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1991-12-04
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THE USER'S GUIDE TO WWIV
By Filo
<aka> Wig De Moville
Original User Guide by Michael Coyne
User Guide for WWIV v4.10-4.12 by
William Daystrom
The WWIV User's Guide
Copyright (c) 1989 White Star Software
The USER'S GUIDE TO WWIV
Copyright (c) 1991 Wayne Bell
The User's Guide To WWIV
1.0 SECTION ONE: INTRODUCTION
This segment of the WWIV documentation is a comprehensive manual
for callers and sysops alike. For callers, it will review each
command WWIV accepts, along with some examples of usage. For sysops
and co-sysops, it will elaborate on sysop functions and how they
are used. This manual is written specifically for WWIV v4.21.
Updates of this manual will be available as new versions of WWIV
are distributed. A Table of Contents or Index is found in the last
appendix.
WWIV BBS Software is copyrighted and written by Wayne Bell. The
project began while Wayne was in high school and the original WWIV
was written in BASIC on an IBM-PC. The basic versions, which are of
historical interest, were numbered with versions starting at 1.00.
These versions were followed by a Pascal version where the numbers
started with 2.00, and a major re-write of the Pascal version where the
numbers started with 3.00. The last Pascal version was WWIV v3.21D.
The current version of the software is written in C and begins with
version 4.00. The most current version is WWIV v4.21. Wayne has plans
to write a Unix version of the software which will begin with v5.00.
Just as the BBS Software has evolved over time, the
documentation also has a short history. The initial versions of
WWIV had very short docs that were oriented primarily toward the
sysop who would run and operate the software. Michael Coyne
developed an "illustrated" user guide for WWIV in which he took
the user step-by-step through the commands that were available
on WWIV. This guide was used by William Daystrom as the basis
for his documentation, THE WWIV USER'S GUIDE, which was copyrighted
by White Starlines Software. William's excellent documentation
is clearly the "father" of the current USER'S GUIDE TO WWIV;
however, significant efforts have been made to avoid copying Will's
approach in order to avoid possible copyright infringements.
The current copyright is held by Wayne Bell in order to facilitate
future versions of the documentation.
1.1 Preparation and Connection
In order to connect to WWIV Software, the user should configure
his terminal program for settings of 8-N-1 or 7-E-1. These
settings normally provide for the best connections. In addition,
the user may wish to be sure that he has ANSI.SYS installed,
especially if his system is capable of using color. Most WWIV
bulletin boards are very colorful, have special menus and screens
designed to appeal to the user, and use color extensively. The
software is capable of detecting whether or not the user has ANSI
and thus it will automatically adjust itself to the appropriate
color or non-color configuration for the user. The user, however,
can override these settings in his initial logon or by using the
defaults configuration, both of which are described subsequently.
1.2 Logon
After a connection is established, one of two things will
happen. If the sysop has created an ANSI welcome message
(WELCOME.ANS) and if the software detects that the user's system is
capable of ANSI, the caller will be shown the Welcome Screen in
color, or on some systems, the user will be asked if he wants ANSI.
After the Welcome Message, three prompts will appear in sequence.
The first prompt asks for the caller's name or number. If the
caller types "NEW" at the prompt, he/she will be taken to the
registration procedure. Otherwise, once the caller's name or
number has been entered, the BBS will prompt for the caller's
password. On the sysop's screen, topscreen information will appear
at this point which, among other things, includes the caller's
password on the far right of the lower line (this reverts to
the caller's time-left once logon is complete).
After the caller has entered the password, the prompt usually
asks for the last four digits of the caller's seven-digit phone
number. If the user is not prompted for the last four digits of
the phone number, it is because the sysop has configured his system
to permit "freeform" phone numbers. This configuration facilitates
the logon on of international callers whose phone numbers may not
conform to the format used in the USA. If the sysop has chosen the
freeform option, then the user enters the phone number when logging
on as new, but the user will not be prompted for such information
on subsequent logons. If any of the information entered does not
match what the BBS expects, an illegal logon attempt will be
recorded in the sysop log, and the caller will have another chance
to logon. The software permits the caller to have three attempts
to correctly answer all three prompts - name or number, password,
and phone number. If the caller has tried to logon three times
without success, the caller will be disconnected.
1.3 Registration
If the caller entered "NEW" at the first logon prompt, the
registration procedure is initiated. The BBS will display two
messages to the user. First, SYSTEM.MSG, from the GFILES
directory, is displayed which may describe the sysop's system,
theme, purpose, and general rules. Next, NEWUSER.MSG is printed.
This file contains information new callers might need to know, such
as a brief explanation of how on-line help (Control-O) works, or
what the sysop expects from the caller. Following the output of
these two files, the actual registration questions are asked. In
order, these questions ask for the caller's full name (or alias),
real first name, voice phone number, amateur radio callsign, sex,
date of birth, computer type, screen width and height, ANSI
support, color monitor (if ANSI is supported), and finally
password. With the password prompt, the caller is first offered a
randomly-selected password to use. The caller may change the
password if desired. After the caller has entered all of
that information, a summary of the data just entered is provided.
At this point, the caller may change any of the information if
errors are present. This is the only opportunity the caller will
have to change this data (except for the password, ANSI support,
and screen parameters) without sysop intervention.
1.3.A FeedBack Message
Once the caller has confirmed that all is correct, FEEDBACK.MSG
is displayed, and the caller is prompted to write a validation
letter. FEEDBACK.MSG tells the caller what to write in the letter,
which is a request for access. All callers should write validation
letters; otherwise, the sysop's task of finding new callers would
be much more difficult. The sysop is able to validate the user as
the validation letter is read; however, if there is not validation
letter, the sysop may not even be aware that an "unvalidated" user
has logged on the board.
1.3.B Logon Message
If the caller is registered (note the distinction between
registered and validated; a registered caller isn't necessary
validated), LOGON.MSG (or LOGON.B&W or LOGON.ANS, depending upon
the caller's ANSI setting) will be printed. This file contains
system news from the sysop. Next, a list of the last few callers is
displayed. This list will be longer for sysops and co-sysops then
it will be for regular callers. The information given will be the
last few caller names, numbers, baud rates, and times on (that
day).
1.3.C Auto-Message
After the LOGON.MSG, the auto-message is shown. The auto-message
may be thought of as a public three-line bulletin which the callers
may change. They can use it, for example, to advertise another BBS,
or to make a quick announcement to the other callers. The file used
to store the auto-message is called AUTO.MSG. If that file does not
exist, "No auto-message" will be displayed. The file is created
once a caller or sysop enters a new auto-message, so sysops
probably won't need to alter the file manually. If the current
auto-message seems to be a message from the sysop to the users, the
user might excercise discretion in changing it as the sysop may be
using the auto-message to convey a short message to all persons
logging on.
1.3.D Last Callers List & Additional Information
Following the system news, list of last callers, and
auto-message, a brief list of additional information is given.
