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Text File | 1992-11-20 | 213KB | 6,231 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) 1986-1992 Gregory J. Ryan All Rights Reserved RyBBS Version 7.6 .Begin Table C. 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 7 CHAPTER 2 - RyBBS FILES 10 2.1 - Necessary Files 10 2.2 - Optional Files 11 2.3 - Text File Commands 14 2.3.1 - Ansi File Text Commands 16 CHAPTER 3 - INSTALLATION 17 3.1 - Directory Setup 17 3.3 - Startup Command Line 17 3.4 - Startup.bbs 18 3.4.1 - Ansi Colors 22 3.4.2 - Startup Batch File 23 3.5 - File Names 23 3.6 - Message Boards 24 3.6.1 - Ryboards.bbs 24 3.6.2 - Exact Securities 26 3.6.3 - Public Message Bases 26 3.6.4 - Private Mail Message Bases 26 3.6.5 - Anonymous Message Bases 27 CHAPTER 4 - MENUS AND MENU COMMANDS 28 4.1 Command Description 28 4.2 - Menus.bbs 30 4.3 - Menu Restrictions 30 4.4 - Menu Commands 30 4.4.1 - Message Area Commands 30 4.4.2 - File Commands 32 4.4.3 - Misc Commands 34 4.4.4 - Sysop Commands 40 4.4.5 - System Commands 42 4.4.6 - Multi-User Commands 44 CHAPTER 5 - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 45 5.1 - Setting Up File Areas 45 5.2 - Other File Descriptions 45 5.3 - Graphics 46 5.4 - Macros 48 5.5 - Remote Use of your computer 49 5.6 - Time Activated Events 50 5.8 - Modifying the "Waiting For" Screen 53 CHAPTER 7 - RYCOMM COMMUNICATIONS 59 7.1 - Overview 59 7.6 - RyComm Commands 59 7.3 - RyCOMM File Transfers 62 7.4 - Use of Scripts with RyCOMM 62 CHAPTER 8 - UTILITIES 64 8.1 - Rpack 64 Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 2 8.2 - Usort 65 8.3 - Filehelp 66 8.4 - Fileshow 69 8.5 - Ryshow 70 8.6 - NewLog 71 8.6 - Master 71 CHAPTER 9 - SYSTEM MAINTENANCE 72 9.1 - Deleting old users from the users file 72 9.2 - Deleting old messages from the message files 72 9.3 - Showing the most popular files 73 9.4 - Updating the callers.log 73 CHAPTER 10 - MULTIUSER VERSION 74 CHAPTER 11 - RUNNING DOORS 78 CHAPTER 12 - NETMAIL 81 Appendix A - EXAMPLE MENUS 83 Appendix B - THE 2 FLOPPY DRIVE SYSTEM 84 Appendix C - FILE FORMATS 85 Appendix D - EXTERNAL PROTOCOLS 87 Appendix E - QUICK REFERENCE 89 Appendix F - COMMON PROBLEMS 91 Appendix G - ERROR NUMBERS 93 UPDATES 94 Registration Form 95 Index 96 .End Table C. Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 3 .c.INTRODUCTION; ------------ RyBBS is a general purpose bulletin board program that can turn your computer and modem into a powerful multifaceted communications tool. The power inherent in the RyBBS program can solve most bbs requirements. This document will attempt to describe the different capabilities of RyBBS. Like most bbs programs, RyBBS is menu driven. This means that the user is shown a list of choices and may then select one or more of those choices. Unlike most other 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 SYStem OPerator (Sysop). RyBBS menus are built of RyBBS commands (described in detail later on in Chapter Four). 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 bulletin board program! RyCOMM is 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 .i.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 $75 for a single user program or $175 for the multi- user version. All registration fees should be sent to: The Ryco Company P.O. Box 11134 Shorewood, WI 53211 Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 4 The shareware version of this program is not quite as powerful as the registered version and the registered utilities give you addition capability. You are NOT permitted to post the registered version of the program on your bbs. Only the shareware version may be accessible by other users. The shareware 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. Using the .i.MultiUser; version of RyBBS you may run 2 different systems on a single computer using a concurrent operating system like .i..i.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 Jon Shade for being the #1 PIA. Gregory J. Ryan .c.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. .c.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 7.6 Documentation 5 .c.CHAPTER 1 - SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS; -------------------------------------- .c.: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 (a hard disk is recommended!) 320K RAM Memory (more memory can be used efficiently) 1 Com port RyBBS/RyMULT currently use EMS memory (if available) for swapping out to run doors or dropping to DOS. Generally, any IBM XT, 286, 386, 486 or compatible will operate the program correctly. The following is a partial list of the modems known to work with RyBBS: -Hayes 1200 -Zoom 2400 -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. .c.:1.2 - Compatible Software; ------------------------- This system is designed for the PC/MS DOS operating system. In addition, the following programs are compatible with RyBBS: -.i.BinkleyTerm; -.i.Doormaster; -.i.Watchdog; -.i.DesqView; -.i.FrontDoor; -Lantastic NOS -.i.Doorway; -Novell NOS -QEMM .c.: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 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 .i.modeinit.bbs;: Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 6 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 can use a modeinit.bbs setup like the following: ATM0X4V1M0S2=255S0=0 AT&D2&C1 The file MODEINIT.BBS may contain lines of text that will be sent to the modem upon start up of the RyBBS 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 Other Modems ------------ RyBBS supports many other modems. If you are having a problem configuring your modem, leave a message on Homebase and you will usually find someone else who is either running one or can help you set it up. You can also check out the MODEM.LST file included with RyBBS for a listing of many known modems are their associated setups. .c.:1.4 - Immediate Startup; ----------------------- You can actually get the RyBBS bbs system up and running in less time then it takes to unzip it. 1) Make sure that all the files are located in the directory that you wish to be the RyBBS system directory. 2) You must have a Hayes compatible modem for this immediate startup procedure. 3) Determine the comm port from which the RyBBS system will operate and the baud rate of your modem. 4) Go to the directory to which you have unpacked 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 1,2,3 or 4 here. If the program detects that there is NO comm 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]. Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 7 The maximum baud rate is 19,200 for this startup. If your modem supports higher speeds then this you should setup the system for 9600 baud and then modify it later on. The installation program will create the upload and download directories and put a copy of the FILES.BBS file in each. It will create a set of default message bases for you to start with. It will then start the RyBBS program at the selected com port and baud rate. You should run the installation program only once! Henceforth, you should begin operation of the program by typing: cd \rybbs (Or your RyBBS system directory!) r [Enter] .c.: 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). IMPORTANT! When RyBBS starts up 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 .i.Users Editor;. 