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1991-07-06
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202KB
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5,879 lines
+------+ +-+ +-+ +------+ +------+ +------+
| +--+ ++ ++++ ++++ | +--+ ++ | +--+ ++ | +--+ |
| | | | ++++ ++++ | | | | | | | | | | +-+
| +--+ ++ +++--+++ | +--+ ++ | +--+ ++ | +----+
| +--+ | ++ +-+ | +--+ ++ | +--+ ++ +----+ |
| | ++++ | | | | | | | | | | +-+ | |
| | ++++ | | | +--+ ++ | +--+ ++ | +--+ |
+-+ +-+ +-+ +------+ +------+ +------+
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) 1986-1991 Gregory J. Ryan
All Rights Reserved
RyBBS Version 7.0
INTRODUCTION 4
DISTRIBUTION 5
DISCLAIMER 5
CHAPTER 1 - SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS 6
1.1 - HARDWARE 6
1.2 - COMPATIBLE SOFTWARE 6
1.3 - MODEM SETTINGS 6
1.4 - IMMEDIATE STARTUP 8
CHAPTER 2 - RYBBS FILES 10
2.1 - NECESSARY FILES 10
2.2 - OPTIONAL FILES 10
2.3 - TEXT FILE COMMANDS 14
2.3.1 - ANSI TEXT FILE COMMANDS 15
CHAPTER 3 - INSTALLATION 16
3.1 - DIRECTORY SETUP 16
3.2 - IMPORTANT STARTUP CONSIDERATIONS 16
3.3 - STARTUP COMMAND LINE 17
3.4 - STARTUP.BBS 17
3.4.1 - ANSI COLORS 20
3.4.2 - STARTING BATCH FILE 21
3.5 - FILE NAMES 22
3.6 - MESSAGE BOARDS 22
3.6.1 - RYBOARD.BBS 22
3.6.2 - EXACT SECURITY MESSAGE BASE 23
3.6.3 - PUBLIC MESSAGE BASES 23
3.6.4 - PRIVATE MAIL MESSAGE BASES 24
3.6.5 - ANONYMOUS MESSAGE BASES 24
CHAPTER 4 - MENUS AND MENU COMMANDS 25
4.1 EXPLANATION AND EXAMPLES OF RYBBS MENU COMMANDS 25
4.3 - MENU RESTRICTIONS 27
4.4.1 - MESSAGE AREA COMMANDS 28
4.4.2 - FILE COMMANDS 30
4.4.3 - MISC COMMANDS 32
4.4.4 - SYSOP COMMANDS 38
4.4.5 - SYSTEM COMMANDS 40
4.4.6 - MULTI-USER COMMANDS 41
CHAPTER 5 - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 42
5.1 - SETTING UP FILE AREAS 42
5.2 - OTHER FILE DESCRIPTIONS 42
5.3 - GRAPHICS 43
5.4 - MACROS 45
5.5 - REMOTE USE OF YOUR COMPUTER 46
5.6 - TIME ACTIVATED EVENTS 47
5.7 - HINTS WITH THE QUESTIONNAIRE 48
CHAPTER 6 - SYSOP KEYS 51
CHAPTER 7 - RYCOMM COMMUNICATIONS 55
7.1 - OVERVIEW 55
7.2 - RYCOMM COMMANDS 55
7.3 - RYCOMM FILE TRANSFERS 58
7.4 - USE OF SCRIPTS WITH RYCOMM 58
CHAPTER 8 - UTILITIES 60
8.1 - RPACK 60
8.2 - USORT 61
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 2
8.3 - FILEHELP 62
8.4 - FILESHOW 66
8.5 - RYSHOW 66
8.6 - NEWLOG 67
8.6 - MASTER 67
CHAPTER 9 - SYSTEM MAINTENANCE 68
9.1 - DELETING OLD USERS FROM THE USERS FILE 68
9.2 - DELETING OLD MESSAGES FROM THE MESSAGE FILES 68
9.3 - SHOWING THE MOST POPULAR FILES 69
9.4 - UPDATING THE CALLERS.LOG 69
CHAPTER 10 - MULTI-USER VERSION 70
APPENDIX A - EXAMPLE MENUS 74
APPENDIX B - THE 2 FLOPPY DRIVE SYSTEM 76
APPENDIX C- FILE FORMATS 77
APPENDIX D - RUNNING DOORS 79
APPENDIX E - NETMAIL 82
APPENDIX F - EXTERNAL PROTOCOLS 83
APPENDIX G - QUICK REFERENCE 85
APPENDIX H - COMMON PROBLEMS 87
APPENDIX I - ERROR NUMBERS 89
UPDATES 90
REGISTRATION FORM 91
INDEX 92
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 3
INTRODUCTION
------------
I believe 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 incorporates 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
-----------------------
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.
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 7.0 Documentation 4
The shareware version of this program is not 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 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 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 at only $175. You may run 2
systems on a single computer using a concurrent operating system like
DoubleDos or Desqview. It is also network compatible for up to 9 systems.
I would like to thank my Alpha and Beta testers at this point. Special
thanks go to Andy Walding and to Jon Shade for being the #1 PIA.
Gregory J. Ryan
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 7.0 Documentation 5
CHAPTER 1 - SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
--------------------------------------
1.1 - HARDWARE
--------------
This bbs program was designed to run on an IBM or true compatible. The
computer must have as a minimum configuration:
IBM or compatible computer.
2 Floppy disk drives (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 -Blue Chip
-Compaq -AT&T 6300
-Wyse -Tandy 1000
-ITT Xtra -Packard Bell
The following is a list of the modems known to work with this program:
-Hayes 1200 -Avatex 1200 hc
-US Robotics Modem 5 -USR HST 9600
-Prometheus 1200 -UDS Fasttalk 2400
-UDS 8925 2400 Modem -Incomm Turbo 2400
-Hayes 9600 -MultiTech 224eh
Initial starting parameters are 1200 baud,no parity,8 bits,1 stop unless
set to some other baud from startup.bbs. RyBBS will change baud rate and
parity automatically depending on the remote system. It will also change
parity to none for a non-ascii type of file transfer.
EMS - Single user RyBBS currently does not support EMS, however you may
setup your EMS memory as a ramdrive for quick text file accesses. MULTIUSER
RyMULT will utilize EMS (if available) for loading of the overlay file.
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 -Doorway
1.3 - MODEM SETTINGS
--------------------
Most technical support questions have to do with the carrier detect line
being forced on by either hardware or software. You can normally force this
off via a command in the modeinit.bbs file.
In general you should setup your modem as follows:
Auto answer turned OFF
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 6
Carrier detect should follow the modem (not forced high)
English word result codes
Extended result codes
Most 1200 baud modems will operate correctly with the following line in
modeinit.bbs
ATM0X2V1M0S2=255S0=0
Note: The above line assumes you have ANSWER RING active in your
startup.bbs file. The S0=0 tells the modem to NOT answer the phone
automatically.
Most 2400 and higher baud modems require an additional 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 if you
wish.
The 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
ATM0X2V1M0S2=255S0=0
Packard Bell 2400 (and most other 2400 baud modems!)