Among the data is the time the caller will be allowed on for that
call, the number of illegal logons attempted on that account (if
any), the last date the caller logged-on, the chat status of the
sysop (Available means that the sysop is available for chats, Not
Available means that callers cannot request chats), and the version
number of the BBS. If the BBS is registered, the registration
number appears after the version number. If the BBS is a part of a
a WWIV network, the node number will also be listed.
After the messages discussed above have been presented, the user
arrives at the Main Menu. Some of the messages discussed above may
be skipped during the logon process by pressing spacebar during the
message. This aborts the message and permits the user to continue
onward. Users are advised to NOT get in the habit of space barring
the logon messages unless those messages are clearly non-changing.
Whether or not the user sees the Main Menu is a function of that
user's 'expert status'. If the expert status is toggled on, the
user does not automatically see the menus. In expert status, if a
menu is desired, it may be seen if the user types a question mark.
This does not change the expert status of the user, but does permit
the menu to be seen. The expert status may be toggled on and off
by entering an X while at the main prompt.
1.4 The Main Prompt
The main prompt is the place where most major commands are
entered, by both caller and sysop. It will appear like this
although the information following "[1]" may be different if the
first message base accessible to the user has a title other than
General.
T - 04:14:55
[1] [General] :
The main prompt, an example of which appears above, tells you
the time left remaining on this call in an hh:mm:ss format, and the
name and number of the message base (sub-board) you're in at the
moment. The Main Menu presents a list of all commands available
from the main prompt.
1.5 WWIV Software Organization
WWIV Software may be thought of as being composed of several
distinct systems: Main Menu (from which all systems are
accessible), Transfer Menu, G-Files, E-Mail, and On-Line Programs
(chains). Each of these systems will be discussed in this User
Guide. The message editor, which is discussed immediately below,
is functional in both the E-mail system and the Message-Base
system. The Message-Base system is part of the Main Menu system.
1.6 The Message Editor
When e-mail, feedback messages, or posts on a message base are
made, a message editor is used. Unless the caller has specified a
full screen editor to use (discussed later), the standard WWIV
editor is chosen. This editor is quite simple to use, once you are
familiar with the commands. The editor features word-wrapping
which will permit entering a message without having to be concerned
about where lines and/or words end.
A few editing features are also available to help correct
mistakes. When the editor is activated, it prompts for a title.
This is the heading of your message, and should describe what your
message will be about. You can facilitate communication by
entering a descriptive title rather than using something like
"Well," or "Hey" as a title. After the title is entered, the
editor provides information regarding the maximum number of lines
which can be entered in the message. Persons with higher security
levels are able to enter longer messages, so this information can
sometimes be very useful. The information also includes a
message regarding what you need to do to get assistance.
Assistance is available by typing
/HELP
when the cursor is at the left-hand margin. The /HELP command
brings up a menu of options available to you.
1.7 /HELP and Ctrl-O
Ctrl-O also enables context sensitive help on the BBS including
help for the editor. The help menu for the editor will appear
similar to this:
-= WWIV Editor Commands =-
/ES - Immediate Save
/ESY - Immediate Save Anonymously (If allowed)
/ESN - Immediate Save NOT-Anonymous (If allowed)
/ABT - Immediate Abort
/CLR - Clear Message and Start Over
/RL - Replace Last Line
/TI - Re-Write Title
/LI - List Message so Far
/C: - Center Rest of Line
/SU/old/new - Substitute Text in Last Line
Ctrl-P+Digit - Change Colors
All commands save the last one are entered by typing the command
on a blank line when the cursor is at the left-hand margin. The
/ESY and /ESN commands are basically time-savers; if you are able
to post anonymously, you would be prompted if you wanted to do so
after saving the message. Those two commands bypass that prompt.
Also, /S may be used to save a message as well as /ES (another
time-saver). When you use /RL, the last line you entered will be
printed, and you will be prompted to enter the line you want to
replace it with. To delete the last line that you entered, just hit
[Enter] at that prompt. The center command lets you center text on
the screen. To use it, you would type /C:, immediately followed by
the text you want centered.
The /SU command allows you to replace selected text in the last
line you entered. The Ctrl-P+Digit command is different from the
others in that it doesn't use the slash-command system. It allows
the colors of the text you are typing to be changed (if you have
ANSI active). Each color that may be used has a number assigned to
it (ranging from 0 to 7). The colors associated with each number
may be set in the default section; however, because the colors
which you see are determined by your default settings, it is
strongly recommended that you not change them in order that you be
able to see the same colors that others see.
1.7.A Changing Colors
To change colors, just press the control key, then P, then
release those keys and tap a number in the range from 0 to 7.
The color of the text which is typed from that point until the next
color change or beginning of a new line (whichever comes first)
will be whatever you selected. Below is a chart showing you what
the default WWIV colors are; your colors may differ.
0 - White 4 - Bright White on Blue
1 - Bright Cyan 5 - Green
2 - Bright Yellow 6 - Bright Flashing Red
3 - Magenta 7 - White
2.0 SECTION TWO: COMMANDS FROM THE MAIN MENU
This section will detail all commands available from the Main
Menu, as well as the sub-commands available in options from the
Main Menu.
2.1 Miscellaneous Section
2.1.A 'A' Auto-Message
An auto-message is a short (3 line limit) note that all callers
see when they log on the board. You can use it to send
announcements or messages to other callers (ie, advertisements for
new bulletin boards, endorsements or challenges concerning the
online games, happy birthday messages, etc.). When you choose the
Auto-Message selection, a prompt appears:
A-msg: R:ead, W:rite, A:uto-reply, Q:uit :
2.1.A.1 R Read Auto-Message
At this prompt, you can choose to read the auto-message, write
an auto-message to replace the existing one, or reply to the
auto-message.
2.1.A.2 A Auto-Reply to Auto-Message
If you choose Auto-reply, the board will take you to the E-mail
section and automatically address your reply to the person who
wrote the current auto message.
2.1.A.3 W Write Auto-Message
This option allows you to write your own auto-message.
NOTE: The Write option may or may not be present, depending on your
access restrictions.
2.1.B 'B' View BBS List
This choice will display a BBS list maintained by the board. You
will then have the opportunity to read or add to the list.
2.1.B.1 Add to BBS List
Adding to the list will prompt the caller for a series of
information, such as the name and telephone number of the BBS to be
listed, the system's maximum baud rate, and the type of BBS it is.
If the phone number entered already exists in the BBS list, the
caller is told this and the entry is not accepted.
2.1.B.2 Net Listing
Also, if the BBS is a member of a WWIV network, a listing of all
systems in that network can be read. The systems are listed along
with their node numbers. The node number information can be useful
(see E-Mail Section) for sending a message to a user on a different
BBS System provided that the system is part of the same network.
2.1.C 'C' Page Sysop for Chat
If the sysop is available when you choose this option, the board
will signal that a caller wishes to chat. You will be asked for a
reason for the chat, then the board will inform you that chat call
is turned on (which may or may not be true, as the sysop can
disable the chat alarm in INIT). The reason given by the caller
will be displayed in the topscreen information of the sysop's
screen. If the sysop is not available, you will be informed of this
and asked if you'd rather send e-mail to the sysop. If you answer
yes, you'll be taken directly to the message editor to send
feedback to the sysop.
