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1992-04-04
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User Manual
for
TPBoard Version 7.1
Copyright (c) 1991 by:
Jim McDaniel-Webb
2452 Milburnie Road
Raleigh NC 27610
Distributed by:
Online Communications, Inc
22 State Street
Bangor, Maine, U.S.A. 04401
(207) 941-1110
Fidonet 1:132/300
Copyright (c) 1987-90 by
Jon Schneider & Rick Petersen
======================== N O T I C E =======================
TPBoard and it's associated support files are Copyright (c)
1987 thru 1990 by Jon Schneider & Rick Petersen. Current
copyright is held jointly by Jon Schneider & Rick Petersen
and by Jim McDaniel-Webb. Non-commercial use and/or public
distribution of this system is permitted pursuant to the
conditions listed below. ALL commercial rights are reserved.
-------------------------
TPBoard is based on the Pascal Integrated Communications
System (PICS), Copyright 1986, 1987 by Les Archambault, and
the Remote Operating System (ROS), Copyright 1985, 1986 by
Steve Fox.
1 - INTRODUCTION
2 - SYSTEM PROMPTS
3 - COMMAND LINE ENTRIES
4 - FILENAME WILDCARDS
5 - LOGGING IN
6 - HELP SCREENS
7 - SYSTEM MENUS
MAIN MENU
MESSAGE SUBSYSTEM
FILES SUBSYSTEM
USER/UTILS MENU
DATABSE MENU
SYSOP MENU
INTRODUCTION
------------
This document is the User's Manual for TPBoard. In addition
to serving as your guide to TPBoard, it should be made available
for your remote users' use. It's a lot easier to refer them to
this manual when they have questions than it is to be continually
answering the same questions from new users. You may distribute
this document in ANY form you desire, whether as-is or edited
to suit your system.
The following is a brief synopsis of TPBoard's features. You
will find it is as full featured as any other currently available
Bulletin Board system for the PC.
* Multiple message areas, including support for Fido-Net and
EchoMail areas.
* Multiple file areas.
* 'Type' files on-line, including 'Squeezed' and individual
LBR, ARC, ZIP, PAK, and LZH member files.
* Send and receive files using all the popular protocols.
(Xmodem, Ymodem, Ymodem Batch, YmodemG, and Zmodem). You
can even send individual compressed member files using any
of the protocols.
* Split screen Chat with SysOp.
* File directories can be shown using file size or transfer
time.
* Tag files (up to 20) for downloading. Edit your list of
tagged files.
* Support for ANSI graphics (user selectable).
* Unlimited length file descriptions.
* Internal support for the XRS off-line reader.
* Sort file area listings by Name, EXT, Size, or Date!
* Online caller help for EVERY command in the system.
* Support for online dBase compatible databases with
searching, filtering, reporting, etc.
TPBoard versions
----------------
The menus and commands we are about to describe assume a fully
registered version of TPBoard (called TPBoard+) with all features
enabled by the sysop. The system you call may not have all of
these commands enabled or may be running an unregistered copy
of TPBoard which will not allow certain commands. Regardless of
which version your local sysop runs, the menus will ALWAYS be
the same (in terms of commands structure) from one system to
the next. TPBoard does not allow rearranging of menus! This
should greatly help you as you learn to navigate TPBoard systems.
Consider the following:
A)bandon Conference G)oodbye (Hang Up) O)perator Page T)rans. Protocol
B)ulletin Listings H)elp Functions OPEN a DOOR (#) TS Txt Srch Msgs
CHAT to NODEs(Soon) I)nitial Welcome PAGE "Top Dog" U)pload a File
C)omment to SYSOP J)oin a Conference P)age Length Set UB Upload Batch
D)ownload a File K)ill a Message Q)uick Msg Scan V)iew Settings
DB Download Batch L)ocate Files(Name) R)ead Messages W)rite User Info
E)nter a Message M)ode (Graphics) REPLY to Msg(s) X)pert On/Off
F)ile Directories N)ew Files (Date) RM Re-Read Mem # Y)our Per. Mail
FLAG for download NEWS file display S)tart HERE! Z)ippy DIR Scan
What do you think of that? Every available command on one "menu?"
Kind of confusing isn't it, especially with the message and files
commands all mixed together in one very cramped screen?
Or, what about the following from a local board:
={ The Veggie Stew Main Menu - 20 Minutes Left }=
A - AUTO CALLER VERIFICATION SYSTEM!
M - Messages of a Local Kind
E - Echomail Messages
F - Files to git and send
Y - Yo! Is de Sysop der?
W - What's Happenin?
Q - Questions
D - Doors To Run Stuff
C - Change Your Personal Stuff
L - Leave the System (But why would you want to?)
=[ Well? ]=
Well indeed! Does that REALLY look like a menu to you? What sort
(if any) callers do you think would want to look at menus like
that for any length of time?
Now, wouldn't you want a menu system that works like ALL other
menu system you've encountered, commands grouped together in a
top-down, structured submenu system? You know, where Message
commands are on one menu, Files command on another menu, etc?
Sort of like all your other application software?
-------------------------------------------------------------
The Board Room's Main Menu TPBoard v7.1
-------------------------------------------------------------
[D] Doors menu [U] User/Utils Menu [M] Message Menu
[N] News bulletins [B] dataBase menu [F] Files Menu
[E] Edit user data [A] Articles to read [G] Goodbye/Logoff
[C] Call the sysop [W] Welcome screen [H] Help
[I] new user Info [O] Other notices
[Q] Quote display [X] Sysop Menu
Every TPBoard you call will have the same commands (although the
commands you see may be limited by your access level) and every
TPBoard system will have message commands on the Message menu. The
Files commands will always be on the Files menu. You won't have
to hunt through an entire screen full of non-mnemonic commands or
wade though countless sysop created sub-menus. I saw one bbs that
had over a hundred menus with the same commands were duplicated all
over the system and with some menus having as few as one command!
SYSTEM PROMPTS
--------------
Before we get into the explanation of the way that TPBoard
is organized, it is important to learn about the prompts that the
system gives you when it is waiting for you to type in a command
(at subsystem menus).
The system prompt is the line that you see whenever the
system is waiting for an input from you at one of the sub-system
menus.
Prompts consist of several components:
A. Your time remaining on the BBS in hours and minutes
B. Current Subsystem (Message, Files, or Utilities)
C. Current Message Area or File Section.
D. Library or Archive name (if one is active)
For example:
00:32-Files NEWIN [press "?" for menu]>
^ ^ ^
A. B. C.
The above line indicates that you have 32 minutes remaining
on the system, are currently in the files subsystem, and are
logged into the NEWIN files area. Should you enter an Archive,
your prompt might look something like the following:
00:13-Files NEWIN [VECTOR.ARC]>
^ ^ ^ ^
A. B. C. D.
We will discuss the enter A)rchive command later.