-----------------
Make your MODEINIT.BBS file as follows:
ATM0X4&D2&C1S2=255S0=0
GENERAL DATACOM
---------------
Set up your modeinit.bbs file with the following statements.
ATE0V1X1S2=200S0=0
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=0
OTHER MODEMS
------------
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 7
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 unpack 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) Go to the directory to which you have unpack the RyBBS program
(example cd \rybbs)
5) Type: Install [Enter]
You will see the RyBBS installation program begin. Examine the default
settings on the screen. If these are acceptable select the 'installation'
option of the menu and press [Enter].
You will be prompted for the communications port where the program will
operate. Select 1 or 2 here. If the program detect that there is NO com
port at your desired location you will not be allowed access to it.
You will also be prompted for your modem's maximum baud rate. Select the
number that applies and press [Enter].
The installation program will create the upload and download directories
and put a copy of the FILES.BBS file in each. It will then start the
program from the com port and at your selected baud rate.
You should run the installation program only once! Henceforth, you should
begin operation of the program by typing:
R (ENTER)
1.5 - Logging in the first time
-------------------------------
Now that you have the system up and running 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. This bypasses many of the normal
opening screens and password entry, so if to view those is what you wish,
you must login as a regular 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.
1) Logging in locally as the sysop (system operator)
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 8
The login procedure is as follows: From the "Waiting For" menu highlight
the option that says 'login as sysop' and press the [Enter] 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 2 semicolons)
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.
2) Logging in remotely (from another modem) as the sysop (system operator)
Dial the bbs system and go through the opening screens until you see:
Enter First and Last Name (E.G. John Smith)- <--RyBBS prints this!
Now enter: SYSOP;; <enter> <-- (note 2 semicolons)
then: NEW <enter>
or
enter: Sysop;;New <enter> <-- (note 2 semicolons)
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 7.0 Documentation 9
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)
Error.log - Log of fatal errors (will be created)
Macros.bbs - User macros (will be created)
Upload.log - Log of all file uploads (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
Startup.bbs - Contains initial setup options for the RyBBS system. See the
description of this file later on page 17.
MULTIUSER ONLY
--------------
Rynode.bbs - Lists active nodes and user.
netfile.def - contains the following information
First line is the network disk and MAIN rymult system directory
second line is the fast disk /directory for temporary net files
third line is the node file name (full path name)
(example)
c:\rybbs
c:\rybbs
c:\rybbs\rynode.bbs
2.2 - OPTIONAL FILES
--------------------
Note: All optional files can be created using any text editor that writes
ASCII files.
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 10
Badfiles.bbs - List of files that may not be downloaded. Each line should
contain a filename (full pathnames ok!)
Example:
lotus.com
ndd.exe
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 Zmodem to operate. This program is available Dsz.exe
on many BBS'S. This program is REQUIRED in
the multiuser version for ANY internal file
transfers (xmodem,ymodem or zmodem)
Events.bbs - Contains the events that are scheduled. See page 47 for
further information about events.
Extdown.bbs - Allows the use of external protocols for file downloads.
Extup.bbs - Allows the use of external protocols for file upload.
See the appendix (Page 83) on external protocols for more information about
this feature.
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 page 32)
Filename.ans - Questionnaire answers (will be created)
First.Bat - Batch file that is executed before the first menu is executed
and displayed. You might put a 'quote' door here.
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 RYBBS70.EXE 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\rybbs70.EXE
Limits.bbs - Contains maximum time per day (in minutes) for different
security levels in form of:
Security level,maximum time
Each line contains a level and time
Example
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 11
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. (see page 27 for more information)
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!
Example
editcom.com 1
*filehelp<com1 >com1
Note: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH MEMORY IN YOUR SYSTEM AND MAKE SURE THE
ONLINE PROGRAM COMMUNICATES WITH THE COM PORT!
For more information see the EXEC command.
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.
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!
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 12
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 (see MENUS.BBS above) and ANSI graphics
(see ANSIFILES.BBS below) files are not allowed here.
Ansifiles.bbs - List of common ansi 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.
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 the K Ratio option is active 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
Sysfile.bbs - Gets file descriptions that have been uploaded and marked
for sysop eyes only via the "/" prefix. Should be in RyBBS system
directory. Uploads that are logged to this file will also be reflected in
the callers.log file
System.bbs - Text file containing total number of callers to the 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.
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 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 to the user when he 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.
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 13
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.
Upload.log - Contains a listing of all files uploaded by users
Ryprompt.bbs - allows several internal prompts definable by user. These
MUST contain the prefix as shown below followed by a colon :
*This is the login string
login:What's your name, Bud? (eg John Smith)-
*file not found
nofile:That file was not found!
*Press Enter
EnterPrompt:Press the [ENTER] key!
*Drop to dos
SysopUse:Well excuse meee!...Greg is using system for a moment!
*Finished dropping to dos
SysopFinished:Hey! I'm finished!
*sysop desires chat
SysopChat:The Sysop would like to chat a moment with you...
A line preceded with an * will not be interpreted (in Ryprompt.bbs).
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.
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 key press. The words FORCE READ will not
be displayed. This is mainly intended for the login bulletins so that the
users will not skip over them, 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!).
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 14
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.
Force Read - Put the character { (Left curly bracket) at the beginning of
the ANSI file and the reader may not break out of this file.
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 15
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:
Root Directory
|
=========================================
| |
RyBBS System Rybbs Files Subdir.
RyBBS program | |
System files | |
| | Uploads Downloads
| |
| Text files Subdirectory
|
Message subdirectory
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 or (Rymult.exe and Rymult.ovr)
Upload.bbs
Download.bbs
Startup.bbs
Events.bbs
Modeinit.bbs (if applicable)
First.bbs
RyBoards.bbs
If the program halts before anybody tries to log on, chances are that one
or more of the above files is missing 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 perhaps not 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
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 16
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.
3.3 - STARTUP COMMAND LINE
--------------------------
RyBBS is usually started from within a batch file by the following command:
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 identifier; 3 for 300, 1 for 1200, 2
for 2400, 9 for 9600, and 0 for 19,200)
/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.
/R Starts system up in RyCOMM only. When you quit RyCOMM you exit to DOS.
* 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:
Command Action Taken
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 17
------- ------------
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.
19200 Baud - Initializes modem to 19200 baud at startup.
38400 Baud - Initializes modem to 38400 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.
batch path - change the default upload batch directory to one of
your own choosing.
com2 - run on com port 2
com3 - run on com port 3
com4 - run on com port 4
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 disables Ctrl-break
Blank=xx - Sets screen blanking after xx minutes (default is 3)
*check name - will check for the existence of a user before
allowing a message directed to him. Works for carbons
also. (requires special utility RPACK.EXE 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
in extdown.bbs and extup.bbs
*fastnames - Allows indexed quick lookup of log on name (requires
utility RPACK.EXE that generates index file!
Registered
Users Only)
first menu - will direct all users with security of newuser level
to NEWMENU.BBS instead of FIRST.BBS
graph - graphics (ASCII)
instant - Instant response to some inputs
instant menus - Allows menu commands to be activated by a single key
press 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 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
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 18
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 for chat
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
phone picture - specifies the 'picture' format of the user's phone
number. Only non-US users will need to change this.