2.1.D 'D' User Default Section
This is where you can configure your settings for the board so
that it will work the way you like. Choosing this option calls up
a sub-menu of choices:
1. Screen size : 80 X 25
2. ANSI : Color
3. Pause on screen : Off
4. Mailbox : Normal
5. Configured Q-scan
6. Change password
7. Update macros
8. Change colors
9. Full screen editor: None.
A. Extended colors : No
B. Optional lines : 0
W. WWIV reg num : <NONE>
Q. Quit to Main Menu
2.1.D.1 Screen size
Screen size refers to the number of columns and rows (c x r)
of text your screen can display. Most IBM-compatible screens
display the default 80 columns and 25 rows. Some machines, however,
display more or less than this default. If your screen is a TV set,
for example, you may have to set this option to 40 x 25. At this
setting, some of the text sent by the board may appear strange;
line breaks may occur at unusual places and some screens prepared
in ANSI may look incomprehensible.
2.1.D.2 ANSI
ANSI stands for American National Standards Institute, and it
refers to a set of instructions that handle video displays on DOS
computers. Put simply, ANSI is used when you want to be able to
display color on your screen. IBM-compatible computers are capable
of using ANSI, as are some other computers using ANSI emulation
software. On the IBM, ANSI instructions are contained in a file
called ANSI.SYS, found on your DOS disk. If you're seeing things
that look like [30;46m or [20;20H all over your screen, you do not
have ANSI.SYS enabled (loaded) at your end. You must have the
statement "device=ansi.sys" in the CONFIG.SYS file of the disk from
which you boot your computer, and the file ANSI.SYS must reside
there also for the driver to be loaded when you boot your machine
(if that made little or no sense to you, see your DOS manual). Some
communication programs are unable to display ANSI graphics even if
you have the driver loaded (BitCom, for example). If your computer
or program does not support ANSI, keep the ANSI setting in the OFF
position. If you do support ANSI, you may choose color or black and
white display modes.
2.1.D.3 Pause on screen
This option allows you to tell the board how to handle the
screens. If you'd like the display to pause after each screenfull,
you should set this option to on. When on, the BBS will print a
[PAUSE] message on the screen whenever the maximum number of lines
have been output (specified by your screen height), and wait for a
key to be pressed.
2.1.D.4 Mailbox
This is used to determine whether or not your mail is
forwarded to another account. There may be times when you would
prefer that your mail be forwarded to someone else (for example,
you are going on vacation and want somebody else to be able to
respond to mail that arrives for you). If the BBS is a part of a
WWIV network, you may forward mail to any account on any other WWIV
network system. Note, however, that the network software is
designed to prevent endless forwarding of messages. Thus, a
message originating on the board you are on, may be forwarded to
another system, but a message originating elsewhere that arrives on
this board through the network cannot be forwarded across the
network again.
2.1.D.5 Configured Q-scan
This allows you to choose which sub-boards are scanned for
new messages in an N-scan (I know, not logical, but c'est la vie).
An N-scan will operate on all the message bases (a global scan),
EXCEPT any sub-boards you have locked-out of the N-scan with this
command in defaults. If there is a message base you would prefer to
skip in a N-scan (for example, you are an IBM user and you don't
want to read the Apple messages), you can do it here. The sub-menu
presented is very simple. All message subs are listed, with
asterisks next to the subs enabled in N-scans. Entering the number
of a sub will toggle the asterisk on/off.
2.1.D.6 Change password
Naturally, this option allows you to change your password.
You must have your current password handy in order to change it;
the board will first ask you to enter your current password as a
security precaution. Please try to remember your password, and
don't choose something easily guessed by others (like your first
name). Your password must be 3 to 8 characters long, and may
contain any combination of letters and numbers. Good security
suggests that you should NOT use the same password on every BBS
system that you call.
2.1.D.7 Update macros
Each caller can design three macros. A macro is a recorded
set of keystrokes that can be repeated by pushing a key
combination. This can be a real time-saver when used for
often-repeated tasks. For example, you may wish to enter a
signature macro to use when "signing" messages you write. By
entering the update macro section, you can assign a key sequence
(either Ctrl-A, Ctrl-D, or Ctrl-F) to repeat a series of
keystrokes, saving you the time of typing them every time you need
them. Because these macros are used in the E-mail and Message
section via the Message Editor, you may use the special commands
available there, like /C: for centering text. Other special
commands such as CTRL M (shown on screen as ^M) will cause a new
line as explained if you enter Ctrl O while in the message editor.
Thus, if you enter as Macro A, the following information:
/C:^P2Filo^M/C:^P5Is Smiling at You!^M/S^M
it would have the following results:
Filo
Is Smiling at You!
The Ctrl-P codes would cause "Filo" to be in Yellow and the "Is
Smiling at You!" would be in green. Both would be centered because
of the /C: command. The ^M creates a new line. The /S^M means to
save the message. Thus, a single combination keystroke (Alt A)
would cause all of that information to appear.
2.1.D.8 Change colors
This allows you to alter the colors the BBS will display for
prompts, messages, etc. There are eight settings you can change, and
each setting may have a different color and attribute assigned to it.
There are eight colors to choose from, and each color may either
be normal, intensified, flashing, or a combination of the three. This
is generally left alone, but it is available to you should you want to
experiment with different settings. Monochrome callers may find this
useful in order to make certain text easier to read while in ANSI mode.
2.1.D.9 Full screen editor
You may select which text editor you'd like to use when
entering messages or e-mail. Depending on the sysop's setup, there
may or may not be a full screen editor available. If there is, you
can use it to write e-mail and posts instead of WWIV's built-in
line editor, which may be awkward for some people to use. Full-
screen editors are characterized by your being able to move the
cursor anywhere in the message in order to make corrections or
changes.
2.1.D.A Extended colors
This option allows you to select extended color usage in the BBS.
Currently, this only affects the transfer section (described later),
where file listings will come out in multiple colors.
2.1.D.B Optional lines
This option is supposed to allow you to enable or disable optional
lines in posts (especially networked posts). Unfortunately, few people
(if anyone) write their posts to use this, so changing this value will
probably have no visible effect at all.
2.1.D.W WWIV Registration Number
This field is for WWIV sysops to enter their registration number.
This information is particularly useful for sysops who run an SDS board
(Source Distribution System) for other WWIV Sysops. Entering a number
here will have no effect on your access to the system; it is simply a
convenient place to put the number for your (and the sysop's) reference.
2.1.E 'I' System News and Info
Choosing Information from the Main Menu will tell you the
version number of the BBS, redisplay the news and announcements
file shown at logon, and show any additional information the sysop
has provided about the system (These are the LOGON.MSG and
SYSTEM.MSG files).
2.1.F 'L' Caller Log for Today
This choice will display the names and numbers of callers who
have been on the board today. It will also show the baud rate at
which they connected to the system, as well as the number of times
they've been on today. Note that the sysop is not included in the
log of the day.
2.1.G 'O' Log Off the System
This will log you off the system, with confirmation requested by
the board. The log off message will be displayed, and the
connection will be broken.
