the user is
connected locally (not via modem).
^WIR - The rest of the line is sent only if the user is
connected to the system with a modem.
^WkF - Turn off the flags specified after the command.
^WkI - Displays the rest of the line only if the user flags
matches with the flags specified after the command.
The flags are separated from the rest of the line with
a single space character.
^WkO - Turn on the flags specified after the command.
^WkT - Toggle on/off the flags specified after the command.
^WpD - Lowers the user's access level by one unit.
^WpU - Rises the user's access level by one unit.
^WL - Link the current file with another. When the other
file terminates the control is returned to the calling
file.
^WP - Displays the voice phone number.
^WR - Displays the user's handle.
^Ws - Gives to the user the level indicated after the s
character.
^WW - Writes the rest of the line in the questionnaire
answer file.
^Ww - Displays the current online users.
^WXD - The same as XR (implemented for compatibility).
^WXR - Executes an external program (the same of ^OC).
The ^W command, used alone, stops the file reading for half
second.
13.7 - COMPOUND COMMANDS WITH ^P
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These commands are related to the actions to be taken
accordingly to the access level of the online user.
The access levels must be specified with the initial letter
(Twit, Disgrace, Limited, Normal, Worthy, Privel, Favored,
Extra, Clerk, AsstSysop, Sysop).
^PB - The rest of the line is displayed only if the user's
level is equal to, or lesser than, a specified level.
^PL - The rest of the line is displayed only if the user's
level is equal to, or greater than, a specified level.
^PQ - The rest of the line is displayed only if the user's
level is equal to a specified level.
^PX - The rest of the line is displayed only if the user's
level is different from a specified level.
by setting only the level letter after the ^P character, the
file reading will continue only if the user's level is equal
to, or greater than a specified level.
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APPENDIX A - NOTES FOR MULTILINE SYSTEMS
LoraBBS is perfectly able to manage multiline systems that use
multitaskers or LAN. Every temporary file created by LoraBBS
contains also the task number in its name, so to avoid
contemporary access to the same files.
If the system uses multitaskers like DesqView, DoubleDOS or
Multilink, LoraBBS is able to recognize the environment by
itself and to release the CPU time, if not used, to the other
active tasks.
On the command line it's possible to set both the task number
and the log file to be created. These two parameters replace
the default parameters set in the configuration file. It's
possible also to omit these parameters in the configuration
file and to set them on the command line only.
If you don't use external programs that don't support
multitask usage, it's not necessary to create a work directory
for each line. Anyway, if you want different directories for
each task, it's possible to tell to Lora where to find its
configuration file, using the LORA environment variable.
LoraBBS look for the configuration file in the current
directory, then in the directory specified by the command line
parameter -C, and then in the directory set by the LORA
environment variable.
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APPENDIX B - THE COMPRESSED MESSAGE BASE
LoraBBS introduces for the first time the concept of the
compressed message base in the Bulletin Board System world.
It's a new kind of message storing tecnique, aiming at
optimizing the disk space needed to contain a great volume of
messages.
The PIP Base, planned and realized by Roberto Piola and
supported in a BBS program by LoraBBS 2.00, is the first
effective result toward the development of this tecnique.
All the messages are stored in a unique file (with different
files for each area) and the text is compressed using the
letter frequency method. Actually, the most used letter is
reduced to a single byte, and expanded again in the reading
phase.
This method allows an average 35% compression of the normal
text. That means, considering a tipical message base of 10
MBytes, a saving of 3.5 Mbyte.
To use the compressed message base with LoraBBS it's
sufficient to insert the PIP_BASE <num> parameter in the
configuration file of the message areas and set the base
directory in which the PIPBase files are stored with the
PIPBASE_PATH <path> statement in the configuration file.
If you want to use PIP Base as the base for your BBS, you need
the appropriate mail processor, called PIPBASE, that is
available at Marco Maccaferri's node, 2:332/402 or Roberto
Piola's node, 2:334/306.
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APPENDIX C - INCLUDED PROGRAMS
For sake of completeness, other support programs, more or less
important, are distributed together with the main program of
LoraBBS.
In this chapter each of them is described, but anybody who
wants to write utilities for LoraBBS can use the STRUCT.ZIP
file, containing the file structures both in C and Turbo
Pascal format with some usage samples.
LORACOMP
This program is fundamental for the correct use of LoraBBS. It
is the control files compiler which transforms the easy-to-
make text files (SCHED.CFG, SYSTEM.CFG, ITALIAN.CFG) into a
binary form that can be read by LoraBBS.