Some of the system commands themselves have several command
options available. For example, in the Message Read command,
you can read all message TO you, From you, Since last logon,
etc. When you are NOT at a system menu prompt but still
have multiple options available, you will see something like:
Mesg read command (a,b,c,d,e,q,?) >
Here the possible commands are the letters contained inside
the () symbols. Enter one of these, then a carriage return, and
the command will execute. Generally, whenever you see a (q) the
Q may be used to Quit the command presently being executed and
return to the previous menu. Using the ? will display an additional
line of help for the single letter commands, then prompt you again
for an answer.
00:32-Files NEWIN [press "?" for menu]>
Do you see where the above says "press ? for menu"? Well, that's
pretty much what it means. The sysop can display menus automatically
following every command but few actually do that; auto menus just
take up your time and the system's time. If you want or need a
menu at any time, just press the '?' key shifted or unshifted (yes,
the '/' works exactly the same.
COMMAND LINE ENTRIES
--------------------
A command line entry is what you type in at the command
prompt. A general rule is most commands require a single letter
followed by a carriage return (CR) or [Enter]. The exception is
where names are required.
For example:
32-Message PC [press "?" for menu]> C;POST;R;S;C
Where the command you entered is: C;POST;R;S;C [ENTER]
This translates into:
CHANGE AREA;
POST AREA;
READ MESSAGES;
SINCE LAST ON;
CONTINUOUSLY
The delimiter used above was a semi-colon, however a space
or a comma is also accepted. (i.e., C POST R S C or C,POST,R,S,C
will both work).
The user may ask for help by typing "?" at any prompt. The
commands available for that particular area and their meanings
will then be displayed.
During most system display operations, TPBoard will respond
to Xon/Xoff control, i.e. when ^S (Xoff) is entered, the display
will pause until another key is pressed. Usually this will be ^Q
(Xon), but any key except ^C (ETX) or ^S will continue the
listing. ^C will stop the listing completely and usually return
you to the command prompt.
TPBoard recognizes the following during the editing of system
commands (these are based on the WordStar command set):
^S move cursor one space left
^A move cursor to far left
^D move cursor one space right
^F move cursor to far right
^X delete entire prompt line
^V toggle insert mode
^G delete character at cursor
TAB insert 5 spaces at cursor
BS the backspace, treated as a destructive overwrite
If you terminal package sends ansi escape sequences when you press
extended characters (like the arrow keys), and most do, these keys
are translated during the editing of TPBoard prompts as:
left arrow becomes ^S
home key becomes ^A
right arrow becomes ^D
end key becomes ^F
DEL becomes BS
So, if you enter the command
D TPBEDIT.PAS IMPMSGS.PAK CONS.PAK
and see that the file extension for TPBedit is wrong, you can back
up with the left arrow key or ^S and fix the error, then press END
or ^F to bring the cursor back to the end of the line. That's ab
important tip to remember because you can't do that on most boards.
HELP throughout TPBoard is available whenever you see the "?" in
a prompt line. The "/" also works in place of the "?"
HOT KEYS
--------
TPBoard does not (and probably never will) support hot keys. Hot
keys means that the bbs responds immediately to every keypress
from the caller. While there are limited advantages to this, there
are disadvantages as well. Programs that utilize hot keys *seem*
to respond quickly to your commands and you THINK that by not
having to press the [ENTER] key that you are saving keystrokes.
But, look at the following command string for TPBoard:
- M C POST R S
This command will:
take your to the Main menu,
select the Messages menu
change to the POST message area
perform a read Since last logon
And you won't even see all the prompts along the way as these
commands are processed. This would not be possible if TPBoard
used hot keys because TPBoard would react immediately upon
receiving the initial '-' command. There are proponents of
hot key based systems but we feel that the ability to type
commands into a queue is far more powerful. Clearly, it is
faster for the experienced user.
FILENAME WILDCARDS
------------------
TPBoard responds to wildcards in exactly the same manner as
DOS. If you are not familiar with their use, we would suggest that
you read your DOS manual. You can use wildcards when downloading
files.
LOGGING IN
----------
You will log in to a TPBoard system in much the same way as you
would log on to any other system: TPBoard will ask a series of
questions and will expect certain answers in return. The very
first thing you will see is the copyright information:
TPBoard+ 7.0 11-30-91
#0007000707 registered to Jim McDaniel
Copyright (c) 1987-91
From the above, you can already tell that this is a registered
version of TPBoard. That means the sysop has taken the time to
send in a registration form for TPBoard and has received a "key"
file in return. This particular copy of TPBoard is registered
to a "Jim McDaniel." No one but the person who actually registered
that copy should run/use that copy of TPBoard! You should never
see a copy of TPBoard registered to "Jim McDaniel" running on
a board owned by "Joe Smith!"
You can also tell that this is the Plus version of TPBoard
by the "+" letter following the TPBoard. Many of the commands
and features available in TPBoard are only available in the
Plus version.
The first question you will see will depend on the system
you are calling. The sysop can change to wording of this
question but the meaning is the same on every system. Mine
looks like this:
Do you want ANSI Color Graphics (y/N) >>
However this question is worded, it is asking whether your
system is capable of ANSI screen displays. You should know
whether you can display ANSI graphics. If you can, you would
answer "Y" to this question. If you cannot display ANSI or
do not want a colorized display, enter "N" and press [ENTER].
TPBoard also allows the sysop to set up different language
versions of the bbs. In some areas (Canada, for example)
this ability is really needed. If the sysop has set up
more than one language version of the bbs, you will see a
prompt similar to the following:
The current language is: <name of kanguage>
1: English
2: German
3: French
Select a language for system text (1..3) >
Select a language by entering the number of the language you
wish to use. If you press [ENTER] without selecting a language,
you will get the current language.
Following the welcome screen for the board you are calling,
you will be asked for your name. You MUST use your real name
at this question. Enter your name as FIRST name followed by
your LAST name ending with a [ENTER]. If you are a new caller,
(your name isn't in the caller's file) TPBoard will ask if you
are really a new caller in case you just mis-typed your name.
If you did mess up, you can go back and re-enter your name.
If you are a new caller to that system, answer "Y" and continue
with the login process by answer each question that comes
appears.
Iemsi
-----
A few terminal and communications programs support IEMSI, a
protocol that allows comm programs to talk to one another
without the user having to do anything. If your comm program
is capable of IEMSI, you will have to configure it to send
certain information to IEMSI capable bulletin boards. This
information is sent automatically to the bbs and includes
items such as your name and password and other logginf in
information.