2.1.H 'U' View User List
Choosing this selection will display a list of registered
callers who have access to the message section you're in. Entrance
to some message sections requires higher security access than
others; this is not necessary a complete user list, but only a
reflection of which callers have access to the current sub-board.
2.1.I 'V' Voting Section
This choice brings you to the voting booth, where you can cast
your votes for questions the sysop has set up. If you see "You
haven't voted yet" when you log on, choose this command to cast
your votes. The voting booth offers up to twenty questions to all
callers (with access), each question having up to nineteen possible
answers. As each caller votes, the BBS will compile statistics
pertaining to how many votes were cast per answer given, as well as
what percentage of the total number of callers had voted.
2.1.J 'X' Expert/Novice Toggle
This choice will stop the main and transfer menus from appearing
on your screen unless you specifically request them by typing a
question mark at the prompt. X acts as a toggle, turning the expert
mode on and off.
2.1.K 'Y' Personal User Stats
This item will display basic information the board maintains
about you. The screen that appears looks similar to this:
Your name : User #62
Phone number : 213-549-4133
Sec Lev : 30
Transfer SecLev: 20
Last on : 09/04/88
Times on : 110
On today : 1
Messages posted: 11
E-mail sent : 24
Time spent on : 496 Minutes
The information presented there should be self-explanatory.
2.2 Message Base Commands
2.2.A '*' List Available Subs
Typing an asterisk at the Main Menu will produce a list of the
message subs to which you have access on the board. The subs will
be identified by name and number. If the BBS is a member of a WWIV
network, any network-linked sub-boards will be identified with
<NET> or [NET] preceeding the title. [Net] distinguishes a sub-
board where the sysop has enabled "message validation" which means
that posts will not be sent out on the network until the sysop has
validated them. The network validation feature provides a sysop
with the means of insuring that users conform to any rules which
the sub host may have regarding the networked sub-board messages.
2.2.B 'N' New-Scan All Subs
This command will cause the board to display all messages you have
not yet read. It will search all message bases that you have access to,
provided you haven't configured the scan to skip any (see Default
Section, above). For all the message bases, after showing you all the
new messages in a particular base, the board will ask if you wish to
post a message to that area. If you answer yes, the board will take you
to the editor, where you can compose your message. After completing and
saving your message, the board will jump to the next message area, and
the process will continue. If you answer no to the post prompt, the
board will jump to the next message base and display all new messages
there. When you have scanned all the message bases, you will be returned
to the Main Menu.
2.2.C 'P' Post a Message
This selection will take you to the editor to compose a message
to be posted on the message base you're currently in. The current
(active) message base is identified at the Main Menu prompt, as in:
[2] [Complaints] :
which shows you you're in message base 2, and the type of
messages that should be posted there are complaints (hopefully not
a very popular message base). To change message bases, type the
number of the area you wish to go to at this prompt (ie, 4 to go to
area 4), or repeatedly press + or - (or < and >) to go forward or
backward in base numbers, respectively.
2.2.D 'Q' New-Scan Current Sub
This function is similar to the N-scan (described above),
showing you all new messages, except that it works on the active
message sub only.
2.2.E 'R' Remove a Message
This command allows you to remove (delete) old messages written
by you in the current sub only.
2.2.F 'S' Scan Message Titles
This command also works only on the active message base, and is
equivalent to the "read" command most bulletin board programs use.
It allows you to read any message in the current area. It will show
you how many messages are in the area, and ask you where you'd like
to start reading. The prompt looks like this (for the General
message area):
12 msgs on General
Start listing at?
You can type the number of the message at which you wish to
start reading, and that message will be displayed. If you hit
[Enter] at this prompt, the titles and message numbers of the first
10 messages will be displayed, as in:
(1) Well...
[2] System News...
*(3) OS who?
*(4) New user
.
.
. etc.
Read:(1-12,^1),? :
Each message is given a number. If a number is enclosed
in brackets instead of parentheses, it means that you wrote it
yourself. Type the number of the message at which you wish to start
reading at the Read prompt. The asterisks identify messages you
haven't read yet. A question mark at this prompt will call up a
menu of options.
The menu will be different depending upon ANSI settings, but
will have the following options:
2.2.F.1
-= WWIV v4.10 Sysop Message Base Commands =-
(RETURN) Next Message
'-' Back One Message
'B' Bypass Current Sub
'N' Permanent Message Status
'R' Re-Read Last Message
'U' Un-Anonymous Message Status
'#' Go to Message #
'A' Auto-Reply in E-Mail to Last Message
'C' Continuous Read
'Q' Quit to Main Menu
'T' Titles of Next Ten Messages
'V' Validate Author of Last Message
'W' Publicly Reply with "Regards" to Last Message
'P' Post a Message in Current Sub
The exact choices which appear on this menu are determined by
your security access level; you probably will not have all of
these. Most of the commands above are self-explanatory. "B" will
continue on to the next sub in a N-scan, without bothering to read
any remaining new messages in the current sub. "A" will allow you
to use the editor to write a personal reply to the author of the
message you just read. "W" allows you to write a public reply to
the message just read. "C" will print out all remaining messages
without prompting you after each post.
Where sysop commands are concerned, "N" allows you to mark the
last read message permanent; that is, it won't be auto-deleted as
new messages are added to the base. "V" will allow you to change
the security and access levels of the author of the current post.
After finishing the scan, you will be asked if you wish to post a
message to that area. Answering yes takes you to the editor,
answering no (or hitting enter) takes you back to the Main Menu.
2.2.G 'Z' Continuous N-Scan
This will read all new messages on all selected message areas,
similar to the N-scan, but without pausing between messages. This
type of scan is useful if you wish to capture the messages to a
file for review and replies off-line. During a Z-scan,
pause-on-screen is disabled.
2.2.H #:Go to Message Base #
After you've found the number of a message base that interests
you (see List Message Bases, above), you can change to that area by
typing its number at the Main Menu prompt. Type just the number,
not the # sign. For example, to change to message base 5, type a
5.
2.3 Electronic Mail Commands
2.3.A 'E' E-Mail a User
Choosing this selection will allow you to send E-mail to any
user of the board. You can address the letter by using the name of
the person to whom you want to send mail, or their user number. You
can find someone's name and user number by using U (user list) at
the Main Menu.
If you are unsure about how to spell the name of a person you
want to write, you can type a partial name. The BBS will then
search the user list and begin listing all names that come close,
prompting you if that is the person you wanted to send mail to. The
number of e-mail messages you can send per day is determined by you
security level, as is whether you can send anonymous e-mail.
Sending feedback does not detract from the number of e-mail
messages you can send.
2.3.B 'F' Feedback to Sysop
This is the preferred method of sending mail to the sysop. The
letter will be sent to the sysop directly; you can send five
feedback messages per day.
2.3.C 'K' Kill E-Mail You Sent
This command does much more than kill old e-mail, despite the
name. Invoking this command will call up information pertaining
all e-mail messages written by you still on the board (ie, have not
been deleted yet). When you enter this command, you will be asked
if you want to see the most recent e-mails first. Answering no will
start listing e-mail at the oldest e-mail on the system. You will
be shown the recipient of the message, the title of the message,
and how long ago it was sent. The screen provided by this command
is illustrated below.