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 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
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 19
show init - Displays the RUNP or EXEC program files in the old
format in 3.0
space=xxxxx - Tells RyBBS to disallow uploads if disk space goes
below the specified (xxxxx) amount. Default is 75000
bytes.
subscription (xx) - Allows RyBBS to keep track of users based on a
subscription date. XX is the security level of
subscription cutoff. 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.
sysop asleep xx - where 1 through 24 are the hours that the sysop may
not be paged
example:
sysop asleep 23 24 1 2 3 4 5 6
sysop would be unavailable for page from 11:00 pm to
6:59 am
timeout=XXX - where XXX is time in minutes that user has to press a
key before the system times out and logs him off
automatically
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 :
Black=0;
Red=1;
Green=2;
Yellow=3;
Blue=4;
Magenta=5;
Cyan=6;
White=7;
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
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 20
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
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 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 :
com2
not available
question
phone
resetcolor 15
The RyBBS program will run from COM 2, the sysop is initially not available
for chat, new users 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 - STARTING BATCH FILE
-------------------
It is usually a good idea to run the program from a batch file. If the
program stops for some reason it will automatically restart. 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 d
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 21
if errorlevel 1 goto maint
goto quit
:maint
if errorlevel 50 rpack /i
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 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,!,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,!,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.
The format of the lines in Ryboards.bbs is as follows:
number,security,Message Board name,pathname (without extension)
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 22
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. 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
security of level 12 may access only boards 1,2,4 and 6.
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
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 private
messages can be left.
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 23
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.
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 7.0 Documentation 24
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 FOR
THAT MENU!
3) The security to view is the security to allow a person to actually see
the command text on their display. It is an numeric 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 a numeric 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.
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 25
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 separator. 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
d:\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.
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.
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 26
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
main.asc
a:\bullet\bulletin.mnu
b:\files\files.mnu
b:\files\files.asc
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 accordingly)
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.
ALL COMMANDS may be activated from ANY menu that you (the sysop) desire. A
MAXIMUM of 40 menu commands may be contained in any menu.
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 27
4.4 - MENU COMMANDS
-------------------
4.4.1 - Message Area Commands
Autm - Writes a pre-recorded one line message to the message base of your
choice. This will normally be used similar to the LCOM command where the
sysop desires immediate attention to an action such as chat or
questionairre entry. This command will normally be executed only through a
mult command.
Usage
autm,KeyCode,105,Base Number,Message Line,
Example:
autm,$,105,5,This user wanted to chat!,
mult,c,5,5, C-Chat with sysop,$;&
chat,&,105,5, Invisible chat command,
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
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,
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 -----+
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 28
Example:
Chgm,c,5,5,[C]hange message areas,
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,
Impo - Import a message. This command allows a user to easily upload (in
the ASCII protocol) 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 written
directly to the message text. This makes for easy sending of
prewritten messages.
Example:
Impo,i,5,5, I - Import a message,
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.
Mess - Read messages from the message areas. If the user is currently
logged into 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,
Newm - Shows new messages in all bases.
Example:
Newm,n,5,5, New Messages since last on,
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,
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 29
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,
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,
4.4.2 - FILE COMMANDS
---------------------
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.
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
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
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 30
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 protocol is a multi-file protocol (either internal
zmodem or an external multi-file protocol) additional file
names will be requested. If the file(s) exists, and the
user has security access to them RyBBS will send the files.
Example:
Down,d,6,6, [D]ownload a file,
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
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
Rlst - List the files in the current directory but in reverse.
Example:
Rlst,r,5,5, [R]everse listing of files,
Sall - Check the FILES.BBS in all file areas for requested text. The user
is asked for the search text and then each FILES.BBS is
searched on a line by line basis for any occurrence of that
text. If the text is found that line is displayed to the
user. Useful when displaying lists of ordered information
that may have some known text 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
Seaf - Check the current file directory listing (files.bbs) for files that
match either of two inputted strings. 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
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 31
Upld - Upload a file to the bbs. Rybbs asks for the desire transmission
protocol (I.E. ASCII, Xmodem, etc.) and then the name of
the file to be uploaded. The user is prompted for a
description of the file. If the protocol is a multi file
transfer protocol additional files will be requested (not
internal zmodem).
If there are no duplicate filenames on this disk, the file
is then transferred from the user and saved in the
appropriate area. The files 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
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 three lines are as follows:
Please enter your bbs information in the format:
BBS Name | Days/Hours of Operation | Bauds | Theme | Free/$$
XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
When the user executes the FADD command those three lines are displayed to
him and then he is prompted for some text. The text 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.
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 32
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 key press 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
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,
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 33
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. 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 text 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
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:
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 34
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.
Revf - Output any 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). Use the RLST command to display files
information in reverse.
Example:
Revf,r,100,100,Show [C]allers log,callers.log
Seat - Check a text file for an inputted text line. The user is asked for
the search text and the requested file is searched on a line
by line basis for any occurrence of that text. If the text
is found that line is displayed to the user. Useful when
displaying lists of ordered items that may have some known
text 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,
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 35
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. While in chat mode you may press
alt-R to drop to dos.
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. You may even leave the text blank to have
nothing displayed (this is a way to have complete ANSI
menus). In addition you may put the substitution parameter
%TIME in the quer command to show the users time on the
system.
Example:
quer,xxx,5,5,%TIME - Enter A Command You Silly Goose!-,
will appear as:
TL:15 - Enter A Command You Silly Goose!-
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.
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 36
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.
Example:
Outn,p,10,10, [P]revious Users On,
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 rpack /i
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.
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 37
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.
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 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 which are displayed and preceded by 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.
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 38
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 running doors
Srun
Runn,
Runp - Run an external program. 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.
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 Srun command is exactly the same as the Runp command
except that the Rybbs system will swap itself out to the
disk (or enhanced memory if available). This will give the
child program more room to execute and will almost always
allow you to avoid using the DOOR command.
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 running doors
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
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 39
Lcom - Outputs a remark to a text file. Will normally be used within a MULT
command but could be used anytime. Normal use 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
-----------------------
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. This should be the first line
of the menu.
Example:
form,!,105,105,invisible clear screen,
Shot - Displays the elapsed time the user has on the system along with the
current time before displaying the short menu.
Example:
Shot,$,105,105, Display Time,
Cmnt - Comment. Can display info on the menu but has no other effect. Also
the command letter will not be displayed in the short menu.
Usage of the same access letter for multiple comment lines
is allowed.
Example:
Cmnt,$,5,5,--------Bulletins of the Day--------,
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 40
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).
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.
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 41
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
99 upload and 99 download areas. The format of the files is as follows:
number,security,descriptive text,path
For example:
1,5,fun and games,\files\games
2,=8,private,\files\private
By placing an Equal Sign (=) in front of the security value 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 this document).
Each file area should be a separate directory. Each file directory MUST
have a copy of FILES.BBS in it to list the names of available files and to
receive the information 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!
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.
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 42
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.
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.
