System Overview 4 System Requirements 5 Notation Conventions 6 Installing the Software 7 System Configuration 8 Message Base/External Editor Configuration 9 File Area Configuration 16 Internal File Transfer Protocols 18 Event Editing 19 General Configuration 20 Modem Parameters 21 System Paths 23 System Prompts 25 Colors 26 System Security 27 User Restrictions 28 New User Restrictions 30 The Callback Verifier 31 A Brief History 31 How the Callback Verifier Works 31 Installation and Operation 32 Control Of Phone Numbers 34 Control Files 35 The Flags 36 Miscellaneous System Parameters 37 Menu Command TYPEs and Optional Data 39 The Message Base 56 Message Submenus 56 Read/Scan/Quick-Scan Method Selection 56 Read/Scan After-Each-Message Selection 57 Additional Command Options For Linked Messages 58 Message Base Maintenance 59 Cleaning the Message Base 59 Packing the Message Base 60 Message Linking 60 The User Base 62 Editing the User Base 62 Sorting the User Base 65 Support Files 66 Files QuickBBS Creates 66 Control Files 67 Auto-Display Files 70 Netmail and Echomail 73 Overview of Netmail Operation 73 Required Software for Netmail 74 An Overview of the Net Organization 75 Configuring QuickBBS for Netmail 75 Compiling the Nodelist for QuickBBS 77 Continuous Mailers 78 Non-Continuous Mailers 79 Sending Mail into the Net 79 Getting Messages from the Net 80 QECHO Configuration File 80 QECHO Command Line Parameters 83 Defining Echomail Areas 84 Appendices 85 Acknowledgements 86 QuickBBS Setup Information and Notes 87 Pascal Error Codes 89 Sample Modem Initialization Strings 90 ASC/ANS File Control Characters 91 System Operator Functions Keys 94 Menu Types and Optional Data 95 Questionnaire Command Language 97 Full Screen Editor Interface 99 Colors 101 System Overview 2 System Requirements 4 Notation Conventions 5 Installing the Software 6 System Configuration 7 Message Base/External Editor Configuration 8 File Area Configuration 15 Internal File Transfer Protocols 17 Event Editing 18 General Configuration 19 Modem Parameters 20 System Paths 22 System Prompts 23 Colors 24 System Security 25 User Restrictions 26 New User Restrictions 28 The Callback Verifier 29 A Brief History 29 How the Callback Verifier Works 29 Installation and Operation 30 Control Of Phone Numbers 33 Control Files 33 The Flags 35 Miscellaneous System Parameters 36 Menu Command TYPEs and Optional Data 39 The Message Base 56 Message Submenus 56 Read/Scan/Quick-Scan Method Selection 56 Read/Scan After-Each-Message Selection 57 Additional Command Options For Linked Messages 58 Message Base Maintenance 59 Cleaning the Message Base 59 Packing the Message Base 60 Message Linking 61 The User Base 62 Editing the User Base 62 Sorting the User Base 65 Support Files 66 Files QuickBBS Creates 66 Control Files 67 Auto-Display Files 70 Netmail and Echomail 73 Overview of Netmail Operation 73 Required Software for Netmail 74 An Overview of the Net Organization 75 Configuring QuickBBS for Netmail 75 Compiling the Nodelist for QuickBBS 77 Continuous Mailers 78 Non-Continuous Mailers 79 Sending Mail into the Net 79 Getting Messages from the Net 80 QECHO Configuration File 81 QECHO Command Line Parameters 83 Defining Echomail Areas 83 Appendices 85 Acknowledgements 86 QuickBBS Setup Information and Notes 87 Pascal Error Codes 89 Sample Modem Initialization Strings 90 ASC/ANS File Control Characters 91 System Operator Functions Keys 94 Menu Types and Optional Data 95 Questionnaire Command Language 97 Full Screen Editor Interface 99 Colors 101 System Overview QuickBBS has over 55 menu TYPE commands, providing the System Operator great flexibility in the look and feel of the system. You have complete control over color selection and can create custom graphic menus. (Menu Command TYPEs and Optional Data) QuickBBS has its own internal ANSI routines so that ANSI.SYS is not necessary. However, if you desire to use an external message editor such as QuickEd, it is necessary to have ANSI.SYS, ANSI.COM, or DVANSI.COM loaded. QuickBBS has 32,000 different security levels available, augmented by thirty-two access flags and the ability to password protect individual menus and file areas. (The Flags) QuickBBS features built in alias support. It automatically retrieves any mail for a caller, regardless of whether or not the user is calling with their real name or alias. (Alias Support) QuickBBS has a questionnaire command language allows you to make custom questionnaires. More than 60 control character commands are at your disposal for use in questionnaire files. (Appendix) QuickBBS displays text files of specific names at strategic times. Log files are automatically created, there's a built-in System Oterator page function, and you can allow your callers to read through multiple message boards together. QuickBBS can exit or shell out to the DOS environment (stay resident in memory for a faster