1) Logging in locally as the sysop (system operator) 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 computer) as the sysop 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> Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 8 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 7.6 Documentation 9 .c.CHAPTER 2 - RyBBS FILES; ----------------------- .c.:2.1 - Necessary Files; --------------------- The following files are required by the RyBBS system and MUST be contained in the current directory or RyBBS will not operate correctly! RyBBS.exe - Bulletin board program or RyMult.exe - .i.MultiUser; RyBBS bulletin board program 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) .i.FIRST.BBS; - First Menu file to run (this, and NEWMENU.BBS, are the only two only menus that need be in the system directory!) .i.RYBOARDS.BBS; - List of all the messages boards. UPLOAD.BBS - List of upload areas DOWNLOAD.BBS - List of download areas .i.SCREEN.DEF; - 'Waiting for' screen definition file. .i.STARTUP.BBS; - Contains initial setup options for the RyBBS system. See the description of this file later on page 18. The message base files need to exist, but not in the RyBBS system directory but in the directories as defined in the RyBOARDS.BBS file. Each message `board' will have the following three files: MSGNAME.MES - Message header file MSGNAME.LIN - Message text file MSGNAME.PTR - Message user pointer file (These three files will be created when RyBBS is started using the /C parameter from the command line.) .i.Multiuser; only -------------- RYNODE.BBS - Lists active nodes and user. (will be created) ;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 Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 10 .c.:2.2 - Optional Files; -------------------- Note: All optional files can be created using any text editor that writes ASCII files. ANSIFILE.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. 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 some hacker words. If a word is used at 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 BANDNAME.TXT - See Badname.bbs above. CHAT.BBS - Text file that is shown to the user ifthe sysop is not available for a chat. See the enclosed Chat.bbs file for an example of how to use the %MULT text file command. Ryz.exe or .i.Dsz;.com/exe - Must be placed in the RyBBS directory for Zmodem; to operate. This program is available on many BBS'S. This program is REQUIRED in the .i.Multiuser; version for ANY internal file transfers (xmodem,ymodem or zmodem). Ryz.exe is the Ryco Company's protcol program of X,Y and Zmodem. Although it's not as full functioned as DSZ it will do the job quite well in most cases. EVENTS.BBS - Contains the events that are scheduled. See page 50 for further information about events. EXTDOWN.BBS - Allows the use of .i.external protocols; for file downloads. .i.EXTUP.BBS; - Allows the use of external protocols for file upload.See the appendix (Page (?)) on external protocols for more information about this feature. .i.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 35) 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. Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 11 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 RYBBS72.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\rybbs72.ZIP .i.LIMITS.BBS; - Contains maximum time per day (in minutes) for different .i.security; levels in form of: Security level,maximum time Each line contains a level and time Example 5,30 10,80 .i. 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 30 for more information) .i.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 Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 12 PRIORITY.BBS - Text file displayed 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! 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. 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 .i.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. UPCHECK.BAT - Batch file that is run immediately after a file is uploaded to the system. Normally this will be a .i.virus; scanner. Format of the UPCHECK.BAT file is: progname.exe %1 When the batch file is invoked the %1 will be replaced with the name of the uploaded file. The following files are all text files that would normally be displayed to the user at some point or another. BULLET0.BBS - BULLET7.BBS- One-time read .i.bulletins;. If any of these bulletins exist they are displayed to the user and then the Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 13 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. NO300.BBS - Display 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 displayed when sysop is not available for chat. HELLO.BBS - First text file to display (before logon) .i.WELCOME.BBS; - Second text file to display (before logon) WELCOME1.BBS- Third text file to display (after logon) NEWUSER.BBS - File to be displayed to a new user. .i.GOODBYE.BBS; - Exiting text file (display to the current person logging off) NOTENUF.BBS - File to be displayed if a user attempts to access a command above his/her .i.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 : A line preceded with an * will not be interpreted (in Ryprompt.bbs). *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... *Executing child program ExecPrompt:Executing..Please wait! *Login Color prompt ColorPrompt:Graphics: [C]olor-ANSI [A]scii-IBM [N]one - .c.:2.3 - Text File Commands; ------------------------ .i.Text file commands; Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 14 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. .i.FORCE READ; If the first line of these files is FORCE READ the user cannot abort the displaying of the file using 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 displayed using the TEXT command!). .i.LOG; If the first line of these files is LOG then the reading of this file is logged to the CALLERS.LOG file. .i.CLEAR; This command will clear both the local and remote screens. .i.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. .i.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. The number must be less then 99 and nothing is allowed after the number on that line. .i.DISCONNECT; The word DISCONNECT on a single line will disconnect the user immediately. %USERNAME Putting this word will put the current user's full name into that place of the text file that you are displaying. Example: Welcome %USERNAME, thanks for logging into this system. %DISPLAY - Allows multiple text files to be 'hooked' together. This command will normally be placed at the end of the currently displayed file. After this file is completely displayed the hooked file will be displayed as well. %MULT [commands] - This gives the sysop the ability to execute a mult command immediately after the text file is displayed. For example assume the CHAT.BBS file contains the following text: Sorry, but the sysop is busy right now! %MULT $ Where the $ command in the current menu is $,105,5, Invisible chat menu,chat.mnu and Chat.mnu looks like this: Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 15 form,!,105,5,clear screen, cmnt,!,5,5, Leave a message to the sysop?, mult,y,5,5, [Y]es..Leave a message ,m;m;c;1;e;sysop;y; menu,n,5,5, [N]o...Return to main menu,main.mnu .c.::2.3.1 - Ansi File Text Commands; 2 second delay - Put the character ~ (Tilde) in the position of the .i.ANSI; file that you wish the delay to occur. Press Enter - Put the character ` (Back quote) in the ANSI file and at that point the [Press Enter] message will be displayed. Pause - Put the character @ in the ANSI file and at that point the Pause, Continue, or Nonstop 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 7.6 Documentation 16 .c.CHAPTER 3 - INSTALLATION; ------------------------------ .c.: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 together. A method commonly used is as follows: Root Directory | ========================================= | | RyBBS System SubDirectory Rybbs Files SubDirectory RyBBS program | | System files | | | | Uploads Downloads | | | Text files Subdirectory | Message subdirectory .c.: 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 all of the 'NECESSARY FILES' (as listed on page 28 are all located in the RyBBS system