ftp.wwiv.com/ftp.wwiv.com.zip/ftp.wwiv.com/pub/BBS/WWIV421.ZIP/WW4SYSOP.DOC

Text File | 1992-01-01 | 62KB | 1,478 lines

                     SYSOP'S GUIDE To WWIV




                           By Filo
                      <aka> Wig De Moville



                     WWIV v4 Copyright (c) 1989 Wayne Bell
                     WWIV Sysop Guide Documentation
                     Copyright (c) 1989 White Star Software
                     Sysop's Guide to WWIV
                     Copyright (c) 1991 Wayne Bell

























                     Sysop's Guide To WWIV


1.0  SECTION ONE: SYSOP/CO-SYSOP OPTIONS

1.1  Introduction

     WWIV Sysop's Guide was written in 1989 for WWIV v4.10 by
William Daystrom and copyrighted by White StarLine Software.  The
present version of the documentation relies heavily upon that work,
but it has enough changes in it that it is being copyrighted by
Wayne Bell.  The actual updating of Will's excellent documentation
was done by Filo.

    This guide describes all SysOp and co-SysOp functions in WWIV.
Most of these commands are available both at WFC and the main
prompt. Section One presents a summary of commands.  Section two
presents a detailed explanation of the Sysop commands, and
section three explains the co-Sysop commands.


 1.2  Top of Screen Data

    The local sysop's screen can show two screens of information,
which may be toggled with the F2 key. The first screen is system
status.

1.2A  Caller's Status for Top of Screen

    The second screen shows the current caller's statistics. The
second screen has the following information.

    The first line contains the user's name (alias) and number,
mail waiting for user, uploaded files and kilobytes, security
level, total logons, and posts.  The second line contains the
user's real name, phone number, callsign, downloaded files and
kilobytes, download security level, total time on, and e-mail sent.
The third line contains the user's AR and DAR, restrictions,
exemption, logons today, and feedback sent. The fourth line
shows the user's note, sex, age, computer, time left, and feedback
waiting for the sysop. A fifth line may appear after a caller
requests a chat.  This line would give the reason the caller
entered for wanting to chat. The border line at the bottom of the
topscreen information may also show Temp Sysop, Capture, Alert,
Comm Disabled, and/or Available and provide information about the
baud rate of the caller.

    Temp Sysop appears when the sysop has toggled temporary sysop
status with F9. Capture appears when the sysop has toggled the
global capture with Shift-F1. Alert appears when the sysop has
pressed F6 to be informed when the caller hangs up. When Alert has
been toggled on, the computer will beep after the current user logs
off, and will not return to WFC so that the sysop can log on
locally.  Comm Disabled appears when the sysop has pressed F3
to prevent the caller from typing. Available appears when the sysop
has toggled the sysop available for chat option with scroll-lock.
More information about function keys is provided later in this
guide.

1.2B  Abbreviations used in the TopScreen Information for Caller

    To summarize the abbreviations used in the TopScreen:

    W  - Mail waiting for caller       SL - Security Level
    R  - User restrictions             DL - Download Security Level
    AR - User AR/DAR                   PO - Total number of posts
    LO - Total number of logons        ES - Total e-mails sent
    TO - Total minutes on              FW - Feedback waiting for
                                            sysop
    FS - Total feedback sent           EX - User exemptions
    UL - Files uploaded/kilobytes uploaded
    DL - Files downloaded/kilobytes downloaded

1.3  System Status Information for Top Screen

    The system status topscreen information shows the following
data about the status of the system.  The first line contains the
BBS name and today's date. The second line indicates the total
number of users, total calls to date, calls today, and number of
posts today. The third line displays the current user's name
(alias) and number, time the system has been active today, percent
of time today the system has been used, and amount of e-mail sent
today. The latter statistic as well as the number of posts today
includes both local and network information, if the board happens
to be participating in the network.  The fourth line shows the
current user's security level, download security level, time left,
feedback waiting for the sysop, files uploaded today, and feedback
sent today.


1.4  WFC Commands

1.4A   ? - list WFC commands

    The question mark brings up a WFC Screen of commands available
to the operator from the local keyboard.  Although it is not a good
practice to leave this screen up all of the time because it could
"burn" or etch a pattern on the screen, sysops who are new to WWIV
will find this a good source of information, and they are
encouraged to study it and experiment with the commands.

1.4B   [Spacebar] - logon from the keyboard

     Occassionally a sysop will find it necessary to log on to the
BBS.  The purpose may be to upload files, make posts on the message
bases or perform other maintainance.  The spacebar informs the
software that the sysop or other user at the local keyboard wants
to log on.  If "Phone off hook" has been set in INIT, the BBS will
pick up the phone for the time you are logged on, and callers will
get a busy signal. At the prompt after pressing the spacebar,
the sysop may press 'F' to logon quickly as the sysop without
entering logon information, or 'Y' to logon as any account,
with the need to enter password and phone number.  Note that the phone
is not picked up until you have entered "Y" or "F".  If you do not
actually wish to log on, just hit the spacebar again.

1.4C   A - Answer phone

    If you are talking to someone (voice) on the BBS phone line,
and want to allow that person to log on, hitting "A" will cause
the BBS to pick up the phone and send a carrier, just as if the
phone had rung.

1.4D   B - Boardedit

    This command allows the sysop  to change/add/delete message
bases.  This command is explained more fully in the section dealing
with the //BOARDEDIT command which may be issued when the sysop is
logged into the BBS.

1.4E   C - Chainedit

    Using this command allows the sysop to change/add/delete
on-line programs (games).  A more complete explanation of this
command is found in the section dealing with //CHAINEDIT which may
be given by the sysop when he is logged onto the board.

1.4F   D - Diredit

    With this command, the sysop can change/add/delete file
directories.  The command when the sysop is logged onto the board
is //DIREDIT which may be given at either the Main Menu Prompt or
the Transfer Menu Prompt, and a more complete explanation is
provided when that command is discussed below.

1.4G   E - Edit text file

    By using this command, the sysop can edit any text file.
This can be handy if, for example, you are using LOGON.MSG as a
type of news bulletin.  You can edit the file from WFC and enter
new information or delete old announcements.