return) so that you can provide databases or other external programs for your users. System Requirements QuickBBS operates on IBM PC/XT/AT's or compatibles. The minimum memory requirement is 256 Kb but 640 Kb is recommended. If QuickBBS is used in conjunction with a mailer or if any door software is utilized the memory requirement may be greater. QuickBBS also requires a hard disk, as the message base alone can easily exceed 5 megabytes. While RAM drives have been used with QuickBBS with quite a bit of success, ram drives are inherently dangerous. It is fairly safe, however, to copy menus and text files into a ram drive every time the system boots. If any changes are made to these files, make sure to copy the changes from RAM to the hard drive. You will never want Message or User bases kept in a ram drive unless the system copies these files to the hard drive every time a caller logs off. This will insure minimum losses in the event of a power failure or brown out. The use of FASTOPEN is not recommended in any form! If more speed is needed, use a disk cache utility. FASTOPEN has been know to damage message bases and destroy userlogs. If you use FASTOPEN, you do so at your own risk; Pegasus Software nor the author of this documentation assume any liability. In addition to the QuickBBS release, you will need DOS and a fossil driver. Fossils are programs that interface the bbs software to your specific type of machine. X00 is an example of a fossil driver available for PC's and clones, and is not included. The following are recommended minimum settings for CONFIG.SYS: FILES = 20 BUFFERS = 25 The following are recommended parameters for AUTOEXEC.BAT: @ECHO OFF PATH C:\;\DOS;\QUICKBBS;\UTILITY;\{mailer}; SET COMSPEC = C:\DOS\COMMAND.COM SET QUICK = C:\QUICKBBS SET {mailer} = C:\{mailerpath} PROMPT $P$G CD\QUICKBBS QUICKBBS.BAT The QuickBBS subdirectory must be in the path statement in AUTOEXEC.BAT. See your DOS manual for more information on CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files. In order to operate a multinode system, it is necessary to add the environment variable SET QUICK=C:\QUICKBBS. (Multinode Configuration) The following is a recommended path configuration for QuickBBS and its files: C:\QUICKBBS 컴컫컴컴컴 FILES 컴컴컴컴컴 QUICKBBS � 쳐컴컴� MESSAGES � 쳐컴컴� NODE1 컴컴쩡컴컴 MENUS � � � 읕컴컴 TXTFILES � 쳐컴컴� NODE2 컴컴쩡컴컴 MENUS � � � 읕컴컴 TXTFILES 쳐컴컴� NODELIST � 읕컴컴� UTILITY The subdirectories named NODE1 and NODE2 are only used in a multinode environment. The MESSAGE subdirectory is used to hold the five message base files, but is normally not used, since most System Operators place the message text files in the QuickBBS root.The UTILITY subdirectory can be used to hold QuickBBS and its offline utilities, but it is only necessary if you want your system better organized. Also included in MENUS275.ZIP is an installation batch file. When executed, the batch file will automatically create the default directories as specified in QCONFIG, extract the menus and text files and place them in their appropriate directories. CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT are also included in the menu archive, and will overwrite any previous file located in your root. Look over the batch file carefully before attempting installation. QUICKED is a full screen message editor designed to work with QuickBBS. This is a separate shareware program, and must be registered separately from QuickBBS and in accordance with the licensing agreement that accompanies the program. Notation Conventions In this manual, user input is enclosed in double quotes (") for text strings and single quotes (') for single characters except numbers. Numbers are designated wmth (n), and alpha characters are designated with (x). Special keys and System Operator input are enclosed in braces { and }, i.e. {PgDn} means press the Page Down key (3 on the numeric pad). Required input is delimited by < >, optional input by [ ]. Text referring to specific subjects within this documentation are enclosed in parenthesis, i.e. (Notation Conventions). When referring to modem command strings, the word "usually" refers to the Hayes 'AT' command set used by most modems, but only in reference to modem command strings. Sample modem initialization strings for various modems are included in this documentation in the appendix. Installing the Software To install QuickBBS, make a directory on your hard disk from which you will run the bulletin board. In this directory extract the QuickBBS release version. Create one directory to store menus, one for text files, one directory for each file area you will have, and one as your netmail area. Run QCONFIG to set up your system parameters and modify the included menus and text files using MENUS275.ZIP and TEXTF275.ZIP. System Configuration QCONFIG is the main configuration program for QuickBBS. QCONFIG is used to set modem parameters, paths