When TPBoard talks to an Iemsi capable comm program AND the
name of the person calling is already on file (new callers
cannot use Iemsi to log on), and if the password matches
the passwrod on file for that name, the caller doesn't
have to enter any information to get to the first Main menu
prompt.
In addition, you can configure Iemsi to send other information
as well: whether you want ANSI or not, whether you want to
check for new mail or not, etc. If your comm program is not
capable of IEMSI sessions, simply press the ESC key when
TPBoard announces that it is attempting an IEMSI session.
Also, some systems may not have IEMSI turned on; in which case
you won't ever see the message abut IEMSI during your login.
HELP SCREENS
------------
Providing that the sysop has installed them, TPBoard makes
available a help screen for EVERY command in the menus. If
at any time you are unclear on what to do next, simply enter
'H' for HELP. If you press 'H' by itself, you will get the
help screen for the current menu. If you enter 'H' followed
by any other command letter from the current menu, you will
get a help screen for that command.
When you begin using the database commands, you will probably
appreciate the HELP screens.
SYSTEM MENUS
------------
Approximately 100 commands are available to users of TPBoard
on the various menus. These commands are grouped into 5
command subsystems which are accessible from one MAIN menu.
Subsystem Primary Use
-------- -----------
Message Subsystem Enter and read messages to/from other users
Files Subsystem Send and Receive files
Utilities Subsystem Miscellaneous functions
Edit User Subsystem Edit user record settings
Doors Subsystem Run an external door program
Database Menu Access/search databases
Sysop menu Sysop commands and board maintanence
The menus you will see in the following examples are for
illustration only; the screens you will actually see when you
log into a TPBoard system can be customized by the sysop
(although commands must remain on their original menus!).
MAIN MENU
---------
[D] Doors Menu [U] User/Utils Menu [M] Message Menu
[N] News Bulletins [B] DataBase Menu [F] Files Menu
[E] Edit User Data [A] Articles to Read [G] Goodbye/Logoff
[C] Call The Sysop [W] Welcome Screen [H] Help
[I] New User Info [O] Other Notices
[Q] Quote Display [X] Sysop Menu
[D] DOORS MENU
The Doors Menu is where all the external programs, such as games,
voting on certain objects, On-line time banks, etc., will be found.
After selecting Doors Menu you will be presented with another menu
which will list the available Doors on THIS system. Simply select
the Door you want opened and the system will run it. What
happens after that is up to you. After exiting the Door you will
be returned to the Door menu. [-] Will get you back to the Main
Menu.
[N] NEWS BULLETINS
This is where the Sysop places items of interest that can pertain
to anything he chooses. Most likely it will be about the BBS in
some regard. A new hard drive added, new features of the BBS, an
upcoming User Party. You are also shown these bulletins upon log-
on.
[C] CALL THE SYSOP
During certain hours, the sysop may be available to chat.
When this command is entered, the system will try to summon
the sysop (if during the chat period). If the sysop is
available, you will be notified and a two way conversation
may begin. If the sysop is not available or if the current
time is outside the hours to chat, you will be given the
opportunity to leave a message. If you have selected ANSI mode,
your CHAT session will be in split screen mode.
[I] New User Info
This will display information that a new user will need to know
about the BBS. Each Sysop has their own ideas on how to handle new
users and this will explain what the BBS is about and what is
expected of you as a user. This is also displayed the first time
you log on.
[Q] Quote Display
During your login, you may have been shown a quote or saying.
[Q] will display another Quote of the Day (or whatever the Sysop
decides to put in the file). Repeated [Q] commands will display
the next item in the file.
[U] User/Utils Menu
This command transfers you to the Utilities menu. From Utilities,
you can change the selected graphics mode, view your system
statistics, list other system callers, etc.
[B] DataBase Menu
This command transfers you to the Database menu. TPBoard allows
the Sysop to place databases on-line for your access. You can
create, view, and download reports created via the Database
function.
[A] Articles to Read
This command will display a list of articles (viewable files
actually) that the sysop has placed on-line for viewing. You
can select an article from the list to view or return to the
Main Menu.
[W] Welcome Screen
This command will display the same Welcome screen you saw when
you first logged in.
[O] Other Notices
This command will display a special file that the sysop has placed
on-line for your viewing. Normally, this file contains a list of
other bulletin boards that may interest you.
[M] Message Menu
This command transfers you to the Message menu.
[F] Files Menu
This command transfers you to the Files menu.
[G] Goodbye/Logoff
This command terminates the current session and logs you off. TPBoard
will ask ONCE if you are sure you want to logoff.
[H] Help
Every menu in TPBoard has a help screen available that contains
information specific to that submenu. More important is that you
can request help for a specific command by entering H followed by
a space and the command you need individual help on. For example,
from the Files Menu:
H D [ENTER] displays the help screen for Download
H U [ENTER] displays the help screen for UpLoad
H [ENTER] displays the help for the entire FILES menu
MESSAGE SUBSYSTEM
-----------------
This is the Message Subsystem menu. A detailed explanation
of each command follows the menu. Remember that the commands are
represented in the menu by the [A] notation where the command is
the letter inside the [] symbols.
[C] Change Message Area [R] Read Messages [-] Main Menu
[E] Enter Message [M] Make MSG from Upload [F] File Menu
[Q] Quick Text Search [S] Scan Message Headers [G] Goodbye
[D] Dload XRS Mailbag [U] Upload XRS Mailbag [H] Help
[T] Toggle Combined Areas [C] Check for New Mail
[A] Ascii Mailbag DnLoad
Remember that in the Message Menu and the Files Menu, the
"area" you are in displays inside the prompt itself so you
always know where you are in the board. Think of an area
as a part of the message base that contains messages on
a narrow topic. For example, the sysop might have areas for
entering/reading messages about cooking or politics. When
you are in the cooking area, you should only enter messages
that pertain to COOKING.
[C] Change Message Area
TPBoard supports multiple message areas, i.e. messages are
filed in groups by topic. After typing "C", enter the name of
the desired message area or enter "?" and <RETURN> to get a
menu of the message areas available. If the entry cannot be
found, a short version of the menu will be displayed and the
system will once again prompt for the message area. Version
7 of TPBoard currently supports up to 255 message areas.
ALL TPBoard systems should have a minimum of the following
areas:
POST - This is the area for posting general messages to
the Sysop or to other users of that bbs. ALL messages
in Post remain on that bbs.
BULLETINS - This is the area where the sysop enters
the messages that appear at caller logins as bulletins.
This is generally a restricted access area.
NETMAIL - This area is used for sending FidoNet netmail.
On most boards, you must have an account set up to send
NetMail messages. You may still be able to receive
messages, however.
COMBINED - This pseudo-area is actually 10 areas that act
like a single area. Using the [T] command, you can
select the ten areas you want in your Combined area.