1.4H   F - DOS functions
    This command allows the sysop to temporarily drop to DOS so the
SysOp can do something. If you have the "Phone off hook" set in
INIT, the BBS will pick up the phone during the time you are in
DOS. Type "EXIT" to quit the dos shell and return to the BBS. Do
NOT attempt to run a terminal program from this dos shell.

1.4I   G - Gfileedit
    This command allows the sysop to change/add/delete gfile
sections.  The equivalent command when the sysop is logged on to
the board is //GFILEEDIT.


1.4J   I - Init votes

    This command permits the sysop to add/delete voting questions
for callers in the voting section.

1.4K   L - Log of the day

   This command provides a detailed account of what the callers did
while on-line today.  If the "Use List Utility" has been toggled on
in INIT and if the List.com program is available either in the main
bbs directory or the path, the sysop will be able to have complete
control of the cursor while reading this log; that is, the sysop
will be able to page up or page down, jump to the end of the file,
scan for a particular name, etc.  Sysops are strongly urged to
obtain the excellent freeware program called LIST and to utilize it
in this fashion.

1.4L   M - Read all mail

   This command allows the sysop to read any mail that has been
sent on the system, and to delete any of it as well.  NOTE: This
should not be used for reading feedback; use the R function for
that.

1.4M   N - Net log

    If the BBS is a member of a WWIV network, this command will
show  a list of the past 77 network connections, including
information such as connect times, data sent and received, systems
connected, etc.  This listing will also operate under the LIST
utility if it has been installed in INIT.

1.4N   P - Pending Files

   If your system is a part of a WWIV network, this command
presents a list of pending files to be sent, along with various
information such as system numbers, bytes to send, and how many
hours have elapsed since the board last connected.

1.4O   Q - Quit and terminate the BBS program

    This command stops the execution of the BBS program and removes
it from memory.  This is the proper way to terminate the execution
of your BBS.

1.4P   R - Read your mail

   The sysop can read all mail sent to the number 1 account just as
if he had logged onto the BBS.  If "Phone off hook" is set in INIT,
the phone will be picked up while the mail is read.  The sysop is
permitted to read mail and perform any of the normal mail related
functions (answering, deleting, etc.) that are available when
logged onto the board.

1.4Q   S - Status display

   This command displays a quick listing of total system usage,
disk space remaining, total number of callers, and several
other items.

1.4R   T - Terminal program

    If a terminal program has been setup in INIT, hitting
"T" will run it, and then return execution back to the BBS when it
is completed.

1.4S   U - Uedit

     This command allows the sysop to delete/modify caller
accounts/information.  When the sysop is logged into the BBS
the equivalent command is //UEDIT.

1.4T   Y - Yesterday's log

    This command displays the Sysop log for the previous day.  This
log will also operate under the LIST utility if it was installed in
INIT.

1.4U   Z - Zlog

    This displays a short listing of daily activity for about the
past 3 months, including posts sent, uploads, downloads, time
active, etc.

1.4V   / - Force callout
    If you are a part of a WWIV network, this command forces the
bulletin board to call another network board.  That board's node
number must be listed in the CALLOUT.NET file in the DATA directory
for this to work.  For more information on this feature, refer to
WWIVnet Documentation.



1.5   Main Menu SysOp Commands

   Normally, commands entered at the main prompt in the BBS will be
executed immediately after they are typed, without the need of
hitting the [Enter] key. Typing // at the main menu, however, will
allow you to enter a  complete line of input. So, if the command
you want is Uedit, you would type //UEDIT.  After most of these
commands, you will be prompted "SY:" and you should enter the Sysop
password that you established in INIT.

   The following commands may be used by co-SysOps and SysOps:

1.5A   LOG - Displays today's SysOp log

     Same command and function as L from WFC.  This provides a log
of daily activities and will work in conjunction with the LIST
utility if that utility was setup in INIT.
1.5B   NLOG - Displays network activity log

     This displays the network activity log and is the same command
as  the N at WFC.  This feature will also utilize the LIST utility.

1.5C  YLOG - Displays yesterday's SysOp log

     At WFC, the command is Y; however, when the sysop is logged on
to the board, the command is YLOG.  LIST can be used in connection
with this log.

1.5D  ZLOG - Displays log of past system usage

    Same command as the  Z command entered at WFC.

1.5E  UEDIT - Runs the Uedit procedure

    This is the same command as U from WFC.  It enables the sysop
to edit the user list.  After the uedit command has been entered,
the information in the user list for the individual who is logged
on the board will be displayed.  Usually this information is for
the #1 account unless the sysop has logged on as another user.  A
question mark entered at this time will provide a UEDIT Menu of
options.

1.5F  IVOTES - Runs voting initialization program

    This command, like the I from WFC, enables the sysop to
add/delete/change the voting questions.

1.5G  STATUS - Displays current system status

     The same information is presented after this command is issued
as would be displayed after the S from WFC.  Basic system status
information is displayed.

1.5H  VOTEPRINT - Creates VOTING.TXT in the GFILES directory

    This command does not have a counterpart at the WFC screen.
It causes a file, VOTING.TXT to be created in the GFILES Directory.
The file contains a summary of how each caller voted in the voting
section.

1.5I TEDIT - Edit a text file located in the GFILES directory only

    This command functions basically the same as E from WFC.


1.6  Sysop Commands

   The following are SysOp commands, which require an SL of 255.
   Most require the system password to be entered.

   BOARDEDIT - Runs Boardedit procedure. Same as B from WFC.
     DIREDIT - Runs Diredit procedure. Same as D from WFC.

   CHAINEDIT - Runs Chainedit procedure. Same as C from WFC.

   GFILEEDIT - Runs Gfileedit procedure. Same as G from WFC.

         DOS - Drops to DOS. This will allow the SysOp, locally or
remotely, to temporarily drop to DOS for system maintenance. Type
"EXIT" to return to the BBS. Same as F from WFC.

        CHAT - Toggles the scroll-lock key, thereby toggling the
sysop-available switch. This is used when the sysop is
calling remotely and wants for some reason to either turn sysop
available on or off.

        STAT - Stack and Heap Info. This tells the sysop how memory
is being managed by the BBS.

      RELOAD - This reloads the bulletin board's menus into memory,
in the event that you find it necessary.