to system files, default user restrictions, miscellaneous parameters, configure the message boards, callback verifier, and set the event schedule. To run QCONFIG from DOS type {QCONFIG} and press {Enter}. QCONFIG will create four files to hold the configuration information: EVENTCFG.DAT, FILECFG.DAT, MSGCFG.DAT, and QUICKCFG.DAT. After QCONFIG creates them, this window will appear: 郞袴袴袴袴袴袴袴QuickBBS System Configuration Version 2.75袴袴袴袴袴袴袴拷 쿔nformation Messages Files Protocols Events General Quit � 突袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴槁 Fig. I Navigate the fields by moving your cursor left to right, or use your mouse. The information field provides details about QCONFIG, QuickBBS, and about licensing the product. 郞袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴�QuickBBS Registration袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴拷 � � � Sysop Name: System Operator � � System Name: Unregistered QuickBBS system � � Registration Key: 0 � � � 突袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴槁 Fig. II After you have received your key, place the information in these fields exactly as it appears in the key text. The Registration Key is a number value assigned to licensed users of QuickBBS. You can obtain this key by registering the product as explained in the Licensing Information. This key is not necessary to run QuickBBS. If you make an error when inputting data into these fields, QuickBBS will still place an (Eval) on your tear line. If the key you received does not work properly, contact any QuickBBS Sales site for an immediate replacement. When a caller logs on, the first message they will receive will be the QuickBBS version, and the registration information. If you have not registered the product, the message will display: Unregistered Evaluation Version. However, all operations within QuickBBS will be completely functional. After you have entered the information in this field, press {Esc}. Move your cursor to the right. Press {Enter}. Message Base/External Editor Configuration 袴袴袴袴QuickBBS System Configurat ation Messages Files Protoc 袴袴袴袴郞袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴맹袴袴袴 � Netmail � � Message Boards � � External Editor � � Origin Line � 突袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴� Fig. III The information from these fields are stored in MSGCFG.DAT. Your default net/node address and up to ten alias addresses are stored in the netmail window, as well as the default board number for incoming netmail. The path that you want netmail to write to is also specified on this page. Move the cursor to fill the fields that apply to you. 郞袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴�Netmail Setup袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴� � � � Main Address: Zone 1 Net 363 Node 9 Point 0 � � AKA #1: Zone 1 Net 363 Node 9 Point 6 � � AKA #2: Zone 0 Net 0 Node 0 Point 0 � � AKA #3: Zone 0 Net 0 Node 0 Point 0 � � AKA #4: Zone 0 Net 0 Node 0 Point 0 � � AKA #5: Zone 0 Net 0 Node 0 Point 0 � � AKA #6: Zone 0 Net 0 Node 0 Point 0 � � AKA #7: Zone 0 Net 0 Node 0 Point 0 � � AKA #8: Zone 0 Net 0 Node 0 Point 0 � � AKA #9: Zone 0 Net 0 Node 0 Point 0 � � AKA #10: Zone 0 Net 0 Node 0 Point 0 � � � � Netmail Board Number: 1 � � � � Netmail Directory: � � C:\QuickBBS\NetMail\ � � � 突袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴� Fig. IV If you only have one net/node address, leave all the other fields blank. If you are using QuickBBS style messages for incoming netmail, put the number of the board that you want them to go to. If you are using Fido style messages (*.MSG) for incoming netmail, leave the Netmail Board Number field blank and put the directory that you want the messages to go in the Netmail Directory field. The Netmail Directory is where the QuickBBS mail handling utilities look for incoming netmail and echomail, and place outgoing mail for your mailer program to process. You don't need to make an entry here if you're running a standalone system. The Zone Number is used for netmail. Current FidoNet zones are: 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� � 1 - North America 2 - Europe 3 - Pacific Basin � � 4 - Latin America 5 - Africa 6 - Asia � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� Fig. V Other net structures, such as EggNet, use Zone 99. The are literally hundreds of alternate networks; but FidoNet and EggNet are the largest and most widely known. Your net/node address is used for netmail, and will be assigned to you by your net or regional coordinator. Do not use this field until you've been assigned an address. (Netmail and Echomail). Do not use an address that is already assigned to another system. The AKAs (or alternate addresses) are used for boards that have more than one net/node address. These are usually network hosts, help nodes, and other special cases. Do not set these unless you have an alternate net/node address assigned to you. Press {Esc}. Move the cursor to Message Boards, and press {Enter}. 