home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
BBS Toolkit
/
BBS Toolkit.iso
/
rbbs_pc
/
usbdor30.zip
/
USBBS.DOC
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1989-03-18
|
54KB
|
1,057 lines
------------------------------------------------------------------
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| USBBSDOR version 3.0 |
| |
| FOR RBBS-PC 15.1C through 17.1D |
| |
| and |
| |
| PC-Board versions 12.1 and 14.0 |
| |
| for |
| |
| PC Bulletin Board Systems |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| (C) Copyright 1987 - 1989 L. Brent Yandell All Rights Reserved |
| |
| |
| |
| 25-5 Broad St. Suite 212 |
| Freehold, NJ 07728 |
| DATA -- (201) 431-4088 |
| VOICE - (201) 462-5323 |
| |
| March 18th, 1989 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------
USBBSDOR
--------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page
----------------- ----
INTRODUCTION
------------
1.0 What is USBBSDOR 3
1.1 What's New 3
1.2 Older and Future Versions of RBBS? 3
1.3 Older and Future Versions of PC-Board? 3
PRELIMINARIES
-------------
2.0 A Word on Installing Doors 4
2.1 Before Starting 4
2.2 Commonly Made Mistakes 4
2.3 Types of BBS Lists 4
2.4 Required Files 5
SETTING UP
----------
3.0 Hardware Preparation 6
3.1 Setting up USBBS.BBS (Installing BBS Lists) 6
3.2 Setting up USBBS.HED 7
3.3 Setting up USBBS.ADV (Installing Advertisements) 7
3.4 Setting up USBBS.PRO 8
3.5 Setting up USBBS.DWN (Installing Download Lists) 8
3.6 Setting up USBBSDOR.BAT 8
3.7 Setting up USBBSx.DEF (Main Config. File) 9
3.8 Setting up Multiple Nodes 10
3.9 Converting Lists to be Searchable 11
RUNNING USBBSDOR
----------------
4.0 Running USBBSDOR Locally 12
4.1 Runtime Events 12
4.2 On-Line Sysop Functions 12
4.3 Carrier Checking 12
4.4 Security Features 13
MISCELLANEOUS
-------------
5.0 Disclaimers 13
5.1 Acknowledgments 13
5.2 Reporting Problems 14
5.3 Update Conventions 14
5.4 Other Software Compatibility 14
APPENDICES
----------
Appendix A: Map of USBBSDOR File Layout 15
Appendix B: A Word About Color and Cosmetics 15
Appendix C: A Word About Downloading 15
Appendix D: Registering USBBSDOR 16
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 3 USBBSDOR Page 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------
1.0 What is USBBSDOR
---------------------
USBBSDOR is a door program for RBBS-PC and PC-Board which allows the
caller to access BBS lists and advertisements. One form of access is
the ability to view the lists or advertisements while on-line.
Large, national BBS listings which have all of the information in
the format of "one line per BBS" may be installed in the door with
certain "search" features. These search features include searches by
area code, state, or text which the caller may specify. A second
form of access to the BBS lists is to actually download the list
within USBBSDOR. USBBSDOR is completely configurable by the Sysop
in regard to which forms of access are enabled.
1.1 What's New
---------------
National lists other than the Darwin listing can now have the search
features enabled. ANSI ads are now compatible with the door. (These
two new items were the #1 and #2 most requested features). The
caller may download the lists from within the door. You may now
specify "board time remaining" for the length of time allowed in
the door (as most doors now do) or you may elect to allow the user a
fixed amount of time. SPEED! Great improvements in speed performance
over previous versions when searching BBS lists for specific data
(area codes, states, or text).
1.2 Older and future versions of RBBS?
---------------------------------------
With the new door interface which was first introduced in RBBS 15.1C
and the RBBS-PC author's commitment to backward compatibility, all
future and current versions of USBBSDOR should be compatible with
existing and future versions of RBBS from RBBS 15.1C forward.