      RESETF - Reset NAMES.LST. The NAMES.LST file contains a short
list of all user names. At times, when accounts are changed or
deleted, this file is not changed accordingly. So, in a user
listing, you might see the same name appear more then once.
In that event, use RESETF. It re-creates NAMES.LST, removing
all names that have been deleted from the main user list.

      REBOOT - Reboot the computer. This command will do just what
it says - reboot your computer - NOT the BBS. Use with caution.

        EDIT - Runs the SysOp editor (or full screen editor if
selected); allows the text files to be located anywhere on the hard
disk, instead of just in the GFILES directory as with TEDIT.

        LOAD - Loads a file from anywhere on the system into a
workspace.  Then, for the next post or e-mail the SysOp does, that
text file will be used as if the SysOp had typed the entire file
into the editor.

      CHUSER - Allows the SysOp to temporarily change to another
account.

       MAILR - Allows the SysOp to read all mail. Same as M from
WFC.


1.7  Transfer Section SysOp Commands

      UPLOAD - For the current directory, the appropriate DOS
directory is is searched to see if there are any files in the DOS
dir, but not in the BBS dir database. If there are any, the sysop
is prompted for the description.  This command is often used when
sysop's are first starting the BBS although it is useful at other
times as well.

   UPLOADALL - Same as UPLOAD, but acts on all BBS file
directories.

         REN - Allows a filename, or its description, to be
changed.

        MOVE - Allows a file (or files) to be moved from the
current directory to another one. Same as M from the transfer
system prompt.

        SORT - Sorts the current directory (or all dirs) by
filename.

           M - Move a file. Same as //MOVE.

           R - Remove any file entry from the file listing, with
the option to actually delete the file from disk and revoke upload
credit from the person who originally uploaded the file.

2.0  SECTION TWO: DETAILED SYSOP COMMANDS

    This section of the documentation examines some of the sysop
commands in greater detail, explaining how each functions.

2.1  Boardedit

    The BBS, when first initialized, creates a single default
message base called General.  Sysops normall will want to create
additional message bases and/or modify the names of those that may
exist.  WWIV can handle up to 32 different message bases as a
default, and registered sysops can easily modify the source code to
permit 64 message bases.

    A message base, sometimes called a sub or sub-board, is a place
where persons with the appropriate SL (security level) can read
and/or post messages.  B from WFC, or //BOARDEDIT from the main
prompt, accesses the Boardedit procedure.

   In the Boardedit procedure, you can delete, insert, and modify
subs.  WWIV defaults with one sub-board, General. Any topic you can
imagine may be used for a sub. Common examples include politics,
science fiction, entertainment, sports, trivia, etc.

   For each sub-board, the following information is necessary:

2.1A   Name

      Each sub-board needs a name, describing what type of messages
are expected on that sub-board. If your BBS is a member of a WWIV
network, the software will insert either <Net> or [Net] preceeding
the sub-board name when the sub listing is obtained.  The
difference between these two uses of NET is discussed below under
the Network Validation Option.

2.1B   Filename

      Each sub-board also needs a DISTINCT FILENAME. If two subs
have the same filename, BOTH SUBS WILL REFER TO THE SAME MESSAGES.
The filename can be whatever you want (up to 8 letters in length),
but it must not contain an extension.  For example, MODNET would be
a legal name to enter, but MODNET.SUB would be illegal because it
uses an extension.

2.1C   Key

      Normally, all sub-boards are assigned a number (in ascending
order, starting at one for your first sub-board) which callers can
press to immediately access them. If you would prefer that a
sub-board be referred to by a key (such as %,&,#, etc) instead of
a number, setting the key to that character will do so. In most
cases, this option will not be used.

2.1D   Read SL

      This setting determines the minimum SL required to allow a
caller to read messages on the sub-board. If the read SL for a sub
is 40, and a caller's SL is 39, that caller will never know that
the sub-board exists.

2.1E   Post SL

      This setting determines the minimum SL required for a caller
to post on the sub. The post SL should be greater or equal to the
read SL.  Having the post SL greater than the read SL would allow
callers to read messages on the sub, but not post any.  This type
of setting is often useful on some network subs where anyone may be
permitted to read the sub, but posting may be only by certain
persons (perhaps the sysop and/or the co-sysops.)

2.1F   Anony

      Setting the anony (no, yes, forced, dear abby) determines
whether or not messages posted on that sub can be anonymous. No
means no anonymous (unless the caller has a security level which
permits it); yes means the caller has the option of posting
anonymously, regardless of security level; forced means the post is
always anonymous; dear abby means that the caller will be presented
a choice of "signatures" for his/her post: their name (alias),
Abby, or Problemed Person. In effect, the "dear abby" option does
the same thing as setting anony to yes, but it gives the caller two
options on which name will represent the author of the post.

2.1G   Min age

      This will allow you to set the minimum age of callers on that
sub. If, for example, you set the minimum age to 18 (years), anyone
under 18 would not know the sub existed. Usually used for
adult-oriented subjects.

2.1H   Max msgs

      This sets the maximum number of messages that can be on the
sub at one time. This is usually set to 50 or 100, but can be up to
249.  When the maximum number is reached, the oldest post in the
sub is rotated off (deleted) as each new post is entered, unless a
post has been given permanent status. See the User Manual for
details on that.

2.1I   AR

      This allows you to set the AR for that sub. AR is used to
allow specific people to access specific subs when other sub
limitations (age, post SL, etc) are not sufficient for your needs.
As an example, suppose you have a group of Amiga callers on your
BBS. You want to give them their own area to talk about Amigas. Age
and SL restrictions would be cumbersome and inefficient. That's
where AR comes into play. There are 16 different AR flags that can
be used, A through P. To give the Amiga callers their own sub, you
would use BOARDEDIT to create a sub for their use. Set the AR to
whatever you wish, as long as it isn't in conflict with another sub
which doesn't concern the Amiga people (you can use the same AR on
different subs, but realize that anybody with the same AR flag set
would be able to access all subs with the identical AR). For this
example, set the AR flag to A. Then you would go into UEDIT and
activate each Amiga caller's A flag. Now, all Amiga callers would
be able to access the Amiga sub (as long as SL and age
requirements, if any, were met) and nobody else would know the sub
exists.

