Collection of Tools & Utilities

home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search

/ Collection of Tools & Utilities / Collection of Tools and Utilities.iso / bbsutil / rybbs65.zip / DOCS65.LZH / RYBBS.DOC

Wrap

Text File | 1990-07-07 | 194KB | 5,161 lines

CB ╔══════╗ ╔═╗ ╔═╗ ╔══════╗ ╔══════╗ ╔══════╗ ║ ╔══╗ ╚╗ ╚╗╚╗ ╔╝╔╝ ║ ╔══╗ ╚╗ ║ ╔══╗ ╚╗ ║ ╔══╗ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ╚╗╚╗ ╔╝╔╝ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ╚═╝ ║ ╚══╝ ╔╝ ╚╗╚══╝╔╝ ║ ╚══╝ ╔╝ ║ ╚══╝ ╔╝ ║ ╚════╗ ║ ╔══╗ ║ ╚╗ ╔═╝ ║ ╔══╗ ╚╗ ║ ╔══╗ ╚╗ ╚════╗ ║ ║ ║ ╚╗╚╗ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ╔═╗ ║ ║ ║ ║ ╚╗╚╗ ║ ║ ║ ╚══╝ ╔╝ ║ ╚══╝ ╔╝ ║ ╚══╝ ║ ╚═╝ ╚═╝ ╚═╝ ╚══════╝ ╚══════╝ ╚══════╝ Gregory Ryan The Ryco Company P.O. Box 11134 Shorewood, WI 53211 (414) 962-1097 (RyBBS HomeBase 2-lines data) (414) 962-5967 (voice no Sunday calls please) Copyright (C) 1986-1990 Gregory J. Ryan All Rights Reserved RyBBS Version 6.5 with RyComm! TABLE OF CONTENTS ----------------- INTRODUCTION 2 WHY YOU SHOULD REGISTER 2 DISTRIBUTION 4 DISCLAIMER 4 RyBBS CHAPTER 1 - SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS 5 1.1 - HARDWARE 5 1.2 - COMPATIBLE SOFTWARE 5 1.3 - MODEM SETTINGS 6 1.4 - IMMEDIATE STARTUP 7 1.5 - Logging in the first time 8 RyBBS CHAPTER 2 - RyBBS FILES 9 2.1 - NECESSARY FILES 9 2.2 - OPTIONAL FILES 9 2.3 - TEXT FILE COMMANDS 13 2.3.1 - ANSI TEXT FILE COMMANDS 14 RyBBS CHAPTER 3 - Installation 14 3.1 - DIRECTORY SETUP 14 3.2 - IMPORTANT STARTUP CONSIDERATIONS 15 3.3 - STARTUP COMMAND LINE 16 3.4 - Startup.bbs 16 3.4.1 - ANSI COLORS 19 3.4.2 - START-UP BATCH FILE 20 3.5 - FILE NAMES 21 3.6 - MESSAGE BOARDS 21 3.6.1 - Ryboard.bbs 21 3.6.2 - Exact Security Message Base 22 3.6.3 - Public Message Bases 22 3.6.4 - Private Mail Message Bases 23 3.6.5 - Anonymous Message Bases 23 RYBBS CHAPTER 4 - Menus and Menu Commands 24 4.1 EXPLANATION and EXAMPLES of RYBBS MENU COMMANDS 24 4.2 - MENUS.BBS FILE 26 4.3 - MENU RESTRICTIONS 27 4.4 - MENU COMMANDS 27 4.4.1 - Message Area Commands 27 4.4.2 - FILE COMMANDS 29 4.4.3 - MISC COMMANDS 31 4.4.4 - SYSOP COMMANDS 36 4.4.5 - SYSTEM COMMANDS 38 4.4.6 - MULTI-USER COMMANDS 40 QUICK REFERENCE 40 RyBBS CHAPTER 5 - Additional Information 42 5.1 - SETTING UP FILE AREAS 42 5.2 - Other File Descriptions 42 5.3 - Graphics 44 5.4 - Macros 45 5.5 - Remote Use of RyBBS 46 5.6 - Time Activated Events 47 5.7 - Hints With The Questionnaire 49 RyBBS CHAPTER 6 - Sysop Keys 51 RyBBS CHAPTER 7 - RyComm Communications 55 7.1 - Overview 55 7.2 - RyComm COMMANDS 56 7.4 - Use of Scripts with RyCOMM 60 RyBBS CHAPTER 8 -PROBLEMS 61 RyBBS APPENDIX A - Example Menus 63 RyBBS APPENDIX B - The 2 Floppy Drive System 64 RyBBS APPENDIX C - Record Formats 66 RyBBS APPENDIX D - Converting from other BBS's 68 RyBBS APPENDIX E - Running Doors 70 RyBBS APPENDIX F - Netmail 73 RyBBS APPENDIX G - External Protocols 73 UPDATES 76 Registration Form 77 INTRODUCTION ------------ Ryan Bulletin Board System Copyright (C) 1986-1990 Gregory J. Ryan RyBBS with RyComm is a new entry into the Shareware BBS field. I believe that the power inherent in the RyBBS program can solve most bbs requirements. This document will attempt to describe the different aspects of RyBBS. Like most bbs programs, RyBBS is menu driven. This means that the user is shown a list of choices and usually selects one or more of those choices. Unlike most bbs programs, RyBBS can actually grow in menu size and shape. Each bbs system can be designed exactly the way the sysop desires it. This can mean 10 menus or 1 menu. It's totally up to you, the sysop. RyBBS menus are built of RyBBS commands (described in detail later on in this document). Each command allows the user to perform a certain activity on the bbs. ANY COMMAND MAY RESIDE IN ANY MENU! You are not limited to one file menu and one message menu. In addition, RyBBS Version 6.5 incorporates a function that I believe is a FIRST in the BBS Community: - RyComm - a complete communications program within the system! Complete with Help Screen, auto-dial menu, function key assignments, upload and download, script support and more. All designed to make your life as Sysop easier. RyBBS with RyComm has become a leader in the field of bbs programs, giving you the ultimate in bbs communications. WHY YOU SHOULD REGISTER ----------------------- If you feel that this program is worth your time to run, I would appreciate you taking some time to send me a registration fee. Suggested registration fee is $50 for personal system, $80 for business system and $175 for the multi-user version. This will ensure bigger and better revisions of the program. If you are using this program in a commercial application this contribution is mandatory. All registration fees should be sent to: The Ryco Company P.O. Box 11134 Shorewood, WI 53211 RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 2 Upon receipt of your registration fee you will be send some disks crammed full of useful RyBBS utilities including: Message file editor/packer Users file editor/packer Download File Analyzer Upload/Download file area maintenance Callers Log analyzer Name Indexer for fast user finds Questionnaire indexer/viewer Latest Registered Users version of RyBBS SYSOP status on HomeBase and the distributions sites of RyBBS for the period of 1 year One year Subscription to RyNEWS newsletter. The shareware version of this program will not be as powerful as the Registered Users Version. You are NOT permitted to post the registered users version of the program on your bbs. Only the shareware version may be accessible by other users. The Public Release Version of RyBBS 6.5 will NOT have the following features: Fastnames - Allows indexed quick lookup of log-on name and quick checking for users name on message entry. Items that are not available on the Shareware Version will be marked with an "*" in the documentation. The utility RYCONFIG is included in the shareware ZIP file. This utility's function is to create the STARTUP.BBS file quickly and easily. See the area on the STARTUP.BBS for details on its' use. The Multi-User version RyBBS is available now at only $175. You may run 2 systems on a single computer using a concurrent operating system. It is also network compatible for up to 9 systems. I would like to thank my Alpha and Beta testers at this point, especially Jonny Shade, Rob Thomas, Mike Tracy, CA Spry. Special thanks to Jon Shade for being the #1 PIA. Thanks also to all the folks who helped edit these docs. Gregory J. Ryan RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 3 DISTRIBUTION ------------ This program is being distributed using the Shareware concept. This means that if you use this program and like it, you are encouraged to send the author the suggested contribution. A registration form is provided for your convenience in the rear of this document. DISCLAIMER ---------- Although this program has been tested extensively, Gregory J. Ryan and THE RYCO COMPANY shall in no way be responsible for any special, incidental, consequential or other damages. The use of this program is at the USERS OWN risk. RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 4 RyBBS CHAPTER 1 - SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS -------------------------------------- 1.1 - HARDWARE -------------- This bbs program was designed to run on an IBM or true compatible. If the intended computer is IBM software compatible, there is a excellent chance you can run this program. The computer must have as a minimum configuration: IBM or compatible computer. 1 Floppy disk drive (although a hard disk is recommended!) 320K RAM Memory (More memory can be used efficiently) 1 Com port Systems that are known to run this program are: -IBM PC XT and AT,PC Jr, Portable -Blue Chip -Compaq -AT&T 6300 -Wyse -Tandy 1000 -ITT Xtra -Avatar/Ishvar clone -Plus 88 clone -Packard Bell -Atari ST running PC Ditto -PC Too clone The following is a list of the modems known to work with this program: -Hayes 1200 -Avatex 1200 -Avatex 1200 hc -Amazing Things 1200/2400 -US Robotics Modem 5 -General DataCom Modem -Prometheus 1200 -UDS Fasttalk 2400 -UDS 8925 2400 Modem -Incomm Turbo 2400 -Hayes 9600 -MultiTech 224eh -USR HST 9600 Initial logon parameters are 1200 baud,No parity,8 bits,1 stop unless set to 300,2400 or 9600 from startup.bbs. RyBBS will change baud rate and parity automatically depending on remote system. It will also change parity to None for a non-ascii type of file transfer. EMS-RyBBS currently does not support EMS, however you may setup your EMS memory as a ramdrive for quick text file accesses. 1.2 - COMPATIBLE SOFTWARE ------------------------- This system is designed for the PC/MS DOS operating system. In addition, the following programs are compatible with RyBBS: -DoubleDos -Binkley -Doormaster -DesqView -FrontDoor -Watchdog -Sidekick RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 5 1.3 - MODEM SETTINGS -------------------- Most technical support questions have to do with the carrier detect line be forced on by either hardware or software. You can normally force this off via a command in the modeinit.bbs file. Most 2400 baud modems require the following command to be present in the modeinit.bbs file: AT&D2&C1 This may be part of the main modem command or on a separate line as you wish. HAYES external modem 1200 (and 100% Hayes Compatible modems) ----- 12345678 Switch settings UUDDUUUD (U=Up, D=Down) These setting correspond to the following: 1 - Allows the use of DTR 2 - English words as result codes 3 - Result codes ARE sent 4 - No command echo in Command state 5 - Auto answer incoming call 6 - Allows the reading of carrier detect 7 - Single line telephone setups 8 - Enables command recognition AVATEX 1200 external (NOT 100% Hayes Compatible!) -------------------- 12345678 Switch settings UUUUUUUU (U=Up, D=Down) In addition the Modeinit.bbs file must be added for correct reset of the modem. The only line needed in the file is: ATAA (return) The optional file MODEINIT.BBS may contain lines of text that will be sent to the modem upon start up of the program and each time a user hangs up. Each line is sent to the modem followed by a carriage return and a small delay. If MODEINIT.BBS doesn't exist then the default commands sent are: ATZ (RETURN) ATM0X1V1S0=1 (RETURN) Packard Bell 2400 (and many other 2400 baud modems!) ----------------- Make your MODEINIT.BBS file as follows: ATM0X4&D2&C1S2=255S0=1 RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 6 GENERAL DATACOM --------------- Set up your modeinit.bbs file with the following statements. ATE0V1X1S2=200S0=1 ATS17=8 VOLKSMODEM ---------- Make sure your no cts switch is set in the startup.bbs file NO CTS AMAZING THINGS Model `A' 2400 Baud -------------- Make your MODEINIT.BBS file as follows: ATM0E0X4S2=255S0=1 OTHER MODEMS ------------ RyBBS supports many other modems. If you are having a problem configuring your modem, leave a message on Homebase and you will usually find someone else who is either running one or can help you set it up. 1.4 - IMMEDIATE STARTUP ----------------- You can actually get the RyBBS bbs system up and running in less time then it takes to unzip it. 1) Make sure that all the files are located in the directory that you wish to be the RyBBS system directory. 2) You must have a Hayes compatible modem for this immediate startup procedure. 3) Determine the Com Port from which the RyBBS system will operate and the baud rate of your modem. 4) Type: Faststrt 1 (ENTER) for Com port 1 (default 1200 baud) Type: Faststrt 1 2400 (ENTER) for Com port 1 2400 baud Type: Faststrt 1 9600 (ENTER) for Com port 1 9600 baud Type: Faststrt 2 (ENTER) for Com port 2 1200 baud Type: Faststrt 2 2400 (ENTER) for Com port 2 2400 baud Type: Faststrt 2 9600 (ENTER) for Com port 2 9600 baud This batch file will create the up and download directories and send a copy of the FILES.BBS to each. It will then start the program from the designated com port and at your selected baud rate. RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 7 You should run the installation program only once! Henceforth, you should begin operation of the program by typing: R (ENTER) For Com port 1 or R 2 (ENTER) For Com port 2 1.5 - Logging in the first time ------------------------- Now that you have the system up and running (hopefully!) you might wish to log in locally as the sysop and have a look around. If you have the five option menu displayed, the first option is to login as the sysop. Simply highlight that option and press the enter key. The bypasses many of the normal opening screens and password entry, so if that is what you wish to view you must login as a user (described below). When the RyBBS bbs startups for the first time it creates a users file with a single record of SYSOP who has a password of NEW. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CHANGE THIS PASSWORD TO ONE OF YOUR OWN CHOOSING!!! You may change this in one of two ways. First you can select the Sysop Utilities from the "Waiting For" RyBBS menu. This will pop up the include sysop utilities and you can access the users editor. Alternatively, you may go to the sysop menu after logging onto the system as the sysop and select the Users Editor. Logging in as a user The login procedure is as follows: From the "Waiting For" menu, Press the F4 key. You will see the opening screens and then... Enter First and Last Name (E.G. John Smith)- <--RyBBS prints this! Now enter: Sysop;; <enter> <-- (note semicolon) and then: NEW <enter> or enter: Sysop;;New <enter> <-- (note 2 semicolons) Note: the password will not be displayed. In its' place will be asterisks instead of each letter. As indicated above the login procedure is either firstname lastname <enter> password <enter> or firstname;lastname;password <enter> If you put a semicolon between first and last names the system will not ask you for name verification (spelling that is). This is useful for login scripts that you never change. RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 8 RyBBS CHAPTER 2 - RyBBS FILES --------------- 2.1 - NECESSARY FILES --------------------- The following files are required by the RyBBS system and MUST be contained in the current directory or the system may crash! RyBBS.exe - Bulletin board program or RyMult.exe - Multi-User RyBBS bulletin board program RyMult.ovr - Overlay file needed for multi-user system. Each message `area' will have the following three files: (Can be created by using the /C parameter from the command line.) Msgname.mes - Message header file Msgname.lin - Message text file Msgname.ptr - Message user pointer file Users.bbs - Users file (will be created) Callers.log - Log of all callers activities (will be created) Curruser.bbs - Current user information (will be created) Error.log - Log of fatal errors (will be created) Macros.bbs - User macros (will be created) First.bbs - First Menu file to run (this, and NEWMENU.BBS, are the only two only menus that need be in the system directory!) Ryboards.bbs - List of all the messages boards. Upload.bbs - List of upload areas Download.bbs - List of download areas Rynode.bbs - Lists active nodes and user on Multi-User system only. Command.com - This allows the DOS shell to work with the ALT-D. This will be explained in detail later in this document. 