1.3 Older and future versions of PC-Board?
-------------------------------------------
USBBSDOR will generally have a policy of being compatible with the
current release of PC-Board and the previous release. USBBSDOR is
currently compatible with PC-Board 12.1 and 14.0. If future releases
of PC-Board make changes in the PCBOARD.SYS file then USBBSDOR will
probably not work and you will have to wait for a newer release of
USBBSDOR.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 4 USBBSDOR Page 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------
2.0 A Word on Installing Doors
-------------------------------
The purpose of this documentation is to explain to you how to
install the USBBSDOR program. It assumes that you have already read
the documentation which comes with RBBS-PC or PC-Board concerning
doors and their use. If you are not already running doors and/or
you find that the doors explanation in RBBS-PC's or PC-Board's docs
is not sufficient, you should contact a system already running doors
for assistance.
2.1 Before Starting
--------------------
If you are upgrading to USBBSDOR 3.0 from ANY earlier version, you
need to ZIP or ARC up ALL USBBSDOR files and start completely from
scratch. None of the files from earlier versions of USBBSDOR are
compatible with this version. If you insist on "cheating" and use
an old file you WILL HAVE PROBLEMS. This includes the the current
Darwin listing you might be using. BBS advertisements will have to
be renamed. The ONLY files that will not have to be changed in some
way will be the small, non-searchable BBS lists that you may have
installed in the door. It is highly recommended that you read this
documentation thoroughly before attempting to install USBBSDOR. This
door will not run properly if you have not installed / created all
of the associated text files properly, so take your time and read
thoroughly.
2.2 Commonly Made Mistakes
---------------------------
Since this is a brand new version of USBBSDOR, it is unlikely that
many of the same mistakes will occur during installation that were
common during version 2.x installations. However, when applicable I
will make a notation in areas that were, or are likely to be, the
cause of erroneous installation. Wherever you see *COMMON MISTAKE*
in this documentation then read that section carefully, it means
more than a few Sysops didn't and had to call for help. In all cases
where there were common mistakes, the documentation has been written
in greater detail. However, there is no substitute for reading the
documentation thoroughly.
2.3 Types of BBS Lists
-----------------------
The only type of BBS list that can have the search features enabled
are those that are in the "one line" format. In other words, all
information about the BBS is on one line. These lists can be
"converted" (discussed later) and be can searched for area code,
state, or text the caller specifies. Other formats of lists may be
used by USBBSDOR, but only in a straight text display mode (no
search features).
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 5 USBBSDOR Page 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------
2.4 Required Files
-------------------
The following files should be contained in USBDOR30.ZIP :
USBBSDOR.EXE - The executable program file.
USBBS.HLP - A help file for when a caller needs [H]elp.
USBBS.PRE \ - A prelog file displayed when entering the door.
USBBSC.PRE / - ANSI color version of USBBS.PRE
USBBS.EPI \ - A text file displayed when leaving the door.
USBBSC.EPI / - ANSI color version of USBBS.EPI
USBBS.MEN \ - The door program's main menu.
USBBSC.MEN / - ANSI color version of USBBS.MEN
USBBS.BBS - A configuration file which contains the names of
the BBS listing files and their descriptions.
USBBS.ADV - A configuration file which contains the names of
the advertisement files and their descriptions.
USBBS.HED - A configuration file which contains searchable BBS
list headers.
USBBS.DWN - Is like a BBS DIR file, it contains the names and
brief descriptions of lists that are downloadable.
USBBS.PRO - A configuration file for external protocols which
the door uses for downloading.
USBBS.DOC - This documentation file.
README.1ST - Special instructions for this release.
There should be fifteen files in the archive you received, and all
files should be dated 3-18-89 and no time if doing a dir listing
(00:00:00 if doing a /V on the archive).
These files are created by the door, depending on available options.
USBBSx.DEF - USBBSDOR's configuration file. x = node I.D.
USBBS.LOG - Downloading and door error information will be
logged here.
USVIEWx.TXT - If you enable the download feature, the door will
create this file for the [V]iewFile function.
x = node I.D.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 6 USBBSDOR Page 6
--------------------------------------------------------------------
3.0 Hardware Preparation
-------------------------
For ease of operation and good housekeeping, it is recommended that
you use a separate subdirectory for running USBBSDOR, for example,
C:\USBBSDOR. It is also recommended that you keep the individual BBS
listings and BBS advertisement files in their own subdirectories.