2.1J   Sub type

      Used with WWIV network software on network subs to properly
allocate messages. If the sub you are editing is not a WWIV network
sub, leave this blank.  For more information on this, refer to the
WWIVnet Documentation that accompanies the NetWork Software.

2.1K   Storage type

      There are 2 main ways messages can be stored, either with
each message in its own file, or with all messages in that message
base in one large file. 0 means each message will be in its own
(text) file, 2 means all messages in that sub will be in one large
(non-text) file.

2.1L   Val Network

       This option may be toggled on or off.  If toggled on, sub-
board that are network subs, will have [NET] in front of the name
and the sysop will need to validate the messages received there
before the messages will be sent over the network.  If the option
is toggled off, the sub will have <Net> in front of the Sub-Board
name.  Because many network subs have various restrictions (such as
no ansi posts, or ansi posts only, or post by #1 on the board only,
etc), network validation is a means of insuring that posts
originating from this BBS are in compliance with the sub-host's
rules.

2.1M  Req. ANSI

      The sysop can require that the user have ansi enabled in
order to view this sub.  This option is particularly useful if the
sub is one of ansi pictures drawn with THEDRAW or some other ansi
editor.  An example of an all ansi sub is the WWIVnet Sub known as
The Ansi Art Gallery.

2.1N  Disable Tag

      This option, if toggled on, will disable taglines in the
messages.  This may be useful if a network sub host does not permit
posts which have taglines added to them.



2.2  Diredit

   WWIV allows files available for downloading to be logically
divided into different directories. The Diredit procedure will
allow you to set and update those directories. It functions very
much like the Boardedit procedure.

   The options you can set for each directory are:

2.2A   Name

      Each dir requires a name that designates what type of files
should be uploaded (and are available for downloading) in that
directory.  For example, the following categories are often found
on various BBSes:  Compression Utilities, Protocols,
Communications, Applications, Word Processors, etc.

2.2B   Filename

      Like the filename in Boardedit, each dir needs its own
filename to store data in. Each dir NEEDS its own DISTINCT
filename.  Again, the filename should be 8 characters or less and
should not use an extension.

2.2C   Path

      Each dir can store files in a different DOS dir, or even on
a different drive. The paths for all new dirs default to whatever
the DLOADS dir is set to in INIT, but sysops will often want to
change it.  In general, you should have each dir set to a sub-dir
of DLOADS. So, for example, the Sysop dir is set with a path of
DLOADS\SYSOP\. If you wish to use a directory on a different drive,
specify the full pathname from the root directory.  Also, when
entering the file name, do not put a \ mark after the name because
WWIV will automatically insert one for you.  If you do insert one,
the result will be an error.

2.2D   DSL

      Like the read SL, this sets the minimum DSL necessary for a
caller to access that directory.  However, whereas the SL also
determines what additional benefits are available (i.e. posting
anonymously, reading anonymous posts, etc.), the DSL only controls
what directories a person has access to.


2.2E   Min age

      Like in Boardedit, callers who are younger than the age set
here can not access that dir. This might be used for an adult file
directory, where it may not be desireable to allow just any caller
to access the files.

2.2F   Max files

      This specifies the maximum number of files in the directory.
It may be anything up to 499. Once the maximum number is reached,
no more uploads will be allowed to the directory.

2.2G   DAR

      Like AR, this allows you to restrict access only to certain
callers.

2.2H   Require PD

      This is used when a caller wants to upload a file. Setting
this to Yes causes the BBS to specifically ask the caller if the file
is public domain.  If the user says no to the question, the BBS
software assigns "Ass. Pts."  Generally it is recommended that this
option not be used.

2.2I   Dir type

      Currently not in use.

2.2J   Uploads

      You can prohibit uploads to a directory by using this option.

2.2K  Arch. Only

      This command allows you to permit only archived uploads.  The
archived format allowed is the type that is listed first in the
archive methods established in INIT.

2.3  Chainedit

   The Chainedit function is also quite similar to the Boardedit
function.  The chainedit is a means of adding/deleting/modifying
on-line programs.  A separate part of the WWIV documentation,
CHAIN.DOC addresses some of the subtleties of setting up on-line
programs, especially those which may have not been originally
designed to work on WWIV.  The information presented here, however,
should be sufficient to enable the sysop to setup many on-line
programs.

   The designation of chains originated in Turbo Pascal versions of
WWIV when the BBS literally "chained" to the program.  Although
WWIV no longer operates in that fashion and is no longer written in
Pascal, the CHAINEDIT terminology has remained.

   Not all files can be run as external programs from WWIV. Only
those files that do all I/O through DOS calls can be run. This
means that Wordstar, WordPerfect, the Norton Utilities, and most
other graphics programs can NOT be run from WWIV.

   When Chainedit is run, a summary of the chains currently
available, if any, is presented as a listing.  Available options
are:  Insert, Delete, Modify and Quit.  When a new chain is
inserted an old entry is modified, the sysop is given a
chance to change the following data:

2.3A   Description

      The description of the chain, printed out for callers.  For
example, you might have something like Food Fite--The Ultimate
Challenge, or merely Food Fite.  Many sysops put the version number
of the game after its title so that users will know whether or not
a "new" version that they may have seen elsewhere is running on
this bbs.  Many users will upload the "latest" version to the Sysop
if that version is not currently running.

2.3B   Filename

      The filename actually executed. The program to be used can
have either an EXE, COM, or BAT extension.  Programs with a BAS or
CHN extension cannot be run from WWIV. If you put a "%1" anywhere
in the filename, before the chain is executed, the %1 will be
replaced with a full path and filename of a text file the bulletin
board creates holding data about that caller, such as the caller's
name, security level, time left, etc. For most programs explicitly
written for WWIV v4, the %1 should be placed after the filename. If
you do not, you will see a "Parameter file not found" error
message. If you see that message when running a chain, add the %1,
as in "tw2001 %1".

   If the program is not specifically made for WWIV, it may be
necessary to run it from a batch file which you create and the
batch file may first need to run a chain.txt converter.  Chain.txt
is the file that the BBS creates with the user information in it.
The converter processes the information and creates a new file in
the format required by the game that you are running.  For example,
a game designed for QBBS or RBBS would require a DORINFO1.DEF file.

There are several popular converters which will make such a file
from the information in chain.txt.