To: John Smith #31
Title: Your downloading habit...
Sent : 2 days ago
R:ead, D:elete, N:ext, Q:uit :
You then have the option of reading the text of the message,
deleting the message, or skipping the message. If you skip the
message, the same information about the next message will be
displayed. This process will continue until you've reviewed all
messages sent by you, or until you quit. Messages sent to another
system in the network (even messages sent in the same logon session)
cannot be deleted or reviewed after being sent.
2.3.D 'M' Read Your Mail
This command enables you to read any e-mail that may be waiting
for you. If you have one letter waiting, it will be immediately
displayed. If you have more than one letter waiting, you will see
a list of numbers, next to which will be the source of each e-mail
you have in your mailbox. Below this, you will be prompted to enter
the number of the message you want to read, press enter to read
mail starting at the first letter, or press Q to abort. Once you
have read an e-mail, another important prompt appears, illustrated
below.
Mail {?} :
Typing a question mark at this prompt will call up a menu
similar to the following:
2.3.D.1 -= WWIV E-Mail Commands =-
(RETURN) Read Next Piece
'-' Back One Piece
'D' Delete Last Piece
'G' Go to a Piece
'Q' Quit to Main Menu
'S' Save Piece and Reply
'A' Auto-Reply and Delete Last Piece
'F' Forward Mail to Another User
'I' Ignore Last Piece
'R' Re-Read Last Piece
Most of this menu is self-explanatory. Auto-reply will delete
the current message, and then you'll be taken to the editor to
compose your reply. If you wish to save the message, use Save and
reply. Again, you'll be taken to the editor to write e-mail to the
user who wrote the original message. You can forward mail to
another user; invoke this command and the board will prompt you for
the name or number of the user you wish to forward the mail to.
Normally, after a message has been deleted or replied to, the
sender of the mail is informed with a note at logon that you read
it. Sysops may bypass this message by using "Z" at mail prompt to
delete mail instead of "D." Sysops may also save the mail to a text
file in the GFILES directory for later viewing by typing "E"
at the prompt. You will be asked to input a filename not already in
use.
2.4 System Features
2.4.A 'G' General Text Files
This function is hiarchical. "G" at the Main Menu will bring you
to a sub-menu which displays a list of text file sections available
on the board, and ask you which section you'd like to enter.
Depending upon the sysop's selections, this is an example of a main
gfiles menu:
G-Files sections available:
1. Communications Files
2. Humerous Files
3. ANSI pictures
Which section (Q=Quit) ?
Choosing a number from the list will bring you to that section,
and display the names of the text files available. For example,
choosing section 1 from the above menu might produce this screen:
G-Files in this section:
1. How to download a file.
2. Local bulletin boards
3. WWIV User's Guide
Which G-file (Q=Quit) ?
You then choose, by number, the file you wished displayed. All
the files in these sections are text files, which will be displayed
to the screen. You can capture them to a file for later reading, or
read them as they are displayed. Remember that P pauses the screen
if you're going to read them on-line. After viewing the file,
you'll be left at the "Which G-file" prompt. To redisplay the list
of available files, type a question mark. Cosysops and sysops will
have the option of adding or deleting gfiles. To add gfiles, the
files must already be present in the currently-selected gfile
directory on disk. When you add gfiles, the BBS will list the
filenames of all gfiles not yet in the section, and prompt
you for descriptions. When deleting gfiles, you will be asked for
the number of the gfile you want to delete. The BBS will ask for
confirmation, and will give you the option of actually removing the
file from your disk.
Typing a Q will quit the section and bring you back to the
"Which section" prompt, one level above. Again, a question mark
here will redisplay the available sections, and Q will return you
to the Main Menu.
2.4.B 'T' Transfer Section
This will bring up the file transfer menu. It is similar in
appearance to the Main Menu, but has a different set of commands.
The commands available at this menu are discussed in another
portion of this user's guide. You must be a validated user to
access the file transfer section.
2.4.C '.' On-Line Programs
Typing a period at the Main Menu will call up a list of external
programs available on the board, from which you choose the program
you'd like to run by its number. Most on-line programs are games
designed for the entertainment of callers. Some on-liners are
utility programs, such as those which tell you if your phone prefix
is local to the BBS or not. The games are fun, but they can be
abused as well.
Calling up the board and repeatedly heading straight for the
games to play all your time away is not, shall we say, very
participatory. This usually forces sysops to come up with some way
to limit your time spent at the games, by earning and spending
gold, for example.
2.5 Extended Commands
2.5.A '/O' Fast Log Off
Put simply, /O is used when you really have to go quickly. It
will log you off immediately. No confirmation will be requested,
and the log off message will not be sent. Whether you prefer to use
O or /O to log off the system isn't important, what is important is
that you log off correctly. No damage will be done to the system if
you drop carrier inappropriately, but it is considered bad manners,
and the sysop may just decide to remove you from the user list if
you do it frequently. Additionally, you should never intentionally
drop carrier when in the on-line program section of the board, as
this may cause your scores not to be updated properly or may cause
the board not to behave properly.
2.5.B '/E' Send Multiple E-mail
You can send identical e-mail to more than one user by choosing
this command. You will be asked to enter the names or numbers of
the users to which you wish the mail sent, one per line. An
identical message can be sent to up to twenty users this way.
In some instances, you can choose from a mail list which the sysop
may have predefined. Using a mail list prevents your having to
type in the name or number of each recipient.
2.5.C '//CLS' Clear Screen
This command will, quite simply, clear your screen.
2.5.D '//VER' WWIV Version Number
This tells you the version of the WWIV program the BBS is using,
along with the date that the BBS was last compiled. This will also give
the name and address of where the author can be reached.
2.5.E '//NET' Complete Network Connection List
If the BBS is a member of a WWIV network, this command will
display a long list of data containing the names and numbers of all
systems on that network, as well as the number of hops (one hop is
considered a message being sent from one BBS to another) to other
boards, the next hop a message would take to get to its destination
and the group to which that board belongs. If the '//NET' is
combined with an equal sign and a node number, the net listing will
start at that place. For example, //NET=5250 will start the
network listing at node 5250 rather than at 1.
2.5.F '//QSCAN' Clear Q-Scan Pointers
The BBS keeps track of which messages you have not read. This
information is used by the BBS as pointers so it can show you all
new messages in a New-Scan. This command will reset those pointers,
so that all messages on the system will be considered already read
by the user.
This command is most often used when there are a large number of
new messages in the message sub-boards, and you don't want to have
to New-Scan through all of them.
2.5.G '//UPLOAD'
Upload a TEXT file for use in a post or E-Mail. There may be
times when you would prefer to prepare a text file off-line to be
posted on the BBS or sent as e-mail. This command allows you to
upload a text file for that purpose. After entering the command,
you will be informed of the maximum size of the file you can upload
(determined by your SL), and you will be able to select a protocol
to use in the transfer. If the file you upload is larger than the
maximum size allowed, you are not allowed to use the file.
