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===============[RBBS-PC (version 17.3) Quick Reference]=============== The following reference describes all standard RBBS-PC commands. Each RBBS-PC system may modify or disable any of these commands, so check with your SysOp if a command doesn't work as described. ===========================[ GENERAL HINTS ]=========================== Each RBBS-PC is different. You are expected to follow the rules as set forth by the SysOp. Remember, you should have FUN while using the BBS, but the SysOp is the boss. You are using an expensive piece of the SysOp's equipment (many BBSs cost over $1000/year to run), and many SysOps do not charge you for this use. The BULLETINS are where you'll usually find the "house rules". Spend some time reading the BULLETINS, so you know what is expected of you. Some normal guidelines are: 1) Use your REAL name. Use of "handles" is usually discouraged. 2) NO PROFANITY! A BBS is a public place. Other callers do not want to read nasty language. 3) Answer the registration questionnaire honestly. Most SysOps will ask you for your name, address, telephone number and other personal informatation. There is NO REASON to lie - The information is only used to identify you. 4) Exchange information with OTHER CALLERS. Send messages to the other people on the BBS. Try not to send messages ONLY to the SysOp. The BBS is a way for you to talk to MANY people, not just the SysOp. PUBLIC messages foster exchange. PRIVATE messages do not. 5) Use the HELP function when you get lost. Each SysOp can create extensive HELP systems, and you may find help on topics other than RBBS-PC. For example, an Automotive BBS may have HELP on how to properly inflate tires! 6) ENJOY YOURSELF! RBBS-PC is supposed to be FUN! EMOTICONS (Emotion-Icons): When reading messages, you may see silly characters, like :-). This is called an EMOTICON. To understand it, tilt your head to the left. See the smiling face? :-) is a way to "write a chuckle." When you read a message, you can't see the sender's laugh as he says: "Boy, I really LOVE my job :-)" The EMOTICON tells you he's smiling while saying this - it's a JOKE! You can use many emoticons in your writing, such as: ;-) - winking 8-) - you wear glasses :-( - you're sad :-(!) - you put your foot in your mouth There are many more. Feel free to make up your own, and add emotions to your messages. ===========================[ LOGIN COMMANDS ]========================== When RBBS-PC asks you for your FIRST name, you may use the following "turbo" login options to speed the login proces: first last password <--- logs you on in one step, password will be hidden with ...'s for safety. first last password ! <--- Bypass display of welcome screen, new files, and takes you immediately to MAIN menu first last password $ <--- Bypass display of welcome screen only. You may also add a conference name to any of the above options, which will take you to the conference instead of MAIN. ex: first last password !CONF <--- quick login to CONF conference. =========================[ MAIN MENU COMMANDS ]======================== When you log on an RBBS-PC system, you will first see a welcome message, and possibly information about new files and bulletins. You will then come to the MAIN menu, where you can select what to do and where to go on the system. ----- MAIL ---------- SYSTEM ---------- UTILITIES ------ ELSEWHERE --- [E]nter Messages [A]nswer Questions [H]elp (or ?) [D]oors [K]ill Messages [B]ulletins [J]oin Conferences [F]iles [P]ersonal Mail [C]omment to Sysop [V]iew Conf. Mail [G]oodbye [R]ead Messages [I]nitial Welcome [X]pert on/off [Q]uit [S]can Messages [O]perator Page [U]tilities [T]opic of Msgs [W]ho's on [@]Library [A]nswer Questionnaire -- Answer one of several on-line questionnaires [B]ulletin listing ------ Read general system bulletins, or BBS news [C]omment for SysOp ----- Leave a private message to RBBS-PC System Operator [D]oors ----------------- Run another program on the RBBS-PC computer [E]nter message --------- Enter a message for others to read [F]iles menu ------------ Move to File system, where files are up/downloaded [G]oodbye --------------- Log off this system [H]elp ------------------ Help on any RBBS-PC command, or special topic [I]nitial welcome ------- Repeat the log-on welcome message [J]oin a conference ----- Change to a new message area [K]ill a message -------- Erase old messages to/from you. [@]Library -------------- Download files from CD-Rom library, if available [O]perator page --------- Page SysOp so you can chat. [Q]uit ------------------ Go to another section of RBBS-PC, or hang up [P]ersonal mail --------- List messages to or from you. [R]ead message(s) ------- Read the messages in this message base [S]an messages ---------- List message headers (To/From/Topic/Date) [T]opic scan ------------ List message topics [U]tilities menu--------- Go to