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MULTIUSE.DOC
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1992-02-03
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MULTIUSE.DOC
Roland De Graaf, 1/1992
The purpose of this document is to show how to run VBBS in a multiuser
manner. Two basic methods are discussed: Mutli-tasking software, and
LAN (Local Area Network).
==========================================
Multiuser VBBS Using Multitasking Software
==========================================
Related Files:
BBS1.PIF - Windows 3.0 PIF File for VBBS
V1-PIF.DVP - Desqview PIF File for VBBS
VBBS-DV.BAT - BAT file run by the Desqview PIF which installs DVANSI driver
and then brings up VBBS.
If you decide to take the one-computer/multitasking approach to put up your
multiuser VBBS, be aware:
1) You will need Multitasking software to run two or more copies
of VBBS simultaneously.
2) You will more than likely need to have a 386 (or higher) CPU,
and 3 or 4 MB of RAM.
3) You will be limited to TWO simultaneous users, if using
VBBS built in serial routines. The limit when using a FOSSIL driver
is EIGHT simultaneous users.
4) You will need to start each copy of VBBS with a different channel number.
Example:
BBS 0 (starts channel 0, local channel)
BBS 1 (start channel 1, remote channel)
BBS 2 (start channel 2, remote channel)
.
.
BBS 64 (start channel 64, remote channel)
Multitasking Software
---------------------
There are several choices available here, with mew ones popping up
every now and then.
1) Windows 3.0 (Microsoft)
VBBS multitasks well under Windows 3.0 (386 Enhanced mode).
It's too bad Windows uses so much RAM, or it would be a
better multitasker. With Windows 3.0, 4 MB of RAM, you
can run up to 3 copies of VBBS simultaneously.
With 8 MB RAM, 7 or 8 simultaneous copies should be possible.
VBBS built-in serial routines, or a FOSSIL driver can be used
when running VBBS under Windows. If using VBBS built in serial routines,
you will be limited to TWO remote users, and ONE local channel.
If using a FOSSIL driver, up to EIGHT remote users and ONE local
channel are possible.
The TWO and EIGHT user limitations descrived above are due to
HARDWARE arrangements, not to limitations in the software.
In order to get VBBS to multitask under Windows, you MUST run it
using a Windows 3.0 .PIF file. An example PIF, BBS1.PIF, is included
with VBBS. Copy it to your Windows Directory.
Start windows. At the Program Manager, pick "New" from the File menu.
Since we are adding a new program item, select OK.
For the Description, Enter VBBS Channel 1.
For the program filename, enter BBS1.PIF.
** It is very important that you specify the PIF file as the program
for windows to run, in order for the PIF file settings to be used **
This is basically what BBS1.PIF looks like in the PIF Editor:
PIF SET-UP:
Program Filename: BBS.EXE
Window Title: VBBS Channel 1
Optional Parameters: 1
Start-Up Directory: C:\VBBS
Memory Requirements: KB Required [512] KB Desired [512]
Display Usage: [X] Full Screen Execution: [X] Background
[ ] Windowed [ ] Exclusive
[X] Close Program on Exit
You will need a PIF file for each copy of VBBS you intend to run.
each PIF will have a different channel # entered into the optional
parameters field of the PIF file.
2) Desqview 386 (Quarterdeck Office Systems)
VBBS multitasks under Desqview, but REQUIRES that you use a FOSSIL
driver. VBBS under desqview can support up to EIGHT users.
You will need at least 2 MB of RAM to run 2 or 3 copies of VBBS.
V1-PIF.DVP is an example Desqview PIF file for VBBS.
You will need a PIF file for each copy of VBBS you intend to run.
each PIF will have a different channel # entered into the command line
parameters field of the PIF file.
==========================
Multiuser VBBS using a LAN
==========================
With a LAN, you don't need multitasking software.
(Though, some adventurous sysop may try someday to make a "hybrid"
system composed of multitasking networked machines, I'm sure :)
When using a LAN, workstations (and the server, if non-dedicated)
can be used to run one copy of VBBS each. Each copy, of course, must run on
its own unique channel #.
The advantage of a LAN setup is that hardware-wise, the maximum COM port
limitation diappears. Thus, there are version of VBBS up to 64 users,
intended for LAN installations. Versions supporting more than 64 users
are available by special request.
LAN Pointers
------------
1) Use the fastest LAN cards you can afford.
2) All path specification under VCONFIG "System Paths" must be
set to drvie which is shared among the entire network.
3) If neceesary, FLAG all VBBS files as SHARABLE, READ/WRITE.
(Some networks, such as Novell Netware 286 or 386 require this.)