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Atari Mega Archive 1
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Atari Mega Archive - Volume 1.iso
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bbsxdemo.lzh
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X_SPECS.LZH
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1992-04-12
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/\
----------/ \---------------------------------------------------------
---------/ \--------- 12 April 1992 -
--------/ \-------- By C&R Systems -
-------/ BBS \------- P.O. Box J -
------/ \------ Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17214 -
-----< EXPRESS! >----- BBS: 717-765-8623 -
------\ /------ -
-------\ ST /------- Copyright (c) 1987, 91, 92 -
--------\ /-------- -
---------\ /--------- -
----------\ /---------------------------------------------------------
\/
B B S E X P R E S S ! S T
Specifications, Features and Discussion
X_SPECS.DOC
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
I. INTRODUCTION:
-----------------
1. All references to Express in this document are referencing BBS
Express! ST, marketed by C&R Systems. BBS Express! ST is copyrighted
by C&R Systems, 1991, 1992.
2. BBS Express! St was originally written by Keith Ledbetter in 1986.
Since that time it has been marketted by ICD Inc, T2 Ltd and now C&R
Systems. Express is primarily written in OSS ICD Pascal.
3. Express has established its reliablity over the years, and we wish
to maintain that reliability in the future as well as the continued
Support for Express.
4. All specifications/features are subject to change. All
specifications and features described in this document are accurate to
the best of our knowledge. We cannot be held responsible for errors
in this document or mis-interpretations.
5. This document was prepared to assist you in deciding which BBS
software you wish to use.
II GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
------------------------
1. Express is a SINGLE line Bulletin Board System (BBS) designed for
the Atari Line of computers.
2. It allows users to call the BBS and read or send mail/messages,
upload or download files and access other applications which may be
installed. Some of these applications may be networking systems,
databases, and even online games. Some of these applications may be
multifunctional (such as an online game which is networked with other
BBS's or file transfer facilities which are networked)
3. It is a linear type system which can generally be divided into
four major areas or functions:
A. Message Bases and Electronic Mail.
B. File Transfer Areas (or File Special Interest Groups).
C. Main.
D. Other areas.
4. Each of these areas will be discussed separately.
III. EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS:
-----------------------------
1. CPU/RAM:
A. Express has been run on a stock Atari ST, STfm, Mega, STE, Mega
STe, and Atari TT030 with a wide combination of TOS versions and
accelerator cards/software. We have not found any Atari ST series of
computers which Express will not operate with. At least 380k of free
memory from the Desktop is required. A little more RAM is desired.
B. Because Express may access a large number of folders and files
(depending on your system setup), you should be aware that Express like
any other program, can result in the 40-Folder/Memory Pool problem.
Different versions of TOS have different fixes or solutions. You
should be aware, that operating ANY BBS on an Atari may result in these
problems. By nature of the BBS being operated 24 hours per day, it
places a greater demand on the system than just using an application
for a few hours and then turning off the system. C&R BBS has operated
24 hours per day for over 25 months with two unexplained system
lockup's. Other SysOp's have had better results and yet other's have
not.
C. Although Express will operate on a standard 520, you will be
severely restricted in your use of auto programs and acc's. You will
also be restricted in the use of third party programs/modules. We
highly recommend a 1 meg machine.
2. HARD DRIVES:
A. Express can be operated from floppies but you will be severely
restricted in the number and size of message bases, as well as file
transfer areas. We do not recommend attempting to run an entire BBS
from floppy disks only, and will not support this feature in the
future. You may use floppies for some files.
B. A Hard Drive is highly recommended. How much space depends on
your desired configuration. The actual BBS program is approximately
195k in size. It is not compressed or packed. Previous tests have
shown that Express can be compressed or packed with the public domain
and commercial programs for this purpose. There are about 375k of
related support files and programs with the default minimum setup. Not
all of these have to be placed on the hard drive, some of them are
seldom used. A dedicated 2 megs of hard drive space is more than
enough for the BBS with a few medium size message bases, excluding the
files you maintain for downloading. But be warned, that once you begin
operating a BBS, your hard drive requirements will probably increase as
you add features. Some Express BBS's run on a 10 meg hard drive and
some are in the 300 meg range. The decision is up to you.
3. MODEMS:
A. Most modems are capable of being used. Modems from 300 to
14.4bps (actual connect rates, not effective throughputs) have
effectively been used with Express.
B. Let's face it, some modems are better than others, some set
up easier than others, some have better documentation than others and
new modems are constantly coming out. We can not possibly state that
you will not have problems with modems. Some modems do require time in
getting set up. Some modems never seem to work well over all
conditions. We can advise you on which modems other SysOp's are using.
With over 100 Express SysOp's, we feel we can at least point you in the
proper direction. Modem setup seems to be the biggest problem with a
lot of Express SysOp's
4. OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT:
A. A Printer can be handy to print out text files, Caller Logs,
user lists, databases and E-Mail or Messages. It is not required. And
you can have your callers log sent to a printer or an ASCII Text file.
Most SysOp's do not use a printer continuosly due to the noise.
B. Express has a built in editor for messages and file
descriptions as well as an editor which can be called from its Script
language or from the SysOp Command Shell. You may also use just about
any Text Editor which pleases you for editing everything other than
messages. We HIGHLY recommend that you get a good ASCII Text Editor
and learn to use it. There are some good public domain as well as good
commercial ASCII type text editors. We almost feel that a good ASCII
Text Editor is mandatory rather than optional.
C. There are a vast variety of utilites available for the Atari.
As a SysOp, you should be able to perform basic as well as advanced
computer functions. Some functions such as copying and moving files,
creating, deleting and moving folders and backing up your hard drive.
Your use of other utilities can enhance your ability to run a BBS more
ef