郞袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴Message Area #1袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴� � � � Area Name: � � Origin Line: � � Net Address: 0:0/0.0 � � � � Type: Local Aliases: No Keep Count: 0 � � Kinds: Public Combined Mode: Yes Kill Old: 0 � � Allow Delete: Yes Kill Rec'd: 0 � � � � Read Write Template Sysop � � Security 10 10 10 32000 � � A Flags -------- -------- -------- -------- � � B Flags -------- -------- -------- -------- � � C Flags -------- -------- -------- -------- � � D Flags -------- -------- -------- -------- � � � �PGDN - Prev area袴袴袴袴�ALT-G - Goto袴袴袴袴�PGUP - Next area� Fig. VI Area Name: The name of the message area. This name can be the echomail tag, or it can be a name that is similar to the tag. For instance, the international QuickBBS echo can be known as QUICKBBS, or you can name the message area QuickBBS Support. Origin Line: This field is used to append one line of text to the bottom of all outgoing echomail. Normally this line is to announce the name and phone number of the bulletin board, but any text up to 58 characters in length can be used. If the line is longer than 58 characters, QuickBBS will truncate the text. It is not necessary to add the net/node address to this line. If the message area being defined is local and not echoed out, this field should be left blank. Net Address: This field will append the network address to the end of the origin line. The System Operator can select from the eleven addresses defined in Netmail Setup. To select an address, move the cursor the the Net Address field, and press {Space} until the desired address is visible. For local only message areas or standalone systems, this field should be left blank. Type: This field is used to define the type of message area. There are three types of message areas: Local, Echo, and Net. To change the field, press {Space}, {+}, or {-} until the desired type appears. Kinds: This field is used to define the kind of message area. There are four kinds of message areas: Public, ReadOnly, Pub/Pvt, and Private. Public: Normally an open conference where all callers are allowed to participate in. This can also be a local message area for conversations between the system's callers only. ReadOnly: Reserved for a message area equivalent to a System Operator news area, where no replies are necessary, or if the message area imports text files of a specific nature where the originator is not available to reply. Pub/Pvt: Allows both public and private messages. This is not allowed on echomail areas since most System Operators do not like to pay to import private mail. Private: Used for local message areas. This area can be used for private mail between the System Operator and a caller, and is used to exchange privileged information such as phone numbers. Aliases: The System Operator can specify which message area allows the use of aliases or handles. These areas are normally local in nature, but some echo mail boards allow the use of aliases provided that it is not abused. To change this field, press {Space}. The board can be a default alias-only board, a default real name-only board, or QuickBBS will ask the caller if they wish to use an alias to enter or reply to a message. Combined Mode: This field is used to allow the message area to be read in the combined mode. If the message area is a private only board, such as a local message area, this field should be set to reflect it. To toggle between modes, press {Space}. Allow Delete: The caller has the option of deleting any message addressed to or written by them. On occasion a caller may make an error in formatting the text of a message, or have a change of heart after reading their reply. If you reserve the right to delete messages, press {Space} to disable the field. MSGPACK reads MSGCFG.DAT to determine the desired method of cleaning and packing the message base. MSGPACK uses three parameters: Keep Count: The maximum number of messages to retain during a message pack. For high volume echos, it is generally recommended that the number of messages for each echo conference be similar in message count. Kill Old: The maximum number of days to keep messages in a message base. If you also use Keep Count on the same message area, MSGPACK will use both parameters for packing. For instance, if you set up a message area with a Keep Count of 300 messages, and set Kill Old for 14 days, MSGPACK will delete all messages less than 14 days old first, then delete the remaining number of messages until it matches the amount in Keep Count. Kill Rec'd: Local private message areas sometimes are full of received messages. The System Operator generally does not find out about these messages until a general housekeeping of the bulletin board is performed. You