5.3 - Graphics
--------------
There are 3 types of RyBBS 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
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 43
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 menus will have
extensions of .ASC and files will have the last letter before the extension
listed as a 'G'.
The menu files (eg main.asc) is a text file that contains NO menu commands.
It simply has the desired text that is output to the user.
Examples
main.mnu --> main.asc
tfile.doc --> tfileg.doc
Example:
menu,m,5,5, [M]ain Menu,main.mnu
text,t,5,5, [T]extfile output,tfile.doc
If the user has ASCII graphics activated and the menu file MAIN.ASC (NOT
MAIN.MNU) exists it would be output instead of the normal menu screen. If
it doesn't exist MAIN.MNU would be output instead of MAIN.ASC.
If file TFILEG.DOC exists (NOT TFILE.DOC) it 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.
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 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.
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 44
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.
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:
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.
You may simulate the pressing of the [Enter] key by entering a !
character. (make sure that THIS menu doesn't have any as allowable entries)
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
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 45
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 your computer
-------------------------
RyBBS may be used to access your computer remotely through the use of the
EXEC command. When you do so you will see the dos prompt (IE C> ) and may
execute any allowable dos command as long as memory permits it. Be
forewarned however that MANY programs do not run correctly over a modem
remotely.
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. 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:
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 and you would need to use the
watchdg2 program.
Mark and release are public domain memory management programs and are
necessary for correct operation.
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.
Doorway is another carrier monitoring program. 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.
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 remote
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 46
program, and I'm dropped to DOS with all the necessary commands activated
automatically.
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 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.
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 similar in structure to a menu with each
event line set up as follows:
EVNT,E,Event Security,Execute Day,Event Text,Event Time
The Execute Security defines the 'type' of event and is discussed below.
The Execution day is from 1 to 7 for a single day or greater then 7 for
EVERY day (Sunday=1,Saturday=7)
Example:
evnt,e,50,5, Event #1, 02:30:00
Event of security 50 will occur on Thursday only at 2:30 am.
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 exit to dos and if you're operating RyBBS
from within 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
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 47
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 remain resident but will 'shell' to dos and
execute this event. This limits the event program to a certain size which
will depend on the amount of your system memory.
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.
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;
The system is constantly checking for the next event and will limit the
amount of time a user has online so that an event may execute.
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.
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 48
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)-
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 might appear as
(414)-962-1097
Example 2:
?Please enter your desired four digit user code
xx-xx
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 49
In the above example the answer might appear as
A4-8C
Questionnaire Comments
---------------------
Comment line in .QUE file must have * sign in first space.
Example:
*This is a questionnaire for sysops
*Please answer all questions truthfully.
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 50
CHAPTER 6 - Sysop Keys
----------------------------
Commands that the system operator will find valuable are shown below next
to their associated key presses.
Online Keys (while a user is online)
Key Command
--- -------
F7 Force Chat with present user
F8 Log user off (after verify)
F9 Change current users security
F10 Erases bottom three lines of Sysop screen
Alt-A Kill user immediately
Alt-D Sysop Drop to DOS (RyBBS remains resident!)
Alt-P Turns printer on/off
Alt-U Display full information on current user.
Alt-F1 Increase current user's upload credit by 10 minutes.
Alt-F2 Decrease current user's upload credit by 10 minutes.
Alt-F3 Increase current user's number of uploads
Alt-F4 Decrease current user's number of uploads
Alt-F10 Drop out of program to Dos
Offline Keys (while NO user is online)
F1 Sysop Available Toggle
F2 Sysop Bell Toggle
F3 Screen Echo
F4 Local login
F5 Sysop utilities (New program Sysutil.exe)
Alt-C Enter RyComm communication Sub-Program
Alt-D Sysop Drop to DOS (RyBBS remains resident!)
Alt-P Turns printer on/off
Alt-U Display full information on last user.
Alt-F3 View current system settings
Alt-F4 Immediate Sysop Local Log-On
Alt-F5 Execute SYSUTIL program (Sysop Utilities)
Ctrl-X Quit RyBBS program
Ctrl-Y Exit the program, place phone off-hook
F1-Sysop Available Toggle
-------------------------
This will allow the sysop to be paged if a user executes the chat command.
(See CHAT for more details on operation)
F2-Sysop Bell Toggle
--------------------
This will allow the sysop to be paged for chat silently (on screen only).
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 7.0 Documentation 51
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.
You may also login as the sysop from the 'Waiting for calls' menu.
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.
You may also login as a user from the 'Waiting for calls' menu.
F5-Sysop Utilities
------------------
This key executes another program: sysutil.exe. You can reset selected
read-1-time bulletins, read the callers log in reverse, execute the user's
editor and more.
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.
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.
Use Alt-A (below) to eliminate a pest.
F9-Change User Security
-----------------------
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 52
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 item.
F10-Clear Bottom Screen
-----------------------
Clears last three lines of the Sysop screen. It is 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 so he can't get back on the system.
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-U
-----
Displays extensive information about the currently logged-on caller or the
most recent caller.
Alt-F1
------
Allows the sysop to increase the current user's upload credit 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 pressed.
Alt-F4
------
Show the current RyBBS system settings. Gives a listing of many of the
active RyBBS options (E.G. Com port, zmodem active, etc.)
Alt-F10
-------
Drops out of program to Dos while a user is on-line.
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 53
Control-X
---------
The proper way to shut down the RyBBS system.
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 resets some multiuser files.
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!
You may the change colors of the system screen. 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 Main Menu
---------------
The menu has 2 pages. The first page has the following options.
1) Log-in locally as Sysop
2) Run RyCOMM
3) Run Sysop Utilities (Sysutil.exe)
4) Exit program (phone off hook)
5) Exit program (phone on hook)
Press the right/left arrow keys to change menu pages.
The second page has the following options.
1) Run filehelp (upload/download file utility)
2) Run User Editor
3) Run Message Editor
4) Log in as a user
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 54
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, YMODEM & ZMODEM. You may also
use some of the advanced protocols with a "Drop to Dos" (MPT, JModem,etc.).
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!
7.2 - RyComm Commands
HOME Key
--------
Once RyComm is activated, pressing the HOME key will cause the RyComm Help
Screen to pop up, which displays the following information:
--------------------------------------
| 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 Com 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.
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 55
Alt-C
-----
Clear Screen
ALT-D
-----
The Dial Directory window will pop up listing the first 10 of 80 telephone
numbers that can be selected for automatic dialing.
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 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| 9 |
| 10 |
| |
| [NU]-Dial [+]-Next Page [-]-Previous Page [R]evise [C]lear [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.
[C]lear will remove the currently highlighted entry
The Escape Key will exit you from the Dial Directory, or cancel 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 attempts to hang up the modem which should disconnect you from
the remote modem.
Alt-J
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 56
-----
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.
When programming a macro key you may allow it to involk an external program
by type the word EXTERNAL followed by the exact program name (including
extension) you'd care to run.
Alt-K
-----
Download a file into a RyBBS download area. You will be prompted 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
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 57
gives the system to you. If the number being redialed contains a script
file that will be executed immediately.
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 MPT, Jmodem, 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
---------------------------------
Communication script can automate your login procedure to many bbs systems.