2.2 - OPTIONAL FILES -------------------- Other Menu files (may be loaded into memory via the MENUS.BBS file) Note: All optional files can be created using any text editor that writes ASCII files. Badfiles.bbs - List of files that may not be downloaded. Each line should contain a filename (full pathnames ok!) Example: rybbs.exe reboot.com RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 9 Badname.bbs - Contains words that may not be used as part of the user's name. Generally this file contains profanity and misc. hacker words. If a word is used upon login the file badname.txt is displayed (if available) and the user logged off. The callers log will be updated to show the attempt to log-on. Each line should contain the bad word. Example: the doctor death screw Dsz.com - Must be placed in the RyBBS directory for or Dsz.exe - Z-modem to operate (Files available on most BBS'S) Events.bbs - Contains the events that are scheduled. See section 5.8 for further information about events. Extdown.bbs - Allows use of external download protocols. Example: Jmodem Protocol,jmodem.exe s%com %baud %name Warning! You must have enough memory for the external protocol as RyBBS calls the program while remaining resident. Also make sure that the correct protocol programs and the file extdown.bbs are located in the current RyBBS system directory. Extup.bbs - Same as extdown.bbs but for upload protocols. Example: Jmodem Protocol,jmodem.exe r%com b%baud %name The same warnings apply as above. Files.bbs - Lists names, sizes, dates and descriptions of programs that are able to be downloaded or have been uploaded. A copy of this file MUST be located in each upload and download file directory. Filename.que - Questionnaire questions (see QUES command) Filename.ans - Questionnaire answers (will be created) Freefile.bbs - Contains the names of allowable files that may exceed the user's time limit. For example, on my system I'd like to give the new users the ability to download RyBBS60.ZIP on their first try no matter which baud rate they call in at. Each line contains a filename (full pathnames ok!) Example D:\rybbs\comm\rybbs60.zip RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 10 Limits.bbs - Contains maximum time per day for selected security levels in form of: Security level,maximum time Each line contains a level and time Example 5,30 10,80 Menus.bbs - Contains the names of frequently called menu files (E.G. first.bbs,files.mnu,mess.mnu etc). These menus will be loaded into RAM for later retrieval without a disk access. ANSI menu files are not allowed. Modeinit.bbs - Contains modem commands that will be sent to modem on program startup and after each caller hangs up. Example ATX4S0=0S2=255&D2&C1V1 Newuser.que - Questionnaire that new users would be forced to respond to only on the users initial logon to RyBBS. The format is identical to the Questionnaire file. Newuser.ans - Answers file for above. Created automatically. Newmenu.bbs - Similar to FIRST.BBS (described above) but for the users with new user security levels only. Offhook.bbs - Contains modem commands to allow modem to go off hook (for sysop log-on and sysop utilities) Example ATM0H1 Online.bbs - Listing of commands to be used with the EXEC command. This file is a standard text file containing allowable executable programs. The format is the complete program name with all necessary parameters. For Sysop use only ! For more information see the EXEC command. Example editcom.com 1 MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH MEMORY IN YOUR SYSTEM AND MAKE SURE THE ONLINE PROGRAM COMMUNICATES WITH THE COM PORT! ALSO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE COMMAND.COM IN THE RyBBS DIRECTORY. Onhook.bbs - Contains modem commands to allow modem to go on-hook (after sysop log-off and sysop utilities ended) Example ATH0 Priority.bbs - Text file output to user during priority time (see events.bbs for details) before RyBBS logs the user off. RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 11 Programs.bbs - Listing of commands to be used with the RUNP command. This file is a standard text file containing allowable executable programs. The format is the complete program name with all necessary parameters. For more information see the RUNP command. (e.g. EDITCOM.COM 1 ) NOTE! THE SAME WARNINGS APPLY TO PROGRAMS.BBS THAT APPLY ONLINE.BBS! Ramfiles.bbs - List of common text files that you wish to be memory resident. After these are loaded the system will not need to make a disk access to display them. Menu files and ANSI graphics files are not allowed here. Ratio.bbs - Contains a listing of security levels and associated UPLOAD/DOWNLOAD ratios. This will define the allowable upload/download ratios. If the startup command K RATIO is also implemented the byte ratio will also be monitored. Example of ratio.bbs: 5,4 (security level 5 has a ratio of 1 to 4) 8,10 (security level 8 has a ratio of 1 to 8) If the security level is not specified in Ratio.bbs then users may download to their hearts content. If K Ratio is implemented then the above example would set a byte ratio of: security 5 1K of upload to 4K of download security 8 1K of upload to 10K of download Startup.bbs - Contains initial setups for the RyBBS system. See the description of this file later on in the manual. Sysfile.bbs - Gets file descriptions that have been uploaded and marked for sysop eyes only via the "/" prefix. Should be in RyBBS system directory. System.bbs - Text file containing total number of callers and total number of messages entered to system. Util.bbs - Text file containing allowable executable programs. The format is the complete program name with all necessary parameters. Accessible through Alt-F5 when the system is waiting for calls. (e.g. EDITCOM.COM 1 ) NOTE! MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH MEMORY IN YOUR SYSTEM. RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 12 The following files are all text files that would normally be output to the user at some point or another. Bullet0.bbs - Bullet7.bbs- One-time read bulletins. If any of these bulletins exist they are displayed to the user and then the user's bulletin flag is set indicating that they read it. For this user to read that bulletin again you must reset the flag using the external Sysop Utilities (F5-SYSUTIL) or BULRESET (a third party utility available on HomeBase. Badname.txt- Sysop created file that is displayed when a user logs on with a name listed in badnames.bbs. Badratio.bbs -Displays a the file badratio.bbs if a user exceeds their upload/download ratio. Allows sysop to customize the explanation of why the user cannot download at the present time. No300.bbs - Output to 300 baud callers before they are cut-off. Only used if you lock out 300 bauder's. Nonew.bbs - Contains the log-off message that will be displayed to people trying to log on as new members when the new user lockout is in effect. Sysop.bbs - Text file that will be output when sysop is not available for chat. Hello.bbs - First text file to output (before logon) Welcome.bbs - Second text file to output (before logon) Welcome1.bbs- Third text file to output (after logon) Newuser.bbs - File to be output to a new user. Goodbye.bbs - Exiting text file (output to person logging off) Notenuf.bbs - File to be output if a user attempts to access a command above his/her security level. 2.3 - TEXT FILE COMMANDS ------------------------ The following commands allow certain options to be executed from within the text of a text file. These options are not allowed in any ANSI files. See the end of this section for equivalent commands in ANSI files. RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 13 FORCE READ If the first line of these files is FORCE READ the user cannot abort the output of the file via a ^K or S keypress. The words FORCE READ will not be displayed. This is mainly intended for the welcoming bulletins so that the users will not breeze over 'em, but the FORCE READ command is in effect for essentially all text files that are output to the user (including the files output via the TEXT command!). LOG If the first line of these files is LOG then the reading of this file is logged to the CALLERS.LOG file. CLEAR This command will clear both the local and remote screens. PAUSE The word PAUSE placed anywhere on a single line in a text file will cause the display to pause and display "(C)ontinue, (S)top or (N)on-stop" and prompt for input. DELAY nn Placing the word DELAY followed by a number on any line will cause the display to delay that number of seconds before continuing. Keep the number below 99 please, and nothing is allowed after the number chosen. DISCONNECT The word DISCONNECT on a single line will disconnect the user immediately. 2.3.1 - ANSI TEXT FILE COMMANDS 2 second delay - Put the character ~ (Tilde) in the position of the ANSI file that you wish the delay to occur. Pause - Put the character ` (Back quote) in the ANSI file and at the point of the character the Pause, Continue message will be displayed. RyBBS CHAPTER 3 - Installation ------------------------------ 3.1 - DIRECTORY SETUP --------------------- Although RyBBS may be run from a single directory, a more satisfactory method is to set up sub-directories and group similar items accordingly. A method commonly used is as follows: RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 14 RyBBS SYSTEM DIRECTORY--\ RyBBS program \---Bulletins Message bases \ System files \-Files -\ \------Download Area 1 \-----Download Area 2 \----Download Area N \------Upload Area 1 \-----Upload Area 2 \---Upload Area N 3.2 - IMPORTANT STARTUP CONSIDERATIONS -------------------------------------- 1) Make sure there is a copy of FILES.BBS in EACH upload and download file area. 2) Make sure that your modem AND cable supports Clear To Send (a modem line) else you will have to set the NO CTS switch in the startup.bbs file 3) Make sure the following files are all located in the RyBBS system directory: RyBBS.exe Upload.bbs Download.bbs Startup.bbs Events.bbs Modeinit.bbs (if applicable) First.bbs RyBoards.bbs Command.com (For some doors and remote drop to DOS ) If the program halts before anybody tries to log on, chances are that one or more of the above files is missing, bad or incorrect. 4) Make sure you know to which com port your modem is connected. The RyBBS system will not check to make sure you actually have a modem at the port you specify; it will assume that you do. If you attempt to run the system from a com port at which there is no modem, the system will startup very slowly or not start at all. 5) Make sure the switches for your particular modem are set correctly. Refer to the modem section located elsewhere in this manual. If your exact modem is not listed, set all modem switches to the factory position and try that. Make sure that your carrier detect line follows the computer and is not forced high. This is the most common problem associated with bringing up RyBBS. RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 15 3.3 - STARTUP COMMAND LINE -------------------------- RyBBS is started by typing the following from the keyboard or from within a batch file. C>RyBBS [options] (return) The options are as follows: 2 Allows running the bbs from COM port 2. Same as using COM2 in startup.bbs (see below) D Debug capability on. This shows additional system information to the sysop screen only! ? Lists the functions of all the options and then halts. /BN NetMail Option (N is baud rate) /L *Skips over the RyBBS initial logo for fast startup. /M Compiles and uses compiled menus instead of the menus listed in MENUS.BBS. If you wish to recompile this you must delete comlines.bbs and commenus.bbs files and then restart the program with the /M command. /C Creates any non-existing message bases upon startup. * Registered Version Only These options may be entered in any order but must be separated by spaces. For example: C>RyBBS 2 d This will start RyBBS from Com port 2, and turns the debug capability on. Debug will display some system status messages to the console (locally only) as a user performs certain activities of the bbs. Example: Saving message, files, etc. 3.4 - Startup.bbs ----------------- The file Startup.bbs duplicates many of the option commands without the need of entering it from the command line. Startup.bbs is a text file containing separate lines of commands that RyBBS program will read when the program begins operation. The RyBBS utility RyCONFIG is included in this package and modifies the startup.bbs program easily. However a standard text editor can be used as well. The startup.bbs commands are as follows: RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 16 Command Action Taken ------- ------------ 300 Baud - Initializes modem to 300 baud at startup. 2400 Baud - Initializes modem to 2400 baud at startup. 9600 Baud - Initializes modem to 9600 baud at startup. anon question - will not list the user's name when filling out a questionnaire ansi pause - Places a pause after 23 lines in Ansi menus ansi welcome - allows output of hello.ani, welcome.ani, welcome1.ani instead of hello.bbs, etc. List GRAPHICS and ANSI WELCOME in startup.bbs to output ANSI graphics. Only needed if ASK GRAPH is not active. answer ring - Monitors modem for a ring. When RING is detected, an ATA is sent to the modem to answer the call. arc only - will restrict uploaded files to .ARC's & .ZIP's only ask graph - graphics query immediate on log-in. See ANSI WELCOME above. com2 - run on com2 connect only - Will not check carrier detect for log on only CONNECT message. This is normally on. chirp - outputs a chirping sound at the sysop page check break - Disables interrupt $1b and therefore disables Ctrl-Break checking *check name - will check for the existence of a user before allowing a message directed to him. Works for carbons also. (requires special utility LOOKUP that generates index file! Registered Users Only) check printer - Allows printer error checking. (Paper out etc) debug - debug on dups off - Turns off origin duplication of original messages external default - Turns off internal protocols. Allows use of protocols specified in extdown.bbs and ext- up.bbs *fastnames - Allows indexed quick lookup of log on name (requires special utility LOOKUP that generates index file! Registered Users Only) first menu - will direct all users with security of newuser security level to NEWMENU.BBS instead of FIRST.BBS graph - graphics (ASCII), allows maing.mnu, etc. instant - Instant response to some inputs instant menus - Allows menu commands to be activated by a single keypress provided ALL commands in that menu are one character long. keep upload - will keep upload credit and not clear it each day k ratio - Enforces upload/download ratio based on RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 17 bytes as well as total files log beep - computer will beep when system "logs" user log on, after welcome1.bbs is displayed login email - Upon user login the system searches ALL email sections and if messages are found for the current user the system gives the user the ability to IMMEDIATELY read and reply to those messages! lockout - lockout new users loud - Sysop bell is loud menu off - Disables waiting for call menu/screen message lines=nn - where NN is a number from 1 to 100. Allow a maximum # of lines different from default 40. nonstop - Messages may be displayed non-stop no carbons - Will turn off message carbon ability. network - Tells the RyMULT program that the system is a computer network instead of a single computer. new security - followed by a numeral will start new users at that number instead of the default 5 Example: new security 2 not available - sysop not available nosysop - sysop function key screen no cts - Don't check modem Clear to Send not hayes - Allows modems that don't answer with the CONNECT string to run this bbs. no 300 - locks out 300 baud callers no windows - will disable direct screen write up/download windows and therefore increase multi-task ability. no zmodem - Disables zmodem file transfer. other mail - Upon user login the system searches ALL message sections and if messages are found for the current user the system gives the user the ability to IMMEDIATELY read and answer those messages! pcjr - don't save or restore sysop screen when drop to dos,sysop util. phone - requires new user to enter phone # during initial logon to RyBBS phone pass - requires user to enter phone # as secondary password Port Locking - Locks com port at initialization speed print ff - will output a form feed after each printed message instead of the default 6 lines between messages. print messages - echo all entered (or replied to) messages to printer print on - echo all writes to Callers.log to printer private - query on privacy of message reply profile - system shows user profile upon log-in question - activates the Questionnaire facility RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 18 including Newuser questionnaire ringback - Allows sysop to double phone line use as both a voice line and a bbs line.To access BBS user must call once hang up and then call back in the next 50 seconds (see description below) scan prompt off - turn off `press return' after message check show init - Displays the RUNP or EXEC program files in the old format in 3.0 subscription (xx) - Allows RyBBS to keep track of users based on a subscription date. XX is the security level of subscription cut-off. That is all users whose security greater than XX will be considered subscribers. An expiration date has been placed in the users.bbs file and users record. When a user logs on the system checks to see if the user level is greater than XX and then checks the current system date. If the current date is past the expiration date then the user security level will be reduced to XX. If the current date is 30 days or less the user will be told how many days until their subscription expires otherwise they are informed they are a subscriber in good standing. upload name - Allows users names to be optionally listed after the upload. upload mult - followed by a numeral will set upload credit multiplier to number other than default of 4 Example: upload mult 2 zip default - Allows the default extension of Zip instead of Arc for uploads and downloads. If user specifies no extension Zip will be inserted. 