The recommended setup would be (C: is drive example) C:\USBBSDOR -
C:\LIST - and C:\ADV. UnZip all of USBDOR30.ZIP in C:\USBBSDOR
3.1 Setting Up USBBS.BBS (Installing BBS Lists)
------------------------------------------------
USBBS.BBS is a file which contains the list of BBS listing files you
are making available with the [S]elect function of the door. You
should use a text editor to set up this file. The format of the file
is simple. Each line in USBBS.BBS is -
1,14,FILENAME.EXT,Description
The information between each comma is a field and each field is
defined below -
Field #1 - Should be an number. Specify a 0 (ZERO) if the list on
this line is a short, special interest list which you will not be
converting for search features. If this list is a "one line" format
list then you may convert it (discussed later) and enable the search
features on it. If the list on this line IS a searchable list, then
you will need to place the starting position of the area code in
field one. This will typically be a 1 (ONE) but some lists do place
the area code (phone number) elsewhere on the line in the list.
Field #2 - Should also be a number. Specify a 0 (ZERO) if this list
is not a searchable list. Otherwise, specify the starting position
in the line of the list where the state code abbreviation begins. In
other words, the column where the first letter of the state is. You
may specify a 0 (ZERO) here, if you don't want the state code
searched, even if the list is searchable by area code. This should
be done if the list doesn't "line up" the state codes in the list.
Field #3 - This is the filename of this list and is what the door
will search for when this list is selected for display. Any valid
file name is acceptable here. ** COMMON MISTAKE ** In fact, this
was the number one installation error during USBBSDOR version 2
series. Sysops would give a converted list (discussed later) a
different filename than what is specified in USBBS.BBS. Check this!
Field #4 - This is where a brief description of this list goes. Do
NOT place any commas in the description. The description may be up
to 65 characters in length.
You may enter up to 99 lists if you desire. NOTE - It is
recommended that only small, special interest type lists be used in
the non-searchable mode.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 7 USBBSDOR Page 7
--------------------------------------------------------------------
3.2 Setting Up USBBS.HED
-------------------------
USBBS.HED is file where you must put the "headers" from the BBS
lists which you designate to be searchable. You must cut the header
out of the list that will be searchable (BEFORE converting the list)
and add it to USBBS.HED. There are three lines per searchable list
in USBBS.HED. The first line is the name of the searchable list. The
second line is the actual header that will be displayed when a
caller is looking at a searchable list. The third line is an
asterisk and is used to separate entries for cosmetic purposes in
the interest of easing editing of USBBS.HED. Please refer to the
enclosed USBBS.HED. After reviewing this sample the layout of the
file should be clear. You may add as many headers as you have
searchable lists. Remember, every time you change or update a
searchable list you will have to update USBBS.HED with the
appropriate list name (if the list name changes at all). Most lists
have a line of dashes (----) under the header. USBBSDOR will
automatically add this line of dashes under the header line as each
page of a searchable list is displayed.
3.3 Setting Up USBBS.ADV (Installing Advertisements)
-----------------------------------------------------
USBBS.ADV contains the file names of advertisements for other boards
which you are making available with the [V]iew function of the door.
You should use a text editor to set up this file. The format of this
file is -
FILENAME,Brief description of the BBS.
DO NOT PUT AN EXTENSION ON THE FILENAME!!! USBBSDOR will add the
extension as follows - If the caller is in non-color mode then an
extension of .ASC will be added. If in color mode, .ANS will be
added. This means that you will have to name all advertisements in
this fashion. If the caller is in color mode and USBBSDOR does not
find a .ANS file, it will look for a .ASC file. However, the
opposite is not true. In other words, in will not try to show a
caller in non-color mode a color advertisement. You should not try
to "force" a color ad on a caller in non-color mode by naming an
ANSI ad file with a .ASC extension. The displayed results could be
unpredictable or illegible.
Like USBBS.BBS, DO NOT USE A COMMA EXCEPT AFTER THE FILENAME. Up to
99 entries may be added to USBBS.ADV. The description may be up to
65 characters in length.