This command is usually employed when you have a very long
message or any ANSI graphics screen you want to post. WWIV does not
allow you to upload an ANSI screen to a post using the ASCII
protocol while in the text editor, so when you want to post such a
screen, this command is your option. Sysops should use the //LOAD
command for uploading files of any size locally, as the //UPLOAD
command only works when someone is on-line remotely.
3.0 SECTION THREE: TRANSFER SECTION COMMANDS
This section of the WWIV help file will cover all the commands
available on the Transfer Section menu. The menu for the Transfer
section looks very similar to that of the Main Menu, but most
commands are totally different. Understanding these commands can
make your time on-line more efficient and less frustrating. After
the menu is displayed, the transfer system prompt is shown:
T - 03:25:52
(1)-(Miscellaneous) :
As is the case with the Main Menu, the last two lines on the
screen show you your time left on-line, and which file directory
you're in currently. On-line help is available by choosing Ctrl-O
(hold the Ctrl key down and press O) and information about your
time on-line is available by pressing Ctrl-T. As always with WWIV
software, pressing p will pause a scrolling screen (similar to
Ctrl-S on other software), and pressing the spacebar will abort the
screen and bring you directly to the next prompt. We will now
examine each available command in detail.
One other note: when you are prompted to enter a filename, the
extension is usually optional. This means that you don't have to
type a file's extension in order for the BBS to find it. The
exception to this is when you are uploading a file, or when more
than one file exists in the same directory with the same filenames
but different extensions.
3.1 Miscellaneous
3.1.A 'C' Page Sysop for Chat
This command works exactly the same way in the transfer section
as it does at the Main Menu. If you choose this command, and the
sysop has his or her chat call enabled, the sysop will be summoned.
If the sysop is not available when you choose chat, you will be
informed of this, and asked if you'd like to send feedback to the
sysop instead. If you answer yes, you'll be taken to the editor to
compose your message. Answering no will drop you back where you
started.
3.2.B 'E' Extract ARCed File
WWIV allows you to create custom archives for downloading. Using
various commands available from the transfer menu, you can search
any archived file on the board, view its contents, extract
individual files to a temporary directory, archive your custom
file, and download it. This is useful if, for example, you wish to
just grab the document files out of an archive file to see if the
program is what you are looking for before downloading the whole
file, or if the size of a file makes downloading it in one session
impossible due to time restraints. Once you have identified the
file you wish to extract (using the list files command, discussed
below), your first step is to extract the file(s) of interest
from the archive to the temporary directory. This is accomplished
by choosing the E:xtract Archive command. The types of archives you
can manipulate depends upon what the sysop has setup, but most
boards will support at least ARC and ZIP files. A prompt will
appear asking you to identify the file you wish to extract:
Extract to temporary directory:
Filename:
Type the name of the file you wish to extract at this prompt. If
the file is found (you must be in the directory that holds the
file, and spell its name correctly), the board will show you the
information about the file, followed by a prompt asking you what
you wish extracted from the file:
Extract what (?=list,Q=abort) ?
Typing a question mark here will show you a listing of the files
contained in the archive. Enter the name of the file you wish
extracted (wildcards are supported), and the file(s) will be sent
to the temporary directory (by the way, this is called the
temporary directory because anything you put here will be deleted
when you log off). You can send files from as many archives as
you'd like here. When you have finished, your next step is to
prepare the archive for downloading. This is accomplished by using
the next command on the menu...
3.1.C 'G' ARC Commands
Choosing this command will call up a rather cryptic prompt,
illustrated below:
Arc: Q,D,R,A,V,L,T:
Typing a question mark at this prompt reveals the power of this
command by calling up the following menu:
3.1.C.1 A:dd to Temporary ARC File
D:ownload Temporary ARC File
L:ist Files in Directory
Q:uit to File Transfer Menu
R:emove File(s)
V:iew Temporary ARC File
T:ext download file(s)
Arc: Q,D,R,A,V,L,T:
Adding files to the temporary arc file will create an archive
file called, appropriately enough, TEMP.ARC (the extension will
vary, depending upon which archive program the sysop has chosen to
be the primary one used on the BBS). You can manipulate the
contents of this archive by choosing other commands on this menu
until it contains what you want, then you can download it right
from here. In addition, you can type text files to the screen by
choosing Text download file(s). These can be read on-line (p pauses
the screen here, too) or captured to a file for later review. When
you extract files to the temporary directory (using the Extract
File command discussed above), they are just that - files. You must
first Add files to the TEMP.ARC file (ie, create it) before you can
download it. In other words, other than using the Text
download command, you cannot download unarchived files from the
temporary directory. At least one file must first be A:dded to the
TEMP.ARC file before normal downloading can occur.
3.1.D 'O' Log Off the System
A self-explanatory command if there ever was one, choosing this
will cause the board (after confirming your intentions) to display
the sign off screen and drop the connection.
3.2.E 'R' Remove a File
This command allows you to remove a file you uploaded to the
board. It is useful if you're uploading a later version of a
program you uploaded before (deleting older versions this way, by
the way, is generally appreciated by sysops). Sysops and cosysops
can remove any file on the BBS.
3.2.F 'Q' Quit to Main Menu
This will end your session at the Transfer Menu and return you
to the Main Menu.
3.2.G 'T' Transfer Options
Using this command, you can change the defaults the board uses
when you're in the Transfer Menu section. You will first see the
following screen:
1. Set N-Scan Directories.
2. Set Default Protocol.
3. N-Scan Transfer after Message Base.
4. Number of lines of extended description to print.
Q. Quit.
Which?
From here, you can set the directories searched by the New Files
command (discussed later), set the download protocol you wish to
use by default, tell the board whether you'd like to automatically
scan for new files after you've scanned for new messages (using the
New Messages command from the Main Menu), and specify the number of
lines of extended descriptions you want to see when listing files.
3.1.G.1 Set N-Scan Directories
If you choose 1, the board will present you with a list of
directories available on the board, and you can set it to skip
those directories you're not interested in. The directories
presently included in the search (all by default) are identified by
an asterisk; the screen appears similar to below:
Dirs to n-scan marked with '*'
* 0. Telecommunication / BBS programs
* 1. DOS utilities
* 2. Educational Games
* 3. Games for the IBM
* 4. Unprotects and Patches
* 5. Graphics
Enter directory identifier, ? to list, or Q to Quit
Config:
Enter the number of the directory you'd like to skip, and the
board will not include new files added to that directory in your
New File scan. This operates as a toggle, so you can turn a
directory back on by re-entering its number. Enter one directory at
a time, and type a question mark to redisplay the list, if
necessary.
3.1.G.2 Set Tranfer Options (Chose default Protocol)
Choose number 2 from the Transfer Options sub-menu to set your
default protocol. If you have no default protocol set, and you
download a file, the board will ask you for a protocol with the
prompt:
Protocol (?=list) :
When you set a default protocol, the prompt will change,
allowing you to hit [Enter] to choose. If, for example, you choose
Zmodem as your default protocol, the prompt will change to:
Protocol (?=list, <C/R>=ZMODEM) :
Notice that you're not committed to using just Zmodem (or
whatever you choose as a default protocol), as you can still type
a question mark and choose any available protocol, or, if you know
the number assigned to the protocol you wish to use, just enter
that number here.