3.4.1 - ANSI COLORS In all of the following commands XX is a number where 0-7 are low intensity colors 8-15 are high intensity colors 16-23 are low intensity flashing colors 24-31 are high intensity flashing colors RESETCOLOR XX default text color HEADERCOLOR XX changes color of message header when user is in ansi graphics MESSAGECOLOR XX changes color of message text when user is in ansi graphics PROMPTCOLOR XX changes color of message prompt when user is in ansi graphics FILESCOLOR XX changes color of files commands (won't work locally yet!) -allow color change of file name,size,date and description RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 19 FILENAMECOLOR XX color of filename SIZECOLOR XX color of file size DATECOLOR XX color of file date DESCOLOR XX color of file description * = Registered Version Only Ringback performs the following: 1) Wait for the phone to ring. Set counter to 0 seconds. If a second ring occurs in the next 8 to 50 seconds an ATA will be sent to the modem (after a pause of 1.5 seconds)allowing the call to be answered.If a ring occurs before 8 seconds and after 50 seconds the modem will not respond. 2) You must make sure that your auto-answer is turned off on both your modem and in the program. Your modeinit.bbs must send an ATS0=0. EXAMPLE: If startup.bbs contains the following lines : nosysop com2 not available question phone resetcolor 15 The sysop screen is turned off initially, the RyBBS system will run from COM 2, the sysop is initially NOT available, newusers will be asked questions from the NEWUSER.QUE file if it exists, and new users will be asked for their phone number as part of the log on procedure. NOTE: The commands in file Startup.bbs will override any commands that were entered on the command line. 3.4.2 - START-UP BATCH FILE ------------------- It is usually a good idea to run the program from a batch file. If the program crashes (heaven forbid!) it can be automatically restarted. You also have the option of setting timed events and checking for the appropriate halt condition (errorlevel). I use a file called r.bat. It contains the following statements: RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 20 RyBBS d if errorlevel 1 goto cont goto quit :cont if errorlevel 50 lookup r :quit Cls Echo Normal System Shutdown This will set up RyBBS on com1 with debug on. If the program halts for some reason, it will re-run the batch file thereby restarting the bbs. The errorlevel 50 command is for a timed event that can run a utility or some other program at a specified time. To run just type: r <return> 3.5 - FILE NAMES ---------------- Except for the files listed above, file names may be any valid IBM DOS file name. Path names are supported and may indeed clean up an otherwise messy directory. You may also specify an alternate drive if you desire. For example, if you have a list of bulletins that you wish to display from a separate menu, the menu may be in one directory and the bulletins may be in another directory. menu,b,5,5,[B]ulletins,\bullet\bullet.mnu When the above command is activated (by pressing the `b' key from the current menu), a new menu by the name of bullet.mnu in the \bullet\ directory (of the current disk) is loaded and displayed. This menu file might look like this: cmnt,x1,5,5,-----------Bulletins----------- text,1,5,5, 1-Local Bulletin Boards,\bullet\locboards.txt text,2,5,5, 2-National Bulletin boards,natboards.txt text,3,5,5, 3-Computer events scheduled,b:comevents.txt menu,q,5,5, Q-Quit to main menu,main.mnu cmnt,x2,5,5,-----------Bulletins----------- 3.6 - MESSAGE BOARDS -------------------- 3.6.1 - Ryboard.bbs ---------- The files Ryboards.bbs defines the board names, files and securities of each of the RyBBS message bases. It must be present on startup of the RyBBS. RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 21 The format of the lines in Ryboards.bbs is as follows: number,security,Message Board name,pathname (without extension) For example: 1,5,General Message Area,\mess\general 2,10,Requests for Public Domain Software,a:\boards\public 3,=11,PC-SIG Messages,c:\message\pcsig 4,12,Atari-SIG Messages,atari 5,5,Email Messages,email1 6,12,Anonymous Messages,&anon This file is created with a standard ASCII text editor (which means that no control characters are allowed). Each line in the file contains a different board's information. As you can see from the example, you can place different message bases in different directories or even on different drives for that matter. 3.6.2 - Exact Security Message Base By placing an Equal Sign (=) in front of the security number, access is restricted to that exact security. Normally, higher security users have access to all lower security areas. In the above example, the user with the "12" security can only access boards 1,2 and 4. The "=" security works with any command in either security to view, security to execute, or both. Flag 'ALL' messages ------------------- If you put a $ as the first letter in the message filename (after the pathname!) the system will automatically flag messages addressed to 'ALL' as marked messages upon login. Example 1,5,General Messages,gener <---- 'ALL' Messages not flagged 2,5,Programming,\prog\$prog <---- 'ALL' Messages FLAGGED 3,5,Discussion,$disc <---- 'ALL' Messages FLAGGED 4,5,Sysops Chat,\bases\sysop <---- 'ALL' Messages not flagged 3.6.3 - Public Message Bases If you put a ! as the first letter in the message filename (after the pathname!) the system will automatically force all messages in that message base to be public messages. No private messages allowed in that base. Example 1,5,General messages,gener <---- Messages can be left private 2,5,User's Area,!users <---- Every message is public RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 22 Flag 'ALL' messages and Forced Public Messages ---------------------------------------------- If you put a % as the first letter in the message filename the system will automatically flag messages addressed to 'ALL' as marked upon login and all messages are forced public. Example 1,5,General messages,gener <---- 'All' messages not flagged and private messages can be left. 2,5,User's Area,%user <---- 'All' messages flagged and all messages are public. 3.6.4 - Private Mail Message Bases If you name the message base's first 5 characters EMAIL this will force all messages in that base to be private. You may have as many EMAIL boards as you like. Example 1,5,Private Mail,\bases\email4 <-- All messages forced private. 2,5,User's Area,email1 <-- All messages forced private. Echo to Printer If you have the first letter in the message base name as the @ then all messages in that base will be echoed to the printer. This gives you the option to print just the message bases you desire. Example: @prog.mes @prog.lin @prog.ptr 3.6.5 - Anonymous Message Bases If you have the first letter in the message base name as the & then all messages will be anonymous. Messages can be left that have no sender. NOTE: Since the fields in this file are separated by commas, the sysop must make sure that no undesired commas are present in each line. For example, the following statement would be ILLEGAL!! : menu,f,5,5, Fun,Games,and Misc Menu,fun.mnu Note that the illegal commas after Fun, and Games. Illegal statements will give undesirable and unknown results! Each of the RyBBS message bases is actually composed of three distinct files: filename.mes, filename.lin, and filename.ptr. RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 23 Remember: If you wish to create a new message board you may do so simply by 1) editing RYBOARDS.BBS to reflect the new message base and 2) starting the program with the /C option on the command line. Example C>RyBBS /c (enter) RYBBS CHAPTER 4 - Menus and Menu Commands ----------------------------------------- 4.1 EXPLANATION and EXAMPLES of RYBBS MENU COMMANDS --------------------------------------------------- All menus are text files and are set up in the following format: command_name,command_entry,view security,execute security,text,Fname (The Fname may or may not be required depending on the command) Here is a typical menu for a message area: cmnt,!,5,5,=========== Message Menu ===========, entr,e,5,5,| [E]nter a message |, mess,r,5,5,| [R]ead a message |, scan,s,5,5,| [S]can messages |, menu,m,5,5,| [M]ain menu |,main.bbs xprt,x,5,5,| [X]pert toggle |, chgm,c,5,5,| [C]hange boards |, quit,g,5,5,| [G]oodbye |, cmnt,#,5,5,=========== Message Menu ===========, At no time should a blank line appear at the beginning, end, or anywhere in between! Let us examine the second line in this menu which reads as follows: entr,e,5,5,| [E]nter a message |, 1) The command_name is always a four letter word. This is the element that the program recognizes as a command. Here the command_name is "entr". A list of commands will follow. 2) The Command_entry is a 1 to 3 character string that will execute the command_name command when it is entered by the user or from within a MULT command. This will appear in the short menu. In other words, these are the actual characters that the user will type to activate the command. In the example the Command_entry is the letter "e". NOTE: THIS IS THE ITEM THAT WILL RESTRICT THE USE OF INSTANT MENUS! THIS COMMAND_ENTRY MUST BE 1 CHARACTER LONG FOR EACH LINE FOR THE MENU IN QUESTION. IF IT'S GREATER THEN 1 CHARACTER INSTANT MENUS WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY FOR THAT MENU! RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 24 3) The security to view is the security to allow a person to actually view the command text. It is an integer value. The example shows the view security to be 5. Placing an = sign in front of the number will restrict this command's visibility to exactly that security level. 4) The security to execute is the security needed to allow a person to execute the command. This is also an integer value. The execute security in the example is also listed as 5. Placing an = sign in front of the number will restrict usage to exactly that security level. As you can see the person can execute an invisible command if that is what the sysop wishes. Alternately, the person may not be able to execute a VISIBLE command if the sysop so desires. 5) The text part of the menu command is the text that the user will see when the `long' menu is displayed. Normally this text will be a description of the operation of the command, however any text may be here as long as it does not exceed the 50 character limit. In the example the text is | [E]nter a message | Any text is valid (including IBM graphics characters) except for commas as they are the command delimiter. Don't use ANSI commands in this area. See the area on menu graphics for more detail. 6) This is a parameter that is necessary only with certain commands and will usually define a filename or path. This filename/path can be up to 50 characters in length. Make sure no invisible characters are entered into the command lines. Failure to do so may make the command invalid. The example shows no final parameter as is the case with many RyBBS menu commands. Another example: Menu menu,b,5,5,(B)ulletins,bulletin.mnu The command is "menu", which, when chosen, will load and display a new menu. The long menu will have the string `(B)ulletins' (without the quotes). The person will have to type in b (upper or lower) and then return. If the user's security is 5 or higher, the program will load in a menu file with the name of bulletin.mnu (in the current directory). Pathnames are allowed, so the filename could have been \newdir\bullet\bulletin.mnu. Note: Make sure that all commas are placed correctly in each command line. If the command parameter is blank you may place two commas next to each other or often some dummy text for identification. RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 25 Another example: mult,a,105,5, Invisible mult command ,x;g;y Still Another example: term,q,5,5,, You may now have two security levels access the same execute command for different commands. Example: menu,m,=7,=7, Menu for security level 7,menu7.mnu menu,m,=5,=5, Menu for security level 5,menu5.mnu You should use the = here so that security of 7 won't have access to the other menu. In this area you should make sure that the HIGHER security command comes before the lower. In this case 7 is higher then 5 and therefore would come first. 4.2 - MENUS.BBS FILE -------------------- Frequently called menus may be entered into the menus.bbs file in the format of 1 menu name per line. These will be loaded into memory upon program startup. Thereafter, if one of the designated menus is called, a disk access is not performed. Full path names are supported. You may NOT put ANSI menus or text files in this file. The number of menus listed in menus.bbs is limited to 10 or when you run out of memory; whichever comes first. Example of menus.bbs: First.bbs main.bbs maing.bbs a:\bullet\bulletin.mnu b:\files\files.mnu b:\files\filesg.mnu MENUS.BBS MUST ONLY CONTAIN FILES THAT ARE MENUS!! TEXT FILES THAT YOU WISH TO LOAD INTO MEMORY ARE TO BE CONTAINED IN THE FILE RAMFILES.BBS. You can use a RAMDISK in lieu of menus.bbs and ramfiles.bbs with the following restrictions: 1) first.bbs ,firstg.bbs and first.ani MUST be on disk in the system directory 2) all menus must be modified to have full path names for the ram disk. The usage of a RAMDISK here is a good way to use extended or expanded memory with RyBBS (assuming that memory has been configured) RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 26 4.3 - MENU RESTRICTIONS ----------------------- Menus can have up to 40 command lines. String lengths as listed in above menu parameter descriptions. Number of menu files is limited only to disk space available. 4.4 - MENU COMMANDS ------------------- ALL COMMANDS may be activated from ANY menu that you (the sysop) desire. A MAXIMUM of 40 commands may be contained in any menu. 4.4.1 - Message Area Commands Mess - Read messages from the message areas. If the user is currently located in a specific message base the system will take him through only that base. If `ALL Boards' are selected the system will step through each board that is accessible by this user. After selection of this option, the user will be asked for the type of file reading desired (reverse, forward, marked, etc) and the user will begin the read at the requested starting point. example: mess,r,5,5, [R]ead Messages, Entr - Enter a message into the message file. The currently selected board is used as the area if one is selected. If 'All Boards' are selected then the bbs will query the user as to the desired board of the message. Example: Entr,l,5,5, [L]eave a message, Scan - Scan the message file for message headers. Similar to MESS (above) except that this command will summarize messages by showing name from, name to, board, and subject. Example: Scan,s,5,5, [S]can messages, Scam - First prompt the user for type of scan desired ( I.E. To name, From name, Message subject, or Text Body). Then request a comparison string. The entire message file will be scanned and matching messages will be marked for later reading. Example: Scam,f,5,5, [F]ind a particular message, RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 27 Chek - Check message file for messages that the current user has waiting. When the bbs session logs in the message files are checked starting at the last message read. When this command is activated from a menu file, the entire message file is checked and all applicable message numbers are shown and marked for later reading. Example: chek,c,5,5,[C]heck for personal messages, Actb - Changes the viewing status of a particular board when the user is VIEWING ALL BOARDS. Putting this into a mult command will allow boards to be enabled or disabled automatically. To turn the board on, enter the positive board number, to turn the same board off enter the board number with a negative sign in front. The * key will turn all boards off. The # key will turn all boards on. This number is reset to ALL boards activated when the user logs in. EXAMPLE: actb,a,105,5,[A]ctivate boards,{here, invisible command} mult,m,5,5,[M]essage #2 area,a;-1;2;3;4;-5;-6;-7;8;9;-10;q;m2 mult,m2,100,5,extended mult command,a;11;12;13;-14;-15...etc;m3 menu,m3,100,5,Message #2 area menu file,Menu2.bbs Chgm - Change the message area. The file Ryboards.bbs contains all of the allowable board names along with their id, security, description and file name. Example: 2,5,Fun and Games,games | | | | id number---- | Description Filename security ----- Example: Chgm,c,5,5,[C]hange message areas, Impo - Import a message. This command allows a user to easily upload a message instead of entering it line by line. In the normal message ENTR a blank line tells the system the end of message has been reached. The IMPO command has no such limitation and scans for the line /S for the command to save the message. If this command is executed locally, presumably by the sysop, the user is queried for the name of a file name and the file will be 'uploaded' to the message text. This makes for easy sending of prewritten messages. Newm - Shows new messages in all bases. Example: Newm,n,5,5, New Messages since last on, RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 28 Mark - Show currently marked messages in all message areas. This command does a sequential search and display of all marked messages (marked through the login procedure or the scam command). If 'All Boards' is currently selected it will display all boards, one after an other. If a single board is selected, only the marked messages in that board will be