In the command line you must specify which control files are
to be compiled, by using the SYSTEM (message/file areas
definition), the EVENT (event scheduler definition), and the
MENU (language and menu definition) keywords.
All the .CFG files must be in the current directory. The
binary files will be stored in the directory specified in the
configuration file specified on the command line. LORACOMP
read the LORA.CFG file as default.
TYM2LORA
If you want to use the HAM BANK program to realize a time
bank, insetad of the built-in one, this program will be useful
to update the time left in LORAINFO after the program is over.
You need to set the task number and directory containing
LORAINFO.Txx only.
L2WORLD
This is the most powerful and useful utility distributed with
LoraBBS. With this utility, written by Marcello Ardini of
2:332/402.2, LoraBBS can to be used with a very big number of
door programs, written for other BBS software.
L2World is able to create the files needed to use the doors
written for Opus 1.03, Opus 1.10, Opus 1.70, RemoteAccess
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
1.01, QuickBBS 2.64. It can also create the DORINFO1.DEF and
DOOR.SYS files (Doorway compatible).
To learn to use the program you simply have to type L2WORLD,
with no arguments, at DOS prompt, and hit Enter. It will show
a self explaining help page.
LMSG
LMSG is the message base maintenance program. Its primary
function is to keep the number of the messages present in the
conferences under control.
In the configuration file it is possible to set the
information used by LMSG to delete old and/or exceeding
messages. Before using LMSG, please be sure that the message
areas are correctly configured.
If LMSG is run with no parameters on the command line, some
helpful information on the available commands will be shown.
Message base limits
The Fido message base (*.MSG) and PIP base don't have any
physical limits on the number and the dimension of the
messages; the only limit regard the space available on the
hard disk.
The Hudson message base (QuickBBS) is limited as far as the
file dimension and the number of the messages are concerned.
That is due to its internal structure. The number of messages
that can be stored is about 16000. You can configure LMSG so
that this limit will never be crossed.
The Hudson base is also limited with regard to the internal
number of messages, that cannot be higher than 32767. It's
suggested to renumber the messages (better by night) to be
sure that this limit will never be crossed.
Command list
-I INDEX (Options: U, R)
This command rebuilds the message base indexes (QuickBBS only)
by rewriting the MSGIDX.BBS, MSGTOIDX.BBS and MSGINFO.DAT
files).
During the operation, you can choose to delete the messages
stored in unknown boards (boards that don't have a
corresponding area defined in the MSGINFO.DAT file).
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Setting the R option LMSG will also renumber the messages.
-P PACK (Options: K, R)
Packs the message base by physically overwriting the deleted
messages and their text (QuickBBS and PIP base).
Deleting messages (e. g. with the -K command), doesn' mean
that they are removed from the base. They are simply marked as
deleted. You have to pack the base to free the space occupied
by these messages.
The pack command allows also to delete messages following the
directions selected in the configuration file (like the -K
command, but this one does not pack the message base) and to
renumber the messages (like the -R command). In this way you
can make all the standard maintenance with a single command.
-K Purge messages
This command deletes the messages following the directions
selected in the configuration file. In the QuickBBS and PIP
bases, the messages are not physically removed (you must use
the PACK command to do it), whereas in the Fido base they are
physically eliminated from the directory.
-R Renumber messages
Renumbers the QuickBBS and Fido bases. The PIP base does not
need to be renumbered.
LUSER
LUSER e' il programma che si occupa di gestire il database
utenti. Non si occupa solamente di cancellare gli utenti
marcati per la cancellazione, ma permette anche di cancellare
gli utenti che non chiamano il BBS da un certo periodo di
tempo e ordinarli per cognome o nome.
LUSER deve essere eseguito nella directory contenente i
database utenti.
Sono disponibili i seguenti comandi per la linea di comando:
-P Compatta i database utenti rimuovendo fisicamente gli
utenti marcati per la cancellazione.
-S Ordina gli utenti per cognome.
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-D[n] Cancella gli utenti che non hanno chiamato per [n]
giorni. Notate che questo parametro implica una
operazione di compattazione del database.
-M[s] Specifica il livello di accesso massimo degli utenti
interessati dalle operazioni di cancellazione. [s] e'
l'iniziale del livello di accesso.
LTOP
LTOP is a statistical bulletin maker releated to the users
database. On the command line must be specified wich type of
statistics will be generated and the resulting file name.