Then, when you are in the Combined area, all Message Menu
commands will act upon ALL areas you have selected.
Also, if you have asked for a new mail check at any time during
the current session, an asterisk will display next to the
message area name is there is any new unread mail waiting
in that message area. This is not to be confused with the
similar asterisks that display during Combined Areas Toggle.
[E] Enter Message
Until you are validated, this command will automatically
enter all messages to the sysop.
Use this command to send a message to another user, the
sysop, or to all users (like posting a message on a bulletin
board). If you enter only a <RETURN> in response to the
"FIRST name" prompt, the message will go to all users.
If you send to a particular person, the system will verify
the recipient name. If the system cannot find the addressee,
you will be informed and given the opportunity to try again.
At the completion of message entry, you will be asked if you
want the message to be Public (available for all validated
users to read) or Private (just addressee [and sysop] can
read).
To send a message to the sysop, enter "SYSOP" as the full
name. You will not be prompted for a last name.
During message entry, TPBoard allows entering blank lines
in a message (when you hit [ENTER] without anything else
on that line). This allows for better handling of ASCII
UPLOADS into the message editor.
When you are finished with the current message or if
you want to activate the editing commands menu:
/SAVE or /S
will save the current message and return you the prompt
before you began entering this message.
/QUIT or /Q
will exit without saving the current message and will
return you the prompt before you began entering this
message.
/EDIT or /E
will activate the editing commands. This prompt appears
something like:
Edit command (c,d,e,i,l,s,q,?) >
These commands are:
<C>ontinue
<D>elete line
<E>dit a selected line
<I>nsert line
<L>ist current message
<S>ave message to disk
<Q>uit (DON'T save message)
<C> continues the message where you left off.
<D> prompts for the start end end line numbers
you wish to delete. You can eliminate the prompts
by entering: D 2 4 which would delete lines 2,
3, and 4 from the message.
<I> adds a line before the line number you specify.
<L> displays the entire message as entered.
After using the message editor you will be returned to the
subsystem command prompt. Remember, if you want the message
recorded, use the <S> command instead of the <Q> command. All
other commands will return you to the message editor prompt
for further editing.
One important thing to keep in mind is that if a message area
is an "Echo", any message that you enter is going to go
to hundreds of other Bulletin Boards. For this reason, it is
important to make sure that any message entered in an "Echo"
is on topic, and doesn't contain any private information.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
| Advertisements are never considered appropriate in an echo |
| area. |
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A fast method of entering messages is to edit your message using
an ascii editor (as opposed to a word processor) before you call
the bulletin board. You can tell if your file is ascii by
typing it from the DOS prompt; if it contains funny letters,
it isn't suitable for ascii upload. To upload an ascii file,
begin to enter a message as you normally would by selecting
the [E] command. Once you are actually editing the message,
begin an ascii upload from your system. The text of the file
your edited will be received by TPBoard as if you were typing
the letters from the keyboard.
FidoNet Message Areas (if implemented):
There are some minor differences between the message entry
functions available while in the normal TPBoard areas, and
when in the FidoNet areas. If you are in an EchoMail area,
ALL messages are Public. The user base is not searched
to see if there is a user by the same name as the person you
are sending the message to. Hundreds or thousands of other
people will see all messages you enter in an echo area so
make sure you are in the area you want to be in before entering
messages!
[Q] Quick Text Search
This will allow you to search for a "text string" in a message in
whatever area you are logged into. For example, you are logged
into the HST echomail area and you want to search for "new roms".
The Q command will ask for search string, you enter "new roms" and
then it searches and tells you the message numbers in which that
phrase is found. TPBoard currently searches the subject line of
the messages, as well as the From and To names during a Quick
search.
[D] Dload XRS Mailbag
XRS is a program written by Mike Rateledge that allows you to
perform message functions on your system and at your leisure
just as you would while on-line to the bulletin board. Most
boards that provide an XRS function will have the XRS program
available for downloading. You can also reach Mike Ratledge
at:
Mike Ratledge,
995 Buck Hall Landing,
McClellanville, S.C. 29458 (USA)
Fidonet: 1:372/6666
To use XRS (assuming you have the XRS program), you need only
to select [D]ownload_Xrs_Mailbag. This function will write
all messages you select (by area, including Combined) to a
format expected by XRS. TPBoard then compresses the mailbag
using either: zip, zoo, arc, or lzh. Compression is NOT
an optional step and will be performed by TPBoard after you
select the method you wish to use. Note that the compression
step can take a while on larger mailbags so BE PATIENT.
If you get logged off during the compression step, you most
likely need to check your modem settings. Specifically,
the S19 register sets the number of minutes the modem can
be idle without any detected data transmission. If this
value is too low, your own modem could be dropping carrier
on you. Set S19=0 for NO modem activity monitoring.
[T] Toggle Combined Areas
This is a very handy feature that allows you to read several areas
without actually Changing areas. You can select as many or as few
as you want and then just start reading. The system will show you
all the messages in one area then go onto the next area, without
you changing areas. The system keeps track of your last-read
pointers so you can just get on each day, read your combined areas
new messages. This also works for the XRS mailbag function.
When you select [T], TPBoard will display a list of all areas
just like when Changing areas. Any areas currently selected for
your Combined will have an asterisk between the area number and
the area name.
[R] Read Messages
After entering "R", this command will prompt for the
following information about which messages to read. All
commands are just for the Message Area you are currently in.
This prompt appears something like:
Read Search Option (a,f,t,n,s,q,?)
These options translate as follows:
<A>ll read ALL messages in this area
<F>rom you previously entered messages from you
<T>o you read Any message TO you
<N>umeric similar to ALL but you are prompted for
the starting message number
<S>ince your last call. TPBoard remembers the number
of the last messages you read.
<Q>uit return to subsystem command prompt
without reading any messages.
After entering "A, F, T, N, or S" the system will respond by
displaying the header of the first requested message and then
prompt you with:
Read (y,n,c,p,+,-,q,?) >
These commands translate as follows:
<Y>es display text of message (same as pressing [ENTER])
<N>o skip to next message
<C>ontinuous displays all messages from here with no pauses
<P>revious go to last message
<R>everse change the direction you are reading, forwards
or backwards in the message base
<+> if this command shows, you can read the
next message in the thread
<-> if this command shows, you can read the
previous message in the thread
<e> if this command shows, you are in a thread and
<e> exits the thread.
<Q>uit end message reading and return to subsystem
menu prompt.
If you select <N>o, then you will not read the message, and
your "last read" message counter will NOT be updated for the
area that you are in.