can set Kill Rec'd to the maximum number of days to keep received messages before marking them for deletion, normally 1 day. If you prefer to manually delete messages in private areas or would rather that MSGPACK use the other two parameters, this field should be marked for 0 days. Read Security/Flags: The minimum security level and flagset required to read messages in this message area. A caller may have the required security level to read messages in this message area, but if their flag set defined in USERS.BBS does not match the flags required to read this message area, they will not be able to read this board. Write Security/Flags: The minimum security level and flagset required to post messages or reply to messages in this message area. A caller may have the required flags to read messages in this area, but if the security level and flagset of the caller as defined in USERS.BBS does not match the flags for this message area, the caller will not be able to reply to or post messages. Template Security/Flags: The minimum security level and flagset required to use message templating (Menu Configuration). The caller may have the required read and write security levels for access to this message base, but the security level and flagset as defined in USERS.BBS for the caller must match the level and flags defined for the message board in order for the caller to utilize the message templating. Sysop Security/Flags: The minimum security level and flagset required to perform System Operator functions on a message area. System Operator functions are the ability to delete, move, forward, toggle private/public, and view the hidden messages IDs. Normally the Sysop Security/Flags should match those of the System Operator, but if you have allowed one of your callers the privilege of maintaining a particular message area, the security level and flagset should match that of the caller as defined in USERS.BBS. Additional commands available to you are {PgDn} to go to the previous message area, {PgUp} to go to the next message area, and {Alt-G} to go to a specific message area. 郞袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴External Message Editor Setup袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴拷 � � � Message Reply Quoting String: > Swap to Disk/EMS Y � � � � DOS Command String: � � � 突袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴� Fig. VII Message Reply Quoting String: Used for external message editors such as QuickEd. You may select any three alphanumeric or extended ASCII characters to be placed in a message when quoting message text, or you can place a {Ctrl-A} in that area. QuickBBS will place the initials of the person you are quoting there, and will also add a text line at the top as in this example: In a message to David Small <1 Jan 91 17:13:00> Eric Green wrote: EG> There are national Real Estate echos around. The one I carry EG> is called REAL. There are 3 others, more specific in nature. Thanks for the tip. --- QuickBBS 2.75 (Reg) * Origin: David's Point - Orlando (407) 555-1234 (1:363/9.6) Fig. IIX DOS Command String for Full-Screen Editor: Where you will place the name of the external message editor. You should place this editor in the 'root' QuickBBS directory, and the full name (including extension) should be in place. However, as long as the external editor can be found in your path, you should only need the editor's configuration file in the root directory. Optionally, you can swap QuickBBS to disk (or EMS, if available) in this window after you specify the path. 郞袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴Default Origin Line袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴拷 � � � Another brand new QuickBBS sysop! � � � 突袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴� Fig. IX Default Origin Line: The text string that will be appended to every echo-style message originating from your system. You can override the default by inputting separate origin lines for each message base you carry in Message Base Configuration. Do not include your net/node address as QuickBBS will automatically append it. You are limited to 58 ASCII characters in this field. Using more than this recommended value will result in a truncated or word-wrapped origin line. If you run a standalone system, you do not need to input data into this field. File Area Configuration QuickBBS allows the System Operator to have up to 200 unique file areas, and the only limitation is available disk space. Each file area can be controlled separately from the others by download, file search, and menu template security, flag sets, and access levels. Once you have completed configuring your message areas, move your cursor to Files, and press {Enter} for the following window: 郞袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴�File Area #1袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴拷 � � � Name: � � � � � � File Path: � � � � � � File List: � � � � � � Ignore K Limit: No Ignore Ratios: No � � � � Download File Search Menu Template � � Security: 10 Security: 10 Security: 10 � � A Flags: -------- A Flags: -------- A Flags: -------- � � B Flags: -------- B Flags: -------- B Flags: -------- � � C Flags: -------- C Flags: -------- C Flags: -------- � � D Flags: -------- D Flags: -------- D Flags: -------- � � � �PGDN - Prev area袴袴袴袴�ALT-G - Goto袴袴袴袴PGUP - Next area� Fig. X Name: The label that you will call the file area. The label should be descriptive to give the caller an indication of the files available. For instance, if you have a large collection of GIF files, and have them categorized by monitor resolution, the first file area should be labeled MCGA GIF files, the second CGA GIF files, and so forth. File Path: Where QuickBBS will search for the files your caller is interested in. Make certain that you have the correct path for these particular files and that your spelling is also correct, or QuickBBS will return an error code. You can specify a directory path up to 10 levels deep. File List: The path and filename of your file area descriptions. You can use an alternate path other than the location of your files, and you can also use an alternate name other than the default FILES.BBS. Once a caller selects the file area, QuickBBS will read FILECFG.DAT and ready the descriptive text. It is generally recommended that you use the default filename for your descriptions, since some external utilities will require it. When creating FILES.BBS, you must input the name of the file along with the file description. QuickBBS has no limits on the length of the description; any text longer than 40 characters will automatically word-wrap to the next line. This makes for an overall pleasant appearance to the caller. Ignore K Limit/Ratios: You can configure each area to allow callers to exceed Download K and the upload/download ratio. If you have configured all new users with no file download capabilities, but want them to download a registration form or a policy file, you enable these options for the directory that contains these files. Download, File Search, and Menu Template Security: Optionally, you can set security levels and flagsets for download access, file search capability, and access of the menu templates. It is important to remember that the security levels and flag sets must match the same levels and flags you have configured for your new and verified callers. It is recommended that you leave these fields blank until you are more familiar with the power of these access levels. Additional commands available to you are {PgDn} to go to the previous file area, {PgUp} to go to the next file area, and {Alt-G} to go to a specific file area. Internal File Transfer Protocols For experienced System Operators, this configuration may seem redundant; but for the novice, this is one of the most important parts. If you have enabled file download areas for your callers in the previous window, you must select file transfer protocols for them to use. Of all of the available protocols within QuickBBS, ZMODEM is the most efficient and error-free, while XMODEM Checksum/CRC is the most widely used, particularly for non-PC callers. Once you have selected the internal protocols for default, your callers will be able to upload and download with each protocol chosen. You are not limited to these file transfer protocols, however. There are many external protocols available that QuickBBS will accept as either a TYPE 7 or 15 DOS Command. Read the manual that came with the external protocol for help on implementation. Additionally, some callers that log on may not be able to use any of the internal protocols that QuickBBS supports. TRS-80 and CoCo computers can use both types of XMODEM, but the Commodore computer can only use PUNTER. 郞袴�Internal Protocols袴袴� � � � Xmodem: Yes � � Xmodem-1K: Yes � � Ymodem: Yes � � Ymodem G: No � � Zmodem: Yes � � Sealink: No � � � 突袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴槁 Fig. XI Move the cursor right to Protocols and press {Enter}. Use {Space} to enable or disable the file transfer protocols. The protocols defined here are defaults. The protocols that are disabled are not normally used by callers. The SEALINK file transfer protocol is normally reserved by front-end mailers, but some System Operators will log on to your system using their mailer. Press {Esc} when you've finished making changes. Event Editing Information on system events are stored in EVENTCFG.DAT. Move the cursor to Events and press {Enter}.The following screen will display: 郞袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴�System Event Configuration袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴拷 � � � 1: Disabled : SNMNTNWNTNFNSN ErrorLevel: 6 Forced: N � � 2: Disabled SNMNTNWNTNFNSN ErrorLevel: 6 Forced: N � � 3: Disabled