Sample USBBS.ADV
BOUNTY,Ad for The Bounty BBS in Freehold NJ
ABCXYZ,Ad for the ABCXYZ BBS in Anywhere U.S.A.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 8 USBBSDOR Page 8
--------------------------------------------------------------------
3.4 Setting Up USBBS.PRO
-------------------------
USBBS.PRO is a configuration file for external protocols which the
program will need if you enable the downloading feature of USBBSDOR.
You should be familiar with external protocols and their
implementation before attempting to use them with USBBSDOR. Since
USBBSDOR does not contain any "built in" protocols the use of
external protocols is mandatory (if you enable downloading). There
are three lines per protocol in USBBS.PRO. The first line is the
name of the protocol and the menu option (letter) of the protocol.
The way it is entered here is exactly how it will appear in the
door. The second line is the external protocol's file name and
command line. IMPORTANT - Place a # in the command line to represent
the com port number. Place a $ in the command line to represent the
baud rate of the caller. These symbols must be placed in the command
line in the correct places, as if they were exact substitutes for
the numerals they will represent. The line after the protocol and
command line must be an asterisk and this is used to separate
entries for cosmetic purposes in the interest of easing editing of
USBBS.PRO. Refer to the enclosed example for details. You may add as
many protocols as you like, just remember to follow the above
guidelines for the file format.
3.5 Setting Up USBBS.DWN (Installing Download Lists)
-----------------------------------------------------
USBBS.DWN is a file which serves two main purposes. It tells the
door (and the caller) what BBS lists are available for downloading
and the descriptions for those files. This file is should be set up
like a BBS DIR file. When you modify your file, you MUST only have
the downloadable file name in the first twelve spaces of each line.
This is the door's download security feature. If the file name does
not appear in the line in those first twelve spots then the door
will not download the file to the caller. The rest of the line you
may configure as you please. The only limitation is that the entire
line (including the first twelve spaces reserved for the file name)
should not exceed 65 characters. Refer to the enclosed example for
details.
3.6 Setting Up USBBSDOR.BAT
----------------------------
The file USBBSDOR.BAT must be created to call the door. Below is a
sample file and what each line does.
WATCHDG1 OFF << Turns Watchdog off (If using WATCHDOG)
CD\USBBSDOR << Switches to USBBSDOR subdirectory
USBBSDOR.EXE << Calls USBBSDOR (Multi-node systems, see 3.8)
CD\RBBS or CD\PCB << Switches back to the main board subdirectory
BOARD.BAT << PC-Board ONLY
Refer to your BBS software's documentation for additional
information on setting up door batch files.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 9 USBBSDOR Page 9
--------------------------------------------------------------------
3.7 Setting Up USBBSx.DEF
--------------------------
USBBSx.DEF (x = node I.D.) is the main configuration file used by
the door. There MUST be a USBBSx.DEF file for each node you are
running. Beginning with this version of USBBSDOR there is a built
in editor for this file. You may now start USBBSDOR by entering the
following (at the DOS prompt in the USBBSDOR subdirectory).....
USBBSDOR /L
This will bring the door up in the local maintenance mode. At this
point you will need to select option 1, Create or modify USBBSx.DEF.
You will then be asked "Node# to Edit?" If you are setting up
USBBSDOR 3.0 for the first time then select node 1. You will then be
shown the USBBSx.DEF setup screen. There are fifteen parameters in
each USBBSx.DEF file, and all can be changed for each node with this
function. While most of the parameters are self explanatory, the
purpose of each is described below.
1) Time user is allowed in door --- Beginning with version 3.0 of
USBBSDOR, you may elect to allow the user to have their remaining
board time in the door. This is the recommended setup. If so, enter
a 0 (zero) here. If you wish to place a time limit in the door, then
enter the number of minutes a caller may be in the door. NOTE- The
method of allowing the caller remaining board time is recommended.
This works with RBBS and PC-Board 14.0 software. However, this will
not work with OLDER versions of PC-Board (12.1) and may not work if
you are running other BBS software that may call upon an
artificially created PCBOARD.SYS or DORINFOx.DEF file. In which case
enter a time limit here in minutes.