If you select one of the commands that displays the message,
the after you have read the message, you will be presented
with another prompt:
Action (r,d,n,p,+,-,CR,?) >
If you are the addressee or originator of the message, the
"d" command is shown.
If there are message links, then either a "+" or a "-" will
be shown.
The commands are as follows:
<R>eply to current message even if not addressed to you
<D>elete the message
<+> next message in the message thread
<-> previous message in the message thread
<CR> go to next message, remaining in the thread if
you are in one.
A note on threading. A "thread" in message base terms is similar
to a thread of thought -- a continuous stream on a similar topic.
To a message base, this means ALL messages with the same subject
line. Typically, when more than one message in a message area
has the same subject line, they are all replies to a single
original message or to one another. "Following the thread" means
reading these related messages by following all that share the
common subject line.
If there are any messages with the same subject line (if a thread
exists), you will see the '+' and/or '-' in the prompt lines.
Once you begin following a thread, you will return to the
original message from which you entered the thread when you
either reach the end of the thread or when you decide to <e>xit
the thread or when you use any command which automatically exits
a thread (Reverse direction, Quit, Continuous).
[M] Make MSG from Upload
This allows you to upload an ASCII file to be made into a message.
There are a few restrictions to this. First of all you MUST use
Xmodem (NOT Xmodem-1k) to upload your message with. The system
then sends the file to a private area and then inserts it into your
message. After it is finished you will be asked WHO the message is
to be addressed to, the subject and whether or not it should be
Public. The better way to upload an ascii file into a message is
to begin E)ntering a message as your normally would and initiate
an Ascii upload from your comm program. The test of the ascii file
will be sent to TPBoard just as if you were entering the text from
the keyboard.
[S] Scan Message Headers
This allows you to Scan the Headers of messages. The header of
a message contains the FROM and TO names, the date, and the subject
line.
[U] Upload XRS Mailbag
If you have downloaded an XRS mailbag and have entered messages
to return to this bbs, this command receives your mailbag and
processes it into the message base after you logoff. For further
information you should download the XRS package that your sysop
should have on-line.
[C] Check for New Mail
This will check all areas you have access to to find your new mail.
It will tell you which areas have new mail for you. This is only
for new mail addressed TO you. It is the same command you are
asked upon log-on.
[A] Ascii Mailbag DnLoad
Very similar to XRS download except that the single file created
by Ascii_Mailbag is an ascii file not intended for use by any
other program. It is merely a faster means of collecting all
messages for reading than performing a screen capture during
a continuous read.
FILES SUBSYSTEM
---------------
This is the Files Subsystem menu. A detailed explanation
of each command follows the menu.
[C] Change File Area [F] File Descriptions [-] Main
[R] Directory of Files [L] Locate Files [M] Message
[V] Verbose Directory [N] New Files Listing [G] Goodbye
[A] Arc/Pak/Zip Entr/Exit [Q] Quick File Search [H] Help
[Z] Toggle Dir Cmand Info [T] Type (Display) a File
[D] Download Files [U] Upload Files
[P] Change your Protocol
[C] Change File Area
When you first log in, you will be placed in the "LOGIN"
files section. (In the Message subsystem, there were Message
Areas; here we switch the terminology to Sections.) To access
other files sections in the system, use this command. After
typing "C", enter the name of the desired file section or
enter "?" to get a menu of the file sections available. If
the section name cannot be found, you will be shown a list of
the section names available and the system will once again
prompt for the section name.
If you are in a compressed file (see [A] command) when
this command is entered, the compressed file will be closed
before the system prompts for the new section.
The Files sections that most TPBoard systems will have are:
NEWIN - this is the file section where all new uploads are
placed pending release by the sysop.
LOGIN - a default section to place callers in.
[R] Directory of Files
This command displays the directory of files for the current
section. If you are in a Lbr, Arc, Pak, Zip, or Lzh, then
only those files contained in that compressed file will be
displayed, otherwise, the Section directory will be displayed.
The file size will also be displayed according to the current
filesize mode (see filesize description). This command is
very similar to a DOS DIR command with the /W option.
[V] Verbose Directory
This command displays the directory of files for the current
section. If you are in a Lbr, Arc, Pak, Zip, or Lzh, only
those files inside of the compressed file will be displayed;
otherwise, the Section directory will be displayed. This display
differs from the <D>irectory display in that the filesize is
shown in bytes, not kilobytes, and the time stamp of the file
is shown. One file is listed per line.
[A] Arc/Pak/Zip Entr/Exit
Archives are used to place a group of related files in a
single file known as an ARChive file. For example, a single
archive might contain source code, object or executable code,
and documentation for a particular system. Such an archive
is actually a single file which contains compressed versions
of the files. The compression of the data saves time on file
transfers, and also helps cut down on the amount of disk
space used. You probably know archives as Zips, Arcs, Paks,
or ARJ files.
In order to simplify archive usage on this system, the "A"
command may be used to "enter" an archive or a Library. When
this is done, the system will prompt for the archive or
library file name and then attempt to open the file for use.
If successful, all subsequent Files subsystem commands will
relate to the files within the chosen archive or Library. The
other files in the present File Section will not be
accessible. If not, an appropriate error message will be
issued.
If you are already in an archive or library, entering "A"
will cause the system to close the archive or library and
return to normal display of the files in the present File
Section.
[Z] Toggle Dir Cmand Info
Initially, the file sizes in the directory display will be
shown in "k" (1024 bytes). The system can also display
file sizes in minutes and seconds of transfer time (based on
the current modem speed). Each time this command is entered,
the system will alternate between these two methods.
[D] Download Files
Use this command to send files from TPBoard to your computer.
After entering "D", you will be prompted to enter the file
name of the program you want sent to your computer. If the
system can find the file in the current area, it will display
the transfer time and then the message "Ready to send..." At
this point, if you are not using a batch protocol, you must
initiate the download from your end (PgDn in ProComm).
When the file transfer is complete, the system will return to
the Files subsystem prompt.
As of version 6.34 of TpBoard, you can request files that are
not in the current files section. For example, if you just
performed a Quick Scan and located a file called MODEMS.PAK,
you can request that file for download regardless of its
location.
Hints for downloading:
Using TPBoard's capability to override you default protocol,
you can request a file with a different protocol without
changing your default first.
DZ MODEMS.PAK would Send Zmodem the file MODEMS.PAK
DB MODEMS.PAK would Send Y-Batch the file MODEMS.PAK
If you are using a batch protocol, you may request a series
of up to 10 files, each of which may be in different files
sections.
D MODEMS.PAK INFO.PAK MANUAL.DOC
If you have TAGGED (see the [F] command) any files and select
the Download command, TPBoard will attempt to send ALL tagged
files. You can tag files during the [F], [N], or [Q] file
commands.