3.1.G.3 N-Scan after Message Base
This option allows the user to choose to have new files in the
transfer section listed right after the completion of an N-Scan of
the Message Bases.
3.1.G.4 Scan Extended
This option allows the user to set the number of lines of the
extended descriptions that he wishes to see when using the N scan
feature in the transfer section.
3.1.H 'Y' Personal User Stats
This command shows you how much you've uploaded and downloaded
(in kilobytes), your upload/download ratio, and your download
section security level (DSL).
3.1.I '?' Display This Menu
Typing a question mark will redisplay the Transfer System menu.
This is useful if you have expert level set to on, or if you
accidentally aborted the menu (with the spacebar) and wish to see
it again.
3.1.J '+' Advance One Dir #
This command advances the current directory level by one, or if
already at the highest number, rolls over to the first directory.
The same task may be accomplished by using the right angle bracket:
>.
3.1.K '-' Retreat One Dir #
This command accomplishes the opposite of the previous command,
by retreating the current directory level by one. The same task may
be accomplished by using the left angle bracket: <.
3.2 Listing Files
3.2.A 'A' ARC Listing of a File
This command will produce a display of the files contained in an
archive. You can then Extract files of interest, and download them
if you like, or just use this command to check the inside of an
archive (to be sure documentation is included, for example). See
the Extract ARCed File and ARC Commands options, described above.
The scrolling list of files can, as always, be paused by pressing
P.
3.2.B 'F' Find Text in Description
This command will allow you to find a file or group of files by
entering a portion of the text in its description. It will only
search primary descriptions (one-line), not extended descriptions.
It is not case-sensitive, and will search all available directories
on the board. The command will also show partial matches (ie,
searching for "game" will find game, games, gamer, etc.).
3.2.C 'L' List Files in Directory
This command will display to the screen a list of files in the
current directory. The Transfer Menu prompt identifies which
directory you're in currently. For example, the prompt below
indicates you're in the Miscellaneous directory with slightly more
than fifty-nine minutes remaining on this call.
T - 00:59:11
(1)-(Miscellaneous) :
The list of files will include a description of each file (if
extended descriptions were specified in Transfer Options, you might
see anywhere from one to ten lines of an extended description for
each file) and an indication of its size in Kb (1024 bytes = 1k).
The screen may scroll past rather quickly; remember that striking
P will pause the screen.
3.2.D 'N' New Files Search
This command is used to list newly-uploaded files. It will
search all the board's directories and show you the files that have
been added since your last search. This can save you alot of
searching, looking at the same files over and over. The New Files
Search will cover all directories on the board unless you have
configured it to do otherwise in the Transfer Options section (Pg
18). As an added time-saver, you can link this command to the New
Message Scan, available on the Main Menu.
If you do this, choosing N from the Main Menu will first show
you all the new messages that have been posted since your last
scan, and then proceed to the file area to also show you all new
files. See Transfer Options above for more details.
3.2.E 'P' Set New Files Search Date
The New Files Search command (described above) automatically
keeps track of the last time you new-scanned for new files. A new
file is one that was posted to the board after the date of your
last new file scan.
You can use the Set New Files Search Date command to reset this
"latest scan" date.
3.2.F 'S' Search All Directories
This is a global search command. You will first be presented
with a File Mask: prompt. Use this to limit your search to specific
files. For example, entering *.doc will cause the command to
display only those files with the extension of .doc. If you strike
[enter] at this prompt, it defaults to *.*, and shows you all files
on the board. If you can open a log file from within your comm
program, you can use this command to capture a listing of all files
on the board.
3.2.G '*' List Available Directories
This command works the same as the List Message Bases command on
the main menu, except that instead of listing the message bases
available, it shows you the file directories available on the
board.
3.3 File Transfer Commands
3.3.A 'B' Batch Upload/Download
WWIV software handles batch uploads and downloads a little
differently than other BBS software you may be used to. WWIV makes
use of a "batch queue" which holds the filenames for you until you
are ready to send or receive. When you see a file you'd like to
download, start the download procedure as usual (discussed below
under Download a File) and pick batch as the protocol. You will
then see the following message, and be returned to the directory
prompt.
File added to batch queue.
Batch: Files - 1 Time - 00:18:44
The prompt, as can be seen above, tells you the number of files
in the queue, and the time it will take to transfer them. You are
then free to scan other directories and identify files you'd like
to add to the queue. When you've chosen all the files you'd like,
choose Batch Download, and you'll be presented with the following
prompt:
Batch: L,R,Q,C,D,U,B,? :
Typing a question mark here will call up a menu that explains
the available commands. The batch sub-menu is shown below.
3.3.A.1 'L' List Files in Queue
'R' Remove File From Queue
'Q' Quit to File Transfer Menu
'C' Clear Queue
'D' Download Files
'U' Upload Files
'B' Bimodem
Batch: L,D,R,Q,C,? :
Here you can review what you've told the board you'd like to
receive, and modify the list if necessary. If you're all set,
choose Download (or Upload) Files. You will then be presented with
another menu whose length will vary depending upon how many batch
protocols the sysop has installed for your use. You can select the
particular protocol to be used from the list. The board will ask you if
you wish to hang-up after the batch transfer is completed. If you answer
yes, you can walk away and the board will send the files you've
requested and log you off.
3.3.B 'D' Download a File
This command is used to tell the board you'd like to receive a
file. You'll be asked for the filename first. Remember, in most
cases you will not need to enter a filename extension. The BBS will
search the current directory for the file you requested. If the
file is not found, the BBS will begin to search all available
directories for the file. If the file is found, the information
about the file will be displayed, as in the example below, where
VANS900.ZIP is given to identify the file I want:
T - 02:39:27
(3)-(Graphics Programs) :D
Download -
Filename: VANS900.ZIP
Filename : vans900.zip
Description: VANS v9 ANSI Viewer
File size : 143k
Apprx. time: 0:12:52
Uploaded on: 02/29/91
Uploaded by: Electric Bill #1
Times D/L'd: 4
Extended Description:
This is the latest version of a terrific ANSI
screen viewing program, with MANY options!
Protocol (?=list, <C/R>=ZMODEM) :
As you can see, this screen gives you quite a bit of information
about the file. The transfer time is an estimate only, and will
vary with the protocol you choose. Also notice that the protocol
prompt shows that hitting [enter] (carriage return, <C/R>) will
automatically select Zmodem as the protocol. This is because in
this example, Zmodem has been chosen as the default protocol (see
Transfer Options, Pg 17). Typing a question mark will produce a
list of available protocols; you choose the one you want by its
number.
3.3.C 'U' Upload a File
Choose this command to upload a file to the board. You will be
asked to provide a one line description of the file (58 characters
max). Please attempt to describe the file accurately, and not in
all caps (unless the sysop requests this). You will then be given the
opportunity to write what is called an extended description. This
description may be up to ten lines in length (54 chars per line), and
may be used to more fully describe the file you are about to upload.