directory. If the program halts before anybody tries to log on, chances are that one or more of those 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 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. .c.:3.3 - Startup Command Line; -------------------------- RyBBS is usually started from within a batch file by the following command: Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 17 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 .i.NetMail; Option (N is baud rate identifier; 3 for 300, 1 for 1200, 2 for 2400, 4 for 14400, 5 for 12000, 6 for 4800, 7 for 7200, 9 for 9600, and 0 for 19200) /L *Skips over the RyBBS initial logo for fast startup. /C Creates any non-existing message bases upon startup. /R Starts system up in RyCOMM only. When you quit RyCOMM you exit to DOS. .i.MultiUser; Only! /N# where # is the desired startup node #. By default RyMULT will search for an available node number. However it is often desirable to predetermine an exact node number and this is the way to do it. * 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. .c.:3.4 - Startup.bbs; ----------------- The file .i.Startup.bbs; duplicates many of the option commands without the bother of entering it from the command line. Startup.bbs is a text file containing separate lines of RyBBS commands that the program will read when the it begins operation. The RyBBS utility .i.RyCONFIG; is included in this package and modifies the startup.bbs program easily. However a standard text editor (or RyEDIT) can be used as well. The STARTUP.BBS commands are as follows: Command Action Taken ------- ------------ 300 Baud - Initializes modem to 300 baud at startup. 2400 Baud - Initializes modem to 2400 baud at startup. 9600 Baud - Initializes modem to 9600 baud at startup. 14400 Baud - Initializes modem to 14400 baud at startup. Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 18 19200 Baud - Initializes modem to 19200 baud at startup. anon question - will not list the user's name when filling out a q 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. (This option is almost ALWAYS active!) 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 Pathname - change the default upload batch directory (\Batchtmp) to one of your own choosing. Valid for zmodem and multifile external protocols. Binkley Filename - Where filename is the FULL pathname of your front-end fido mailer program(like Binkley or FrontDoor). The mailer program will be executed as a child process and should answer all calls. Normally, if a human is online the mailer will drop back into RYBBS with a errorlevel at which point RyBBS will act on it. (see maildoor.bbs and the netmail chapter for more info.) Example: Binkley c:\bink1\bt.exe Blank=xx - Sets screen blanking after xx minutes (default is 3) Bottom Off - Turns off bottom 3 lines of user information check break - Disables interrupt $1b and disables Ctrl-break *check name - will check for the existence of a user before allowing a message directed to him. Works for carbons also. (requires special utility .i.RPACK.EXE; that generates index file! Registered Users Only) check .i.printer; - Allows printer error checking. (Paper out etc.) chirp - outputs a chirping sound at the sysop page instead of the normal buzz. com1 - run on com port 1 (Default) 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 almost ALWAYS active) debug - Show some system information on the local screen default ext=XXX - where XXX is the default extension you wish on your system. (IE ARJ, ZIP, ARC,SOB,GIF) Example default ext=ZIP detect off - Turns off automatic ANSI graphics detection dups off - Turns off origin duplication of original messages default subdate MM/DD/YY Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 19 - Where the date is the default subscription expiration date. extension XXX - Where xxx is a three letter extension that will be searched when an upload is requested to be performed. At that point, files with the uploaded names and with the names and the specified xxx extension will be searched for. If found the upload will be canceled. Example: we have a startup.bbs line EXTENSION ARC. The current user attempts to upload newfile.zip. Newfile.zip doesn't exist but perhaps newfile.arc does! The file upload will be canceled by RyBBS. You may have as many of these lines as you wish as long as each one is on a separate line. external default - Turns off internal protocols. Allows use of protocols in extdown.bbs and .i.extup.bbs; as the normal operating conditions. (see Appendix D on External Protocols) *.i.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 - allow graphics .i.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. irq # - Where # is the desired interrupt number. This is normally not used since in 99.9% of the time the default IRQ line will work properly. However if you are using the system with a network you might try it. keep upload - will keep upload credit and not clear it each day k ratio - Enforces .i.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 .i.email; - Upon user login the system searches ALL email sections and if messages are found for the current user the system gives the user the ability to IMMEDIATELY read and reply to those messages! lockout - lockout new users loud - Sysop bell is loud menu off - Disables waiting for call menu/screen message lines=nn - where NN is a number from 1 to 100. Allow a maximum # of lines different from default 40. network; - Tells the RyMULT program that the system is a computer network instead of a single computer. new .i.security; XX - where xx is a number will start new users at that number instead of the default 5 Example: new security 2 no 300 - locks out 300 baud callers no .i.carbons; - Will turn off message carbon ability. .i.no cts; - Don't check modem Clear to Send Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 20 no windows - will disable direct screen write up/download windows and therefore increase multi-task ability. no .i.zmodem; - Disables zmodem file transfer. nonstop - Messages may be displayed non-stop nolist - Will turn off user listing at login for multiuser system not available - sysop not available for chat not hayes - Allows modems that don't answer with the CONNECT string to run this bbs. (Normally NOT active) 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! 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 .i.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 .i.question; - activates the Questionnaire facility including Newuser questionnaire .i.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 search off - which will turn off ability to name search when entering a message. show init - Displays the RUNP or EXEC program files in the old format in 3.0 space=xxxxx - Tells RyBBS to disallow uploads if .i.disk space; goes below the specified (xxxxx) amount. Default is 75000 bytes. .i.subscription; (xx) - Allows RyBBS to keep track of users based on a subscription date. XX is the .i.security; level of subscription cutoff. That is, all users whose security is greater than XX will be considered subscribers. An expiration date must be placed in the users.bbs file and users record. When a user logs on, the system checks to see if the user's security 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. Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 21 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 sysop name NAME - where NAME is the sysop's normal name that he logs in under. This is generally for sysops who rarely log in under the name 'SYSOP'. 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. Does not work with local logons. 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. .c.::3.4.1 - Ansi Colors; .i.