2.3C   SL

      The SL (security level) required in order to run the chain.
Most sysops will set this at the level of validated users or
higher.

2.3D   AR

      The AR required in order to run the chain.  The sysop can
allow only certain people to play the game by adjusting the AR.
This may be particularly useful if the game is limited to a certain
number of players.  People can sign up to play the game and those
chosen for the first round can be given the appropriate AR.  When
the game ends, a different group of players can then be given the
AR.


2.3E   ANSI

      If ANSI is required in order to run the chain.  Because some
games or on-line programs make extensive use of Ansi screens, those
users who do not have ansi may experience significant problems with
the game.  This feature allows you to screen out the people who do
not have ansi capabilities.

2.3F   Intercept DOS calls

      Many programs run remotely will not have built-in code for
accessing the modem.  For these programs, the BBS should be set to
intercept the DOS calls, and "re-direct" the output to go to the
modem, as well as the screen. It is possible, however, that you
will have a program that will do its own modem access, in which
case it should be set so that the BBS won't intercept DOS calls. In
most cases, you WILL want the BBS to intercept DOS calls.  If the
game does not seem to operate properly, you may need to experiment
with this setting.  As a general rule, you should try having the
BBS intercept DOS calls for those games designed specifically for
WWIV and try having the BBS not intercept DOS calls for those games
designed to be run on other systems.  These settings may still need
to be changed, but the general rule is sound advice for what to try
as the initial setting for this variable.

2.3G   300 Baud

      Some programs use ANSI graphics to such an extent that the
display rate with 300 baud connections would be intolerable. With
this setting, the sysop can prohibit 300 baud callers from using
the chain.

2.3H   Shrink

      The Shrink feature was introduced in WWIV v4.10.  This option
handles  memory very differently from the way it is handled if this
feature is not used.  With Shrink set to off, the BBS remains in
memory when you run an external program, thus restricting the
maximum size of the program you can use. With Shrink set to on, the
BBS will essentially unload from memory, allowing larger
externals to be run.  Shrinking reduces the amount of memory the
BBS occupies to around 46k. Other than this different way of
handling memory, chains run with Shrink operate just as they do
without Shrink - except for a slight delay when entering and
exiting the program.  If memory is a problem on your system, use
Shrink. Otherwise, it isn't necessary to use it.  Generally, the
larger the program to be run is, the more desireable it will be to
use the shrink feature.

2.3I  Disable Pause

    This feature was added in v4.20.  Some games, such as the on-
line program TETRIS, do not work well when the BBS attempts to
pause the screen.  If the user has pause toggled ON in the
defaults, then the bbs will attempt to pause after the number of
lines of vertical height that the user had specified.  This option
allows the sysop to disable the user's pause option as he enters
that particular program.  When the user exits, the pause status
will be reset as it was before the program was run.


3.0  SECTION THREE: DETAILED SYSOP/CO-SYSOP COMMANDS

3.1  Gfileedit

   Gfiles in this instance are just text files that are available
to callers to read; in other words, they are similar to bulletins.
With Gfileedit, the file directories for gfiles may be created and
the particular gfile areas which  callers can access can be
designated.

   Most WWIV Sysop functions behave in similar ways.  This enables
a sysop to learn how to use each of them very quickly, without
having to know many different commands and parameters.  As with
the previous commands already presented, Gfileedit displays a
summary of gfile directories currently in place, if any. The
insert, delete, modify and quit options are again available.  When
inserting a new gfile section or changing an old one, the following
data can be modified:

3.1A   Name
      This is the name of the section shown to the user.  This name
should describe the kind of files to be displayed in that
directory, such as humor, communications, ANSI, etc.

3.1B   Filename

   The filename for the section. In this instance, however, the
filename is ALSO the directory where the gfiles for this section
will be stored. The directory chosen will be a sub-directory of the
main GFILES directory. After the filename is entered, you will be
asked if you want to create the directory.  If you say no, you will
have to create it yourself (i.e. manually).  In either instance,
once the directory exists, the files or bulletins to be displayed
must be moved to it.

3.1C   SL

   The sysop can set the SL required for section access. Callers
cannot add their own gfiles to the section, so there is no "post"
SL involved.

3.1D   Min. Age

      The sysop can set the minimum age necessary for section
access.  This feature is sometimes used if the gfiles section
contains some "adult" material.

3.1E   Max Files

      The maximum number of gfiles in the section (can be up to 99)
is set here.  Once the maximum number is reached, additional
gfiles cannot be added unless this setting is increased.  The
section cannot be increased beyond 99 files per separate directory
unless the source code is modified.  Such modification is only
available to registered sysops.

3.1F   AR

      AR required for section access is established by the sysop
with this parameter.  This option works exactly the way it does in
Boardedit.

3.2  Gfile Commands in the Gfile Section

3.2A  A - Add Gfiles to All Sections

   When the Sysop enters the gfiles section (command G at the main
menu), hitting A at the SECTION prompt (first prompt given) will
add gfiles to ALL sections.

   Hitting A within a section will add files for that section only.
When  the add files to a gfile section option is selected, the BBS
will search that section's directory for files to add.  For every
file it finds, it will prompt for a description. Once a description
has been entered, that file will be accessible to anyone who is
capable of using that gfile section.

3.2B  R - Remove Gfiles for a Section

   Selecting R within a section will allow a co-sysop to remove
gfiles.

3.3  Uedit

   Uedit is the user account editor function which allows the sysop
to maintain the user list and alter accounts as needed.

3.3A  Toggling the Uedit Display

   There are two possible displays in Uedit - the short display,
and the long display. If there is a remote caller, it will default
to the short display. Otherwise, it will default to the long
display. Typing a period at the Uedit prompt will toggle between
the long and short displays. In the short display, typing a comma
will expand to the long display FOR THAT ACCOUNT ONLY.

3.3B  [ and ] to move in Uedit

   You use [ and ] to move down and up accounts in the user list.
"]" will move to the next higher account in the user list, and "["
will move to the next lower account.

3.3C { and } in the Search Option

   "{" and "}" search through the user list, using the options set
with "/", to the next (or previous) account which satisfies the
selected criteria. Entering "U" and then entering a (full or
partial) name will go directly to that account, or you can access
a particular account by entering "U" and then the user number.