RyCOMM has the ability to utilize these devices.
Create a 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
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
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 58
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 7.0 Documentation 59
CHAPTER 8 - Utilities
---------------------------
8.1 - RPACK RyBBS Packing/Indexing Utility
RPACK is : a message packing utility
a users packing utility
a user file indexer for fast user finds
a file indexer for fast download file finds
You can use RPACK to clean up your message base files and users file by
deleting unwanted records and reducing the size of the files. This regular
maintenance can be performed as command lines using batch files, DOS
command entries, or the function can be performed as part of the RyBBS
scheduled events process...it is up to the user.
RPACK is also easily run remotely by utilizing RyBBS remote
capabilities.
NOTE: Before you use this utility you should back up your USERS.BBS and
message bases (i.e. all .PTR, .LIN, and .MES files) to a floppy in case of
unexpected results due to incorrect command input.
USAGE
-----
The command line structure is simple:
RPACK [options]
The options are as follows:
Users File Packing: /U - Pack users files
------------------ /U /1 - remove users more than 1 month old
/U /2 - remove users more than 2 months old
/U /3 - remove users more than 3 months old
/U /C[#] - Security # cut-off for user pack
Example: Let's say you want to delete all users who have not called
your board in the last 60 days (2 months), and who are
security 5 or lower.
Command: RPACK /U /2 /C6
Example 2: How about deleting all users who have less than, but
not equal to security 20.
Command: RPACK /U /C20
Message Base Packing:
--------------------
/M - Pack message bases
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 60
This will delete only messages that are marked deleted.
All other messages will be renumbered, along with users
message pointers, fully compressing and cleaning up all
message bases as shown in RYBOARDS.BBS.
/M# - Pack message bases and also remove all messages that
are older then # months old. This will delete only
messages that are marked deleted. All other messages
will be renumbered, along with users message pointers,
fully compressing and cleaning up all message bases as
shown in RYBOARDS.BBS. # is a number from 1 to 9.
Indexing
-------------
/I - Generate User Index file only option indexes users for
fast look-up when they log in. For some of the old-
time RyBBS sysops, this replaces the LOOKUP.EXE
utility.Should be run as an event every nite.
/F - Generate Index file for downloads. This will allow
virtually immediate finding of files to download.
Should be run as an event every nite.
/P - Echo program activity to the printer This option
switch can be added anywhere to the command line and
will send pack activity results to your printer.
8.2 - USORT
This utility allows the users.bbs file to be read and sorted by the
a number of different criteria.
Usage:
Usort options [ >output ]
Allowable Options
-----------------
/n --> By First Name
/l --> By Last Name
/r --> By First Name in reversed order
/c --> By Calling From Name
/p --> By Phone Number
/d --> By Number of Downloads
/u --> By Number of Uploads
/a --> By upload/download ratio
/f --> Define output fields where
n=name
c=calling from
p=phone
d=# download
u=# uploads
s=security
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 61
If /f not used the ALL fields are displayed
Example:
usort /n Sort by name...Display all fields
usort /c /fnc Sort by calling from...show name and calling
from
usort /s /fn >Users.Txt Sort by security..Show names only..Send output
to file Users.Txt
The output normally goes to the console but may be redirected to a file
if desired. This program should work remotely from a RUNP or EXEC command.
8.3 - Filehelp
This program allows you to move files from an upload area to download
area, across drives, test ZIP and ARC files, remove files, update the
files.bbs list, and edit the files.bbs.
You must have the following files in the same sub-directory (normally
the RyBBS sub-directory):
UPLOAD.BBS *
DOWNLOAD.BBS *
PKXARC
PKUNZIP
* Multi-line version use the appropriate filename.
Files.bbs must be in each of your upload/download sub-directories.
When you first bring up this program, you will see a short menu that
displays:
[U]pload Area, [D]ownload Area, [I]nfo or [Q]uit-
Upload - Reads the UPLOAD.BBS file to allow you to manipulate files
in the upload area.
Download - Reads the DOWNLOAD.BBS file to allow you to manipulate files
in the download area.
Info - Displays disk size and number of bytes available for any
drive.
Quit - Returns you to your Operating System.
By entering either U or D, the system will display:
Area Number? (ENTER to list; Q to Quit)-
If you are not sure of the file area number, just press your enter key and
the system will list the available areas. Had you input U and really
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 62
wanted D, just enter Q and reselect.
Select the area that you wish to do file manipulations (moving, deleting,
editing files.bbs or testing archives). At anytime you need help or
reminders of the available commands, enter the (?) question mark key.
To view files.bbs, just press your enter key. The system will display
one line at a time. The current line is the line you will be working
with. When moving files from one area to another, the system will also
move any associated data lines (description is located on more than one
line). Commands available are as follows:
SPACE BAR - Forward One File
Each time you press your space bar, the system will display the next
line in your files.bbs.
A - Abort without Save
All changes to the files.bbs will not be updated. Useful command when
updating information and you mess up. Allows you to cancel your changes.
If you move files or delete files then abort, only the changes to the
files.bbs will remain unchanged. The physical file will remain in it's
current state. Moved files, the file.bbs information that was transferred
will be located in both files.bbs.
B - Backward One File
Each time you hit the B key, the system will read the files.bbs file
backwards.
C - Copy a File
Duplicates the file current listed to another sub-directory of your
choice.
D - Change File Description
This command allows you to rewrite the file description on the currently
displayed line. Descriptions that display on more than one line must be
modified individually, line for line.
E - Edit Complete Line
This command allows you to edit the entire line. Be sure to line up the
information correctly.
F - Find File
Some file areas become very large, listing forward or backwards can be
time consuming when a file is in the middle. Find a file will locate
and display the file information line.
G - Transfer File to New Path
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 63
Allows you to copy a file to a path that isn't one of the normal upload or
download areas.
I - Insert Line
Inserts a new line at the current location. The new line becomes the
current line.
K - Kill File
Removes the current listing from files.bbs and erases the file from the
sub-directory.
L - Load Edit Buffer
Load current line into the Edit Buffer.
M - Move a File
Moves the current listed file and description line to the sub-directory
of your choice. May be moved from same or different physical disk drives.
N - Change Name
This command allows you to change the name of the file in files.bbs.
P - Push Edit buffer
Pushes currently located in the edit buffer into the current line
Q - Quit and Save Changes
Quits back to the Main FILEHELP Menu and asks you if you wish to save
the file only if changes were made to files.bbs.
S - Change Size
The system places the actual file size into files.bbs.
T - Date=Current Date
System places current system date into files.bbs.
U - Date=File Date
The system places the actual file date into files.bbs.
V - View a Text File
Displays a text file. Saves you from dropping to your Operating System
to view a text file.
X - Erase Line ^X - UnErase Line
Erases the current line from files.bbs. This command does not remove the
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 64
file from your system (use K). Accidents do happen, should you erase the
wrong line, you may UnErase the line by hitting your ctrl-X key. ^X will
only UnErase the line if you DON'T save the changes to this files.bbs
first.
- - First Line
Takes you to the first line of files.bbs.
+ - Last Line
Takes you to the last line of files.bbs.