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 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 File Area Color Commands FILENAMECOLOR XX - Color of filename SIZECOLOR XX - Color of file size DATECOLOR XX - Color of file date DESCOLOR XX - Color of file description Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 22 * = Registered Version Only .i.Ringback; performs the following: 1) Wait for the phone to ring. Upon a ring set the 'ring' counter to 0 seconds. If a second ring occurs during the next 8 seconds the modem will not respond. If a second ring within the next 8 to 50 seconds an ATA will be sent to the modem allowing the call to be answered. 2) You must make sure that your auto-answer is turned off on both your modem and in the program. Your .i.modeinit.bbs; must send an ATS0=0. 3) You MUST make sure that you do NOT have ANSWER RING active in your startup.bbs file 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 .i.Startup.bbs; will override any commands that were entered on the command line. .c.::3.4.2 - Startup 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 if errorlevel 1 goto maint goto quit :maint if errorlevel 50 rpack /i r :quit Cls Echo Normal System Shutdown This will start RyBBS with the debug feature 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 [Enter] .c.:3.5 - File Names; ---------------- Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 23 RyBBS file names may be any valid DOS file name. Path names are supported and may indeed clean up an otherwise full or 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------------ cmnt,!,5,5,- -, 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,- -, cmnt,!,5,5,--------------------------------, .i.MultiUser; Note!! Although the menus in each node are often totally distict, the bulletins and normal text files can be shared by the different nodes. Just specify the full path names referenced from the node's local directory. .c.:3.6 - Message Boards; -------------------- .c.::3.6.1 - Ryboards.bbs; ------------ You may define upto 500 different message areas with RyBBS. The file Ryboards.bbs defines the board names, files and securities of each of the RyBBS areas. It must be present in the RyBBS system directory. Each of the RyBBS message bases is actually composed of three distinct files: filename.mes, filename.lin, and filename.ptr. 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 RyBBS program with the /C option on the command line. For example: C>RyBBS /c [enter] The format of the lines in Ryboards.bbs is as follows: Number,Security,Message Board name,Pathname (without extension)[,extra parm] The number is the base number. Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 24 The security is the lowest allowable security that may have access to this base (for entering messages, reading messages, etc). The name is the descriptive text that the user will see describing the base. The pathname is a full DOS pathname without extension that points to the message base. The EXTRA parameter is optional and may be one of the following words: FIDO ECHO RECEIPT FILEATTACH FILEANDRECEIPT FIDO will setup a base to work better with .i.fido personal netmail; (see the chapter on netmail for more details). When a user attempts to enter a message on this base he/she will be asked for a valid fido net/node address and that address will become the first line of the message. This is a 'command' to the fido packer (RYPACKER) that describes the destination to which the message should be sent. ECHO is a parameter that allows a base to be used with fido EchoMail. The only operation that this performs is to turn off name checking for message entry. This is necessary since a receipient of a message in this base is not necessaily a member of the bbs. RECEIPT allows a receipt to be sent to the message originator indicating that the message receipient has received the message. FILEATTACH allows a file to be 'attached' to the message. Upon message entry the user is asked if they would like to attach a file to this message. If the answer is yes, a file is accepted using the ZMODEM protocol. Upon receipt of this message, the recipient will be asked if they would like to download the attached file. After the download is performed the attached file is deleted.All attached files are forced into the \batchtmp directory. FILEANDRECEIPT combines the Fileattach and the receipt capability into a single message base. You should avoid using these options for netmail and echomail message bases. 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,echo 5,=5,Email Messages,email1,fido 6,12,Fido Mail,email5,fido 7,50,File/Message Combinations,filemess,fileattach Notes about Ryboards.bbs! Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 25 1) This file is created with a standard ASCII text editor. Each line in the file contains a different board's information. 2) 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) You may disable an entry by placing an asterisk '*' in front of the line. 4) Each line must have a unique number however the numbers you assign need not be sequential. 5) 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 .c.::3.6.2 - Exact Securities; Normally, higher security users have access to all lower security areas, however by placing an Equal Sign (=) in front of the security number, access is restricted to that exact .i.security;. In the above example, the user with security of level 12 may access only boards 1,2,4 and 6. Flag 'ALL' messages ------------------- If you put a $ as the first letter in the message filename (after the pathname!) the system will automatically mark messages addressed to 'ALL' 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 .c.::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 mark messages addressed to 'ALL' upon login. In addition, all messages are forced public. Example 1,5,General messages,gener <---- 'All' messages not flagged private and private messages can be left here. 2,5,User's Area,%user <---- 'All' messages flagged and all messages are public. .c.::3.6.4 - Private Mail Message Bases; Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 26 If you name the message base's first 5 characters .i.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 messages to .i.printer; ------------------------ If you have the first letter in the message base name the @ then all messages in that base will be sent to the printer as they are entered. This gives you the option to print just the message bases you desire. See the startup.bbs commands PRINT FF and PRINT MESSAGES on 21 Example: @prog.mes @prog.lin @prog.ptr .c.::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 will be left that have no displayed sender. Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 27 .c.CHAPTER 4 - MENUS AND MENU COMMANDS; ----------------------------------------- .c.:4.1 Command Description; ----------------------- 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 .i.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 .i.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 Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 28 see the person can execute an invisible command if that is what the sysop wishes. Alternately, the person may not be able to execute a VISIBLE command if the sysop so desires. 5) The text part of the menu command is the text that the user will see when the `long' menu is displayed. Normally this text will be a description of the operation of the command, however any text may be here as long as it does not exceed the 50 character limit. In the example the text is | [E]nter a message | Any text is valid (including IBM graphics characters) except for commas as they are the command 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 7.6 Documentation 29 The Exact Security "=" works with any command in either security to view, security to execute, or both. .c.:4.2 - Menus.bbs; -------------------- Frequently called menus may be entered into the .i.