2) Minutes allowed with no input --- Enter the number of minutes
before a keyboard time out (sleep disconnect) occurs. Should this
occur, the door will cycle back to your BBS software. If the caller
has really fallen asleep, your BBS software will also disconnect
them after the amount of time you have specified for your BBS
software.
3) Type of BBS software being used --- As easy as it sounds... you
will be shown the BBS software types supported by this version of
the door. Select the appropriate type.
4) Allow color graphics in door --- Some Sysops, though few and far
between, do not have any color on their BBS's. Answer yes or no.
5) Sysop's first name --- This adds a friendly flavor to the door,
however, you may elect to put SYSOP here if you desire.
6) Name of this BBS --- Will appear EXACTLY as you input it here.
7) COM port this node is using. -- If running more than one node,
this will usually be the only thing different between the USBBSx.DEF
files.
USBBSx.DEF setup is continued on the next page...
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 10 USBBSDOR Page 10
--------------------------------------------------------------------
8) Baud rate to open modem at --- The default for this option is to
open the modem at the callers connect baud. If you are using high
speed modems and need to have them always "locked" at the higher
speeds regardless of the callers baud rates then answer YES to the
question "Lock COM port at high baud rate....?" Then select the baud
rate which you need to have the modem always locked at.
9) Location of DORINFOx.DEF or PCBOARD.SYS (depending on BBS type).
This tells the door where this file for THIS NODE will be located.
10) Enable the [S]elect BBS list function --- This would allow you
to disable the [S]elect BBS list feature for on-line viewing. I
don't know why anyone would do this, considering the very nature of
USBBSDOR, but here it is just in case.
11) Location of lists for select function --- This tells the door
where you have placed the BBS lists for on line viewing. This should
be the same sub directory that you created in section 3.0 page 6,
the example and recommended directory is C:\LIST.
12) Enable the [V]iew advertisement function --- This allows you
to enable/disable the [V]iew BBS advertisement feature.
13) Location of ads for [V]iew function --- This tells the door
where you have placed the BBS advertisement files. This should be
the same sub directory that you created in section 3.0 page 6, the
example and recommended directory is C:\ADV.
14) Enable the [D]ownload function --- This allows you to enable or
disable the [D]ownload feature.
15) Location of files for [D]ownloading --- This tells the door
where the BBS lists are located that you are allowing to be
downloaded from within the door. If your BBS lists are already
located together in a directory then enter that location here, or if
needed make a directory and place your BBS lists in it and enter
that location here.
IMPORTANT! You must create and setup a USBBSx.DEF file for EVERY
node which you are running.
3.8 Setting Up Multiple Nodes
------------------------------
RBBS - Add %1 after the USBBSDOR.EXE in USBBSDOR.BAT
i.e. USBBSDOR.EXE %1
This will carry the NODE I.D. from RBBS to USBBSDOR and call
the proper USBBSx.DEF file.
PC-BOARD - Add the actual NODE I.D. for the node the USBBSDOR.BAT
file is for... i.e. USBBSDOR.EXE 2 would be node 2 and
would call the proper USBBSx.DEF file. (USBBS2.DEF, etc.)
IMPORTANT! - All USBBSx.DEF files must be located on the same drive
and subdirectory with USBBSDOR.EXE.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 11 USBBSDOR Page 11
--------------------------------------------------------------------
3.9 Converting Lists to be Searchable
--------------------------------------
In order for a BBS list to be "searchable" by the area code, state,
or text the caller specifies, it must be "converted" by the door.
This conversion will change the list from an ASCII text file to a
random access file which allows USBBSDOR to more speedily make it's
searches. In order for a list to be searchable, it must be the type
of BBS list where all of the data for each BBS is contained on one
line of the list. This is usually the format which most national
lists, therefore it is recommended that you only attempt to make
national lists searchable. The Darwin National BBS list is a perfect
example of the type of list which may be made searchable for
USBBSDOR, and there are many others.