Utilities section, change user-defined options [V]iew ------------------ Scan for mail in other conferences or 'sub-boards' [W]ho ------------------- See who else is on RBBS-PC at this time. [X]pert mode ------------ Toggle between novice (menus and expert (no menus)) =======================[ MESSAGE READ COMMANDS ]======================= When Reading, Scanning, or Topic Scanning messages, you can specify a RANGE of messages, and a FILTER. The RANGE tells RBBS-PC what group of messages to process. The FILTER allows you to instruct RBBS-PC to only show you messages that meet certain criteria. RANGE OPTIONS: S (or *) = The messages left (S)ince the last time you read them. n- = All messages LESS than or equal to message n, in reverse order. n+ = All messages GREATER than or equal to message n. L = Start with the LAST message left, and work backwards. FILTER OPTIONS: F = Only mail From you T = Only mail To you specifically (or to ALL) M = My (your) mail. From you or to you. <text> = only messages with specified text in them. The TO/FROM & SUBJ as well as the text of the message will be searched for <text>. Note: If the text you wish to search for is a number, enclose it in quotes (ex. " 100" ) to distinguish it from a RANGE. EXAMPLES: T S = All messages addressed to you, left Since you last read them. L RBBS = Start with the LAST message, show only those with "RBBS" in them. F 1+ = Only messages FROM you, Start with the FIRST message (#1) ====================[ MESSAGE READ "MORE" COMMANDS ]=================== RBBS-PC will pause between messages in a READ command. This "More" prompt allows you the following options: Y - or [Enter] to continue to read or scan messages. N - if you do not wish to display additional messages. C - to read all messages referenced in your read command continuously. (without further pauses from the MORE prompt.) A - Abort message read and return to the MAIN menu. R - Enter a Reply to the current message. T - Thread (read only messages about the same SUBJECT). You will then be asked if you want to thread +)Forward, -)Backward, or 1) from the ORIGINAL message in the thread. = - reads same message again + - switches to reading messages forward - - switches to reading messages backward F - Forward a copy of this message to someone else. K - to erase the current message. ========================[ MESSAGE EDIT COMMANDS ]====================== When you Enter a message, you will be using the RBBS-PC text editor. The editor allows you to type in a message, and also gives you simple editing commands. To use the edit commands, press [ENTER] on a blank line. You will then be able to choose from the following options: A - Abort without saving the message. C - Continue. Enter more lines of message. D - Delete line(s) of the message. You will then be asked for the starting line number and ending line number to delete. E - Edit a line of the message. You will then be asked for a SEARCH string, and a REPLACE string. To delete a word, E)dit the line with the word on it, enter the word as the SEARCH string, and press [ENTER] when asked for a replace string. I - Insert lines into the message. L - List the entire message. M - Set the right text margin. R - Revise the message header (msg subject) S - Save the message. This option must be used in order to send the message. ? - DIsplay message edit HELP. ========================[ MESSAGE SAVE COMMANDS ]====================== When you choose to SAVE a message, you will be asked for the PROTECTION to be placed on your message. Your options are: U - pUblic. The message can be read by ANYONE but can only be KILLED by the sender, the addressee, or the SysOp. R - pRivate. The message can only be read (and killed) by the sendor, the addressee or the SysOp. P - Password. The message can be read and killed only by persons who can give the password you attach to this message, and the SysOp ? - Display message protection HELP. HINTS: Most messages should be PUBLIC. The BBS concept centers on exchange of information. If no one can read your message, they CAN'T exchange! Use PRIVATE messages only if the information in the message is secret, but remember: The SysOp can ALWAYS READ ALL MESSAGES! Use PASSWORD only if you want to send messages to a GROUP of people, and they already know the password you plan to use. Most RBBS-PC systems DISCOURAGE use of PASSWORD messages. =========================[ FILES MENU COMMANDS ]======================= The FILES menu is where you can browse the catalog of files available to download. You can also UPLOAD files, so others may download them. -- TRANSFER ------ INFORMATION --- UTILITIES --- ELSEWHERE - [D]ownload file [L]ist files [H]elp (or ?) [G]oodbye [P]ersonal dwnld [N]ew files [X]pert on/off [Q]uit [U]pload file [S]earch files [V]iew archives [D]ownload ----------- Transfer file(s) from RBBS-PC to your computer. [G]oodbye ------------ Log off this system [H]elp --------------- Help on any RBBS-PC command, or special topic [L]ist directories --- Display list of files available for download [N]ew files ---------- Display list of files uploaded since specified date [P]ersonal download -- download files addressed to you personally [Q]uit --------------- Go to another section of RBBS-PC, or hang up [S]earch ------------- Find files with specified text in name/description [U]pload ------------- Transfer a file from your computer to RBBS-PC. [V]iew compressed ---- List of files stored in a specified ARC/ZIP file. [X]pert -------------- expert mode on/off HINTS: To find a file by name, use the S)earch command. You can use "wildcards" in a file name (ex: S RBBS*.