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- With so many packet newcomers, I thought I would start a series
- of bulletins explaining the sometimes confusing commands available when
- you connect to a local BBS.
-
- One of the most misunderstood ones is L for List. If you enter L
- at the prompt, you will get a listing of all messages (except Private
- ones addressed to someone else.) However, this L command will only list
- those received SINCE YOU LAST CHECKED IN! Enter it again, and the BBS
- may report NOTHING FOUND, as nothing new was received since you entered
- it a few moments ago. This can confuse a lot of people! (NOTE: this
- is true on most bbs's, although some WILL allow repeated entry of
- the L command. Try yours and see. If it works when you repeat it, fine.
- If not, now you know the reason!)
-
- Most users prefer the LL xx command. Example, LL 30 will list the last
- 30 messages received. Enter it again, and you'll get the list over again.
- Obviously the xx number in LL xx can be any number you choose. Don't
- forget a space between the two!
-
- One thing to remember! Unless you're the bbs's sysop (SYStem OPerator),
- or are enabled as the Remote Sysop, most bbs's will only show you a
- list of bulletins and messages originated by you or addressed to you.
- It will also display formal NTS traffic (usually tagged T.)
- If your local bbs does display (P)rivate messages addressed to other
- stations, attempts to read them will usually fail. After all, you're
- trying to "read somebody else's mail!"
-
- Next time we'll discuss the L@ command, and how to use it. Questions or
- comments on this series are welcome.
- 73...Bill, KB4VOL @ KB4VOL
-
-