[P] Change your Protocol
This command will allow you to change the default file
transfer protocol that you selected on your first login. You
will be prompted for a new protocol, and can hit '?' to
obtain a listing of the available protocols.
TPBoard uses the default protocol that you have set whenever
it performs file transfers. You can change it for the current
transfer only by giving the command followed by the protocol
letter. For example, if you default protocol was Zmodem, and
you wanted to switch to Ymodem Batch for this upload only,
you would give the command 'DB' instead of only 'D'.
[F] File Descriptions
This function will give a list of files that are in the file
section you are currently in, and a one line description of
each file.
Additionally, there is a file search option in the <F>ile
list command. This will keep you from having to scan the
entire list list just to get a description of a particular
file. This search option supports partial filenames and will
show all files that match the partial name.
Once TPBoard has displayed a screen full of filenames and
one-line descriptions for each file, the prompt line will
allow several options. For example:
64270DOC.PAK No: 2 9/24/91 Downloads: 11 Size: 13745
DOCS for the new features in v7.0
ADDSYSOP.EXE No: 3 9/30/91 Downloads: 2 Size: 7792
Adds an accidentally deleted Sysop back to USER.DAT
BBSV1_04.PAK No: 4 11/16/90 Downloads: 7 Size: 18811
Text file viewing door.
CONS.PAK No: 5 10/ 8/91 Downloads: 30 Size: 160526
Integrated utility for TPB7.
C)ontinuous Q)uit I)nfo M)ark (0 marked) CR) next page
The prompt line above means:
C)ontinuous - TPBoard will display all files without stopping
for Pause or prompt lines.
Q)uit - Quit to the Files menu.
I)nfo - If the sysop has placed extra info for this file
on-line, [I] allows you to view it.
M)ark - Up to 20 files can be marked/tagged for
downloading. ALL marks are remembered until you
either logoff or successfully download them.
(1 marked) - the number of marked files, if any.
U)nMark All - If any files are marked, the U will unmark all
of them.
CR) - removes the prompt and displays the next page of
filenames.
[L] Locate Files
This command allows you to search through all available file
sections to locate a particular file or file group. Partial
filenames are accepted, DOS wildcards are not.
[N] New Files Listing
After entering this command, you are prompted for the number
of days previous that you want the listing to stop at. If you
just hit return, the list will show only those files that
have been uploaded since you were last on.
The three line format is as follows:
1. FILENAME.EXT SECTION UPLOAD DATE NAME OF UPLOADER
2. TIMES DOWNLOADED LAST DOWNLOAD DATE
3. [-----------75 CHARACTER DESCRIPTION OF FILE------------]
The File Section name is entered by the sender to tell the
sysop where the file should eventually be stored. If a file
is listed as "GAMES SECTION", after upload it will stay in
the NEWIN section for a while and then be moved to the GAMES
section. (The Section names here are only an example, and may
not exist on all systems.)
[Q] Quick File Search
This function works essentially the same as the Locate command
in that it will search ALL file areas. However, where Locate
asks whether you wish to search for any files by the leading
characters of filenames, Quick Scan prompts for a phrase to
locate anywhere in the filename OR description. If you enter
MODEM as the search string using Locate, you would find all
files whose names begin with MODEM. If you enter MODEM as the
search string using Quick Scan, you will find all files that
contain the phrase MODEM either in the filename or
description.
[T] Type (Display) a File
A Text file is one that contains readable characters rather
than machine code. This command may be used to display the
contents of these files. You will be asked if you want page
breaks which will pause the display at the number of lines
per page as set in your user parameters. Xon/Xoff may also be
used to pause the display (^S, ^P)
NOTE: This command may be used to transfer readable files
even though your computer does not support the Xmodem
protocol. If your machine has a feature to 'Capture' what is
printed on your screen, you can use it to get the file
transferred.
[U] Upload Files
This command allows TPBoard to receive a file from you. The
System will automatically respond using whatever protocol you
chose as your default. Files will be received in a private
area for Sysop approval before being released for others to
download.
If you are enrolled in a conference section, TPBoard will
write files that you send to the conference section directly.
They will be visible immediately for other conference members
to download. TPBoard will tell you where the file will be
written before you send it.
To use this command you should first give the <U> command and
then the file name if requested. TPBoard will tell you how
much disk space is available and that it is Ready to Receive.
If there isn't enough for the file that you are sending, type
Control X (^X) until TPBoard aborts the receive mode and
returns to the command mode. If everything is OK at the
"Ready To Receive" prompt you should start the send process.
After the file transfer has completed successfully, TPBoard
will ask for a Section designation and short description of
the file. This description will be shown by the <N>ewin
command after the sysop reviews the file. Uploads are
always welcome.
NOTE that Zmodem uploads can be initialed by you at any time
while in the Files menu without actually selecting the [U]
command. TPBoard will recognize that a file is coming and
will be to receive it.
[E] Edit User Data Menu
This is the menu where you'd change any of the permanent
information in your user record. Note that your original
record will be restored if you DO NOT specifically save
your changes by using the [F]ile_Changes command!
[#] Edit User Phone # [P] Edit User Password [-] Main Menu
[C] Edit User City [S] Edit User State [G] Goodbye
[L] Edit Lines per Page [R] Auto Clear Screen [H] Help
[X] Auto Full Menus [A] Edit User Address
[B] Bell After Prompt [O] Edit Screen Columns
[Y] Edit Your Birthday [F] File Changes
[Q] Quit User Edit [D] Display User Data
Each Option will now be explained.
[#] Edit User Phone #
Change User phone number whenever it changes.
[C] Edit User City
Change the City where you live in the event you move.
[L] Edit Lines per Page
Change the number of lines your terminal can support and still give
you a full screen of information. For most IBM and compatible
displays 24 lines will give a full page. This is adjustable
between 22 and 50 lines per page. Use 99 for NO Pause.
[X] Auto Full Menus
This is basically a toggle for Expert mode and Novice mode. In
Expert mode only the prompts will be shown. Use this if you
already know what all the commands are. A [?] will always give you
a list of commands and their description. Expert mode will speed
up your activities considerably because the system doesn't have to
display the full menu every time. In Novice mode (Auto Full Menus
ON) you will see a list of commands with descriptions all the time.
[B] Bell After Prompt
This will simply ring your terminal bell at each command prompt.
This is done by sending a Control-G to your terminal.
[Y] Edit Your Birthday
Use this to change your birthday if you entered it incorrectly the
first time you logged on. This can be important because your Sysop
may have certain areas accessible by age restrictions. The sysop
may also have you re-enter your birthday every so many logins as
an added security measure.
[Q] Quit User Edit
Return to menu you accessed User Edit from. No changes are saved.