LTOP must be followed by the name of the file to be created
(with full path name and extension) and one or more of the
following switch:
-Un - Number of upload
-Dn - Number of download
-Sn - Number of Kbyte di download
-Rn - Number of upload Kbyte
-Cn - Number of calls made
-Mn - Number of written messages
With all the available switch, n stand for the numero of users
to be included in the statistic. As a result you have the top
n users releated to the data specified.
LTOP always create the file spcified, even if it already
exist. If more than one switch is specified, the result of
each statistic is appended in sequetial order, with a 'Press
[Enter] to continue' pause after each result.
USERED
This is the external user editor. No more words need to be
spent on it, because all the available options are clearly
described near the actual value.
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APPENDIX D - INCLUDED EXTERNAL FILES
Inside LoraBBS only what is strictly necessary has neen coded.
Most of the displayable messages is external.
All the files that LoraBBS displays automatically (i.e. with
the name coded inside the program) must be stored in the
directory specified by the LANGUAGE statement in the
configuration file LORA.CFG.
Below, the name of the files, in alphabetical order, and their
use inside the program, will be described. The extension is
omitted, because LoraBBS looks for the AVT, ANS, ASC and BBS
extensions automatically.
All the .BBS files are special files, because are the only
displayed to the user with all video configurations, if a more
appropriate extension isn't found. If these files contains
Avatar (or more appropriate oAnsi) control codes, LoraBBS can
display the files always in the correct mode.
1ATATIME - Shown to the user who tries to connect to more than
one line with the same name at the same time.
APPLIC - Shown after the name confirmation to the new users.
Usually it contains a questionnaire to be compiled
only once.
BADPWD - Shown when a user inserts a bad password too many
times.
BIRTHDAY - Shown if the current date is the user's birthday.
CB_HELP - Help file for the multiline chat (CB Chat system)
CHGPWD - Shown when a user wants to change his password.
DAYLIMIT - Shown when a user has already spent all his
available time for today.
LESSBAUD - Shown when the current baud rate is lower than the
previous one.
LOCKOUT - Shown when the sysop hits ALT-L to avoid next calls
from the online user.
LOGO - Shown at the beginning of a call, before asking
the user's full name.
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LOGOFF - Shown at the end of a call, before dropping the
line.
MOREBAUD - Shown when the current baud rate is higher than
the previous one.
NEWS - Sysop's news bulletin. Displayed before entering
the main menu.
NEWUSER1 - Shown after the environment question sequence,
before the new password request.
NEWUSER2 - Replaces the rookie file at the first login only.
NOTIME - Shown when the user has not enough time to complete
a download.
PAGED - Shown to the user when the yell to the sysop has
ended.
PREREG - Shown when a new user tries to enter in a system
that does not allow new users (see the LOGON_LEVEL
parameter in the LORA.CFG configuration file).
RATIO - Shown when a user who exceeded the down/up ratio
tries to begin a download.
ROOKIE - Used to give help to the new users and to let them
get to know the system. It is displayed for the
first 7 logins before the WELCOME file.
SEC# - Displayed before the mail checker, only if the file
exists. The # character represents the user's
access level in numeric form. See Appendix E for a
level equivalence table.
TIMEWARN - Displayed when the time left to the user overflows
to a forced or non BBS event. The time is adjusted
automatically.
TODAYK - Displayed when the total file dimension exceeds
the daily limit as defined for the users' access
level.
TOOSLOW - Displayed when a user tries to connect at a too low
baud rate (see the DEFINE parameter in the
LORA.CFG configuration file).
TRASHCAN - Displayed if a user try to use a name that is not
allowed on this system (listed in the file
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
TRASHCAN.DAT, described below).
TRASHPWD - Displayed if a user try to use a password that is
not allowed on this system (listed in the file
TRASHPWD.DAT, described below).
VOTEDOWN - Displayed to the user if their privilege level was
lowered by an excess of votes against his/her.
VOTELIM - Displayed when the user can not send more votes to
anyone.
VOTEUP - Displayed to the user if their privilege level was
raised by an excess of votes for his/her.
WARNPWD - Shown when somebody tried (with no success) to
force the current user's password (see BADPWD
file).
WELCOME - Shown after the password introduction by the user.
Usually it contains a welcome message.
WHY_ANSI - Help file for the question about ANSI graphics.
WHY_AVT - Help file for the question about the AVATAR codes
transmission.
WHY_COL - Help file for the question about color.
WHY_FULR - Help file for the question about the full screen
message reader.
WHY_NEW - Help file for the "Did you write the name exactly?"
question.
WHY_OPED - Help file for the question about the full screen
ANSI editor (Note: LoraBBS supports one ANSI
external editor only; if the user selects AVATAR
graphics, the full screen editor is automatically
disabled).