3.3D   Other options in Uedit are:

    ? - Menu of options
    : - Force user to re-enter birthdate upon next logon.
    ~ - Reset ass_pts to zero. Not currently implemented elsewhere.
    A - Change user's AR.
    C - Change user's callsign.
    D - Delete the current account, erasing any mail to/from that
        user and discounting any votes made by that user.
    E - Change user's exemptions, 1=transfer ratio.
    G - Change user's birthdate.
    I - Change user's DAR.
    L - Change user's real name.
    M - Change user's computer type.
    N - Change user's name.
    O - Change note about user.
    P - Change user's phone number.
    Q - Quit out of Uedit.
    R - Restore a deleted user. This doesn't re-create any mail, or
        add back in votes made by that user before deletion.
    S - Change user's SL.
    T - Change user's DSL.
    Y - Change user's sysop sub. Set to 255 to clear the sysopsub
        value.
    Z - Change user's restrictions.

3.3D1  Available restrictions are:

      A - Automessage : The caller cannot change the automessage.
      C - Chat        : Caller won't be able to request chats with
                        you.
      E - E-Mail      : The caller cannot send e-mail.
      L - Logons      : Limits the caller to 1 logon per day.
      N - WWIVnet     : The caller cannot use the WWIV network
      P - Posts       : The caller cannot post messages.
      V - Voting      : The caller is not permitted to vote.
      * - Anonymous   : The caller cannot post anonymously.
      U - Upload      : All uploads by this user will go to the sysop
                        dir.
      M - Messages    : Posts by the caller will not be accessible
                        by your other callers until either yourself
                        or a co-sysop have read and approved the
                        message for public viewing.

3.3E  Long Information on User

   The long information printed about a user account consists of:

    Name: Random #1                (name/alias of user, number of
                                    user)
    RN  : Wayne                    (real name of user)
    Call: N6PLU                    (amateur radio callsign)
    PH  : 213-208-6689             (phone number)
    Age : 22 M                     (age, sex)
    PW  : AAA                      (password)
    Comp: IBM AT (80386)           (user's computer type)
    Last: 07/12/89   12/15/87      (last date on, first date on)
    Msgs: P=123 E=148 F=125 W=64   (posts, emails, feedbacks, mail
                                    waiting)
    Log : 802 4 I=0                (total calls, calls today,
                                    illegal logons)
    UpDn: U=17-989k   D=3-43k      (uploads, downloads)
    Note: This is a note           (user note)

    SL  : 255  DSL=255             (SL, DSL)
    AR  : ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOP         (user AR)
    DAR : ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOP         (user DAR)


   The comments on the right are not printed in Uedit. Some of the
lines are not always printed unless they have a value. For example,
if the user did not have an amateur radio callsign, the callsign
line would not be present in the Uedit listing. This rule also
applies to restrictions, AR, DAR, and sysopsub.

   Passwords are ONLY printed for 255 SL's. If a co-sysop goes into
Uedit, passwords will not be displayed (although they will be
printed locally on your computer screen).

3.4  Voting Initialization

   The voting initialization procedure allows the setup of voting
questions.   When this procedure is run, a list of all current
questions is displayed, with those not in use listed as >>> NO
QUESTION <<<. There are a total of 20 possible voting questions.
Entering the number of the question to be altered allows the
addition, deletion, or change of a question.  After a question has
been entered, all possible responses (up to 19) should be entered.


3.5   Sysop Text Editor

   The BBS contains an internal text editor that may be used to
edit files.  This editor is different from the one used when
writing e-mail or posts. If your account has a full screen editor
selected, that editor will be used instead of the internal editor.
The use of a full screen editor is greatly encouraged, since they
are much easier to use, and since the internal editor has minimal
editing features.

3.5A  Internal editor Options

   The internal editor is line-oriented, and has the following
options:

    P - Print the current line.
    L - List from the current line onward.
    I - Insert lines starting BEFORE the current line.
    D - Delete line(s). D10 will delete 10 lines, starting with the

        current line.
    + - forward line(s). +10 will move forward 10 lines.
    - - backward line(s). -10 will move backward 10 lines.
    Q - Quit, without saving.
    S - Save & exit.
    C - Clear workspace.
    # - entering a number will go directly to that line.


3.6  Mail and Message Base SysOp Functions

3.6A  Co-Sysop (or Sysop) Options at Mail Read Prompt

   At the mail read prompt, a co-sysop has the following additional
options:

3.6A1  Form Letters

    O - Reply with a form letter. This option allows you to send a
        pre-written message as a reply to the e-mail you just read.

        This is often used to respond to validation letters or
        frequently-asked questions. Form letters must have a
        filename of the format "FORMxxxx.MSG" where xxxx are 1-4
        characters, and be placed in the GFILES directory. For
        example, a validation confirmation form letter might be
        called FORMVAL.MSG. After typing 'O' at the mail read
        prompt, you will be prompted for the 1-4 character suffix
        of the filename. Following the example, you would simply
        type VAL. If the letter exists, it is loaded into the text
        area and you are prompted for the title of the message.
        Once entered, the contents of the form letter are used in
        the message area, and the letter is sent to the user.

3.6A2  Validating the Writer of the letter

    V - Validate the sender of the current piece of mail. By
        hitting V, a co-sysop can view some basic information about

        the user, and also change the SL, DSL, AR, DAR, and
        restrictions.

3.6A3  Zapping Mail

    Z - Zap mail. This is the same as "D"eleting the mail, except
        with the Z option, no confirmation is sent back to the
        sender telling him that the mail has been read.

3.6B  Co-Sysop (or Sysop) Options from the Scan Prompt

   At the scan prompt, a co-sysop has the following additional
options:

    V - Validate the user. Same as in mail read, or "!" from main
        prompt.
    N - No-delete. This will save the message from being
        auto-deleted to make room for new messages. For a no-delete

        message, a limited co-sysop  must explicitly remove the
        message.
    U - Un-anonymous a post. If a message was posted anonymously,
        the U option will make the name visible for anyone to see.
    D - Delete the message.
    M - Move the message. The co-sysop will be prompted for the
        message base to move it to. ? will list the subs.