[P] Edit User Password
Use to change your password you use to log-on to this BBS. This
should be a minimum of 4 characters and something that only you can
know. NEVER give your password to anyone, including friends.
Anything done on your account, regardless of who actually did it,
will be seen as you doing it and you WILL be held accountable for
it. You should change your password AT LEAST once a year and never
use the same password on any other BBS.
[S] Edit User State
Change the State you live in. Depending on how your Sysop set this
up it will be either a 2 letter abbreviation or the full name.
This has nothing to do with your mental state.
[R] Auto Clear Screen
This is a toggle you can use to clear the screen each time a
command prompt appears. If turned off then your screen will be
full all the time. For example if you want to dump all messages in
a certain area to a buffer for later reading you will want to turn
this off. If you like to know exactly where you are and not be
confused by having a screenful of information then turn this on.
[A] Edit User Address
Used to change your address when you move. This is important,
along with all mailing information, as the Sysop may want to send
out mailers of some sort to all his users. He needs accurate
information for this to succeed.
[O] Edit Screen Columns
Change how many columns are supported by your display. Typically
it will be 80 columns for all IBM and compatibles. This can be set
for 40 columns or 80 columns only.
[F] File the Changes
This will permanently save any changes you make to your User
Record. If you just Quit the changes will NOT be saved. You must
file the changes to have them take affect each time you log on.
[D] Display User Data
This gives a list much like the one seen at log on to show the
specifics of your Data.
[U] USER/UTILS MENU
The following menu lists the commands available in the utilities
subsystem. Subsequent paragraphs describe each command in more
detail.
[Z] Toggle Graphics [T] Show Time and Date [-] Main Menu
[U] User List [S] System Usage Stats [M] Message Menu
[Y] Your Statistics [E] Change Message Editor [F] Files Menu
[G] Goodbye/Logoff
[H] Help
[Z] Toggle Graphics
Use this to turn ANSI Graphics on or off. This also turns color on
and off as color is considered to be a Graphic function. For a
full description of ANSI see your DOS manual.
[U] User List
Alphabetically lists all the validated users on the system.
This command may be used to check the spelling of a user to
whom you wish to send a message. You may start the list with
any name or part of name by entering one or more letters at
the appropriate prompt.
[Y] Your Statistics
This command displays the login statistics that you saw when
you first logged in.
Login Time/Date Last On System Time/Date
User Name Downloads
Caller Number Uploads
Access Time Today Account Balance
Access Time Total Default protocol
[S] System Usage Stats
This command displays a bar chart of the percent of system
usage by hour. From the information on this chart, you can
plan your calls for times when the system is less busy.
[T] Show Time and Date
This command will display the current time and date, the
amount of time spent on the system today, and the amount of
time remaining today. If you have sysop access, you can set
the time and date as well.
[E] Change Message Editor
This will allow you to change the editor you use on the BBS. There
is a simple line-type editor and a full ANSI-type editor. This
toggles between the two.
[B] DATABASE MENU
The following menu lists the commands available in the Database
subsystem. Your sysop may or may not allow access to databases
and may not have any databases set up for you to access.
-={ The Board Room TPBoard Support BBS TPBoard v7.1 }=-
(C) Change database (R) Select report format (-) Main menu
(M) Make a report file (V) View a report file (G) Goodbye/Logoff
(D) DnLoad a report file (S) Sort database (H) Help
(L) List fields in dbase (F) Filter on field
(B) Browse the Database
Before we discuss the individual commands, we need to describe
what the database menu actually provides.
First, why a database menu? Well, many bulletin boards are
run for a specific topic or interest. For example, a birdwatching
bbs. A sysop of a birdwatching bbs might want to place a database
of all birds online with desciptions, scientific and common names,
geographical ranges, etc. A database of this sort might be of
great interest to his callers. You can probably think of other
types of boards and databases that they might have online: order
databases, sports stats, real estate listings, etc.
Unlike the Message and Files subsystems, when you enter the
Database subsystem from the Main menu, you will NOT be automatically
placed in your last database area. Instead, you will be asked to
select a database from a list of available databases as soon as
you select Database from the Main menu. You will also be asked
to select a report format. If this is all new to you on your first
experience with a TPBoard database, relax; you can always change
your selections from the Database menu itself.
The best thing we can do to illustrate how database access works
is to show you a sample session working with the Birds database.
04:14-dBases *NONE* (press "?" for menu)> C
1 LIFELIST 2 NODELIST
Enter Database ## or name, ("?" for Descriptions)> 1
Now select a report format.
1 BIRDLIST.SPC 2 ALLINFO.SPC 3 MERGE.SPC
Enter Format ## or name, ("?" for Descriptions)> /
1 BIRDLIST.SPC Listing by Common Name with Y/N if observed.
2 ALLINFO.SPC Listing by Common Name with ALL info.
3 MERGE.SPC Tests mail merge function with several fields.
Enter Format ## or name, ("?" for Descriptions)> 1
04:14-dBases LIFELIST (press "?" for menu)> F
Filtering selects the records for your database report.
1 - Select all records for this report
2 - UNSelect all selected records
3 - Select a field and a data range
4 - Select a field and a data phrase
Select a Filter method: (1..4)> 4
1 COMMON_NAM 2 OBSERVED 3 DATE_OBS 4 OBSERVER
5 COMMENTS 6 GENUS 7 SPECIES 8 STATUS
9 CODE
Enter the ## of the field to filter on> 1
You must now enter a value that will be searched for in any record
containing that value in the selected field. You will be asked to
add such records TO or removed FROM your final report.
Data phrase:> SPARROW
Perform filter how?
1 : Add matching records to currently selected records
2 : Remove matching records from currently selected records
Select 1 or 2, (CR to exit)> 1
Press ^C to stop...
Please wait, working:
You now have 34 records selected.
04:14-dBases LIFELIST (press "?" for menu)> B
Press ^C at any time to stop processing...
Birds database for monitoring birdwatching, sightings, and comments
Common Name Genus Species
=========================== ========== ==================
Abert's Towhee Pipilo aberti
Acadian Flycatcher Empidonax virescens
Acorn Woodpecker Melanerpes formicivorus
Alder Flycatcher Empidonax alnorum
Aleutian Tern Sterna aleutica
Can you follow what just happened? Let's look at the system
prompts and follow through the sequence:
04:14-dBases *NONE* (press "?" for menu)>
1 LIFELIST 2 NODELIST
Enter Database ## or name, ("?" for Descriptions)> 1
1> Ok, first we selected the LIFELIST database. This is no
different from selecting the PASCAL message area or the
GRAPHICS file area.
Now select a report format.
1 BIRDLIST.SPC 2 ALLINFO.SPC 3 MERGE.SPC
Enter Format ## or name, ("?" for Descriptions)> /
2> Here we wanted to see the descriptions of the report formats.