* finds files with names like RBBS-PC.ZIP, RBBS-DOC.TXT, etc). You can also specify any word, and RBBS-PC will display files with the specified word in the file's description (ex: S WINDOWS finds any file with WINDOWS in description). The S)earch, N)ew and L)ist commands will ask you what "directory" to search. Each RBBS-PC system can separate files into categories, or directories. To see what directories are available, use L L (list the list of directories). By specifying "ALL" directories, you will see every file available, but you may want to narrow your list, by listing a specific directory. When you DOWNLOAD or UPLOAD a file, you must be sure RBBS-PC knows what PROTOCOL you will use to transfer the file. If you selected a DEFAULT protocol (UTILITY command F) RBBS-PC will use it. If not, you will be asked for the protocol when you transfer. You can also specify the protocol when you specify the file (ex: RBBS-PC.TXT Z will transfer the file RBBS-PC.TXT, and use the Zmodem protocol). When you tell RBBS-PC to start a transfer, it will display "READY TO SEND" or "READY TO RECEIVE" and the name of the file. At that point, you will have to instruct your communications program to start the transfer. Check your communications program documentation for instructions on starting file transfer. =========================[ UTILITIES COMMANDS ]======================== The UTILITIES menu contains a number of options that allow you to change how your RBBS-PC session acts. -- DISPLAY ------- INFORMATION --- SYSTEM -------- ELSEWHERE - [E]cho pref [H]elp (or ?) [B]PS Rate Change [Q]uit [G]raphics [R]ead Profile [C]lock Time-Date [L]ines/Page [S]tatistics [F]ile Protocol [M]essage margin [U]ser log [P]assword Change [T]oggles [B]PS rate change - Hayes 300BPS modems can change to 450BPS [C]lock ----------- Displays time of day and elapsed time for your call [F]ile protocol --- Default file transfer protocol (for UP/DOWNloads) [G]raphics -------- Select display of ANSI color or IBM PC graphics [L]ines per page -- how many lines shown before RBBS-PC pauses [P]assword -------- Change log-on password [Q]uit ------------ Go to another section of RBBS-PC, or hang up [R]eview profile -- Display your current settings [S]tatistics ------ Display data on system use, number of callers, messages. [T]oggle -----> A - Autodownload (if your software can support it) -> B - Bulletins (display of bullitin menu at logon) turns -> C - Case (UPPERCASE only or Upper/Lower) option -> F - Display new downloads immediately at logon off or on -> L - Line feeds (add line feed after each line sent) -> N - NULLS (delay after each line - for hard-copy terminals) -> T - Turbokey (no need to press [ENTER] on 1-key prompts) -> X - eXpert (turn verbose menus on or off) -> ! - Bell (end each prompt for an answer with a beep) [U]serlog --------- List of callers or users on system [X]pert ----------- turn verbose menus on or off. HINTS: Experiment with the various UTILITY functions. For example: select COLOR Graphics to see colors, but select None or Graphics only to increase text display speed. You can set UTILITIES different for each RBBS-PC conference. A change made to one does NOT change all conferences. ==========================[ LIBRARY COMMANDS ]========================= The LIBRARY menu lets you browse and download files from a CD-ROM library. -- TRANSFER ------ INFORMATION ----- UTILITIES ----- ELSEWHERE - [A]rchive Library [C]hange Library [H]elp (or ?) [G]oodbye [D]ownload file [L]ist files [X]pert on/off [Q]uit [S]earch files [V]iew archives [A]rchive -------- Compress selected files for downloading [C]hange library - Change to a differnt library [D]ownload ------- Download archived files [G]oodbye -------- Log off this system [H]elp ----------- Help on any RBBS-PC command, or special topic [L]ist ----------- List the libraries available for downloading [Q]uit ----------- Go to another section of RBBS-PC, or hang up [S]earch --------- Search file descriptions for specified text [V]iew ----------- List contents of a compressed file [X]pert ---------- toggle between Novice and eXpert menus. HINTS: The LIBRARY menu is only available on RBBS-PC Systems that have installed a CD-ROM and a library system.