displayed. It will start at the first message area and allow all available message areas to be checked. Push - Updates the current users message pointer to high message in each message area (base). Example: Push,p,5,5,Reset message pointer to highest number, 4.4.2 - FILE COMMANDS --------------------- Down - Download a file from the bbs. First the desired transmission protocol is requested from the user. Then the filename is requested. If the download filename is not found in the current directory it will search the other accessible RyBBS directories. If the file exists, and the user has security access to it then the program is sent to the requesting user by the protocol desired. Example: Down,d,6,6, [D]ownload a file, Actf - Turns on or off the active status of a particular download area. * turns off all areas and # turns on all areas. Q quits. When a user logs the default is all areas on. See the ACTB command (above) for a complete description of the format of this command. Upld - Upload a file to the bbs. Asks for the desire transmission protocol (I.E. ASCII, Xmodem, etc) and then the Filename to send. If the name is unique the file is then transferred from the user and stored on the disk. The user is prompted for a description of the file. The file's name, size, date, and description are stored in the files.bbs file in the currently selected upload directory. It is the sysop's responsibility to ensure that the user is uploading to the correct file area. You may do this by setting up a separate menu just for upload area selection. (see the UPLOAD.MNU file for an example) Example: Upld,u,5,5, [U]pload a file,files.bbs Lifi - List the files in the current directory. Displays the FILES.BBS file. May be broken out of by a control K (^K). Example: Lifi,l,5,5, [L]ist files in this directory,files.bbs Rlst - List the files in the current directory but in reverse. Example: Rlst,r,5,5, [R]everse listing of files, RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 29 Chgu - Change the upload file area. The file area names are contained in the file upload.bbs. The filename in the command can contain the name of a text file that will be output in lieu of the normal list of file areas, thereby making graphics and formatted area lists possible. Example: Chgu,c,5,5, [C]hange upload file area,upload.dir Chgd - Change the download file area. The file area names are contained in the file download.bbs. The filename in the command can contain the name of a text file that will be output in lieu of the normal list of file areas, thereby making graphics and formatted area lists possible. Example: Chgd,c,5,5, [C]hange download file area,download.dir Newf - Check for new files in the current file directory. This will query the user for a date (ENTER if Last Date On) and then will list out the files that meet that criteria. This is usually superseded by the ANEW command below. Example: Newf,n,5,5,[N]ew files,files.bbs Anew - Checks for files in all directories to which the current user has access. Will query the user for a date or "Return for last on." Example: Anew,n,5,5,[N]ew files in all directories,files.bbs Seaf - Check the current file directory for files that match an inputted string. Version 6.5 adds a second search string whose results are now OR'ed with the first. That is to say, if two unique search strings are entered if EITHER matches the file being search it will be displayed. Example: Seaf,s,5,5,[S]earch files for a string,files.bbs Sall - Check all FILES.BBS files for an desired string. The user is asked for a search string and then each FILES.BBS is searched on a line by line basis for any occurrence of that string. If the string is found that line is displayed to the user. Useful when displaying lists of ordered information that may have some known strings in them. Example : You might like to scan for paint programs by asking to scan for the word PAINT. The search is case insensitive; that is upper or lower case is ok. Example: Sall,s,5,5,[S]earch Files Areas for a string,files.bbs RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 30 4.4.3 - MISC COMMANDS --------------------- Fadd - Outputs the first two lines of a file specified in the command area and then requests the user for a line of information. The line is then appended to that file. Example: Fadd,a,5,5,[A]dd your favorite BBS to our list,bbs.lst Example: Let's assume the file BBS.LST contains a list of BBS systems and that the first two lines are as follows: Please enter your bbs information in the format: BBS Name | Days/Hours of Operation | Bauds | Theme | Free/$$ When the user executes the FADD command those two lines are displayed to him and then he is prompted for a string. The string that he enters will be appended onto the file BBS.LST. Ques - Allows a questionnaire to be asked and answered. The questionnaire is a standard text file with several lines of questions. Each line is read and displayed to the user. The user is then prompted for an answer to the question. Form of the command is : Ques,q,5,5, [Q]uestionaire ,ques(no extension) In this example the file Ques.que will contain the list of questions. The file Ques.ans will be created (when the first user activates the ques command) and the replies to the questions will be appended to that file. See Questionnaire hints chapter later on in this document. Autp - Auto-post a text file. This will allow the user to upload a file that will overwrite an existing file. Its' main use is for remote sysops to update frequently changing bulletins. Note: Full path names are OK. Example: Autp,a,50,50, [A]uto-Post Bulletin #1,\bullet\bull1.txt Text - Prints out a text file of name filename (appearing after the command text). The file will be printed to the bbs's screen as well as the modem. After 22 lines have been printed the user will be asked to [C]ontinue, (N)on-stop, or (S)top. He also has the ability to abort the printout via a ^K (control K) or a S keypress during text output. If the first line of the text file is the string FORCE READ the user may not abort the text by press ^K or S. This will force the user to read this file. See other text file options previously described in this document. Example: Text,b,5,5, [B]ulletins of the day,bull.txt RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 31 Ansi graphics files may be output via this command. Ansi files MUST have the .ANI extension and may not include the FORCE READ or any of the other text file option statements. Example: Text,b,5,5, Ansi [B]ulletins of the day,bull.ani View - Asks the user for a name of a text file, then displays it. All text files using this command must have an extension of .VEW for security reasons. You may also declare a pathname (default is RyBBS system directory). Example: View,v,5,5, What text file would you like to see? ,[path] Menu - Load and execute a new menu file. If the menu filename was contained in the Menus.bbs file, the complete menu was already loaded into memory and will be displayed immediately. If not contained in the Menus.bbs file, the program will search the disk for the menu filename and load and display it if found. If not found it will issue a message to that effect. Example: Menu,f,5,5, [F]iles Section,files.mnu Xprt - Toggle the expert mode. Turns the expert mode on if off or off if currently on. The user file will be updated with the latest status of this flag when the user logs off. In the expert menu, only the short menus are shown. Example: Xprt,x,5,5, [X]pert user toggle, List - List the users. Output all users names starting at the beginning of the users files. Example: List,s,5,5, [S]how bbs's users, Mult - Execute multiple commands immediately. This is one of the most important and powerful RyBBS commands but probably THE most misunderstood command. What it actually does is allow multiple commands (of just about any type) to be executed as if they were a single command activated by a single user entry. The filename parameter in the command line contains a string which the bbs will handle as if the user entered it. Example: chgd,C,5,5, [C]hange Files Directory, Lifi,l,5,5, [L]ist files, Mult,a,5,5, List [A]ll files,C;1;l;C;2;l RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 32 In this example, the mult command is activated by the letter `a'. The user presses the letter `a'. The commands executed are, as shown, C;1;l;C;2;l. The system would first change to the first file area by executing C;1 and then list the files in that area by executing the l command or list. Similarly the next thing to happen is to C;2 (change to 2nd area) and then list. Another example: menu,m,5,5,[M]essage area,mess.mnu mult,l,5,5,[L]eave a comment,m;c;1;e;sysop;comment;y As shown the mult command is m;c;1;e;sysop;comment;y. Operation is as follows: M-go to mess.mnu; C;1 - change to 1st message area; E-enter a message; recipient is sysop; subject is comment; Y-yes it's private The message is now entered. Getp - Get a parameter for later use. The parameter may be used in a mult command later on in the form of PARX where x is a number from 0 to 9. The form of the Getp command is: getp,access,exec_sec,view_sec,Parameter request text,Parm num When activated the Parameter request text is displayed to the user and information is requested and stored in variable par0, par1, or par2. You may then put the par0,par1 or par2 text into your mult command as in the following example: getp,$,5,5,Enter upload area-',1 upld,p,5,105, invisible upload, chgu,c,5,105, invisible change upload area, mult,u,5,5,[U]pload a file,$;c;Par1;p Chan - Request a chain of commands from the current user. Each command should be separated from the next by a semi-colon. This command will be used when the INSTANT MENUS option is activated and chaining is impossible in an instant menu. Example: chan,.,105,5, invisible chain command, In this example, the period will activate the instant command. The user will be prompted for the chain of commands and those commands will be executed immediately, one after the other. RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 33 Revf - Output a text file in reverse. This can be quite useful for displaying the callers log but any text file may be shown this way. This command may be interrupted by typing ^K (control K). Remember that the FILES.BBS files may be displayed using the Rlst command. Example: Revf,r,100,100,Show [C]allers log,callers.log Seat - Check a text file for an inputted string. The user is asked for a search string and the requested text file is searched on a line by line basis for any occurrence of that string. If the string is found that line is displayed to the user. Useful when displaying lists of ordered information that may have some known strings in them. Example : BBS listings which you could search for all the occurrences of the (414) area code. Example: Seat,s,5,5,[S]earch file for a string,bullet12 Quit - Leave the program after confirm. After activation, the program asks the person "Do you really wish to log off (y/n)?-". If the answer is y the person is given the goodbye.bbs message and the modem hangs up. Example: Quit,g,5,5, [G]oodbye and Logoff (after verify), Term - Log Off immediately. Display the goodbye.bbs file and drop carrier. Example: Term,c,5,5,[T]erminate Connection, Chat - Checks for presence of sysop (by beeping speaker a few times) and if sysop desires conversation with user, an interactive conference mode is begun. Example: chat,y,5,5,[Y]ell for the sysop, Quer - Allows menu query line to be customized as the sysop desires. Usually the menu query line displays all the available entries of the current menu and then prompts for an entry. The quer command allows ANYTHING to be show at the menu prompt line. Example: quer,xxx,5,5,Enter A Command You Silly Goose!-, will appear as: Enter A Command You Silly Goose!- RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 34 Show - Will list the long form of the menu. This is useful when the user has expert status but can't remember a particular command and needs a fast look-see at the allowable commands (without switching off his expert status). Example: show,?,5,5,[?]-Help for this menu, Stat - Shows the users statistics (password, graphics, default protocol, uploads, downloads and time on today) and allows change thereof. Example: stat,s,5,5, [S]tatisics for this user, Defm - Define a macro key. Allows a series of characters to be assigned to a single entry (1-3 keystrokes). Every time the entry is entered into the system, if it is unique in the current menu, the series of characters is applied to the command buffer and executed one after another. Example: Defm,d,5,5, [D]efine macro key, When D is entered the user is prompted for the key access and then the characters to be executed from that key access. Each user may have up to 10 macros assigned. Remember that if your bbs runs in instant menu mode these macros must also be single letter activated. The user will also be given the option to clear previously defined macros. See the explanation of macros elsewhere in this document. Syst - Show the system statistics. Display Rybbs version #, Number of callers since last re-boot and current time and date. Example: Syst,Y,15,5, S[Y]stem Stats, Outn - Shows names of previous callers. This command may be located anywhere in the menu that's desired. The view and access security can be set as desired, although it is recommended that it be higher than a New User security of 5. Example: Outn,p,10,10, [P]revious Users On, RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 35 Door - The door command drops the user out of the system but does not drop carrier. It will create a file called door.tmp in the single user or doorX.tmp in the multi-user. At this time the file contains the following information: com port, baud, parity, stop bits,data bits and the menu from which it was invoked. The command format is the following: door,d,5,5, [D]oor Program ,80 When this command is activated the system drops with the errorlevel 80 + the node number (or 0 if single user). (I.E. Single user will be 80...node 1 will be 81....node 2 will be 82 etc.) You must check the r.bat file for the correct errorlevel to activate the door. Example of an R.Bat: rymult d /l %1 if errorlevel 1 goto cont goto quit :cont if errorlevel 82 xfer2 if errorlevel 81 xfer if errorlevel 50 GOlookup r : quit Example of xfer2.bat: mark cd\rybbs\ryxfer ryxfer rycfg.2 cd\rybbs release r /door2 The /Door2 parameter is necessary to bring the system back up but skipping most of all the login stuff like message check, bulletins, etc... The 2 indicates the suffix for the door file name. Single user is /door. Another login is required at this time until I can be sure of the security of this function. 