WHY_PVT - Help file for the question about private messages.
The following files are used for special tasks and must be
created in the system directory of LoraBBS:
TRASHCAN.DAT - Contains all the unusable user names, or part
of user names. No one is allowed to enter in
the system if their name contains any word
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listed in this file. If someone try to do so,
the file TRASHCAN.??? will be displayed, then
logged off.
TRASHPWD.DAT - Same as the TRASHCAN.DAT, but for the password
field. If a user try to enter a password that
contains a word listed in this file, the
external file TRASHPWD.??? will be displayed,
then logged off.
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APPENDIX E - EXTERNAL DOORS
LoraBBS can run external doors via embedded commands or via
menu. In both cases, there's no errorlevel exit to DOS. All
the doors are executed from inside the program, that can be
temporarely swapped out from memory, leaving only 1.5Kbytes
for the recovery code.
Before executing a door, a file called LORAINFO.Txx is
created, where xx is the task number, expressed in hexadecimal
format.
In addition to the user's record, the file contains much
information useful for external programs; please read the Lora
Application Program Interface (STRUCT.ZIP) for more details
about this file.
Since it is a non standard file, not so many doors support it.
Anyway, a program called L2WORLD by Marcello Ardini is
distributed together with Lora. This program creates a lot of
standard files from the LORAINFO file. The compatibility with
most of the doors for BBS is granted.
Please read appendix C for more details about L2WORLD.
Coming back from the door, the LORAINFO.Txx is read again and
deleted. All the parameters, excluding time (if it's not
changed) and the access level (if is appears higher than the
level defined by the MAX_REREAD_PRIV parameter in the
configuration file), are updated.
For the programs that don't accept the alphanumeric form of
LoraBBS access levels, the equivalences are here listed:
TWIT 16
DISGRACE 32
LIMITED 48
NORMAL 64
WORTHY 80
PRIVIL 96
FAVORED 112
EXTRA 128
CLERK 144
ASSTSYSOP 160
SYSOP 176
HIDDEN 192
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APPENDIX F - THE LORABBS ENVIRONMENT
COMMAND LINE
All the parameters available on the command line are here
listed and described.
All the parameters are in the <-|/><letter>[<value>] form,
where <letter> is one of the letters listed later, and
<value> are the values requested from each parameter. The
switch character can be indifferently '-' or '/'. All the
commands are case insensitive.
B - This parameter has two functions: it indicates the initial
baud rate and signals an incoming call. If the carrier
detect is down, LoraBBS exits immediately with the
errorlevel specified in AFTERCALLEL_EXIT. A 0 baud rate is
the same as the -L parameter: LoraBBS will work in local
mode.
C - Sets the main configuration file to be read. By default
LoraBBS reads the LORA.CFG file in the current
directory.
F - Passes to LoraBBS the flags reported by the modem.
I.E.: Arq/Hst/Hst/V42bis.
I - Tells to LoraBBS the modem initialization string to use
instead of the string defined in the configuration file.
Useful for multiline systemas with different modems.
L - Sets LoraBBS to be run in local mode. The same effect
may be obtained by putting a 0 value with the -B
parameter.
M - Disables the internal front-end mailer. It's possible to
specify the name of the front-end mailer to be used,
immediately after the M letter (LORA -MC:\FD\FD.EXE).
In this way, LoraBBS will load the front-end mailer in a
DOS shell.
Coming back from the shell, LoraBBS controls if the
return errorlevel matches those defined in the
configuration file. If it does, Lora will go on with the
user's login. If not, Lora will exit to DOS with the
errorlevel returned from the front-end mailer.
LoraBBS transfers all its code to EMS, expanded or disk
memory, and leaves only 1.5K in low memory for the
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recovery code.
N - Determines the task number. This parameter has priority
upon the same command in the LORA.CFG configuration file.
T - Determines the time before the Next forced or non-BBS
event. If specified, the event scheduler is ignored.
P - Sets the serial port to be used (1=COM1, etc.)
R - Sets the log file name to be written. This parameter has
priority upon the same command in the LORA.CFG
configuration file.
KEYBOARD COMMANDS
While LoraBBS is waiting for a call, the following commands
can be executed:
ALT-Fx - Exits to DOS with errorlevel x multiplied by 10
(ALT-F1 = errorlevel 10, ALT-F2 = errorlevel 20,
etc.). This command is disabled when there's a user
online.
ALT-J - Executes a DOS shell.