? - This Help Screen
Displays the Help Screen.
, - Sort current file
Sorts the entire file, line for line sort. Use caution when using this
command as all lines are sorted and not sorted by file name.
* - Use DOS DIR to append files.bbs
This command will prompt you for a file mask (E.G. *.*) Enter files to
be appended to files.bbs.
^A - Dump Current File to Printer
Prints a copy of your current Files.bbs.
^D - Find deleted files
This command will find and list deleted files.
^E - External Utilities
Allows you to use Utilities that are external to filehelp.
^T - Test archive with PkARC
Tests the archive of .ARC files.
^Z - Test archive file w/PKZIP
Test the archive of .ZIP files.
An M as the very first character in a line indicates the line is a
comment.
When you quit this area, if any changes were made, the system will ask
if you would like to save your changes. Enter Y to save or N to abort
file changes. Once answered, the system will take you back to the Main
Menu. From here you may go the next area or quit back to your Disk
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 65
Operating System.
8.4 - Fileshow
FileShow will read your callers.log and determine the most frequently
downloaded files. It will then output the list sorted by most frequently
downloaded to the display device of your choice (ie, screen, file or
printer).
It will show the time and date of the report and the name and number of
times the file has been transmitted.
Usage:
FILESHOW [options] [optional device name]
Options:
/W parameter lists 3 files per line. (Default 1 per line)
/N where N is a cutoff number from 1 to 6 and the program won't
list any download with dl count less then the cutoff.
If no device name is entered the screen is the default device.
Examples:
fileshow
Outputs a sorted list of files to the screen.
fileshow /w >prn
Outputs a sorted list of files with 3 files per displayed
line to the printer.
fileshow /3>filelist.cur
Outputs a sorted list of files to a file called FILELIST.CUR but only
the files that have been download 3 times or more.
8.5 - RyShow
This utility is designed to show system usage sorted by user.
It will list out an alphabetically sorted list of users showing the
dates (optionally) at which they logged and then a summary of the
total activity of this user.
Usage:
ryshow [option]
where option is
/d to NOT show each date...only total user activity
/s to prompt for a user name. Ryshow will not operate on names that
contain the prompt string.
/r Show sorted list in reverse.
/l Sorts list by last name
/? Shows this help screen.
The output of this program may be redirected to the device of your choice
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 66
Examples:
ryshow >prn {output results to printer}
ryshow >com1 {output results to com port 1}
ryshow >result.txt {output results to file RESULT.TXT}
ryshow /s >result.txt {prompt for name and then output results
to file RESULT.TXT}
ryshow /l {Output result to console; sort by last name
8.6 - NewLog
NewLog will create a new callers.log for the system that begins
at a date that you can specify.
First the program requests a date from you.
Then the program reads in the current callers.log checking for that
date. When the date is found a new callers.log is created that contains
all information from that date forward.
Usage:
Newlog [options]
where options are
/1
/2
or
/3 and indicate amount of months to leave on the callers.log
If you do not include a cutoff by month, you will be prompted for a date.
8.6 - Master
This utility will generate a master listing of all file areas.
Usage:
Master [/S] [>OutputFile]
The /S signifies the desire to sort each area file listing individually.
The entire listing is NOT sorted. Just the individual areas.
The default output device will be the display but this utility may be
redirected to any valid DOS device such as the printer or a file. File
sorting may be accomplished with the /S parameter if desired.
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 67
CHAPTER 9 - System Maintenance
------------------------------------
System upkeep is part of every sysop's life; the less the better as far as
I'm concerned. The previous chapter went into some detail on the format of
some of the RyBBS utilities. This chapter will talk about real-life
operation and use of those programs.
9.1 - Deleting old users from the users file
You can use the Sysutil.exe utility program to mark users as deleted but
that will not remove them from the users.bbs file. You need the RPACK
program to do that.
First, backup your users.bbs file to a floppy. Make sure that you have
enough disk space available to allow a duplicate copy of the USERS.BBS file
on your hard drive.
Second, determine the number of months that infrequent users may not log
into the system before you remove them. (1, 2 or 3 months only!)
Third, is there a security level above which even those who haven't logged
in for that number of months will still NOT be removed? If so this is the
security cutoff value.
for example to remove all deteted users and all users who have not logged
in for 3 months AND who's security is below 7 type the following:
rpack /u /3 /c7 (enter)
The program will begin and you will see some users listed as being deleted.
It may actually take several minutes to run this program because not only
are the users being deleted, but the users index file is being created and
the user message pointer files are being re-written.
9.2 - Deleting old messages from the message files
First, backup your message files to a floppy.
Second, determine how many months old a message need be before it will
automatically be deleted. (1 through 9 are acceptable)
for example to remove all deteted messages and all messages that are 4 or
more months old type the following:
rpack /m4 (enter)
The program will begin and you will see some messages being listed as being
deleted.
It may take several minutes to run this program because not only are the
messages being deleted, but the message pointers files are being re-written
and the message threads are re-calculated.
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 68
9.3 - Showing the most popular files
Often it's desirable to see which files are being downloaded the most. This
is interesting as well as informative. On my system, for example, I
calculated the popular files EVERY night in an event and allow all users to
view this file in a bulletin.
The FILESHOW program is used for this.
For example let's say we wish to create a list of the files that have been
downloaded more then 3 times each. We'll call this list HOTFILES.TXT.
The format of the fileshow utility is :
fileshow /3 /w >hotfiles.txt
9.4 - Updating the callers.log
The callers.log can get quite large on a busy system and it's advisable to
shorten it occasionally to save disk space. The NEWLOG program does this
easily for you.
First, backup your callers.log to a floppy. You can generally save LOTS of
space by compressing this file using LHARC or PKZIP.
Second, determine how many months you wish kept in the callers.log
(1,2 and 3 are acceptable). All subsequent months will be deleted.
Third, make sure you have enough room for the creation of the new
callers.log. The old callers.log will be renamed to callers.bak and NOT be
removed until you delete it manually.
For example to retain the last two months of system activity type the
following:
newlog /2
The system will start reading the old callers.log. You'll see the dates
change as the program reads the file. When it reaches the requested cut-off
date you'll hear a beep from the computer and it will start doing a FAST
copy of rest of the file.
When it comes to a stop you'll have a new callers.log.
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 69
CHAPTER 10 - Multi-User Version
------------------------------------
RyMULT is the multi-user version of the RyBBS bulletin board system.
Functionally it is almost identical to the original RyBBS. Differences lie
in its ability to perform true file locking through standard DOS locking
techniques. This document will describe the needed changes to the existing
RyBBS system to accommodate the new version. This document will not
describe the RyBBS commands other then those new ones supported through
RyMULT. This document assumes familiarity with the current documentation
and should questions arise regarding a 'normal' RyBBS feature you should
consult the RyBBS documentation files.
Requirements for RyMult Multi-User:
1) You MUST be running PCDOS, MSDOS 3.1 or DRDOS.
2) You MUST run a concurrent operating system or network that uses regular
DOS as a basis.
Examples of compatible concurrent operating systems include DoubleDos and
Desqview.
Examples of incompatible programs (as far as I know) are Concurrent DOS,
and Unix (and it's clones).