Bring up the door with the /L command line parameter and select
function #2. You will be prompted for the input drive\subdirectory
and filename of an unaltered BBS list. You will then be prompted
for the starting position of the area code in each line of this BBS
list. Most of the time this is 1 (one) but there are some lists
which begin the area code elsewhere in each line. This position must
match the position you indicated for this list in field #1 of
USBBS.BBS (see section 3.1, page 6, Setting up USBBS.BBS). You will
then be prompted for the output drive\subdirectory and filename of
what will be the converted BBS list. The output drive\subdirectory
should be the same name as you entered for option #11 during
USBBSx.DEF setup (see section 3.7, page 10). The output filename
should be the same as specified in field #4 of USBBS.BBS (section
3.1, page 6). If the input (unconverted) drive\path\filename is the
same as the output (converted) drive\path\filename then the original
unconverted list will be renamed to xxxx.OLD (xxxx = original
filename). While the conversion is occurring, some checking for
errors takes place such as unexpected blank lines in the middle of
the list. These are usually corrected in the converted output list.
It would still be a good habit to scan any list before converting it
so that you may correct anything which seems out of the ordinary.
You will need to make two additional files for each searchable list
which you install in USBBSDOR. Simply use your favorite text editor
and "cut" these files out of the UNCONVERTED list and name them as
follows... *Assuming* you had a list called FILENAME.LST....
You would need to make a .SYM file which would consist of the symbol
legend or key to symbols chart which most BBS lists have. Cut this
chart out of the BBS list and call it FILENAME.SYM. You will need to
do this for every searchable list which you have created, using the
name of the converted list with an extension of .SYM. Symbol charts
are usually found at the beginning or end of most BBS lists. You
will also need to make a .INF file which will consist of information
about the BBS list, which is usually at the beginning of most lists.
This usually contains information about the origin of the list,
where updates can be sent, etc. You will need to do this for every
searchable list you create, using the name of the converted list
with an extension of .INF In our example, this file would be called
FILENAME.INF. All *.SYM files and *.INF must be in the same location
of the BBS lists they accompany.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 12 USBBSDOR Page 12
--------------------------------------------------------------------
4.0 Running USBBSDOR Locally
-----------------------------
There are a couple of ways to run USBBSDOR in the local mode. To
begin, you should enter USBBSDOR /L to bring the program up in the
local maintenance mode. You will see the Sysop's maintenance screen
which has the options which were discussed in sections 3.7 and 3.9.
There are also options 3 and 4, which start the door locally in non-
color and color mode, respectively. These options will run the door
locally and allow you to see how it will appear to a caller on line.
Another way to bring the door up locally is to simply type USBBSDOR.
The program will check for carrier and if there is none present will
come up locally (without any maintenance screen) and allow you to
simulate an on-line session exactly as a caller would. For multi-
node systems you may enter USBBSDOR # where # is the node in which
you wish to bring up the door in.
IMPORTANT - When running the door in local mode, the name which
appears on the status line at the bottom of the screen will always
be "Sysop (local)". Also, the local mode always defaults to a time
limit of 90 minutes.
4.1 Runtime Events
-------------------
USBBSDOR creates a file called USBBS.LOG whenever a caller downloads
a file. Should USBBSDOR ever encounter an error while running it
will write the error information to this file. If you do not enable
the download feature of USBBSDOR on your BBS then it is not very
likely you will ever see this file. This is the only "shared" file
that USBBSDOR ever "writes" to while a caller is on line. For multi-
node systems running under "SHARE" USBBSDOR automatically detects
the presence of SHARE and protects the file accordingly while opened
for writing. A file called USVIEWx.TXT is created by the viewarc
command in the download section. (x = node I.D.)
4.2 On-Line Sysop Functions
----------------------------
There are two functions you may use while a caller is on line.
F8 - This key will expel a caller from the door immediately when
pressed and return them to the BBS.
F10 - This key will begin an on line chat session. Press ESCape to
end the chat and return the caller to USBBSDOR.
4.3 Carrier Checking
---------------------
Carrier is monitored by USBBSDOR. Should a caller drop carrier while
using USBBSDOR they will be returned to the BBS. The BBS will detect
"no carrier" and then the BBS will recycle. USBBSDOR does NOT cause
your machine to boot if the caller drops carrier. If this occurs it
means you are probably using WATCHDOG and did not turn it off before
executing USBBSDOR.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 13 USBBSDOR Page 13
--------------------------------------------------------------------
4.4 Security Features
----------------------
USBBSDOR only interprets those ASCII characters 32 through 122 as
acceptable input. Control, Alt, and function key input is ignored,
including input in upper ASCII. Any character NOT in the ASCII range
of 32 through 122 is filtered out and not accepted for processing.