4.4.4 - SYSOP COMMANDS ---------------------- Dbuf - Prompts for a string and then sends the string to the other side of DoubleDos for execution. This allows concurrent processing of commands while the sysop is on-line. RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 36 Dsho - Displays the DoubleDos alternate screen. This will read the alternate screen in a DoubleDos system and then send that screen to the remote terminal. Very handy for Multi-User RyMult...let's you sneak a peak at the other side while on the system remotely. Boot - This command will exit the program immediately and re-start the program if it was started from within a batch file. Only works remotely not locally. Example: Boot,b,100,100, [B]oot the system, Edit - Edit users file. Allows the users.bbs file to be displayed and altered. You may search for different users and change many user parameters. You may 'delete' users from the users file but you need one of the registered utilities to remove them permanently from the file. Example: Edit,u,100,100,Edit [U]sers file, Exec - Execute an external command. The file `online.bbs' contains a list of dos commands (entered exactly as if from a keyboard) which are displayed and given a selection number. If one of the numbers is chosen, that command will be executed (if possible). If 0 is entered a dos command is requested. If insufficient memory exists, the command will be ignored. An optional name at the end of the command line will execute only that program. You must have a security level of 100 or better to use this command. If you preface the command with an *, COMMAND.COM is invoked first so you can run batch files and perform dos functions (like i/o redirection!). If the optional filename is included at the end of the line ONLY that command will be executed and the Online.bbs file WILL NOT be displayed. Example: Allowable commands: *DIR>COM1 *REN file1.ext file2.ext *COPY \dir1\file1.exe \dir2 usort.exe \dir1\filename \dir2 etc. Example: exec,x,100,100,e[X]ecute a dos command, Shows the online.bbs file and then requests a selection therefrom. exec,1,100,100,1 - Do a directory,*DIR>COM1 Executes the directory command redirecting to the COM1 port. NOTE: SEE THE APPENDIX ON RUNP/EXEC COMMANDS RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 37 Runn, Runp - Run a program. The Runn command is EXACTLY the same as the Runp except: at the end of the Runp command it says Press Enter to Continue; at the end of the Runn it doesn't! The file `programs.bbs' contains a list of dos commands (entered exactly as from a keyboard) which are displayed and given an option number. If one of their numbers is chosen that file will be executed (if possible). If insufficient memory exists, the command will be ignored. An optional filename at the end of the command line will execute only that program. If you preface the command with an * COMMAND.COM is invoked first so you can run batch files and dos commands. If the optional filename is included at the end of the line ONLY that command will be executed and the Programs.bbs file WILL NOT be displayed. Allowable commands: *DIR>COM1 *REN file1.ext file2.ext *COPY \dir1\file1.exe \dir2 Example: runp,x,10,10,[R]un an external program, or runn,1,10,10,[1] - Run Star Trek,*StarTrek (where startrek.bat is a batch file) NOTE: SEE THE APPENDIX ON RUNP/EXEC COMMANDS Make - Create a text file. Filename is contained in command line. If the file exists, it will be truncated to zero. It will contain a single line showing the date and time of creation or truncation. Example: Make,c,100,100,[C]lear the Callers Log,callers.log Lcom - Outputs a remark to a text file. Will normally be used within a MULT command but could be used anytime. Normal use (as I see it) would be to flag a certain user activity. Example: lcom,t,100,5,This user read bulletin #15,callers.log text,$,100,5,bulletin 15,bullet15. mult,5,5,5, [5]-Read bulletin 5,t;$ When the number 5 is entered at the menu (by the user) the effect will be to write the string `This user read bulletin #5' to the callers.log and then to actually output the text file bullet5. Noop - No Operation 4.4.5 - SYSTEM COMMANDS ----------------------- RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 38 The following commands are actually flags to the RYBBS program that will tell it to perform a certain activity. Ment - Displays a file instead of the current menu. Allows longer and more detailed menus. Example: ment,!,100,5,dummy,main.txt Will output text file main.txt instead of the menu. The short options (I.E. Enter option [x1 x2 x3...xn]- ) or the QUER statement will still be in effect. To output an ANSI menu use the extension of .ANI in the filename. Example: ment,!,100,5,dummy,main.ani Form - Outputs a form feed (clears the screen both locally and remotely) before a menu is displayed. Example: form,!,105,105,invisible clear screen, This should be the first line of the menu. If used with the MENT command, the MENT command should follow this command. Note that comm programs with strict ANSI or VT100 may ignore this! Shot - Displays the elapsed time the user has on the system along with the current time before displaying the short menu. Example: Shot,$,105,105, Display Time, Cmnt - Comment. Can display info on the menu but will have no effect if the command is activated. Also the command letter will not be displayed in the short menu. Usage of the same access letter for multiple comment lines is allowed. Example: Cmnt,$,5,5,-------------Bulletins of the Day-----------, Shof - Shows the current download file area. This command may be located anywhere in the menu that's desired. The access and view security should be set higher then 100 (because they have no effect and should not be viewed or executed). Example: Shof,#,105,105, Invisible Show File command, Shou - Shows the current upload file area. This command may be located anywhere in the menu that's desired. The access and view security should be set higher then 100 (because they have no effect and should not be viewed or executed). RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 39 Example: Shof,#,105,105, Invisible Show File command, Shob - Shows the current message board enabled (or all) after the long menu has been shown. This command may be located anywhere in the menu that's desired. The access and view security should be set higher then 100 (because they have no effect and should not be viewed or executed). Example: Shob,$,105,105, Invisible Show Board command, 4.4.6 - MULTI-USER COMMANDS (available only in multi-user version) --------------------------- Talk - Allows two remote callers to chat to each other. When one user enters `chat' mode the other user will get a signal indicating the chat request. Name - Show the present users on the system and tell what each of them is doing. QUICK REFERENCE MESSAGE COMMANDS ------------- Mess - Read a message from the message file. Entr - Enter a message into the message file. Scan - Scan the message file for message headers. Scam - Scan for message topic or name. Chek - Check message file for users messages. Actb - Changes the viewing status of a particular board. Chgm - Change the message area. Impo - Import a message (allow message upload instead of entry) Newm - Show new messages Mark - Show currently marked messages. Push - Set all current user pointers to high message in all areas. FILE COMMANDS ------------- Down - Download a file from the current file directory. Upld - Upload a file to the bbs to the current upload directory. Lifi - List the files in the current directory. Rlst - List the files in the current directory but in reverse. Chgu - Change the upload file area. Chgd - Change the download file area. Newf - Check for new files in the current file directory. Anew - Checks for files in all directories. Seaf - Check the file directory for a string. Sall - Checks all file area lists (FILES.BBS) for a string that is requested from the user. Actf - Turns on/off download areas listed in Download.bbs RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 40 Door - Allows use of available "Door" programs RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 41 MISC COMMANDS ------------- Fadd - Lists first two lines of a selected text file then allows the user to add a line to that file. Ques - Allows a questionnaire to be asked and answered. Autp - Auto-post a text file. Text - Prints out a text file. View - Allows user to select a text to view Xprt - Toggle the expert mode. List - List the users. Menu - Load and execute a new menu file. Getp - Get a parameter for later use. Mult - Execute multiple commands immediately. Chan - Request a chain of several commands. Revf - Output a text file in reverse order. Seat - Check a text file for an input string. Quit - Leave the program after confirm. Term - Display the goodbye.bbs file and drop carrier. Chat - Checks for presence of sysop. Quer - Allows menu query line to be customized. Show - Will list the long form of the menu. Stat - Shows the users statistics (password, graphics, scroll,etc) Defm - Define a macro key. Syst - Show the system statistics. Outn - Shows names of last callers on. SYSOP COMMANDS -------------- Dbuf - Sends a string to the other side of DoubleDos for execution. Dsho - Displays the DoubleDos alternate screen. Boot - After current user logs off, this will exit the program. Edit - Edit users file. Exec - Execute a program or DOS command. Runp - Run a program. Make - Create a text file. Lcom - Outputs a remark to a text file. Noop - No Operation SYSTEM COMMANDS --------------- Ment - Displays a file instead of the menu option list. Form - Clear the remote screen before showing current menu. Cmnt - Comment. Shot - Display elapsed time and current time before the short menu. Shof - Shows the current download file area. Shou - Shows the current upload file area. Shob - Shows the current message board enabled (or all). MULTI-USER COMMANDS ------------------- Talk - Allows two remote callers to chat to each other. Name - Shows other users on system RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 42 RyBBS CHAPTER 5 - Additional Information A WORD OF WARNING ----------------- Make sure that the up and download directories ARE NOT THE MAIN RyBBS SYSTEM DIRECTORY!!!!!! If the system directory is the same as the download directory, your users will have access to your system files and your users.bbs file. This could have disastrous results! Menus could be altered and data could be intentionally destroyed! 5.1 - SETTING UP FILE AREAS --------------------------- The files DOWNLOAD.BBS and UPLOAD.BBS must be present on startup of the RyBBS. You may have as few as 1 upload and 1 download area or as many as 40 upload and 40 download areas. The format of the files is as follows: number,security,descriptive text,path For example: 1,5,fun and games,\files\fun 2,=8,private,\files\RyBBS By placing an Equal Sign (=) in front of the security designation user's must have the exact security to view those files. Normally users that have a higher security can access files that have a lower security. This allows you to set aside a certain file area for certain users. If the user has ANSI graphics activated the FILES.BBS file containing the listing of available downloads will be 'colorized' according to the colors defined in STARTUP.BBS (described in part 1 of these docs). The header of the files.bbs file should be non-alpha characters so that the RyBBS system does not confuse the header with a filename and accidentally colorize it. Each file area should be in a separate DOS directory. Each directory MUST have a copy of FILES.BBS in it to list the names of available files and to receive the text for uploaded files. 5.2 - Other File Descriptions ----------------------------- Menus.bbs - Contains the names of the menu filenames. These menus will be loaded into memory when the program is started. It is not necessary to load the menus from the disk although it is possible. When the MENU command is issued the program checks to see if the called menu is available in memory. If it is, it's loaded immediately from memory. If not, the current directory is searched for the filename and loads the menu in from disk. ANSI graphics menus CANNOT be loaded into MENUS.BBS! RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 43 Goodbye.bbs - Standard text file giving users signoff information. Goodbye.ani - ANSI graphics version of Goodbye.bbs Newuser.bbs - Standard text file that is displayed to new users. Hello.bbs - Standard text file that will be displayed before logon. Normally would contain system identification and not be changed. Hello.ani - ANSI graphics version of Hello.bbs Welcome.bbs - Standard text file giving users signon information before they actually log-in. Welcome.ani - ANSI graphics version of Welcome.bbs Welcome1.bbs- Standard text file giving users information immediately after they log-in. Welcome1.ani- ANSI graphics version of Welcome1.bbs Callers.log - Standard text file that keeps track of the activities that happen in the bbs. Downloads, uploads, logon, logoff and several other items of interest are logged in this file. Modeinit.bbs- Standard text file that contains modem commands that would be sent to modem upon start of program and after each user logs off (or disconnects). Each line will be sent to modem followed by a return character (0D hex). Offhook.bbs - Standard text file with modem commands to take phone 'off-hook'. Onhook.bbs - Standard text file with modem commands to put phone 'on-hook'. System.bbs - Standard text file containing total number of callers. Ramfiles.bbs- Standard text file that contains the names of other text files that can be loaded into memory and displayed. These would normally be files that are displayed often like hello.bbs, welcome.bbs, welcome1.bbs and goodbye. bbs. ANSI Graphic files CANNOT be loaded into RAMFILES.BBS!! There is a limitation of 10 ramfiles and a total limitation of 500 lines of text. RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 44 5.3 - Graphics -------------- There are 3 types of RyBBS system output: 1 - No graphics 2 - ASCII Graphics (or IBM block graphics) 3 - ANSI Graphics (or Color graphics). If the ASK GRAPH switch is set in the startup.bbs file the user automatically has their graphics status set to their answer at the login prompt. (E.G. Graphics type? [N]one [I]bm [C]olor- ) Thereafter the graphics system works as follows: No Graphics For a user who has No Graphics (I.E. None) all regular menus and normal text files are output to him. Example: menu,m,5,5, [M]ain Menu,main.mnu text,t,5,5, [T]extfile output,tfile.doc The menu MAIN.MNU would be read and output as a normal menu. The text file TFILE.DOC would be output just as-is in normal text file output procedure (see the text command for more detail) ASCII Graphics (IBM Graphics) For a user who has ASCII Graphics (I.E. IBM) all ASCII graphics menus and graphics text files are output to him IF THEY EXIST. The files will have the last letter before the extension listed as a 'G'. Example main.mnu --> maing.mnu tfile.doc --> tfileg.doc Example: menu,m,5,5, [M]ain Menu,main.mnu text,t,5,5, [T]extfile output,tfile.doc If menu MAING.MNU (NOT MAIN.MNU) exists it would be read and output as a normal menu. If it doesn't exist MAIN.MNU would be output instead of MAING.MNU. If graphics text file TFILEG.DOC (NOT TFILE.DOC) would be output just as-is in normal text file output procedure (see the text command for more detail). If TFILEG.DOC doesn't exist then TFILE.DOC would be output in lieu thereof. RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 45 ANSI Graphics (Color Graphics) For a user who has ANSI Graphics (I.E. Color) all ANSI graphics menus and graphics text files are output to him IF THEY EXIST. These files MUST have the extension of .ANI Example main.mnu --> main.ANI tfile.doc --> tfileg.ANI Example: menu,m,5,5, [M]ain Menu,main.mnu text,t,5,5, [T]extfile output,tfile.doc If ANSI graphics file MAIN.ANI exists it would be read and output as an ANSI text file in lieu of the menu file. The MAIN.ANI file will be a ANSI graphics file ONLY. It should have NO RyBBS menu commands inside it as all commands are read from the menu equivalent of the ANSI file. The RyBBS system will still take all of its' menu commands from the MAIN.MNU file (which it will also read!) If MAIN.ANI doesn't exist MAIN.MNU would be output. If ANSI graphics text file TFILE.ANI (NOT TFILE.DOC) exists, it will be output as an ANSI graphics file. If TFILE.ANI doesn't exist then TFILE.DOC would be output in lieu thereof. ANSI graphics file commands. The following characters will produce effects in ANSI files: @ will pause the ANSI graphics file, output the normal pause prompt and wait for the user to press a key. ~ will delay the ANSI graphics file's output for 2 seconds before proceeding to the next character in the file. NOTE: ANSI graphics may or may not appear correctly on the local screen however rest assured that they appear properly on the remote (on-line user's) screen. 5.4 - Macros ------------ RyBBS has the ability to allow each user to define up to 10 macro keys to perform commonly repeated series of keystrokes. Each macro may contain up to 80 keystrokes. The best way to implement the definition of your macros is to monitor the keystrokes you use on a regular basis when you access the bbs. Record each keystroke as you work your way through the system. When you find that you are doing the same keystroke combination on frequent basis, then that series is a good candidate to be defined in a macro. A macro consists of two major parts: RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 46 1. The invocation key(s) - This can be 1 - 3 characters in length. You should try to use a character which would normally not be used in ANY menu. I often use the / key to do a quit log off and the ' key to get right to the message base and start reading. 