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) .c.:4.3 - Menu Restrictions; ----------------------- Menus can have up to 50 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 50 menu commands may be contained in any menu. .c.:4.4 - Menu Commands; ------------------- .c.::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 Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 30 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. The optional filename in the command can contain the name of a text file that will be output instead of the normal listing of file areas, thereby making graphics and formatted area lists possible. Example: Chgm,c,5,5,[C]hange message areas,listfile.txt 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. Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 31 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, 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, .c.:4.4.2 - File Commands; Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 32 --------------------- 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 "ENTER for last time 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 optional filename in the command can contain the name of a text file that will be output instead of the normal listing of file areas, thereby making graphics and formatted area lists possible. Example: Chgu,c,5,5, [C]hange upload file area,upload.txt Will output upload.txt to users with no graphics, upload.asc to users with ascii graphics and upload.ani to users with ANSI graphics enabled Chgd - Change the download file area. The file area names are contained in the file download.bbs. The optional filename in the command can contain the name of a text file that will be displayed instead of the normal sequential listing of file areas, thereby making graphics and formatted area lists possible. Example: Chgd,c,5,5, [C]hange download file area,download.txt Will output download.txt to users with no graphics, download.asc to users with ascii graphics and download.ani to users with ANSI graphics enabled 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 Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 33 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 Upld - Upload a file to the bbs. Rybbs asks for the desire transmission protocol (I.E. Xmodem, Zmodem, etc.) and then the name of the file to be uploaded. The user is asked for a description of the file. If the protocol is a multi-file transfer protocol additional files will be requested. If there are no duplicate filenames on this disk, the file is then transferred from the user and saved in the appropriate area. The file's name, size, date, and description are stored in the files.bbs file in the currently selected upload directory. It is the sysop's responsibility to ensure that the user is uploading to the correct file area. You may do this by setting up a separate menu just for upload area selection. (see the UPLOAD.MNU file for an example). In the case of a batch upload all files and their information lines are stored in the \BATCHTMP directory for manual placement by the sysop. Example: Upld,u,5,5, [U]pload a file,files.bbs .c.::4.4.3 - Misc Commands; --------------------- Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 34 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. 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 Txtn, 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. If the TEXN command is used instead of Text, a [Press Enter] prompt is displayed at the end of the text file. Example: Text,b,5,5, [B]ulletins of the day,bull.txt Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 35 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 .i.Menus.bbs; file, the complete menu was already loaded into memory and will be displayed immediately. If not contained in the Menus.bbs file, the program will search the disk for the menu filename and load and display it if found. If not found it will issue a message to that effect. Example: Menu,f,5,5, [F]iles Section,files.mnu Xprt - Toggle the expert mode. Turns the expert mode on if off or off if currently on. The user file will be updated with the latest status of this flag when the user logs off. In the expert menu, only the short menus are shown. Example: Xprt,x,5,5, [X]pert user toggle, List - List the users. Output all users names starting at the beginning of the users files. Example: List,s,5,5, [S]how bbs's users, Mult - Execute multiple commands immediately. This is one of the most important and powerful RyBBS commands. 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 Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 36 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 7.6 Documentation 37 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, .i.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. Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 38 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 parameters %TIME in the quer command to show the users time on the system or %FIRST to show the user's first name. Example: quer,xxx,5,5,%TIME - Enter A Command You %FIRST!-, will appear as: TL:15 - Enter A Command Greg!- Show - Will list the long form of the menu. This is useful when the user has expert status but can't remember a particular command and needs a fast look-see at the allowable commands (without switching off his expert status). Example: show,?,5,5,[?]-Help for this menu, Stat - Shows the users statistics (password, graphics, default protocol, uploads, downloads and time on today) and allows change thereof. Example: stat,s,5,5, [S]tatisics for this user, Defm - Define a macro key. Allows a series of characters to be assigned to a single entry (1-3 keystrokes). Every time the entry is entered into the system, if it is unique in the current menu, the series of characters is applied to the command buffer and executed one after another. Example: Defm,d,5,5, [D]efine macro key, When D is entered the user is prompted for the key access and then the characters to be executed from that key access. Each user may have up to 10 macros assigned. Remember that if your bbs runs in instant menu mode these macros must also be single letter activated. The user will also be given the option to clear previously defined macros. See the explanation of macros elsewhere in this document. Syst - Show the system statistics. Display Rybbs version #, Number of callers since last re-boot and current time and date. Example: Syst,Y,15,5, S[Y]stem Stats, Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 39 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. .c.::4.4.4 - Sysop Commands; ---------------------- Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 40 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. 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 .i.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 Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 41 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 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 .c.::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. Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 42 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--------, 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: Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 43 Shob,$,105,105, Invisible Show Board command, .c.::4.4.6 - Multi-User Commands; (available only in .i.Multiuser; 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 7.6 Documentation 44 .c.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! .c.: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. .c.:5.2 - Other File Descriptions; ----------------------------- .i.