You will then be asked for the protocol to use for the transfer, and the
file will be transferred (unless you quit or select Batch).
3.3.D 'Z' Upload to Sysop Dir
Files uploaded to WWIV boards are generally available for
download by other people immediately, unless the sysop has
specified otherwise in the initialization program. If you wish to
send a file privately to the Sysop, choose this command.
4.0 APPENDICES
4.1 Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I change my handle and/or Name?
A: You cannot do this directly at the present time. If you
wish to change your name or handle, you must ask the
Sysop to do this for you.
Q: I have moved and have a new phone number. How can I
change the phone number that I use at logon?
A: Tell the sysop your new phone number, and ask him to
make the change for you.
Q: I have forgotten my password. How can I find out the
password to my account?
A: If the sysop of the BBS where you have forgotten your
password is on a WWIV network, you can send him e-mail
and tell enough about yourself that he can tell that
it is you and not someone else. Under these circum-
stances, he might send you mail with your password in
it. If this occurs, you should change your password
the next time that you log on just in case someone
else happened to see the net mail.
If the sysop of the BBS where you have forgotten your
password is not on the network and if you do not know
him personally, you can log on as NEW and tell him
in the feedback message that you have forgotten your
old password. Ask him to delete your old user account
and give him enough information (name or handle or
account number) so that he can find it to delete it.
Q: When I try to get a file listing of a directory in the
transfer section, the information scrolls off the screen
very quickly and is replaced by the menu. Is there a
way to prevent this? I have tried P for pause but I am
not fast enough to pause the screen before the menu
appears.
A: What you have mentioned is often a problem when a directory
has a short file list. If you will go to the Main Menu and
toggle the expert status on (Use X at Main Menu), then the
transfer menu will not automatically come up and you will
be able to see the file listing. If you need a menu while
on the board, just hit ? and one will appear.
Q: I want to use Zmodem as a transfer protocol, but the
board does not offer it as an option. What should I do?
A: Obtain a copy of the DSZ protocol and upload it to the
sysop. Suggest that he might wish to use it because of
its many good features.
Q: I would like to send mail to a friend of mine in Los
Angelos. How do I do that?
A: You need to know the node number of a Los Angelos board
that you friend uses and either his handle or his name.
You can then address the mail as 155 @3080 if he is
user number 155 on node number 3080. If you do not have
an address for him, you need to find out where he can
be reached in the network.
4.2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 SECTION ONE: Introduction........................... 2
.1 Preparation and Connection........................... 2
.2 Logon................................................ 3
.3 Registration......................................... 3
.3A Feedback........................................... 4
.3B Logon Message...................................... 4
.3C Auto-Message....................................... 4
.3D Last Caller's List & Additional Information........ 5
.4 The Main Prompt...................................... 5
.5 WWIV Software Organization........................... 5
.6 The Message Editor................................... 6
.7 /HELP and Ctrl-O .................................... 6
.7A Changing Colors .................................. 7
2.0 SECTION TWO: Commands from The Main Menu............ 7
.1 Miscellaneous Section................................ 7
.1A Auto-Message....................................... 8
.1A1 Read Auto-Message................................ 8
.1A2 Auto-Reply to Auto-Message....................... 8
.1A3 Write Auto-Message............................... 8
.1B View BBS List ..................................... 8
.1B1 Add to BBS List.................................. 8
.1B2 Listing of Network BBSes......................... 8
.1C Page Sysop ........................................ 9
.1D User Default Section .............................. 9
.1D1 Screen Size ..................................... 9
.1D2 ANSI............................................. 9
.1D3 Pause on Screen ................................. 10
.1D4 Mailbox ......................................... 10
.1D5 Configured Q-Scan ............................... 10
.1D6 Change Password ................................. 11
.1D7 Update Macros ................................... 11
.1D8 Change Colors ................................... 11
.1D9 Full-Screen Editor .............................. 12
.1DA Extended colors ................................. 12
.1DB Optional lines .................................. 12
.1DW WWIV Registration Number......................... 12
.1E System News and Information ....................... 12
.1F Caller Log for Today .............................. 12
.1G Log Off System .................................... 12
.1H View User List .................................... 12
.1I Voting System ..................................... 13
.1J Expert Toggle ..................................... 13
2.1K Your Personal User Stats .......................... 13
.2 Message Base Commands ............................... 13
.2A List Available Subs ............................... 13
.2B New Scan All Subs ................................. 14
.2C Post a Message .................................... 14
.2D New Scan Current Sub .............................. 14
.2E Remove a Message .................................. 14
.2F Scan Message Titles ............................... 14
.2F1 Message Base Command Menu ....................... 15
.2G Continuous New Scan ............................... 16
.2H Go to Message Base Number ......................... 16
.3 Electronic Mail Commands ............................ 16
.3A Email a User ...................................... 16
.3B FeedBack to Sysop ................................. 17
.3C Kill E-Mail you Sent .............................. 17
.3D Read Your Mail .................................... 17
.4 System Features ..................................... 18
.4A General Text Files ................................ 18
.4B Transfer Section .................................. 19
.4C On-Line Programs .................................. 19
.5 Extended Commands ................................... 20
.5A Fast LogOff ....................................... 20
.5B Send Multiple E-Mail .............................. 20
.5C Clear Screen ...................................... 20
.5D WWIV Version Number ............................... 20
.5E Complete Network Connection Listing ............... 20
.5F Clear Q-Scan Pointers ............................. 21
.5G Upload a Text File ................................ 21
3.0 SECTION THREE: Transfer Section Commands ............ 21
.1 Miscellaneous ....................................... 22
.1A Page Sysop ........................................ 22
.1B Extract ARCed File ................................ 22
.1C ARC Commands ...................................... 23
.1C1 ARC Menu ........................................ 23
.1D LogOff ............................................ 24
.1E Remove a File ..................................... 24
.1F Quit to Main Menu ................................. 24
.1G Transfer Options .................................. 24
.1G1 Set N-Scan Directories .......................... 24
.1G2 Choose Default Protocol ......................... 25
.1G3 N-Scan After Message Base ....................... 25
.1G4 Scan Extended ................................... 25
.1H Personal User Stats ............................... 26
.1I Display Transfer Menu ............................. 26
.1J Advance One Directory ............................. 26
.1K Retreat One Directory ............................. 26
.2 Listing Files ....................................... 26
.2A ARC Listing ....................................... 26
.2B Find text in Description .......................... 26
.2C List Files in Directory ........................... 27
.2D New File Search ................................... 27
3.2E Set New Files Scan Date ........................... 27
.2F Search All Directories ............................ 27
.2G List Available Directories ........................ 28
.3 File Transfer Commands .............................. 28
.3A Batch Upload/Download ............................. 28
.3A1 Batch Sub-Menu .................................. 28
.3B Download File ..................................... 29
.3C Upload a File ..................................... 30
.3D Upload a File to Sysop ............................ 30
4.0 APPENDICES
.1 Answers to Frequently Asked Questions ............... 31
.2 Table of Contents ................................... 32