3.7  Extract to a File

   Also, at either the mail read or scan prompt, hitting "E" by a
sysop  (SL=255) will extract the message/mail out to a text file in
the GFILES directory. A filename will be prompted for, and if the
file doesn't already exist, the message will be written out to that
text file. If the file does exist, the sysop is prompted to select
a new file (N), overwrite the current file (O) or quit (Q).

3.8  Function Key Assignments

   While a user is logged on, there are many sysop function keys
that may be used to change the current status, or information about
the user's account. The keys are:

    F1 - Validate the user. This will pop up, on the screen, a
         window allowing you to change the caller's SL, DSL, AR,
         DAR, exemptions, sysop sub, and note. The up-arrow will
         move to the previous field, down-arrow (or <C/R>) moves to
         the next field, and escape (or F1) finishes changing the
         data and returns back to the normal BBS. To change AR,
         DAR, or the restrictions, simply move to the character
         position you wish to toggle, and hit the spacebar to clear
         that option, or hit the letter of the AR/DAR to be
         toggled on or off.

         NOTE:  A person of the same or lower SL cannot change the
         SL of a higher level person, except from the keyboard when
         the person to be changed is logged on.

    Shift-F1 - Global Capture. This will toggle a global capture
         system on and off. Global capture will write to a text
         file in the GFILES directory (GLOBAL.TXT) everything that
         occurs on the BBS from the moment capture is turned on.
         Subsequent captures are added to the end of the GLOBAL.TXT
         file.

    F2 - Toggle top of screen info. The top of screen data defaults
         to information about the user's account, but may be
         changed. Hitting F2 once will clear the top of screen
         data, so the entire screen may be used normally. Hitting
         F2 again will display system status information in the
         window.

    F3 - Disable remote typing. If you wish to temporarily disable
         the remote user from typing, hit F3. Hit F3 again to
         restore his ability to type. Note that the caller will
         still be able to see everything printed on the screen even

         if the caller isn't allowed to type.

    F4 - Disable chat call. If a user is requesting a chat, and you
         don't want to talk with that user, hit F4 to turn off the
         chat call.

    F5 - Hang up on the user. When you hit F5, carrier is
         immediately dropped.

    Ctrl-F5 - Prints out "Call back later when you are there" and
         hangs up.  This message is also the one printed out when
         a user has not pressed a key for 3 minutes and is
         disconnected due to inactivity.

    Shift-F5 - Prints out a few characters of garbage, then hangs
         up on the caller. This may appear to the caller as if
         disconnection was due to line noise.

    F6 - Toggle sysop page. If a user is on, and you want to use
         the system  but don't want to hang up on the user (such as
         with the F5 key), you can set the sysop page using the F6
         key. "Alert" will appear in the topscreen information
         border. When the user logs off, the BBS will beep at you
         for about a minute, telling you that the user is
         off the system, and you may now use it.

    F7 - Subtract 5 minutes from the time the user has on. If the
         time gets to zero, this will not hang up on the user, but
         when the user gets to the main menu (or scan prompt, or
         any one of a number of other places), he will be logged
         off.

    F8 - Add 5 minutes to the time left on, to a maximum of 255
         minutes.

    F9 - Temporary sysop. If you wish to perform sysop functions
         while a user is on-line, hitting F9 will temporarily
         change their security level to 255. Hitting F9 again will
         return their security level to what it previously was. If
         a user hangs up while a temporary sysop, his SL will
         automatically be returned to what it was before.

    F10 - Chat. If you wish to chat with a user, hit F10. If the
          user supports ANSI (and supports at least 1200 bps),
          two-way chat will be used (unless disabled in INIT). This
          is a split-screen chat system whereby everything you type
          will be printed in the top half of the screen, and
          everything the user types will be printed in the lower
          half. If the user does not support ANSI, standard chat
          mode will be used. Basically, this is a system whereby
          the entire screen is used for dialogue; one person types,
          then another, then another in turn, while the text of the

          conversation scrolls off the top of the screen. While in
          standard chat (NOT two-way), you may hit the [Home] key
          to record what is typed. It will be stored to CHAT.TXT
          in the GFILES dir. Turning on chat capture will INCLUDE
          the line you hit [Home] on, even though a message saying
          things are being captured is printed after that line.
          Likewise, when chat capture is turned off, the current
          line will NOT be included, even though the message is
          printed after that line. Those messages telling you when
          capture is on or off are printed locally, but not
          remotely, so the caller will not see them. If you want to
          save conversations made in two-way chat mode, you must
          use global capture, by toggling Shift-F1. Chats saved
          with global capture will be saved just as they happened,
          so in some instances (for the sake of clarity) it
          may be preferable to use standard chat and [Home] to
          record chats.

    Ctrl-F10 - Chat. This chat mode differs from the above in that
          two-way is not used at all. With Ctrl-F10, you can force
          standard chat mode when two-way chat would normally be
          used. This enables you to use the [Home] key to save the
          conversation if you want to.

    Shift-F10 - Drops to DOS. The remote caller sees "[WAIT]" while
          you are in DOS. Note that this is different from //DOS in
          that there is no remote echo.


4.0  Dos Macros

     WWIV v4.20 introduced a feature called DOS Macros.  This
feature enables a sysop to run a DOS program by pressing the ALT
KEY and holding it down while pressing a letter.  In order for this
feature to work, the sysop must first create an ascii file in the
DATA directory called MACROS.TXT.  This file should contain the
letter that the sysop wants to use to activate that program and
then the command line (dos legal) that should be executed.  For
example, a sysop might wish to use the LIST utility to look at
certain special network logs which are created in GFILES.  The logs
are called NETDAT0.LOG, NETDAT1.LOG, and NETDAT2.LOG.  These logs
represent three days worth of information about network
connections.

    The MACROS.TXT might contain the following:

    a LIST C:\WWIV\GFILES\NETDAT0.LOG
    b LIST C:\WWIV\GFILES\NETDAT1.LOG
    c LIST C:\WWIV\GFILES\NETDAT2.LOG

which would enable the sysop to enter ALT A to view NETDAT0.LOG or
ALT C to view NETDAT2.LOG.  This handy feature vastly expands the
sysop's ability to maintain the board by running various utility
programs from this dos shell.