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 7.6 Documentation 45 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. .i.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!! Although there is no limitation to the number of lines you may have in your ramfiles, you may only have 10 ramfiles maximum. .c.: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 7.6 Documentation 46 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) .i.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. .i.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 7.6 Documentation 47 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 .i.pause; the ANSI graphics file, output the normal pause prompt and wait for the user to press a key. ~ will .i.delay; the ANSI graphics file's output for 2 seconds before proceeding to the next character in the file. .c.: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 .i.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 7.6 Documentation 48 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. .c.:5.5 - Remote Use of your computer; ------------------------- .i.Remote use; 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 .i.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. .i.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 Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 49 course) all I need to type is the number corresponding to the remote program, and I'm dropped to DOS with all the necessary commands activated automatically. .c.: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, 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 .i.drop to dos;. 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 Day,Execute Security,Event Text,Event Time The Execution day is from 1 to 7 (Sunday=1,Saturday=7) for a single day or 10 or greater for EVERY day (values 8 and 9 are reserved for internal use) The Execute Security defines the 'type' of event and is discussed below. Example: evnt,e,5,50, 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 .i.Events; -------------- If the second 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. Resident Events --------------- If the second 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. Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 50 Priority Time Events -------------------- If the second number is 500 then this is a priority time event. The first number indicates the number of minutes and the starting time is at the end of the line. Currently priority times are set for every day. Example: evnt,e,60,500, 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 Current Unassigned 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 .i.questionnaire; about VCRs. (VCR.Que) +Do you own a VCR? +Do you subscribe to a Cable TV service? How many tapes do you rent per month? ......etc. The answer file (VCR.Ans) will look like this: Do you own a VCR? 1 Yes Do you subscribe to a Cable TV service? 2 No How many tapes do you rent per month? 3 12 tapes Do you own a VCR? 1 No Do you subscribe to a Cable TV service? 2 ......... etc. Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 51 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 In the above example the answer might appear as A4-8C Questionnaire Comments --------------------- Comment line in .QUE file must have * sign in first space. Special Questionnaire Functions ------------------------------- :LABELNAME Defines a label >:LABELNAME Branch to a label Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 52 ~ANSWER:LABELNAME will allow branching dependent on previous question answer !CANCEL (acting like a label) will will allow a questionaire to be exited without verifying or saving results !BEGIN will erase all current answers and restart questionaire at the beginning of the questionaire. ^ Clears Screen Example: *This is a questionnaire for sysops *Please answer all questions truthfully. +Are you willing to take this survey? ~Yes:ContSur !Cancel :ContSur +Are you a sysop? ~Yes:YesSysop +Do you wish information about RyBBS? - ~No:NoInfo Where shall we send it? >:End :NoinfoWhyNot? >:end :YesSysop What's the name of your bbs? - :end .c.:5.8 - Modifying the "Waiting For" Screen; ---------------------------------------- The file SCREEN.DEF is a text file that contains the layout of the RyBBS "waiting for" screen. By modifying this file you can paint your screen any way you'd care to with much flexibility regarding placement of important information. The following are commands that SCREEN.DEF may have inside it. Each command will display a certain piece of system information. %NAME - Name of last caller %FROM - Calling from location of last caller %PHON - Phone number of last caller %LAST - Date/Time of last caller %EXP - Subscription Expireation Date of last caller %UP - Number of uploads of last caller %DN - Number of downloads of last caller %SEC - Security of last caller %PRI - Printer Status (Either "On" or "Off") %VER - Version of RyBBS %NODE - Node number (MultiUser Only) %CALLS - Number of calls since last re-boot %MEM - Memory available %BAUD - RyBBS initialization baud rate Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 53 %PORT - Current Communcations port %EVENT - Time till next event (Will count) %TIME - Current Time %BL - Time in seconds till blanking %MENU - Top left corner of selection menu (Be sure to leave room for 5 items down by 30 characters across %STATB - Top left corner of modem status window %STATE - Bottom left corner of modem status window The RyBBS colors are defined using the SETCOLOR.EXE utility that is included with the RyBBS package. Colors on the "Waiting For" screen may be changed by embedding the ^A,^B, or ^C symbols before and after the text to be colored. You may have four different colors on this screen using this method. See the screen.def file for an example of how to design this file. .c. Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 54 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 .i.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 .i.Kill user; immediately Alt-D Sysop .i.Drop to DOS; (RyBBS remains resident!) Alt-P Turns .i.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 .i.Drop to DOS; (RyBBS remains resident!) Alt-P Turns .i.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 7.6 Documentation 55 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-.i.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-.i.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 .i.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-.i.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-.i.Change User Security; ----------------------- Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 56 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 .i.drop to DOS; without exiting RyBBS. Type "EXIT" at DOS prompt to return to RyBBS. Alt-P ----- Turns your .i.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 .i.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 7.6 Documentation 57 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 .i.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 .i.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 7.6 Documentation 58 .c.CHAPTER 7 - RYCOMM COMMUNICATIONS; ------------------------------------ .c.: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!) .i.RyComm; also supports most of the standard protocols including ASCII,XMODEM, YMODEM & .i.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! .c.:7.6 - RyComm Commands; HOME Key -------- Once RyComm is activated, pressing the HOME key will cause the .i.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 7.6 Documentation 59 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 9600-8-N-1 | | 2 1-414-962-1097 9600-8-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. Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 60 Alt-J ----- Will allow programming up to 40 function key combinations as macros. When Alt-J is pressed, the Function Key window pops up to provide you with a view of each function key and it's text. If a function key has not been assigned a macro, the words "(empty)" will appear. Macros can be assigned to F1 to F10, Shift-F1 to Shift-F10, Control-F1 to Control-F10, and Alt-F1 to Alt-F10. 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 :9600,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]-19200 E,7,1 [J]-19200 N,8,1 [K]-Dialing Prefix [L]-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 Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 61 having to go back to the dial directory. The re-dial sequence checks for a BUSY modem or a carrier detect. If found the program beeps once and then gives the system to you. If the number being redialed contains a script file that will be executed immediately. 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! .c.: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. .c.: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 .i.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 .i.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 Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 62 Do you wish IBM graphics?- delay 1 output y{ wait for Enter First and Last Name (eg John Smith)- delay 1 output John Smith{ wait for Enter Password- delay 1 output asdfgh As you can see the format is quite simple. Use of the DELAY option is shown here only as an example. In case your modem gets a response that is not in the script, the Escape Key will abort the script and return control to the keyboard. While in script mode, any keys pressed will be sent to the modem immediately but the script will not abort unless Esc is pressed. Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 63 .c.CHAPTER 8 - UTILITIES; --------------------------- .c.: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. This will delete only messages that are marked deleted. All other messages will be renumbered, along with users message Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 64 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 lookup when they log in. Also used when a message is being entered to ensure that a user is a member of the bbs. Should be run as an event every night. /F - Generate Index file for downloads. This will allow immediate lookup of files to download. Should be run as an event every night. /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. .c.: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 If /f not used the ALL fields are displayed Example: Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 65 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. .c.: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 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 Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 66 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 Allows you to copy a file to a path that isn't one of the normal upload or download areas. Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 67 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 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. Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 68 - - 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 Operating System. .c.:8.4 - Fileshow; Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 69 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. .c.: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 Examples: ryshow >prn {output results to printer} ryshow >com1 {output results to com port 1} Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 70 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 .c.: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. .c.: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 7.6 Documentation 71 .c.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. .c.: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. .c.: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 7.6 Documentation 72 .c.: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 .c.: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 7.6 Documentation 73 .c.CHAPTER 10 - MULTIUSER VERSION; -------------------------------- RyMULT is the .i.multiuser; 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 .i.DoubleDos; and .i.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 .i.Fossil; version will often run quicker especially if you don't have a modem that allows .i.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 .i.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 7.6 Documentation 74 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 .i.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 Ryfoss.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 7.6 Documentation 75 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. 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 messages or file up/download the other task is finished before the page is made known to the user. Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 76 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 7.6 Documentation 77 .c.CHAPTER 11 - RUNNING DOORS; -------------------------- A "door" is 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 bbs and the remote. You can also run some programs which are not specifically designed to be run as '.i.doors;' by utilizing .i.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 on 41, 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: .i.RyCnvrt; (CA Spry) - Converts CURRUSER.BBS to DORINFO1.DEF .i.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 # 87 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 7.6 Documentation 78 @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 7.6 Documentation 79 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! Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 80 .c.CHAPTER 12 - NETMAIL; -------------------- RyBBS has the capability to run several of the major .i.netmail; packages. Using RyPacker, available as shareware on HomeBase, RyBBS and setup fidomail to run. As of this writing RyBBS is known to work with .i.Frontdoor; and BinkleyTerm. If you are new to netmail I suggest that you download the latest version of RyPacker from either Homebase or any of the RyBBS distribution sites. RyPacker is a RyBBS<-->Fidomail message. It takes FidoNet format messages and converts them to a RyBBS compatible format and vice versa. .i.BinkleyTerm; and Front Door are front end programs that handle the actual passing of mail. Each is documented and available on HomeBase or any Fido BBS's. There is a national Fido Echo for RyBBS. The echo name is RYBBSOP and may be found on many local fido hubs. You may get support for RyBBS through this echo as well as interact with other RyBBS sysops. One of the most useful startup.bbs parameters for your mailer is the Binkley command. Its' format is as follows: BINKLEY filename where filename is the full pathname of your binkley program. For example: binkley \netmail\bink1\bt.exe Rybbs will then execute Binkley as a child program...while remaining resident. The main advantage of this is that the time it takes for RyBBS to re-load is greatly reduced. The Binkley events are still active and should be checked for in your r.bat batch file. NOTE: Error levels can be set in a config file MAILDOOR.BBS. The form of MAILDOOR.BBS is as follows: baud rate,errorlevel example 300,31 1200,120 2400,240 NOTE: BinkleyTerm values are pre-defined so if you decide to use Binkley as your mailer you don't need to have MAILDOOR.BBS present. MAILDOOR.BBS reassigns the modem CONNECT speed errorlevels. This permits the usage of other mailers (eg Frontdoor) as an RyBBS child program. Presumably, this would work with other front-end mailers as well, although only Frontdoor has been tested so far. If MAILDOOR.BBS is NOT found by RyBBS, Binkley is assumed. 