A "Report format" is the actual layout of what you will see
when you access the database; different formats mean different
data and layouts.
1 BIRDLIST.SPC Listing by Common Name with Y/N if observed.
2 ALLINFO.SPC Listing by Common Name with ALL info.
Enter Format ## or name, ("?" for Descriptions)> 1
3> The sysop has setup only two formats for this database. That
means that we have only two choices on how we can display the
data from this database.
04:14-dBases LIFELIST (press "?" for menu)> F
Filtering selects the records for your database report.
1 - Select all records for this report
2 - UNSelect all selected records
3 - Select a field and a data range
4 - Select a field and a data phrase
Select a Filter method: (1..4)> 4
4> Before we B)rowse the database (or MAKE a report file to
download), we need to select which records from the database
we want to see. We can see all of them or use the filtering
options to select by specific fields in the database. Above
we selected to use Filter method #4, a data phrase.
1 COMMON_NAM 2 OBSERVED 3 DATE_OBS 4 OBSERVER
5 COMMENTS 6 GENUS 7 SPECIES 8 STATUS
9 CODE
Enter the ## of the field to filter on> 1
You must now enter a value that will be searched for in any record
containing that value in the selected field. You will be asked to
add such records TO or removed FROM your final report.
Data phrase:> SPARROW
5> In the last two steps, we selected to Filter by Field #1,
the COMMON NAME field. Because we are Filtering by data
phrase and we entered SPARROW as the phrase, we will see
all records in this database that have the phrase SPARROW
in the COMMON NAME field.
Perform filter how?
1 : Add matching records to currently selected records
2 : Remove matching records from currently selected records
Select 1 or 2, (CR to exit)> 1
6> Yes, add the matching records to those we have already
selected (which is none, actually). You can use these
commands to continue to modify your selected records.
Press ^C to stop...
Please wait, working:
You now have 34 records selected.
7> Ok, so TPBoard found 34 records with the phrase SPARROW in
the COMMON NAME field.
04:14-dBases LIFELIST (press "?" for menu)> B
Press ^C at any time to stop processing...
8> So, let's see what our 34 records look like in our selected
report format by doing a B)rowse:
Birds database for monitoring birdwatching, sightings, and comments
Common Name Genus Species
=========================== ========== ==================
Abert's Towhee Pipilo aberti
Acadian Flycatcher Empidonax virescens
(C) Change database
After typing "C", enter the name of the desired database or
enter "?" to get a menu of the databases available. If the
database name cannot be found, you will be shown a list of
the database names available and the system will once again
prompt for the section name.
(M) Make a report file
Once you have selected some records by filtering, you can either
B)rowse the selected records to the screen OR M)ake a report file
to disk to be downloaded to your system. If you haven't selected
any records by Filtering, all records will be selected for your.
(D) DnLoad a report file
Assuming you've selected M)ake a report file and a report actually
exists for this database, you can download the report to your
system. Select [D] and TPBoard will begin the download to your
system.
(L) List fields in dbase
If you want to know what information is contained in this database,
you can list all the fields (that you have access to see) by this
command.
(B) Browse the Database
Browse is exactly like the M)ake_report command excpet that the
output of this command goes to your screen, not to a report file.
All the records in the database that you have selected will be
shown in the current report format. If you haven't selected any
records, TPBoard will temporarily select ALL records for this
browsing of the database. Browsing to the screen with a capture
enabled at your end is essentially the same as a download.
(R) Select report format
TPBoard does not just dump all data from the database to the
report file. Instead, the sysop designs reports (output) with
the data formatted as the sysop wants. Different reports will
contain different data from the same database. Or, a sysop MAY
have a format that dumps all data.
(V) View a report file
Only valid when you have already made a report file, this command
displays the contents of the report file. Similar to B)rowse
except that the output to the screen is coming from a disk file.
(S) Sort database
Not implemented yet................
(F) Filter on field
The process used to select which records from the database you
want in your report. For a description of how filtering works,
see the explanation above for the Birds list database.
[X] SYSOP MENU
The following menu lists the commands available in the Sysop
subsystem. You should not allow access to this menu to any but
the most trusted users.
(A) Audit trail toggle (O) Macro operations
(B) Build msg from file (P) Purge file ops
(D) Delete user (R) Read messages
(E) Edit user (S) System directory
(L) Log file display (T) Toggle printer
(N) Newin processing (V) Validate a user
(Y) Yank Newin files (!) Run DOS command
(X) Shell to DOS
(A) Audit trail toggle
Opens (or closes, if open) the audit file. This file is named
according to the current date. When the audit file is open,
TPBoard writes very nearly every activity to that file.
(B) Build msg from file
Adds a message to the message base from a text file. This is
generally used to added predetermined files (created by some
external utility) as bulletins on a daily or weekly basis during
macro processing.
(D) Delete user
Deletes a user from the user file by user name.
(E) Edit user
Edits most of the information stored in a user record. You can
enter a partial spelling and TPBoard will locate the nearest match
and allow you to scroll through the user file.
(L) Log file display
Lists the current log file to the screen in chronological order.
(N) Newin processing
A separate submenu for moving files between sections, hiding
files, releasing individual files, etc.
(Y) Yank Newin files
This is the primary command for Files system maintanence. When
you "yank" newin files, all files that have NOT been copied from
the NEWIN file area and which have aged the selected number of
days will be released. Releasing means copying to the proper
destination as well as marking the file as downloadable.
(X) Shell to DOS
Thiscommand will drop to the DOS prompt when TPBoard is being
run in local mode to allow the sysop access to DOS commands.
When the sysop calls in via remote, this command is inoperable
UNLESS you have enabled a remote shell by creating a file called
Remote.Bat. Within this batch file you must turn the system
over to a CTTY device such as Doorway.
(O) Macro operations
Tells TPBoard to begin processing the commands in the Macro
string.
(P) Purge file ops
Database file maintanence functions. For a description of PURGING,
see the Q&A section of the Install manual. Essentially, these
functions remove old, read, or deleted records from the TPBoard
database files. The normal purge schedule for each file is
weekly (I purge Newin.dat and User.dat MONTHLY) with the exception
of the message base. A small board running with a typical
message base of under 5000 messages can afford to purge and
renumber the message base once a week. If you message base is
over 15-20k messages, you may need to purge every 2-3 days.
Purging the message base can be a lengthy process.
(S) System directory
Creates the SYSTEM.DIR listing of all files on your bbs (or for
the selected areas.
(T) Toggle printer
Turns copying ALL system display to the printer.
(V) Validate a user
Validates the selected user.
(!) Run DOS command
Allows running a dos command without shelling to dos.
*** End of Document ***