2. The keystroke definition - This consists of the command, followed by the command separator, followed by the next command, followed by the command separator, etc. Macro Syntax: c1;c2;c3;c4;c5;.........cn ^ ^ | | | |______ command separator - ALWAYS a semicolon ";" | command #1 Example - Here is a macro to look for new files since last logon: Invocation keys - lnf Definition -q;f;n;! The "q" will quit to the Main Menu. The "f" will call the Files menu. The "n" will search for all new files. The "!" will indicate files since last time on. 5.5 - Remote Use of RyBBS ------------------------- RyBBS may be used to access your computer remotely and is a function of the RyBBS EXEC command. This capability is reserved for Sysops (the program checks to make sure that the user has a security level of at least 100 before allowing access to this command). Standard shell techniques are employed to gain access to the 'DOS' level of the computer. When you are finished using the system remotely, you must type EXIT at the DOS prompt and you will be placed right back in the RyBBS system. Note: After the shell in invoked, RyBBS no longer has control over the system. If you drop carrier (intentionally or not!) you might find that the system will hang and a power down might be necessary. Use of this function by the novice sysop should be done with great care and I definitely recommend that you utilize the watchdog program or some other carrier detection program if you can. To access the computer remotely set up a batch file as follows: RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 47 mark watchdg1 on ctty com1 command.com ctty con watchdg1 off release Of course, if you are running the RyBBS system on COM2 the ctty commands would have to be changed to ctty com2. Mark and release are public domain memory management programs and are necessary for correct operation. My particular file is named Remote.bat and it is one of the choices in my online.bat file. When I execute the EXEC command (from my sysop menu of course) all I need to type is the number corresponding to the batch file, and I'm dropped to DOS with all the necessary commands activated automatically. WATCHDOG is a public domain program that monitors the status of the carrier detect line. If it doesn't see it, it reboots the entire system. In this manner, even if you are knocked off the modem by some line noise, the system won't freeze on you while you are accessing the it remotely. Note: The Watchdog program utilizes the timer interrupt. This means that it may or may not conflict with a concurrent operating system. Watchdog does not run correctly with the DoubleDos concurrent operating system. Watchdog reroutes the computer's timer interrupt to monitor carrier detect constantly. Many concurrent op. systems do the same and therefore there may be some contention. Another carrier monitoring program is called DOORWAY. This program, written by Marshall Dudley provides a means whereby many programs may be run remotely over the modem. This is shareware and may be found on many bulletin boards as well as HomeBase. 5.6 - Time Activated Events --------------------------- Scheduled events are implemented in RyBBS. The file EVENTS.BBS contains the list of all events, their priorities and text is applicable. At the present there are only four types of events for RyBBS. They are Regular events, DoubleDos events, Resident events and Priority time events. Regular events are activated by having the RyBBS system actually halt operation, and finish with an errorlevel that the batch file can check for via the IF ERRORLEVEL command. Resident events execute without the system shutting down just as if the sysop pressed the Alt-D to drop to dos. DoubleDos events are activated concurrently, and the system does not need to shut down. The event text is sent to the opposite side of DoubleDos and executed there. This can happen while the system is dormant or while a user is actually on-line. RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 48 Priority times are certain times of day that you may set aside for 'priority' users. At these times only users of security 50 and above will be allowed access to the system. All others will be shown the priority.bbs text file and the system will immediately log them off. The events.bbs file is a text file with each event line set up as follows: evnt,e,100,200, Event Text,10:00:00 Events can now happen on a specific day of the week. Example: evnt,e,5,50, Event #1, 02:30:00 Where the 5 is the day, (Sunday=1,Saturday=7) Greater than 7 will execute the event every day. The 50 is the event exec value and has not changed. Each line contains the information for ONE event. When the time located at the end of the line corresponds to the present time, RyBBS takes the appropriate action. Regular Events -------------- If the first number (after the e,) is between 0 and 199, RyBBS performs the regular event. That is, it will drop carrier (if somebody is on, too bad!), it will then drop to dos and if you're operating RyBBS in a batch file you can check for the errorlevel. DoubleDos Events ---------------- If the first number is between 201 and 299, then the event is a DoubleDos event and the text (located after the second number) will be sent to the other partition of DoubleDos followed by a carriage return. If the text is an executable command, it will attempt to execute it. It is up to the sysop to make sure that there is a DOS prompt waiting for a command on the other side. Resident Events --------------- If the first number is between 400 and 499, then the event is a resident RyBBS event. The RyBBS system will use the EXEC command to execute this event and in doing so will remain resident in memory. This limits the event program to a certain size which will depend on the amount of your system memory. This is not recommended in a multi-user system. Priority Time Events -------------------- If the first number is 500 then this is a priority time. The second number indicates the number of minutes and the starting time is at the end of the line. Example: evnt,e,500,60, Priority Time,14:30:00 In this case the priority time begins at 2:30 pm and lasts for 60 minutes. During this time only users of security 50 and above may access the system. RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 49 For the other event types the event formula is as follows: If event time - present time=0 then begin if execute_security>200 and execute_security<300 then Perform DoubleDos Event else if execute_security>400 and execute_security<500 then Perform Resident Event else If execute_security<200 and execute_security>10 then begin Drop DTR Halt with errorlevel set at Execute_security end; end; 5.7 - Hints With The Questionnaire --------------------------------- Use a separate line for each question. Answers will have a line number corresponding to the question line. For example: A questionnaire about VCRs. (VCR.Que) +Do you own a VCR? +Do you subscribe to a Cable TV service? How many tapes do you rent per month? ......etc. The answer file (VCR.Ans) will look like this: Do you own a VCR? 1 Yes Do you subscribe to a Cable TV service? 2 No How many tapes do you rent per month? 3 12 tapes Do you own a VCR? 1 No Do you subscribe to a Cable TV service? 2 ......... etc. The filename can be any string 1 to 8 character in length. The .QUE extension is mandatory. The .ANS extension file will be created automatically, when the first caller responds. YES/NO Question -------------- - Question in .que file must have + sign in FIRST space. Example: +Do you have a VCR? (Y/N)- RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 50 Freeform Text Question ---------------------- -Question will have no special character before the ques. Example: Enter name- Address- Picture Question ---------------- -Question must have a ? in the first space. This type of question will allow delimiters and punctuation to be automatically mixed with answers to questions. The format of the answer can be structured exactly as the sysop desires. The format of the picture question is the question to the user followed by a picture formatted line. In this line the exact answer form is drawn where # equals numbers only, A equals letters a through z (upper or lower) only and x equals both letters and numbers as well as punctuation. Example 1: ?Please enter phone number (###)-###-#### In the above example the answer will appear as (414)-962-1097 Example 2: ?Please enter zip code #####-#### Questionnaire Comments --------------------- Comment line in .QUE file must have * sign in first space. Example: *This is a questionnaire for dentists *Please answer all questions truthfully. RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 51 RyBBS CHAPTER 6 - Sysop Keys ---------------------------- Commands that the system operator will find valuable are shown below next to their associated keypresses. Key Command --- ------- F1 Sysop Available Toggle F2 Sysop Bell Toggle F3 Screen Echo F4 Local login F5 Sysop utilities (New program Sysutil.exe) F7 Force Chat with present user F8 Log user off (after verify) F9 Change users security (while he's online) F10 Erases bottom three lines of Sysop screen Alt-A Kill user immediately Alt-C Enter RyComm communication Sub-Program Alt-D Sysop Drop to DOS (RyBBS remains resident!) Alt-P Turns printer on/off Alt-S Erase Sysop Menu Alt-U Display extensive information on current or last user. Alt-F1 Increase current user's upload credit by 10 minutes. Alt-F4 Immediate Sysop Local Log-On Alt-F5 Old Sysop Utilities Alt-F10 Drop out of program to Dos Ctrl-X Quit program Ctrl-Y Exit the program, place phone off-hook F1-Sysop Available Toggle ------------------------- This will allow the sysop to be paged (via a speaker tone). If the sysop wishes to converse with the user, he would normally press the space bar and begin to type. At the end of the chat, the sysop must press the Ctrl-Z key to exit the chat mode and return the user to the bbs. F2-Sysop Bell Toggle -------------------- This will allow the sysop to be paged silently. Perhaps he's working nearby or viewing the screen and doesn't need to hear the chat tone. F3-Screen Echo -------------- Show just about everything the remote user sees to the sysop. Disabling this option should make the user's display run slightly faster since the information being displayed does not have to be repeated on the bbs console. RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 52 Alt-F4-Sysop Log-on ------------------- This will allow the sysop to log onto the system locally. It will load the first record in the USERS.BBS file automatically and skip over the password entry and most of the bulletins. This was designed to allow the sysop to 'jump on' the bbs quickly and effortlessly. The bbs will act nearly identically to the way it acts remotely. The only differences will be that downloads and uploads might be a bit difficult and the boot command (see above) won't work. When the sysop logs on, the modem will normally go "off hook" so that it sounds as if the bbs line is busy. F4-Local Log-on --------------- This will allow the sysop to log onto the system locally. The bbs will act nearly identically to the way it acts remotely. The only differences will be that downloads and uploads might be a bit difficult and the boot command (see above) won't work. When the sysop logs on, the modem will normally go "off hook" so that it sounds as if the bbs line is busy. The advantage to using this instead of the Alt-F4 is that the sysop may log in as another user if he desires. If this key is pressed when a user is on, the user and sysop have equal access to the bbs. This is convenient when the sysop wants to direct the user around the bbs while the user just watches. F5-Sysop Utilities ------------------ This now starts a stand alone program,sysutil.exe. You can now see the last ten users of the system and what they did. Reset selected or all bulletins. Read the callers log in reverse. Initiate the User File Editor or Quit. F7-Force Chat ------------- When the F7 key is pressed, the user online would be immediately interrupted and told that the sysop desires to converse with him. After the chat is complete, the sysop presses the Ctrl-Z key to return the user to the regular operation of the bbs. While in chat mode the sysop may press the Ctrl-R key to disable the echo back to the remote user. That is, when the remote user types a character, normally the RyBBS system will echo back that character so the user may see what he has typed. Disabling this allows easier access to the remote users DOS level via the CTTY command. For example, let's assume that the local sysop wished to help a user via modem. The user is communicating via Qmodem (C). 1) User enters the RyBBS system normally and the sysop invites him to chat. 2) Sysop presses Ctrl-R to disable echo back to user. 3) User does an Alt-R to drop to the DOS level (but keeping Qmodem resident). 4) User types CTTY COM1 (or Com2 depending on com port) 5) The sysop may now take control of the users system remotely. RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 53 F8-Force Log User Off --------------------- This will give the sysop the ability to disconnect the current user. When the F8 key is pressed the sysop is prompted to make sure he really wishes to disconnect this user. If the answer is yes then, it will output the file KILLUSER.BBS (if available) and then disconnects the user. This is normally the 'nice' way to disconnect somebody. The killuser.bbs file often contains a messages indicating that the sysop requires the system and they should call back. F9-Change User Security ----------------------- This will allow the sysop to increase (or decrease) the security level of the presently on-line user. Note: this security level WILL be recorded in the user's file as a permanent (until changed again) item. F10-Clear Bottom Screen --------------- Clears last three lines of the Sysop screen. Is very useful to allow the sysop to view the screen exactly as the user sees it. Alt-A ----- Disconnects the user immediately. Does not give a reason or output any file. Used normally for pest callers. Sets the lock-out flag on the current user. Alt-C ----- Begin RyComm communication program (described below) Alt-D ----- Allows local sysop to drop to DOS without exiting RyBBS. Type "EXIT" at DOS prompt to return to RyBBS. Alt-P ----- Turns your printer on and off. If you set this command 'on' you must have a printer connected. Alt-S ----- Allows the sysop menu to be removed from the screen. Increases the width of the sysops screen to the full 80 columns. Alt-U ----- Displays extensive information about the currently logged-on caller or the most recent caller. RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 54 Alt-F1 ------ Allows the sysop to bump the current user's upload credit time by 10 minutes each time it is pushed. Provides a courteous method to give back time used in the chat mode, or for whatever reason. Alt-F2 ------ Allows the sysop to take away the current user's upload credit time by 10 minutes each time it is pushed. Alt-F5-Sysop utilities ------------------ This will allow the sysop to perform certain functions (similar to the Sysop's Menu) without having to log on to the system locally. The modem will go "off hook", giving a busy signal to any callers. The SYSUTIL.EXE program will then be loaded and the menu similar to the following will appear: Sysop Utilities Reverse Callers Log Show Last Users Activity Bulletin Flags Clear Users File Editor Quit Use the cursor keys to move the highlight to the option desired and press the ENTER key to select. Alt-F10 ------- Drops out of program to Dos. Use of this command will cause an 'error message'. It will not work from the 'Ready for Calls' screen and it is recommended to use Control-X command. This works if a user is On-Line. Control-X --------- The proper way to shut down the RyBBS system. If R.BAT is used, it provides a fast way of re-booting RyBBS and save some typing. Note: if you are running RyBBS Multi-User you should ALWAYS shut down via the control-x key. Besides closing the communications ports as in RyBBS single user, the program also closes the node number on the Rynode.bbs file. Control Y ---------- Exits the program but places the phone off-hook. P in Message Read ------------------ By pressing P while reading a message, will dump the message to the printer. This command is invisible and is active in local login only! RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 55 New in version 6.5 ================== You may change many of the colors of the system console. These colors are now adjusted by a utility called SETCOLOR downloadable from RyBBS HomeBase and all distribution sites. This will be a free utility available to non-registered users. Local Use of IMPO Command ------------------------- Sysop has the ability to upload an ASCII text file into a message. Use the IMPO command as you would normally but if the user is on locally the base will prompt you for a file name and load it automatically. Local Main Menu --------------- The menu has the following options. 1) Log-in locally as Sysop 2) Run RyCOMM 3) Run Sysop Utilities 4) Exit to Dos with phone on or off hook 5) Also drop to dos and execute Filehelp, UED or RyMessed. These latter are via errorlevels located in the RyBBS batch file of the value 5,6,7 respectively. Example: rybbs/l d if errorlevel 1 goto check goto quit :check if errorlevel 7 rymessed if errorlevel 6 filehelp if errorlevel 5 ued r :quit RyBBS CHAPTER 7 - RyComm Communications --------------------------------------- 7.1 - Overview One of the real hassles in a Sysop's life, is having to shut down his board and crank up his favorite communications program anytime that he needs to communicate with another bbs system. RyComm ends those miseries! RyComm provides full featured outward communications with a simple key stroke anytime the system is sitting "idle", waiting for a call. The same powerful features of the system that handle incoming calls, modem control, file transmission protocol are reversed! The Sysop can be on-line dialing another bbs in a matter of seconds! RyComm even frees up the Sysop by taking full advantage of scripts to dial and log on HIS favorite bbs! (Undoubtedly another RyBBS system!) RyComm also supports most of the standard protocols including ASCII, XMODEM, XMODEM CRC, YMODEM & ZMODEM. You may also use some of the advanced protocols with a "Drop to Dos" (PUMA,BiMODEM,etc)! RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 56 When the outward communications are finished, a simple key stroke (alt-X) resets the modem, and once again your RyBBS Bulletin Board is ready for the next call. Again, in a matter of seconds! RyBBS with RyComm is the FIRST bbs system to offer this special feature, and jumps the rest of the bbs community by giving new meaning to the definition of "Full Featured BBS System"! 