3) You must have at least 2 modems
4) You must have a copy of DSZ.exe or DSZ.com in the RyBBS system
directory. This program is used for all internal file transfers in the
multi-user version.
I usually have two versions of RyMULT available; one that utilizes the
standard FOSSIL driver and one that uses the regular internal RyBBS
communications routines. The Fossil version will often run quicker
especially if you don't have a modem that allows port locking.
The system has been tested with several fossil drivers on the market.
The X00 driver by Ray Quinn is well known and works well with RyBBS. This
program is loaded as a device driver through your config.sys file.
The BNU driver also works well. This has the advantage of being a TSR
program and may be 'unloaded' if you desire.
Fossil drivers may cause problems when you are setting up some doors. If
you do have problems try disabling the driver, if possible, or try another
driver.
RyMult will work on IBM computers and clones thereof. I recommend the use
of an AT clone, the faster the better. The RyMult program will certainly
operate correctly on an XT or clone but you may experience sluggish
performance especially with two users.
Easy steps to 're-configure' your present RyBBS system to the new RyMULT
system:
1) SHARE is a program that is included on your DOS disk (or supplemental)
and you should put that command in your autoexec file using your favorite
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 70
text editor or word processor. I use Qedit or Wordstar (in non-document
mode!) All you need do is add the word `share' (without quotes) into the
autoexec.bat file before starting up your concurrent operating system. Make
sure that that SHARE program is located in the current directory or that
the path command allows access to it. This may not be necessary if you are
running a network system.
If you decide to use the fossil version (see above) you should setup the
fossil driver and verify that it's working properly if possible.
2) A separate copy of each of the following files will exist for
each node:
Old Name New Name (using node 1 as example!)
Startup.bbs ---> Startup.1
Online.bbs ---> Online.1
Programs.bbs ---> Programs.1
Modeinit.bbs ---> Modeinit.1
Events.bbs ---> Events.1
upload.bbs ---> Upload.1
download.bbs ---> Download.1
As you can see the files original name remains the same except for the
extension which becomes the node number.
If you plan on using online programs via online.1 or programs.1 you should
make sure that the correct com port numbers appear on all the lines and in
the batch files. That is, if the program runs a batch file that involks the
CTTY command you should make sure that the appropriate online. file
contains the appropriate COM designator.
The Startup.N file for each node should define the COM port. Don't use the
programs parameter line to designate com port. It's too easy to forget
which is which.
Example:
Startup.1 Startup.2
Com1 Com2
Question Question
No windows No Windows
etc.
Each startup file is independent and may be setup according to the wishes
of the sysop.
The modeinit file should be set up according to the modem at the com port
defined in the appropriate startup file.
3) The original RyBBS files (IE rybbs.exe etc.) should be replaced by the
rymult.exe file that are contained in the Ryfoss70.zip file.
4) Put the newnode program in your autoexec.bat file so that the Rynode.bbs
file will be erased every time the system starts. This will serve to
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 71
clear any problems you might have experienced if the system went down
without bringing the board down properly. The format of the newnode program
is :
Newnode [optional directory]
example:
newnode (assumes current directory)
newnode \rybbs (assumes RyMult directory is \rybbs)
If you start RyMULT from the autoexec.bat file you must first load your
concurrent operating system. The concurrent operating would then have the
responsibility of starting up both nodes of RyMULT by itself. Included on
the RyMULT disk is the DoubleDos Dconfig.sys file I use to start it. If
you study the file you will see that I put two directory listings on the
second side before bringing up the second node of RyMULT. This is designed
to give a little time for the first node to create the Rynode.bbs file if
necessary.
5) Run the Rymult program a single time by itself (before starting up the
multi-tasking system) to initialize RyMult. It actually creates the node
description file (RYNODE.BBS) that contains important information about all
active nodes. This should be done everytime after the file RYNODE.BBS is
deleted (see below for details about this).
As soon as you see the 'ready for calls' message you can shut down the same
as regular RyBBS.
Now start up your multi-tasking software. You should set up your system so
that if the power accidentlly got turned off (or power blackout occurred)
the multi-tasker would be started up automatically which in turn would
startup two copies of RyMult.
When you have two copies of the RyMult software running you should see a
different Node number down in the lower left corner in the sysop
information area for each different system running.
RyMULT Commands
---------------
-Command NAME shows other users on system
Example:
name,n,5,5 , ! [N]-Users on-line !,
-Command TALK allows internodal chat
Example:
talk,t,5,5 , ! [T]-Node Talk !,
Internodal chat mode can only work on a single computer. If you have
RyMULT running on a network you should disable the talk function by
removing it from the menu. If you are running DoubleDos DSHO is a VERY nice
command. It will allow the remote sysop to check out the other side of the
system and see what the other remote user is doing!
Internodal chat is started by the first user entering the 'talk' command
mode. The other user is immediately paged if viewing menus or reading
messages. If the other user is performing other tasks such as entering
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 72
messages or file up/download the other task is finished before the page is
made known to the user.
Printer Hints
-------------
If you use a printer on multiple nodes of RyMULT I recommend that a print
spooler be installed so that printer contention can be avoided. That is to
say if two messages were sent to the printer at the same time the printer
could potentially mix up characters from both. A print spooler would at
least be able to receive the information much faster and therefore avoid
most problems.
Helpful Hints
=============
The node number is displayed right above the name in the system information
area (the bottom 4 lines of the screen). If the number exceeds the total
number of RyMULT nodes you have active this means that you probably had a
system failure where the RyMULT program wasn't able to make a proper
program exit. If this occurs you should stop both nodes and delete the file
rynode.bbs. When the program begins again it will create this file and all
will be as it should.
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 73
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,$,5,5, ,
menu,m,5,5 , +=========File Menu=========+,main.mnu
menu,u,5,5 , | [M]ain Menu |,upload.mnu
down,d,5,5 , | [G]oodbye/LogOff |,
anew,n,5,5 , | [X]pert toggle |,files.bbs
lifi,l,5,5 ,+=====+===============+==========+=============+,
xprt,x,5,5 ,| [L]ist files | [U]pload a file |,
cmnt,y,5,5 ,| [S]earch for files| [D]ownload a file |,
menu,g,5,5 ,| [C]hange Down Area| Locate [N]ew Files |,exit.mnu
rlst,r,5,5 ,| [R]everse Files List| [?]- Help !! |
chgd,c,5,5 ,+=============================================+,
show,?,105,5, invisible show,
shof,y,105,105, ,
newf,z,105,5, ,files.bbs
cmnt,y,5,5, ,
upld,p,105,5, invisible upload,
sall,s,115,5,search for a file,files.bbs
chan,.,105,5, invisible chain,
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 74
This is a typical MESSAGE area menu:
form,$,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 7.0 Documentation 75
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)
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 rpack.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 7.0 Documentation 76
Appendix C- File 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 7.0 Documentation 77
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 7.0 Documentation 78
Appendix D - Running Doors
--------------------------
A door is simply a program, external to the BBS software, that can be run
by the BBS remotely. Many 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 specifically designed to be
run as 'doors' by utilizing 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,SRUN,RUNN and the EXEC commands, described elsewhere, are used to
run door programs under RyBBS. All you need are the proper conversion
utilities. The ones that are available now that do the best job are:
RyCnvrt (CA Spry) - Converts CURRUSER.BBS to DORINFO1.DEF
DoorMaster (Michael Otto) - Converts DORINFO1.DEF to almost anything!