5.0   CONCLUSION

   That's all there is to the Sysop's Guide. If so many commands
seem confusing, don't worry about it. Knowing which key to press to
use certain functions will become second-nature once you've become
accustomed to using them. If you have read this far, it is assumed
that you already looked through the Installation/Configuration
docs. Now, if you haven't already, take a look at the User's Guide.
It will provide you with information  pertaining to commands
available to the average caller, as well as to  co-sysops, who will
use your bulletin board.  Many sysops make the WWIVUSER.DOC
available to users as both a GFILE for on-line reading and as a
downloadable file to facilitate their getting to know how WWIV
operates.

   One final reminder, if you have not registered WWIV, you are
entitled to try the shareware version for a period of 60 days.  If
you continue to use it beyond that time period, you should register
it.  Registration is simply.  Send a cashier's check (i.e.
certified check) or money order to Wayne Bell.  The complete
address is obtainable by typing //VER at the main menu of the
board.  If you wish to have the source code mailed to you on disk,
you should include an additional $5 for each such mailing and you
should include information regarding the disk format which your
computer uses (i.e. 360k, 1.2mg, 1.44mg, etc.).

6.0  APPENDICES

6.1  Table of Contents

  Section    Description                                Page

  1.0        SECTION ONE: SYSOP/CO-SYSOP OPTIONS ......   2
  1.1          Introduction............................   2
  1.2          Top of Screen Data......................   2
  1.2A           Caller's Status for Top Screen .......   2
  1.2B           Abbreviations used in Caller TopScreen   3
  1.3          System Status for Top Screen............   3
  1.4          Waiting-for-Call (WFC) Commands ........   3
  1.4A           ? List WFC Commands ..................   3
  1.4B           Spacebar .............................   3
  1.4C           Answer Phone .........................   4
  1.4D           Boardedit ............................   4
  1.4E           Chainedit ............................   4
  1.4F           Diredit ..............................   4
  1.4G           Edit Text File .......................   4
  1.4H           Dos Functions ........................   4
  1.4I           Gfileedit ............................   4
  1.4J           Init Votes ...........................   5
  1.4K           Log of the Day .......................   5
  1.4L           Read All Mail ........................   5
  1.4M           Net Log ..............................   5
  1.4N           Pending Files ........................   5
  1.4O           Quit and Terminate BBS ...............   5
  1.4P           Read Your Mail .......................   5
  1.4Q           Status Display .......................   5
  1.4R           Terminal Program .....................   6
  1.4S           Uedit ................................   6
  1.4T           Yesterday's Log ......................   6
  1.4U           Zlog .................................   6
  1.4V           Force Callout ........................   6
  1.5          Main Menu Sysop Commands ...............   6
  1.5A           Log ..................................   6
  1.5B           Nlog .................................   7
  1.5C           Ylog .................................   7
  1.5D           Zlog .................................   7
  1.5E           Uedit ................................   7
  1.5F           Ivotes ...............................   7
  1.5G           Status ...............................   7
  1.5H           Voteprint ............................   7
  1.5I           Tedit ................................   7
  1.6          Sysop Commands .........................   8
  1.7          Transfer Section Sysop Commands ........   8
  2.0        SECTION TWO:  DETAILED SYSOP COMMANDS ....   9
  2.1          Boardedit ..............................   9
  2.1A           Name .................................   9
  2.1B           Filename .............................  10
  2.1C           Key ..................................  10
  2.1D           Read SL ..............................  10
  2.1E           Post SL ..............................  10
  2.1F           Anony ................................  10
  2.1G           Min Age ..............................  10
  2.1H           Max Msgs .............................  11
  2.1I           AR ...................................  11
  2.1J           Sub Type .............................  11
  2.1K           Storage Type .........................  11
  2.1L           Val Network ..........................  11
  2.1M           Req. Ansi ............................  12
  2.1N           Disable Tag ..........................  12
  2.2          Diredit ................................  12
  2.2A           Name .................................  12
  2.2B           Filename .............................  12
  2.2C           Path .................................  12
  2.2D           DSL ..................................  13
  2.2E           Min Age ..............................  13
  2.2F           Max Files ............................  13
  2.2G           DAR ..................................  13
  2.2H           Mask .................................  13
  2.2I           Dir Type .............................  13
  2.2J           Uploads ..............................  13
  2.2K           Arch. Only ...........................  13
  2.3          Chainedit ..............................  14
  2.3A           Description ..........................  14
  2.3B           Filename .............................  14
  2.3C           SL ...................................  15
  2.3D           AR ...................................  15
  2.3E           Ansi .................................  15
  2.3F           Intercept DOS calls ..................  15
  2.3G           300 Baud .............................  15
  2.3H           Shrink ...............................  16
  2.3I           Disable Pause ........................  16
  3.0        SECTION THREE:  DETAILED SYSOP/CO-SYSOP
                             COMMANDS .................  16
  3.1          Gfileedit...............................  16
  3.1A           Name .................................  16
  3.1B           Filename .............................  17
  3.1C           SL ...................................  17
  3.1D           Min Age ..............................  17
  3.1E           Max Files ............................  17
  3.1F           AR ...................................  17
  3.2          Gfile Commands in Gfile Section ........  17
  3.2A           Add Gfiles ...........................  17
  3.2B           Remove Gfiles ........................  18
  3.3          Uedit ..................................  18
  3.3A           Toggling the Uedit Display ...........  18
  3.3B           [ and ] to move in Uedit .............  18
  3.3C           { and } in Search Options ............  18
  3.3D           Other Uedit Options ..................  18
  3.3D1            Available User Restrictions ........  19
  3.3E           Long Information on User .............  19
  3.4          Voting Initialization ..................  20
  3.5          Sysop Text Editor ......................  20
  3.5A           Internal Editor Options ..............  20
  3.6          Mail & Message Base Sysop Functions ....  20
  3.6A           Co-Sysop (or Sysop) Options at Mail ..  20
  3.6A1            Form Letters .......................  20
  3.6A2            Validating the Writer of Message....  21
  3.6A3            Zapping Mail .......................  21
  3.6B           Co-Sysop (or Sysop) Options from Scan.  21
  3.7          Extract a file .........................  21
  3.8          Function Key Assignments ...............  22
  4.0       Dos Macros ................................  24
  5.0       Conclusion ................................  24
  6.0       APPENDICES ................................  25
  6.1         Table of Contents .......................  25






































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