ALT-K - Local connection. This is the only command working
also with keyboard locked by password. This command
is disabled when there's a user online.
ALT-M - Calls immediately the specified node until a
connection is made. In call mode the ESC key stops
the calling sequence and the space bar repeates
immediately the call (useful if the modem does not
recognize the busy tone). This command is disabled if
there's a user online.
ALT-P - Locks the keyboard by password. The password does not
appear on the screen, and, for security is asked
twice. To unlock the keyboard the password must be
typed until the [LOCK] flag disappears from the
status line. The keyboard is locked every time Lora
BBS is executed.
ALT-Q - Immediately reinitializes the modem. For security
LORABBS reinitializes the modem every 10 minutes.
This command is disabled when there's a user online.
ALT-X - Exits to DOS with errorlevel 0. This command is
disabled when there's a user online.
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While there's a user online, the following commands are
enabled:
ALT-C - Begins a chat with the online user. To stop the
conversation use the ESC key. The minutes passed in
chatting are returned at the end of the conversation.
ALT-D - Enables or disables the local snoop. By default
LoraBBS always displays what the user is doing.
ALT-H - Immediately disconnects the user.
ALT-N - Toggles the NERD flags of the user. If the nerd flag
is on and the user want a chat, no sound will be
produced.
ALT-L - Excludes the user from any further login, putting his
level to 0 (lock out user).
ALT-S - Allows the sysop to modify the user's access level
and active flags.
F1-F4 - Display few stats about the online user.
F9 - Display the list of available commands.
The up and down keys have a different use depending on the
LoraBBS status.
If a user is connected they are used to rise or lower the
minutes allowed to the user. If LoraBBS is waiting for a call,
they are used to scroll the window with the outbound status.
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APPENDIX G - SAMPLE BATCHES
G.1 - LORA MAILER & BBS, WMAIL MAIL PROCESSOR
@Echo off
:Loop
C:
Cd \Lora
Lora
If ErrorLevel 60 Goto Cyndarella
If ErrorLevel 50 Goto Dayly_Maint
If ErrorLevel 45 Goto Poll_WMail
If ErrorLevel 40 Goto Prepare_Mail
If ErrorLevel 31 Goto Loop
If ErrorLevel 30 Goto After_Mail
If ErrorLevel 3 Goto Loop
If ErrorLevel 2 Goto End_Batch
If ErrorLevel 1 Goto End_Batch
If ErrorLevel 0 Goto End_Batch
Goto Loop
:Dayly_Maint
At H1M0S0=0
LMSG -K -PR
Rem
Rem Put here your daily maintenance
Rem
:Prepare_Mail
At H1M0S0=0
WMAIL AREAFIX EC
WMAIL PACK -B
WMAIL EXPORT -O
WMAIL PACK -B
Goto Loop
:After_Mail
At H1M0S0=0
WMAIL IMPORT -O
WMAIL AREAFIX EC
WMAIL PACK -B
WMAIL EXPORT -O
WMAIL PACK -B
Goto Loop
:Cyndarella
AutoBoot /DIS
Del LASTCALL.BBS
Goto Loop
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LoraBBS v2.10 - Copyright 1989-92 Marco Maccaferri - 07/04/92
:End_Batch
Echo
At H1M0S0=0
G.2 - FRODO MAILER, LORABBS, WMAIL MAIL PROCESSOR
@Echo off
:Loop
C:
Cd \Lora
Lora -MC:\FD\FD.EXE*M
If ErrorLevel 60 Goto Cyndarella
If ErrorLevel 50 Goto Dayly_Maint
If ErrorLevel 45 Goto Poll_WMail
If ErrorLevel 40 Goto Prepare_Mail
If ErrorLevel 31 Goto Loop
If ErrorLevel 30 Goto After_Mail
If ErrorLevel 3 Goto Loop
If ErrorLevel 2 Goto End_Batch
If ErrorLevel 1 Goto End_Batch
If ErrorLevel 0 Goto End_Batch
Goto Loop
:Dayly_Maint
At H1M0S0=0
LMSG -K -PR
Rem
Rem Put here your daily maintenance
Rem
:Prepare_Mail
At H1M0S0=0
WMAIL AREAFIX EC
WMAIL EXPORT
Goto Loop
:After_Mail
At H1M0S0=0
WMAIL IMPORT -E
WMAIL AREAFIX EC
WMAIL EXPORT
Goto Loop
:Cyndarella
AutoBoot /DIS
Del LASTCALL.BBS
Goto Loop
:End_Batch
Echo
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At H1M0S0=0
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