Characters not in the acceptable range are not echoed to either the
remote or local screens. As was discussed earlier, USBBSDOR monitors
carrier itself and returns control to the BBS should a caller drop
carrier while using the door. As with your BBS software, the two
function keys described in section 4.3 can only be activated on the
"host" side, I.E. these functions cannot be activated by the caller.
USBBSDOR only reads the respective door information files created
by RBBS or PC-Board. No other BBS files are read, such as USERS,
RBBS-PC.DEF, PC-BOARD.DAT, etc.
5.0 Disclaimers
----------------
USBBSDOR is a shareware product. Refer to the last page of this
documentation for instructions on registering USBBSDOR. USBBSDOR is
intended for use and enjoyment by Sysops and their users. USBBSDOR
may be uploaded to BBS systems as long as copyright notices are not
removed and no changes are made to the program. The text files which
accompany USBBSDOR such as menus, help screens, etc. were made
external to the program so that you may change them to suit the
taste of your board if you so desire. There are no warranties,
expressed or implied, for USBBSDOR. Sysops who install USBBSDOR on
their systems assume all liability for anything which may result as
a consequence of running USBBSDOR.
5.1 Acknowledgments
--------------------
Many thanks to all who have beta tested USBBSDOR. I would especially
like to thank Roy Timberman, who runs the Sound Advice BBS in Kansas
City, MO (816-436-4516 PC-Board 12 Nodes). Roy's assistance and
diligence in testing USBBSDOR has been invaluable.
5.2 Reporting Problems
-----------------------
Should an error occur during the use of the door, a file should be
created called USBBS.LOG with information about the error. Any error
information should be reported to the author immediately. Please
go through all of the files which are listed in sections 3.0 - 3.9
and make certain they are named correctly and located in the proper
place. The most common errors which occur are caused by one or more
of the necessary files not being available to the program or by one
or more of the necessary files not being set up properly.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 14 USBBSDOR Page 14
--------------------------------------------------------------------
5.3 Update Conventions
-----------------------
USBBSDOR will be updated as changes in RBBS-PC, PC-Board, or
or enhancements to the door itself dictate.
Ver. Date Description
--- -------- -----------
1.0 07/06/87 - USBBSDOR first released.
1.1 07/28/87 - Multi-node support added.
1.2 11/07/87 - The method of clearing the screen after a full page
is encountered and starting a new page with the BBS list header at
the top of the page was added (and is still in use). USBBS.EPI was
added as the optional "epilog" text file. Misc. small changes.
1.3 11/28/87 - "Tags" were added to the end of searches so caller
would know status. (End of search, No boards found, etc.) Much
improved valid area code checking was added. Misc. small changes.
1.4 12/06/87 - Compatibility with a new door interface introduced
in RBBS 15.1C. (DORINFO.DEF)
1.5 01/03/88 - Compatibility with a change in Darwin list.
2.0 08/20/88 - Major revision - The door is menu driven. Displays
lists other than Darwin's. Section for viewing BBS advertisements.
Chat added. PC-Board compatibility added. SPEED! Color. Local Sysop
maintenance interface. Many other small features.
2.1 12/19/88 - Compatibility with PC-Board 14.0.
3.0 03/18/89 - See section 1.1 of this documentation for details.