7.2 - RyComm COMMANDS Alt-C ----- Instantly activates RyComm anytime the system is at "idle" or waiting for a call. Although the familiar Sysop Screen stays on at the bottom of the screen, the following appears at the top of the screen: "Entering RyComm sub-program <HOME for Help, Alt-X to quit>" HOME Key -------- Once RyComm is activated, pressing the HOME key will cause the RyComm Help Screen to pop up, which displays the following information: RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 57 -------------------------------------- | RyComm Help Screen | | | | PgUp - Upload | | PgDn - Download | | | | Alt-A Toggle Graphics | | Alt-C Clear Screen | | Alt-D Display Dial Directory | | Alt-E Toggle Echo | | Alt-H Hang Up | | Alt-J Program Function Keys | | Alt-K Set Download Area | | Alt-L Toggle Linefeeds | | Alt-O Change Directory | | Alt-P Change Comm Parameters | | Alt-Q Re-Dial Last Number | | Alt-R Drop to Dos | | Alt-X Quit RyComm | | | | Press a key | | | ---------------------------------------- Alt-A Toggle ANSI graphics capability. When activated will output all RyComm displays to the ANSI driver (if you loaded it on bootup!). ALT-C ----- Will clear the screen and place the cursor at the top left-hand corner. ALT-D ----- The Dial Directory window will pop up listing the first 10 of 80 telephone numbers that can be selected for automatic dialing. RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 58 Dial Directory Simulation: (Actual borders are graphics characters) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ | Name Number Setup Script | | 1 RyBBS HomeBase 1-414-962-1097 2400-8-N-1 | | 2 1-414-962-1097 2400-8-N-1 RyBBS.SCR | | 3 Chopper Base BBS 1-804-471-6213 2400-8-N-1 | | 4 1-804-471-6213 2400-8-N-1 CHOPPER.SCR | | 5 | | 6 | | 7 | | 8 | | 9 | | 10 | | | | [NU]-Dial [+]-Next Page [-]-Previous Page [R]evise [Esc]-Exit | | | | Choice ?- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ By pressing "1" and then the ENTER key, HomeBase BBS is automatically dialed. By pressing "2" and the ENTER key, RyBBS HomeBase is dialed and the log on is controlled by the script file RyBBS.SCR. If a script file is being used you might leave the NAME area blank to distinguish it from non-script. See section on script files below. [R]evise can be used to either revise an existing entry, or to install a new dialing entry. The Escape Key will exit you from the Dial Directory, or abort a dialing procedure. Alt-E ----- When communicating with another computer in the terminal mode, Alt-E will allow you to see what you are typing by turning on the Echo toggle. If you see double characters, then the computer you are talking to is already echoing back to your screen. In this case, Alt-E will turn the Echo toggle off. Alt-H ----- Immediately Drops the DTR line which will disconnect you from the remote modem. In case something happens and you are "hung" and can't disconnect by normal means or with proper procedure for leaving another bbs, ALT-H will disconnect. RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 59 Alt-J ----- Will allow programming up to 40 function key combinations as macros. When Alt-J is pressed, the Function Key window pops up to provide you with a view of each function key and it's text. If a function key has not been assigned a macro, the words "(empty)" will appear. Macros can be assigned to F1 to F10, Shift-F1 to Shift-F10, Control-F1 to Control-F10, and Alt-F1 to Alt-F10. Alt-K ----- Will prompt you for the file area you would like the downloaded file to be placed in. Alt-L ----- Toggle linefeeds. When activated a 'return' character will also generate a line feed. Alt-O ----- This function allows you to change directories for uploading and downloading files. When Alt-O is pressed a window is displayed showing the current directory. You are asked to enter a new directory or c/r to quit. This changes the upload and download areas PERMANENTLY until you change it again! You may specify full path and drive names in this area. Alt-P ----- This function allows you to change your communication parameters while "on the fly". Pressing Alt-P will show the following on the screen: Current Settings :2400,N,8,1 Dial Prefix ATDT [A]-300 E,7,1 [B]-300 N,8,1 [C]-1200 E,7,1 [D]-1200 N,8,1 [E]-2400 E,7,1 [F]-2400 N,8,1 [G]-9600 E,7,1 [H]-9600 N,8,1 [I]-Dialing Prefix [J]-Permanent ANSI [ESC]-Quit If you change any of these parameters they will be saved and loaded the next time you load up RyCOMM Alt-Q ----- Should you be forced to abort a dial, or the initial call from the Dial Directory (ALT-D) is disconnected, ALT-Q will re-dial the number without having to go back to the dial directory. The re-dial sequence checks for a BUSY modem or a carrier detect. If found the program beeps once and then gives the system to you. If the number being redialed contains a script file that will be executed immediately. RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 60 Alt-R ----- This function allows you to "Drop to Dos" using a dos shell. It is useful in running external file transmission protocols such as ZMODEM, MEGALINK, SEALINK, etc. To renter RyComm just type "EXIT" at the DOS prompt. Alt-X ----- Instantly exits RyComm, puts modem back on-hook (ATH0), resets modem (ATZ) and reinitializes modem for auto-answer. RyBBS is ready to answer the next call in a matter of seconds! 7.3 - RyCOMM File Transfers PgUp ---- An UPLOAD window will pop up, prompting input for path/name of file to upload. After typing in the information, the window will then prompt you for protocol - [X]modem Xmodem[C]RC [Y]modem [A]scii [Z]modem Pressing the ESCAPE Key will abort the upload procedure. PgDn ---- The same features as PgUp except for the download procedure. If a file already exists with the same name you are attempting to download, the system will advise you accordingly and ask you if you want to overwrite the existing file. If you answer "Y", the download procedure continues, overwriting the existing file. If you answer "N", the download procedure aborts. To finish ASCII download you must press the PgDn key a second time. This function acts as a session capture. 7.4 - Use of Scripts with RyCOMM --------------------------------- Create a standard text file for your script and be sure the filename has the extension .SCR, such as RyBBS.SCR. There are three command options for your script file. They are as follows: WAIT FOR - text to wait for DELAY NN - where NN is the number of seconds to pause before proceeding to the rest of the script file. OUTPUT - text to output. "{" = return RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 61 The following is an example of the format to be used in writing your script file. Let's call this RyBBS.SCR: wait for Do you wish IBM graphics?- delay 1 output y{ wait for Enter First and Last Name (eg John Smith)- delay 1 output John Smith{ wait for Enter Password- delay 1 output asdfgh As you can see the format is quite simple. Use of the DELAY option is shown here only as an example. In case your modem gets a response that is not in the script, the Escape Key will abort the script and return control to the keyboard. While in script mode, any keys pressed will be sent to the modem immediately but the script will not abort unless Esc is pressed. RyBBS CHAPTER 8 -PROBLEMS ---------------------- The most common problems that I've come across are the following: Wrong Com Port Modem switches or jumpers set incorrectly Modem Cable Bad or not enough wires in cable Problem Try This! ------- --------- *Program won't start up or Wrong Com port very sluggish Use alternate com port (RyBBS 2) *RyBBS starts but you can't Try setting Carrier Detect switch on access via local log-on or modem to false-don't force it true! use sysop utilities *RyBBS answers the phone but You probably have ATS0=1 in MODEINIT.BBS immediately hangs up. (or auto-answer set in modem jumpers or switches) as well as having ANSWER RING enabled in startup.bbs. Modify MODEINIT.BBS to contain ATS0=0. *You 'kill' a user but he's You didn't pack your users base with still in the USERS.BBS file. registered utility UPACK. This removes old and deleted users from the USERS.BBS file. RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 62 *Modem won't reset or accept If you have a modem that only has a information from RyBBS program few lines you might try to set the NO CTS switch in your startup.bbs file. *Set DTR forced true Set appropriate switch false from a modem switch *Not enough memory Get more memory *Instant menus not working Each access command (the letter the correctly user presses) is not a single character long. *Up/Downloads not working 1) Files.bbs not in each up/down correctly directory 2) Upload.bbs or Download.bbs not setup correctly...check paths *Zmodem not working 1) DSZ.COM or DSZ.EXE not in RyBBS properly system directory 2) Not enough RAM memory in computer to invoke DSZ 3) NO ZMODEM is active in your startup.bbs file. Put an * in front of it. (E.G. *NO ZMODEM ) *2400 baud modem problems 1) Try the AT&D2&C1 command in your modeinit.bbs file. 2) Try using the &D1 command in your offhook.bbs file. *Sometimes the modem will stop 1) Remove any ATZ from modeinit.bbs file. answering the phone. RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 63 RyBBS APPENDIX A - Example Menus -------------------------------- This is a menu for the MAIN MENU: cmnt,!,5,5,+======<Menus>=======+=====<Sysop>========+, menu,b,5,5,! [B]ulletins Menu ! [C]hat with sysop !,first.bbs menu,f,5,5,! [F]iles Menu ! [L]eave a Comment !,files.mnu menu,m,5,5,! [M]essage Menu ! !,mess.mnu chat,c,5,5,+==========+========<Misc>========+=======+, ques,q,5,5, ! [Q]uestionaire !,userques text,a,5,5, ! View Quest. [A]nswers!, stat,u,5,5, ! [U]ser Statistics !, syst,y,5,5, ! S[Y]stem Statistics !, defm,+,5,5, ! [+]-Define macro keys!, xprt,x,5,5, ! [X]pert Toggle !, menu,g,5,5, ! [G]oodbye and Log-off!,exit.mnu menu,s,100,100, ! [S]ysop Menu !,sysop.mnu mult,d,5, 5, +======================+,f;c;2;l *The following command goes to the message menu,changes to email board #4 *Enters a message, addresses it to sysop with subject of comment, *Accepts the message, saves it and returns to this menu mult,l,105,5, invisible leave comment,m;c;4;e;sysop;comment;s;n;m shot,$,105,105, invisible show time, This could be used in the FILES area: form,$,5,5, , menu,m,5,5 , +=========File Menu=========+,main.mnu menu,u,5,5 , | [M]ain Menu |,upload.mnu down,d,5,5 , | [G]oodbye/LogOff |, anew,n,5,5 , | [X]pert toggle |,files.bbs lifi,l,5,5 ,+=====+===============+===========+============+,files.bbs xprt,x,5,5 ,| [L]ist files | [U]pload a file |, cmnt,y,5,5 ,| [S]earch for files | [D]ownload a file |, menu,g,5,5 ,| [C]hange Dnload Area| Locate [N]ew Files |,exit.mnu rlst,r,5,5 ,| [R]everse Files List| [?]- Help !! | chgd,c,5,5 ,+==============================================+, show,?,105,5, invisible show, shof,y,105,105, , newf,z,105,5, ,files.bbs cmnt,y,5,5, , upld,p,105,5, invisible upload, sall,s,115,5,search for a file,files.bbs chan,.,105,5, invisible chain, RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 64 This is a typical MESSAGE area menu: form,$,105,105,, chgm,c,5,5,+=============<Message Menu>=================+, entr,e,5,5,! [E]nter a Message ! [X]pert Mode !, impo,u,5,5,! [U]pload a Message ! !, mess,r,5,5,! [R]ead a Message ! [M]ain Menu !, scan,s,5,5,! [S]can Messages +=====================+, chek,l,5,5,! [L]ist Personal Msg. ! [G]oodbye (log-off) !, menu,m,5,5,! [C]hange Msg. Boards +=====================+,main.mnu scam,f,5,5,! [F]ind a mess. !, newm,n,5,5,! [N]ew messages !, mark,a,5,5,! M[a]rked messages !, push,p,5,5,! [P]reset Hi Pointers !, show,?,5,5,! [?]- Help !! !, xprt,x,5,5,+======================+, shob,!,105,105, Invisible show boards , shot,$,105,105, invisible show time, menu,g,5,5,,exit.mnu chan,.,105,5, invisible chain, RyBBS APPENDIX B - The 2 Floppy Drive System -------------------------------------------- We recommend using RyBBS on a hard drive however this bbs has been tested and runs on a 2 floppy drive system. The following is a recommended setup for that system. Drive A: ------- RyBBS.exe and overlay files (if present) All message area files (message files) Most RyBBS system files including: first.bbs and ryboards.bbs,menus.bbs,startup.bbs,upload.bbs,download.bbs,etc. Make sure menus.bbs contains the full path names of the menu files including the Drive b:. Make sure upload.bbs and download.bbs contain the full pathnames for the up and download areas including drive b:. Drive B: ------- All Menus (except first.bbs) All Bulletins Download Areas (separate directories) Upload Areas (separate directories) RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 65 This is just a suggested format...the system could actually be run on a single floppy...be aware of the potential problems, however. On a busy system, the message files can grow quite quickly. Frequent packing of these files (via registered utility rydel.exe) would be necessary. Your download.bbs and upload.bbs files MUST reflect full pathnames so that drive B: will be accessed instead of default drive A: (since the system is on drive A: ) For example, a line in download.bbs might read: 1,5,Games and Such,B:\files\games RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 66 RyBBS APPENDIX C- Record Formats -------------------------------- Message Areas are made up of 3 files. The records are Turbo Pascal record types. A date_type is an 8 character string. Remember, in Pascal strings are 1 byte longer then their assigned length; so a 37 character string is actually 38 characters long. The message header file (MSGNAME.MES) is a file of message_type as follows: message_type=record from :string[37]; {message from} toname :string[37]; {message to} private :boolean; {is it private?} date :date_type; { Date message sent } time :date_type; { Time message sent } Oldboard :byte; { not used } thread :integer; {replies to this mess?} startline:integer; {startline in message.lin} endline :integer; {ending line in message.lin} about :string[40]; {message short descrip.} deleted :boolean; { Message killed ? } received :boolean; { message received ? } prevmess :integer; { this is a reply to which message?} misc1 :integer; misc2 :integer; misc3 :integer; end; The header contains the starting and ending line position of the following file...each message can therefore be up to 100 lines long. (depending on the MESSAGE LINES parameter in startup.bbs) The message text file (MSGNAME.LIN) is a file of line_type as follows: line_type=string[80]; The message user pointer file (MSGNAME.PTR) is a file of integers. Each 2 byte record contains the high message read by each of the users. The users file is named USERS.BBS and is made up of records as follows: If no file Users.bbs is found when the program begins, one is created. NOTE: One record is generated with the name SYSOP, the password NEW, and the security level 100. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CHANGE THIS PASSWORD!!!! YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CHANGE THIS PASSWORD!!!! YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CHANGE THIS PASSWORD!!!! RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 67 user_type=record name : string[37]; {callers name} callfrom : string[30]; {callers location } password : string[14]; { Users password } lasttime : string[17]; {last time on date/time } phone : string[12]; { telephone #} credit, { nothing} carrier_drop, { # times carrier dropped} security, { Users security } uploads, { # uploads } downloads, { # downloads } totaluk, { uploads in K bytes} totaldk :word; { Downloads in K bytes } timeson, { Total times on system } timeleft, { Time left today } last_read, { obsolete } last_m_area, { last message area (500=all) } last_f_area: integer; { last file area } xpert, { Xpert/novice mode } lockedout, { locked out of system } deleted, { Deleted from system } universal : boolean; { nothing } graphics : GraphicsType; { none,ansi,ibm graphics } last_u_area:integer; { last upload area } SubDate : Date_Type; { Date subscription expires} caca : Array[0..12] of byte; { nothing } upload_time:integer; { upload credit } Misc2 : integer; { Nothing } bullet : byte; { which bulletins read } { each bit is a bulletin} ProtoCol : ProtocolType; { extra : array[1..5] of integer; end; Protocol type is one character Graphics type is one character Date_type is an 8 character string Booleans are 1 byte. Integers and Words are 2 bytes Strings are 1 bytes more then their assigned length. RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 68 RyBBS APPENDIX D - Converting from other BBS's ---------------------------------------------- Colossus/Collie --------------- The RyBBS users files is based on the Colossus users file and therefore may be left the same. The files areas may be left the same as well as the files.bbs description files. The following files may be left the same for the RyBBS system: Hello.bbs Welcome.bbs Welcome1.bbs Goodbye.bbs You will have to create the following files to accomodate the RyBBS system: Upload.bbs Download.bbs Ryboards.bbs Startup.bbs Modeinit.bbs (may or may not be required!) In addition the following optional files may be created: Badname.bbs Online.bbs programs.bbs sysfile.bbs bases.bbs no300.bbs notenuf.bbs onhook.bbs offhook.bbs events.bbs nonew.bbs RBBS ---- The RyBBS users file IS NOT compatible with the RBBS users file, however I have written a conversion utility to change an RBBS file to a RyBBS file. This is a free program available on HomeBase and most RyBBS distribution sites. Download file RBBSCON.ARC. Make sure you convert a BACKUP copy of the users file. If you have multiple directories for your up and download sections you are one step ahead of the game. You may rename the files that contain the listings of downloadable files to FILES.BBS if you wish for RyBBS consistency. RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 69 If you have a single directory for up and downloading files it's a bit trickier. You need to move some or all of your files to other directories and setup the appropriate files.bbs files with the correct information. Normal operation of RyBBS is to have multiple file directories and a similar filename (usually files.bbs) to contain the downloadable and uploaded files descriptions. We would normally change files areas with the chgf command that would activate a different pathname and then append the 'FILES.BBS' to it. With a single file area, however, we are faced with multiple file listings in a single directory. We can list them independently by using the LIFI command with a different list filename as the optional last LIFI parameter (see the description of the LIFI command for further information). An example follows: partial file menu FILES.MNU --------------------------- upld,u,5,5, [U]pload a file, down,d,5,5, [D]ownload a file, menu,L,5,5, [L]ist files for downloading,list.mnu etc... complete LIST.MNU lifi,1,5,5, [1]-List files in DIR 1,DIR1 lifi,2,5,5, [2]-List files in DIR 2,DIR2 lifi,3,5,5, [3]-List files in DIR 3,DIR3 lifi,4,5,5, [4]-List files in DIR 4,DIR4 lifi,5,5,5, [5]-List files in DIR 5,DIR5 menu,q,5,5, [Q]-Return to Files menu,files.mnu The above examples illustrate that to display the different file listings that reside in a single directory, you must have a different LIFI command for each directory. For the advance RyBBS sysop, you could also use this method from within a Mult command and after the listing is accomplished an automatic return to the files menu would be executed. RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 70 RyBBS APPENDIX E - Running Doors ----------------------------------- A door is simply a program, external to the BBS software, that can be run from within the BBS remotely. Most have their own carrier detect, time limits, and I/O routines for communicating between the host and the remote. You can also run some programs which are not self-contained doors with Doorway by Marshall Dudley, which handles the above "door" functions. For a discussion of that program, see the documentation for it. This area will concern itself largely with the running of self-contained doors under RyBBS, though the process is much the same. The RUNP and the EXEC commands, described elsewhere, can be used to run almost any door under RyBBS. All you need are the proper conversion utilities. The ones that are available now that do the best job are: RyCnvrt 4.3 (CA Spry) - Converts CURRUSER.BBS to DORINFO1.DEF DoorMaster 4.0 (Michael Otto) - Converts DORINFO1.DEF to almost anything! You can see that between the two, almost any door can be supplied with the needed BBS file. Two notable exceptions are some GAP doors which use GAP files other than the GAP DOOR.SYS file, and "fussy" PCBoard 14 doors that use PCBOARD.DAT and USERS in addition to PCBOARD.SYS, which is the "normal" door file. The simplest doors to run are the QuickBBS, RBBS 16+, Professional OLEcom, and the like doors that use DORINFO1.DEF as the door file. Trade Wars 1000 (Alan Davenport) is one of those. The command in the menu is simply: runp,t,10,10,Tradewars,*TWDOOR TWDOOR.BAT is called by the runp command, and since it is a batch file, the * is needed to call up a secondary command processor. The batch file TWDOOR.BAT is then: @echo off ;omit the @ without DOS 3.3 rycnvrt d pcb ;use default dir, & "PCB" (really QBBS) mode cd\tradewar ;change to Tradewars subdir twq c:\rybbs\dorinfo1.def ;run TW and "point to" the door file location cd\rybbs ;change back to the RyBBS dir after the door See the RyConvert docs for more parameters; for example, there is a RBBS mode that converts RyBBS's 3 graphics modes into RBBS's 3 modes. Many doors run under door files that have only 2 modes, and this is what the above PCB mode is for. RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 71 Another very easy to run type of door is the Wildcat! door. The Vault door is an example. Again, the menu command is: runp,v,10,10,Vault Door,*SAFEDOOR The batch file SAFEDOOR.BAT is then: @echo off ;same as above rycnvrt d pcb ;likewise dm 1 wc * * ;doormaster node 1, Wildcat mode, read & write in d: ;the default directory cd\doors\safe ;change drive AND dir! vault vault.cfg ;run VAULT with the door file "point" in the .cfg c: cd\rybbs ;change drive and dir back to RyBBS This illustrates another commone door feature, the command line configuration file. This one looks like this: The Anonymous BBS ;BBS name Bob ;sysop first name R. ;sysop last name C:\RYBBS\CALLINFO.BBS ;location of WC! door file The other thing to note here is that MANY doors expect the sysop to have a "real" name. It may be best to change the first user name in RyBBS to your name or alias! Then, the various sysop privileges in the doors will be available to you. As a last example, a uncomplicated PCBoard 14 door is Battleship (Gerry Freymann). The menu command is: runp,b,10,10,Battelship,*BATSDOOR And the BATSDOOR.BAT is: @echo off ;see above rycnvrt d pcb ;see above dm 1 pcb14 * c:\rybbs\ ;PCBoard 14 mode - see below d: cd\doors\bats batdoor batdoor.cfg ;the config file again! c: cd\rybbs RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 72 You will note that the path to write the door files to is specified; with PCBoard this is advisable, as otherwise the PCBOARD.DAT file has no complete paths specified within itself. Doormaster 3.10 does not write this file, but future releases will, and more PCB14 doors will run IF the .DAT file has real paths specified within. The specification of where to write the files will take care of this requirement! The config file looks like this: C:\RYBBS\PCBOARD.SYS ;location of the door files The Anonymous BBS ;BBS name BOB ;sysop first R. ;sysop last name 30 ;time in door - a common parameter D:\DOORS\BATS\GBLT4 ;location of ASCII "scoreboard" D:\DOORS\BATS\GBLT4G ;location of ansi "scoreboard" This also illustrates other common door config file parameters, such as time and bulletins for the doors. You can add commands to your batch files to copy the bulletins to RyBBS bulletins, reset the bulletins with John Gemmill's BULRESET utility, and so on. Be imaginative! So, follow these guidelines, read the individual door's documentation to discover what it is they want in the config file, and look for new developments in converter programs! Be careful and logical, and you can run almost any door under RyBBS! Bob R. The Anonymous BBS RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 73 RyBBS APPENDIX F - Netmail -------------------------- With the release of 6.5, RyBBS now has the capability to run several of the major netmail packages. This and the addition of John Gemmill's RyPacker allows FidoNet mail to run. As of this writing RyBBS is known to work with Front Door and BinkleyTerm. If you are new to netmail I suggest that you download the latest version of RyPacker from either Homebase. RyPacker is a message format convertor. It takes FidoNet format messages and converts them to a RyBBS compatible format and vice versa. Binkley and Front Door are front end programs that handle the actual passing of mail. Each is well documented and available on HomeBase or any Fido BBS's. If you have any problems setting up any of these packages help is available by leaving John a message on Homebase. RyBBS APPENDIX G - External Protocols ------------------------------------ With version 6.5 RyBBS has the capability to execute external protocols other then DSZ (Zmodem). For this we utilize the EXTDOWN.BBS and EXTUP.BBS definition files. The very existence of these files in the RyBBS system directory will produce an [E]xternal selection option in the protocol selection prompt at which point the upload (extup.bbs) or the download (extdown.bbs) definition file will be read. These files are text files containing two string parameters. The first is a description of the protocol and the second is the actual execution line for the protocol including any substitution parameters. Substitution parameters are items in the command line that RyBBS will substitute a protocol specific option; for example filename or com port. The following substitution parameters are valid (examples show execution part only!) : %BAUD - Will substitute current baud rate for this parameter Example: assuming baud rate is 2400 superk.com S%BAUD will be converted to superk.com S2400 %COM - Will substitute current com port number Example: assuming current com port is 2 PCKERMIT.EXE -L %COM -B etc will be converted to PCKERMIT.EXE -L 2 -B etc %NAME2 - Will prompt for and then substitute a single filename Example: assuming the file name is NEW.DOC, Com Port is 1 and baud is 1200 RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 74 WXMODEM.COM -s -b %BAUD -l com%COM -p y -f %NAME2 will be converted to WXMODEM.COM -s -b 1200 -l com1 -p y -f NEW.DOC %MULTFILE Will prompt for up to 5 filenames. These filenames will be stored text file FNAMES.BBS which can then be referenced in the command line. Example: assuming the Com Port is 1 and baud is 1200. The RyBBS system will prompt for upto 5 files and put those filenames into file FNAMES.BBS DSZ.COM port %COM ha on pB4096 sz -m @D:\BBS\%MULTFILE will be converted to DSZ.COM port 1 ha on pB4096 sz -m @D:\BBS\Fnames.bbs Example EXTUP.BBS FILE: (all commands should appear on a single line. Some of these examples were line-broken for printing purposes ) Jmodem Upload ,JMODEM.COM R%COM %NAME Lynx (RLE/CRC32),LYNX.EXE R /%COM /B /D /H /S %NAME PCKermit Upload,PCKERMIT.EXE -L %COM -B %BAUD -R PUMA Upload,PUMA.EXE A+ B- D+ N+ P%COM E%BAUD R %NAME QuickTran Upload,QT.EXE /ac /b%BAUD /c%COM r %NAME Sealink Upload (Satellite),CLINK.EXE R /P2 /B%BAUD %NAME Super8K - 8K blocks (batch),SUPERK.COM P%COM S%BAUD C R RSB F %NAME Super8K-G (LAP-M/MNP),SUPERK.COM P%COM S%BAUD C R RMB F %NAME WXModem Upload ,WXMODEM.COM -b %BAUD -l COM%COM -p W -r -f %NAME -c Xmodem Checksum,DSZ.COM port %COM ha on pa10000 pB4096 rx %NAME Xmodem CRC / Xmodem-1K,DSZ.COM port %COM ha on pa10000 pB4096 rc %NAME Xmodem Overthr / Xmodem-1K Overthr (for LAP-M/MNP),DSZ.COM port %COM ha on pa10000 pO60 ro %NAME Xmodem-1K-G,DSZ.COM port %COM ha on pa10000 pB4096 rx -g %NAME Ymodem / Ymodem-1K,DSZ.COM port %COM ha both pa10000 pB4096 rb %NAME Zmodem (Old reliable),DSZ.COM port %COM ha both pB4096 rz %NAME Zmodem MobyTurbo,DSZ.COM port %COM ha on pB4096 rz -m %NAME ========================================================================== EXTDOWN.BBS FILE rCmodem Download,RCMODEM.EXE /p=%COM/tx/b=%BAUD/bbs %NAME2 Jmodem Download (8K Blocks),JMODEM.COM S%COM %NAME2 Jmodem Batch,SUPERK.COM p%COM S%BAUD C SJB F @D:\BBS\%MULTFILE Lynx Batch (RLE/CRC32),LYNX.EXE S /%COM /B /H /S /L @D:\BBS\%MULTFILE PCKermit Download,PCKERMIT.EXE -L %COM -B %BAUD -S %NAME2 PUMA Batch Download,PUMA.EXE A+ B- D+ N+ P%COM E%BAUD S @D:\BBS\%MULTFILE QuickTran Download,QT.EXE /ac /b%BAUD /c%COM s %NAME2 Sealink Download (Satellite Delay),CLINK.EXE T /P2 /B%BAUD %NAME2 Super8K Batch,SUPERK.COM P%COM S%BAUD C SSB F @D:\BBS\%MULTFILE Windowed Zmodem Batch (for PC Pursuit),DSZ.COM port %COM ha both pB4096 sz -Z -w @D:\BBS\%MULTFILE WXModem Download,WXMODEM.COM -s -b %BAUD -l com%COM -p y -f %NAME2 RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 75 Xmodem,DSZ.COM port %COM ha on pa10000 pB4096 sx %NAME2 Xmodem-1K ,DSZ.COM port %COM ha on pa10000 pB4096 sx -k %NAME2 Ymodem ,DSZ.COM port %COM ha both pa10000 pB4096 sb @D:\BBS\%MULTFILE Ymodem-1K Batch,DSZ.COM port %COM ha both pa10000 pB4096 sb -k @D:\BBS\%MULTFILE Zmodem Batch,DSZ.COM port %COM ha both pB4096 sz @D:\BBS\%MULTFILE Zmodem Compressed Batch,DSZ.COM port %COM ha both pB4096 sz -Z @D:\BBS\%MULTFILE Zmodem MobyTurbo Batch,DSZ.COM port %COM ha on pB4096 sz -m @D:\BBS\%MULTFILE (Thanks to Andrew Walding for this information) RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 76 UPDATES ------- The latest public version of this program is always available on HomeBase Multi-User BBS (414)-962-1097 24 Hrs. 2400/1200/300 baud Some utilities to support this program are available free of charge and I encourage the efforts of other sysops to design more utilities. My policy about utilities is: Utilities that get you going are free. Utilities that keep you going are for registered users only. Additional Distribution Sites Are: Chopper Base BBS 1-804-471-6213 (2400/1200/300) (Virginia Beach,VA) Kinston Micro 1-919-527-6194 (2400/1200/300) (Kinston, NC) The Edge 1-817-696-8711 (9600/48/24/12/3) (Wichita Falls, TX) Digital X-Connect 1-214-618-6164 (9600/24/12/3) (Texas) And although not a 'Distribution Site', the latest Shareware version will be on EXEC-PC 100 Line BBS (414)-789-4210 If you have any questions about this program please call: RyBBS HomeBase 1-414-962-1097 (Data ONLY) (2400/1200/300 Baud) or 1-414-962-5967 (VOICE ONLY!). (No Sunday Calls Please) A word about support: I enjoy supporting my program and will help any and all users. If you experience difficulties getting my system up and running, feel free to call me whether you are a registered user or not. However, be advised that as the old sayings goes "there is no free lunch". What this boils down to is that to keep receiving support you must register with me. RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 77 RyBBS Registration Form Personal: $50 To: The Ryco Company ======================= Business: $80 P.O. Box 11134 Multi-User: $175 Shorewood, WI 53211 Foreign Orders Add $10 please. Date:______________ Name:__________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________ City,St,Zip:__________________________________________ Voice Tel #:__________________________________________ Data Tel #:_________________________ BBS Name: _____________________ Computer:____________________ BBS Hours:_____________________ Amount Of Memory:___________________ Modem Type:____________________ Where did you hear about RyBBS?______________________________________ Payment: Check/Money Order $ ____________ Enclosed Credit Card # ______________________________ Expires _____________ MasterCard _____/VISA______ (Check One) RyBBS Version 6.5 Page # 78 INDEX ----- Actb 28 Lcom 38 Actf 29 Lifi 29 Anew 30 Limits.bbs 11 ANSI Graphics 45 List 32 Answer ring 17 Local Log-on 52 ASCII Graphics 44 Log User Off 53 ASK GRAPH 44 Logging in as a user 8 Autp 31 Logging in the first time Binkley 5, 73 8 Boot 37 Macro 35, 45 Bulletins 13 Macros.bbs 9 Chan 33 Make 38 Change User Security 53 Mark 29 Chat 34, 51 Ment 39 Check name 17 Menu 32 Chek 28 Menus.bbs 11, 42 Chgd 30 Message file editor/packer Chgm 28 3 Chgu 30 Modeinit.bbs 6, 11, 20, Cmnt 39 43, 61 Colossus/Collie 68 Modems 6 Command_entry 24 MULT 24, 28, 32, 33, 38, Command_name 24 69 Converting from other BBS's Netmail 73 68 Network 18 Dbuf 36 Newf 30 Defm 35 Newm 28 DELAY 14 Noop 38 Distribution Sites 76 Other mail 18 Door 36 Outn 35 DOORWAY 47, 70 PAUSE 14 DoubleDos Events 48 Port Locking 18 Down 29 Print on 18 Drop to DOS 51 Printer 51 Dsho 37 Priority Time Events 48 Edit 37 Profile 19 Entr 27 Push 29 Events 10, 20, 47 Quer 34 EVENTS.BBS 47 Ques 31 Exec 37 Question 19 External protocols 73 Questionnaire 49 Fadd 31 Quit 34 Fastnames 17 Quit program 51 Fido 73 Ramfiles.bbs 12, 43 First menu 17 Ratio.bbs 12 First.bbs 9 RBBS 68 Force Chat 52 Registration 2 FORCE READ 14 Regular Events 48 Form 39 Resident Events 48 Getp 33 Revf 34 Graphics 44 Ringback 20 IBM Graphics 44 Rlst 29 IMPO 55 Runp 38 Kill user 51 RyComm 51, 55 Sall 30 Scam 27 Scan 27 Seaf 30 Seat 34 Security to execute 25 Security to view 25 SETCOLOR 55 Shob 40 Shof 39 Shot 39 Shou 39 Show 35 Shut down 54 STARTUP.BBS 3, 12, 15, 16, 42, 44, 61, 64, 66 Stat 35 Subscription (xx) 19 Sysop Available 51 Sysop Log-on 52 Sysop Menu 51 Sysop Utilities 8, 51, 52, 54, 55 Syst 35 Term 34 TEXT 14, 31 Upld 29 Upload mult 19 Users file editor/packer 3 Using the system remotely 46 View 32 Watchdog 5, 46, 47 Xprt 32 Zip default 19