SNMNTNWNTNFNSN ErrorLevel: 6 Forced: N � � 4: Disabled SNMNTNWNTNFNSN ErrorLevel: 6 Forced: N � � 5: Disabled SNMNTNWNTNFNSN ErrorLevel: 6 Forced: N � � 6: Disabled SNMNTNWNTNFNSN ErrorLevel: 6 Forced: N � � 7: Disabled SNMNTNWNTNFNSN ErrorLevel: 6 Forced: N � � 8: Disabled SNMNTNWNTNFNSN ErrorLevel: 6 Forced: N � � 9: Disabled SNMNTNWNTNFNSN ErrorLevel: 6 Forced: N � � 10: Disabled SNMNTNWNTNFNSN ErrorLevel: 6 Forced: N � � � � � Fig. XII Event Schedule editing is used for automatic processing of functions that you normally won't want to do manually. For instance, maintenance events such as packing the message base, processing nodelists, and creating an files list can be done while system usage is low, normally in early morning hours. You can specify as many events as your BBS batch file has, but the maximum amount of events allowed is thirty. The Disable field is used by the System Operator to turn on or off an event on the fly. To change the field, press {Space}. This way, you can keep the information in EVENTCFG.DAT without ever having to delete an event. You must set the time that the event will begin in the next field. Failure to specify when the event will begin may result in a system error. The time of day is the time that the event will run in a 24 hour clock format. In addition, you must set the days that the event is to run. In the day field, move the cursor to the day you want to run your event. Press {Y} next to each day this event is to run. For example, if you clean your message base on Monday and Wednesday only, this line should read: 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� � � � 1: Enabled 03:30 SNMYTNWYTNFNSN ErrorLevel: 6 Forced: Y � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� Fig. XIII The Errorlevel is the return value that will be passed to your batch file when QuickBBS exits for the event. Examples of batch files are in the appendix of this manual. Finally, you have the option of forcing an event to run. If there is a caller online and it conflicts with an errorlevel event, you can enable this field and QuickBBS will force the user off five minutes before the event will execute. QuickBBS will not allow another caller online until the errorlevel event has been completed. If you are operating your system in conjunction with a front-end mailer, you will need to match the events from the mailer to the events in QuickBBS. Exit this window after you are finished, move the cursor right to the General field, and press {Enter}. General Configuration tion 2.75袴袴袴袴袴袴袴拷 Events General Quit � 袴袴袴郞袴袴袴袴袴袴拷袴� � Modem � � DOS Path � � Prompts � � Colors � � Security � � Restrictions � � New User � � Verifier � � Other � 突袴袴袴袴袴袴槁 Fig. XIV Parameter settings under the General window cover the modem initialization and response strings, paths for the menus and text file areas, message base, nodelists, overlay, and the memory swap area. The default prompts used for callers, default color configuration for all internal menus and screens, system security and restrictions, new user setup and the callback verifier are also included in this field. Move the cursor to Modem, press {Enter}. Modem Parameters 郞袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴Modem Parameters袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴� � � � Comm Port: 1 Initialize at 2400 baud � � Wait 30 seconds for carrier Attempt initialization 3 times � � Character Delay: 60 � � Initialization String � � ATE0F1M0Q0V1X4C1H0S0=1S7=15 � � � � Busy String � � ATM0H1 � � � � Initialization Response: OK � � Busy Response: OK � � 300 Baud Response: CONNECT| � � 1200 Baud Response: CONNECT 1200 � � 2400 Baud Response: CONNECT 2400 � � 9600 Baud Response: CONNECT 9600 � � 19200 Baud Response: CONNECT 19200 � � 38400 Baud Response: CONNECT 38400 � � � 突袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴� Fig. XV In reality, the modem window should only be configured for standalone or barefoot systems. However, it is highly recommended that you duplicate the information on your modem from your front-end mailer in the unlikely event that decide to run in a standalone mode only. Comm Port: If you are using a communications port other than 1 (for the technically minded this is PORT0 or COM1) change the value in the Comm Port field. Wait 30 Seconds for Carrier: determines how long QuickBBS will wait for a carrier tone on incoming calls before giving up and reinitializing the modem. Initialize at: The maximum baud rate of your modem. QuickBBS supports baud rates of up to 38,400 baud. Attempt Initialization: Determines how many times QuickBBS will attempt to set the modem before aborting with a modem initialization error message. Initialization String: The string that QuickBBS uses to set your modem. If you are using a front-end mailer you need not worry about this field. If you are changing to QuickBBS from other software, you can probably copy your current initialization string. Some sample modem initialization strings are included in the appendix; consult your modem manual to ensure that all of the commands listed in the default string are valid for your modem. In addition, be certain that S0=1 is used so that your modem will answer the phone. QuickBBS supports several special modem characters as shown in the text box below. 