5.4 Other Software Compatibility
---------------------------------
If you are running BBS software other than RBBS or PC-Board and wish
to help make USBBSDOR directly compatible with your software, I will
need all of the files which your BBS software creates when a caller
exits to a door. Also needed is any appropriate documentation which
deals with how these files are created or read. Only undertake this
if you are very serious about helping. A lot of time and effort has
been spent by contacting Sysops who ask "please make it work with
MY-BRAND BBS software". Promises are made to upload or mail me the
appropriate information, or call back, or whatever. Then the people
are never heard from again. Since the "offers" to help are often not
consummated, I cannot return phone calls for this purpose. If you do
send me information on your brand software, create a fake user and
create your door information file. Then delete that fake user. Do
not send a file for an existing user, nor should you modify a door
information file to send. A door information file modified with a
text editor (or by any means) is unreliable for programming
purposes.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 15 USBBSDOR Page 15
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Appendix A: Map of USBBSDOR File Layout
----------------------------------------
C:\USBBSDOR C:\LIST C:\ADV
----------- ------- ------
USBBSDOR.EXE All BBS lists .ASC ASCII BBS ads
USBBSx.DEF All .SYM files .ANS ANSI BBS ads
USBBS.BBS All .INF files
USBBS.HED
USBBS.ADV
USBBS.DWN
USBBS.PRO
USBBS.HLP
USBBS.MEN
USBBSC.MEN
USBBS.PRE
USBBSC.PRE
USBBS.EPI
USBBSC.EPI
Appendix B: A Word About Color & Cosmetics
-------------------------------------------
For RBBS and PC-Board, the type of graphics being used is passed to
USBBSDOR and the door will come up in the same mode, color or non-
color. Should a "color" file be unavailable to the program, the
non-colorized file will be displayed to the caller. For example, if
USBBSC.PRE, USBBSC.MEN, or USBBSC.EPI are not found then the
corresponding non-color file will be displayed. If the caller is
viewing advertisements and is in the color mode, and the appropriate
.ANS file was not found then USBBSDOR will display the appropriate
.ASC file. NOTE - The reverse of this is not true! If the caller is
in the non-color mode, and the non-color file is not found, USBBSDOR
will NOT attempt to display the color version of the appropriate
file. Instead, the caller will be told the file is missing and to
please inform you, the Sysop.
Should you find that you do not have a need for the [V]iew Ad or
[D]ownload features of USBBSDOR then please take a moment and remove
the [V] and/or [D] commands from USBBS.MEN and USBBSC.MEN. Also, if
you have run earlier versions of USBBSDOR then make sure you replace
the old .PRE, .MEN, .EPI, and .HLP files. You will only confuse your
users by not replacing these files with the new ones enclosed with
this version.
Appendix C: A Word About Downloading in USBBSDOR
-------------------------------------------------
USBBSDOR writes all download information to the file USBBS.LOG.
Downloads done in USBBSDOR by your callers will NOT be recorded in
your BBS's USERS file or logged in your BBS's CALLERS file. USBBSDOR
DOES check the amount of time for the download and checks it against
the amount of time the caller has left. USBBSDOR will not allow the
transfer if the caller does not have sufficient time remaining.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 16 USBBSDOR Page 16
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Appendix D: Registering USBBSDOR
---------------------------------
If you install USBBSDOR on your BBS and decide to keep it up and
running, a contribution of $10.00 is suggested. Registered
contributing users will receive voice support, BBS support, and will
be notified by mail of new releases of USBBSDOR or other door
programs I may write. Voice support is available on evenings and
weekends.
Please send in the registration form below, even if you are unable
to make a contribution. Enclose a self addressed stamped envelope
for returning a password to you. Registered non-contributing users
will receive BBS support for USBBSDOR.
Print this form on your printer or copy it to regular paper.
------------------------------------------------------------------
| USBBSDOR 3.0 Registration |
|------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
| First & Last Name [________________________________________]|
| |
| Street Address [________________________________________]|
| |
| City, State, Zip [________________________________________]|
| |
| Phone ][ Data Phone [___________________][___________________]|
| |
| Your BBS Number(s) [________________________________________]|
| |
| BBS Name [________________________________________]|
| |
| BBS Software & Version [________________________________________]|
| |
| [____________] [____________] [____________] |
| # of Nodes # of Doors # of Megs |
| |
|------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contributing Registration [______] $10.00 enclosed. |
| |
| Non-Contributing Registration [______] Self addressed stamped |
| envelope enclosed. |
| Check one |
|------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Optional Info - Occupation, Interests, Suggestions (use back) |
| |
| Send this form & enclosures to: L. Brent Yandell |
| 25 Broad St. Bldg. 5 Suite 212 |
| Freehold, NJ 07728 |
------------------------------------------------------------------