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 .i.BinkleyTerm; or FrontDoor. Look in the netmail file section on RyBBS Homebase (414-962-1097) for more information. An important command line option for netmail can be the /B parameter. This allows RyBBS to start up at a known baud rate. If you are running Binkley Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 81 or FrontDoor and an 'errorlevel' to pass the 'CONNECT' baud rate to RyBBS it may be important. The format is as follows: rybbs /Bxx [other RyBBS parameters] where xx is a value as follows: 3 for 300, 1 for 1200, 2 for 2400, 4 for 14400, 5 for 12000, 6 for 4800, 7 for 7200, 9 for 9600, and 0 for 19200 Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 82 .c.:Appendix A - EXAMPLE MENUS; -------------------------------- 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, 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 7.6 Documentation 83 .c.: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 program file All message area files (message files) Most RyBBS system files including: ryboards.bbs,menus.bbs,startup.bbs,upload.bbs,download.bbs,etc. All Menus All Bulletins 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: ------- 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 We don't suggest you try to run netmail on a floppy system. Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 84 .c.: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. Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 85 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; { default protocol-byte } 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 7.6 Documentation 86 .c.:Appendix D - EXTERNAL PROTOCOLS; ------------------------------------ RyBBS has the ability to execute .i.external protocols; other then .i.DSZ; (Zmodem) for file transfers (both upload and download). For this we utilize the EXTDOWN.BBS and .i.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. For example: Jmodem Protocol,d:\proto\jmodem.exe s%com %baud %name,Jmodem The first parameter is a description of the protocol. This is shown to the user when he requests a transfer. The second parameter is the actual execution line for the protocol including any substitution parameters. Note in the example below that it MUST contain the full pathname of the protocol program including extension. The third is the protocol name that will be recorded in the callers.log file. 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 to run the external protocol, RyBBS will swap itself out. If your protocol requires definition files make sure that they are located in the RyBBS system directory. External Protocol Substitution Parameters ----------------------------------------- %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 Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 87 will be converted to WXMODEM.COM -s -b 1200 -l com1 -p y -f NEW.DOC %MULTFILE Will prompt for up to 7 filenames. These filenames will be stored in a temporary file called FNAMES.BBS which is then referenced in the command line. (See example below) %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 7 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 Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 88 .c.:Appendix E - 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. Txtn, 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. Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 89 Show - Will list the long form of the menu. Stat - Shows the users statistics (password, graphics, scroll,etc.) Defm - Define a macro key. Syst - Show the system statistics. Outn - Shows names of last callers on. Runp - Run a program. SYSOP COMMANDS -------------- 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 7.6 Documentation 90 .c.:Appendix F - COMMON PROBLEMS; ----------------------------- The most .i.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 .i.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 *.i.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 7.6 Documentation 91 *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 7.6 Documentation 92 .c.:Appendix G - 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 Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 93 .c.:UPDATES; ------- The latest public version of this program is always available on HomeBase Multi-User BBS (414)-962-1097 24 Hrs. 9600-300 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 .i.Distribution Sites; Are: Kinston Micro 1-919-527-6194 (2400-300) (Kinston, NC) The Dungeon BBS 1-919-726-9737 (9600-300) (Newport, NC) Attention To Details 1-714-681-6221 (14.4-300) (Riverside,CA) The Ghost Mode 1-612-688-0026 (14.4-300) (Eagan, MN) And although not a 'Distribution Site', the latest Shareware version will be on EXEC-PC BBS (414)-789-4352 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! We enjoy supporting RyBBS and will help any and all users. If you experience difficulties getting my system up feel free to call us 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. Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 94 RyBBS .c.:Registration Form; ======================= To: The Ryco Company P.O. Box 11134 Shorewood, WI 53211 Date:______________ Name:__________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________ City:________________________State:_______Zip: _________ Voice Tel #:__________________________________________ Data Tel #:_________________________ BBS Name: _____________________ Computer:____________________ BBS Hours:_____________________ Amount Of Memory:___________________ Modem Type:____________________ Where did you hear about RyBBS?______________________________________ Desired Disk Size 5 1/4" 360K [ ] 1.2M [ ] 3 1/2" [ ] RyBBS $75 _______ ( Single user RyBBS w/Manual) RyMult $175 _______ ( Multi-User RyBBS w/Manual) RyPACKER $25 _______ ( Fido mail converter for Rybbs) Extra Manual $10 _______ (Wisconsin residents add 5.5 % tax) Foreign Orders Add $10 please. Payment: Check/Money Order $ ____________ Enclosed or Credit Card # _________________________ Expires _____________ MasterCard _____ VISA _____ (Check One) Signature ___________________________________ Rybbs 7.6 Documentation 95 .c.:Index; Port locking 74 Printer 19, 21, 27, 55, .Begin Index. 57, 58 Desqview 5 Question 21 ANSI 16 Questionnaire 51 ANSI COLORS 22 Ratio.bbs 13 ANSI Graphics 47 Remote use 49 ASCII Graphics 47 Ringback 21, 23 BinkleyTerm 6, 81 RPACK.EXE 19 Bulletins 13 RyBBS utilities 4 Carbons 20 RYBOARDS.BBS 10 Change User Security 56 RyCnvrt 78 Chat 38, 55, 56 RyComm 59 CLEAR 15 RyComm Help 59 Common problems 91 RyCONFIG 18 Ctty 49 SCREEN.DEF 10 DELAY 15, 48 Script 62 DesqView 6, 74 Security 12, 14, 20, 21, DISCONNECT 15 26, 28 Disk space 21 SETCOLOR 58 Distribution Sites 94 STARTUP.BBS 10, 18, 23 Doormaster 6, 78 Subscription 21 Doors 41, 74, 78 Sysop Utilities 56 Doorway 6, 49, 78 Text file commands 14 DoubleDos 74 Upload credit 57 Drop to dos 50, 55, 57 Upload/download ratio 20 Dsz 11, 87 Users Editor 8 Email 20, 27 Virus 13 Events 50 Watchdog 6 External protocols 11, 87 WELCOME.BBS 14 EXTUP.BBS 11, 20, 87 Zmodem 21, 59, 91 Fastnames 20 .End Index. Fido personal netmail 25 FILES.BBS 11 FIRST.BBS 10 Force Log User Off 56 FORCE READ 15 Fossil 74, 75 FrontDoor 6, 81 GOODBYE.BBS 14 Instant 20 Kill user 55 LIMITS.BBS 12 Local Log-on 56 LOG 15 Macros 48 Menus.bbs 30, 36, 45 Modeinit.bbs 6, 12, 23, 46, 91 MultiUser 5, 10, 11, 18, 24, 44, 74 NetMail 18, 81 No cts 20 PAUSE 15, 48, 62