Between the two conversion programs, 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+
and the Professional OLEcom doors that use DORINFO1.DEF as the door file.
The syntax for running a door is as follows:
runp,access code,5,5,Door Description,Door Command
(note: runp is used here but EXEC, RUNN, and SRUN will all work)
Example:
runp,v,5,5, [V]iew zip file ,ziptv.exe /p%COM /t10 %file2
Here the program is ZIPTV.EXE (extension is important!) and the command
line parameters allow RyBBS to fill in the correct com port and filename.
The %FILE2 tells RyBBS to request a filename from the user and then fill it
in that place.
See the list of substitution parameters on page # 83
Another example:
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:
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 79
@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.
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 common 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:
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 80
cd\rybbs
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 7.0 Documentation 81
Appendix E - Netmail
--------------------------
RyBBS has the capability to run several of the major netmail packages. With
the addition of John Gemmill's RyPacker FidoNet mail can 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.
There are several new netmail starter packages on HomeBase now. They show
you how to get netmail up and running in the shortest time using RyBBS and
a front mailer like BinleyTerm or FrontDoor. Look in the netmail file
section on RyBBS Homebase (414-962-1097) for more information.
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 82
Appendix F - External Protocols
------------------------------------
With version 7.0 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 three parameters. The first is a
description of the protocol. The second is the actual execution line for
the protocol including any substitution parameters and the third is the
protocol name that will be recorded in the callers.log file.
Example:
Jmodem Protocol,jmodem.exe s%com %baud %name,Jmodem
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!) :
If you don't have enough memory for the external protocol to run RyBBS will
swap itself out. This will take a little longer then normal. If your
protocol requires definition files make sure that they are located in the
RyBBS system directory.
%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.
%PATH - Will substitute selected pathname for this parameter.
%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
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
in file FNAMES.BBS which can then be referenced in the command line.
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 83
%MULTFILE may also be used for batch uploads. By placing this parameter in
the command line the RyBBS system will automatically direct all files to
the batch upload directory. The default area is \batchtmp but this may be
modified by the BATCH PATH in the startup.bbs file.
Example: assuming the Com Port is 1 and baud is 1200. The RyBBS system will
prompt for up to 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
(Thanks to Andrew Walding for this information)
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 84
Appendix G - 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
Door - Allows use of available "Door" programs
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.
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 85
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.
Runp - Run a program.
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.
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 7.0 Documentation 86
Appendix H- Common 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 RPACK. This removes
old and deleted users from the USERS.BBS
file.
*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
*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 )
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 87
*2400/9600 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 stops 1) Remove any ATZ from modeinit.bbs file.
answering the phone.
*Files put in a download You MUST update the files.bbs in that
directory LOCALLY don't show file area with the name, date, size and
up in the files listing description of the file. Normal uploads
will take care of this automatically.
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 88
Appendix I- Error Numbers
(may be found in ERROR.LOG)
100 Disk read error
-try to read past the end of the file
101 Disk write error
-disk full or other write error
102 File not assigned
-reported by reset,rewrite,append,rename, or erase
(these are turbo commands)
103 File not open
104 File not open for input (text files only)
105 File not open for output
106 Invalid numeric format (reported when attempting to read
specific numeric types from text files)
150 Disk write protected
151 Unknown device
152 Drive not ready
153 Unknown command
154 CRC error in data
155 Bad drive request structure length
156 Disk seek error
157 Unknown media type
158 Disk sector not found (bad or unformatted disk)
159 Printer out of paper
160 Device write fault (usually printer!)
161 Device read fault
162 Hardware failure (often the printer or disk error)
200 Division by zero
201 Range check error
-software index/number out of allowable range for this
variable
202 Stack overflow error (could be not enough memory!)
203 Heap overflow error (Usually means not enough memory!)
204 Invalid pointer operation
205 Floating point overflow
206 Floating point underflow
207 Invalid floating point operation
208 Overlay manager not installed
209 Overlay file read error
Rybbs 7.0 Documentation 89
UPDATES
-------
The latest public version of this program is always available on HomeBase
Multi-User BBS (414)-962-1097
24 Hrs. 9600/2400/1200/300 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:
Kinston Micro 1-919-527-6194 (2400/1200/300) (Kinston, NC)
Digital X-Connect 1-214-618-6164 (9600/24/12/3) (Texas)
The Dungeon BBS 1-919-726-9737 (2400/1200/300) (Kinston, NC)
And although not a 'Distribution Site', the latest Shareware version will
be on EXEC-PC BBS (414)-789-4210
If you have any questions about this program please call:
RyBBS HomeBase 1-414-962-1097 (Data ONLY) (96/24/12/300 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 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 7.0 Documentation 90
RyBBS Registration Form
=======================
Personal: $50 To: The Ryco Company
Business: $80 P.O. Box 11134
Multi-User: $175 Shorewood, WI 53211
(Wisconsin residents add 5% tax)
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 7.0 Documentation 91
Index Printer 18, 19, 24, 51,
ANSI 15 53, 54
ANSI COLORS 20 Question 19
ANSI Graphics 44 Questionnaire 48
ASCII Graphics 44 Ratio.bbs 13
Baud 18 Remote use 46
Bulletins 13 Ringback 19, 21
Carbons 19 RPACK.EXE 18
Change User Security 52 RyBBS utilities 4
Chat 51, 52 RyComm 55
CLEAR 15 RyComm Help 55
Common problems 87 RYCONFIG 5, 17
Compiled menus 17 Script 58
Ctty 46 Security 11, 14, 19, 20,
DELAY 15, 45 23, 25
Desqview 5, 6, 70 SETCOLOR 54
DISCONNECT 15 Startup.bbs 10, 17, 21
Disk space 20 Subscription 20
Distribution Sites 90 Sysop Utilities 52
Doormaster 6 Text file commands 14
Doors 39, 70, 79 Upload credit 53
Doorway 6, 46, 79 Upload/download ratio 18
DoubleDos 5, 6, 38, 47, 70 Users Editor 8
Drop to dos 47, 51, 53 Watchdog 6
Dsz 11, 83 Welcome.bbs 14
Email 18, 24 Zmodem 11, 19, 55, 87
Events 47
External protocols 11, 83
Extup.bbs 11, 18, 83
Fastnames 18
Files.bbs 11
First.bbs 10
Force Log User Off 52
FORCE READ 14
Fossil 70, 71
Goodbye.bbs 14
Install [Enter] 8
Instant 18
Kill user 51
Limits.bbs 11
Local Log-on 52
LOG 15
Macros 45
Menus.bbs 12, 17, 27, 33,
42
Message 10
Modeinit.bbs 7, 12, 21,
43, 87
Multi-user 70
NetMail 17, 82
Network 19
PAUSE 15, 45, 58
Port Locking 19, 70