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� � | Sends a carriage return (CR) � � ^ Raises DTR - will answer the phone � � v Lowers DTR - won't answer the phone � � ~ Pauses for 1/2 second � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� Fig. XVI Busy Command String: Used when the bulletin board is executing a task and cannot accept calls, such as when you log on locally or when QuickBBS exits to perform maintenance events. There are two accepted methods of achieving this. The first, and oldest, is to drop the DTR so that the modem can not answer the phone. This results in the caller getting a ring without ever having your machine answer the phone, often leading the caller to think that your board is down. The other method is to take the phone off of the hook, thereby generating a busy signal. Initialization Response: Match the response that your modem gives when it is initialized. If you are using a front-end mailer, leave this field blank. Some modems return numeric result codes, some return strings (called verbal responses), but most are programmable to return one or the other. Modem Busy Response: The response your modem will generate if the modem busy command string is correctly executed. 300, 1200, 2400, 9600, 14,400, and 38,400 Baud Response: The response your modem generates for connects at each of these speeds. Your modem must be able to generate different responses for each of these. Many modems require a "|" (carriage return character/DOS pipe command) at the end of the 300 baud connect string. Press {Esc}. Move the cursor to DOS Paths. Press {Enter} for the Path window: System Paths 郞袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴� � Menu Path: � � C:\QuickBBS\Menus\ � � � � Text File Path: � � C:\QuickBBS\TxtFiles\ � � � � Message Base Path: � � C:\QuickBBS\Messages\ � � � � Nodelist Path: � � C:\QuickBBS\NodeList\ � � � � Overlay Path: � � � � � � Swap Path: � � � 突袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴� Fig. XVII Menu Path: The path to the directory that you created for the menus. Text File Path: The directory that holds your ANSI and ASCII text files. Message Base Path: Select the directory that contains your message base files. It is recommended that you use the root QuickBBS directory since third-party utilities may not recognize them if you set up an alternate path. Nodelist Path: Select the default directory that contains your nodelist files. QNODE will read QUICKCFG.DAT for the location of your nodelists in order to process them. If you are operating a standalone system, leave this field blank. Overlay Path: The path for the QuickBBS overlay files is only used if you are using the overlay version. If you are using the executable version only, leave this field blank. The overlay version is sometimes necessary for systems that have limited RAM availability and operate external programs. It takes up less memory than the standard executable release, and it is advisable to use the overlay if your system falls under these instances. Swap Path: specifies the directory that you want QuickBBS to swap system contents, using disk or EMS. Press {Esc} when all parameters appear correct. Move the cursor down one and press {Enter}. System Prompts 郞袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴�Prompt Strings袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴拷 � � � Loading Message: � � Loading, Please Wait ... � � � � Selection Prompt: � � Type Selection or L to List, [Enter]=Quit: � � � � No New Mail: � � No new mail for you. (Gotta write 'em to get 'em!) � � � 突袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴� Fig. XVIII QuickBBS allows the System Operator to control the look and feel of their systems right down to the default prompts. These three prompts have specific functions: Loading Message: Refers to external programs that are called via a TYPE 7 or 15 Command. Selection Prompt: is related to TYPE 6 Commands. This prompt will be appended to the end of all TYPE 6 selection menu files that you have created for your system. No New Mail: Displayed to a caller if, after a mail scan at logon or if the caller selects a TYPE 22 Personal Mail Scan from a menu, QuickBBS cannot find any unread messages. Colors 郞袴袴袴袴袴袴袴� � Main screen � � Entry fields � � Borders � � Windows � � Status bar � 突袴袴袴袴袴袴袴� Fig. XIX QuickBBS allows you to set up default color layouts for everything in your system. It is no longer necessary to remember number values for color sets; simply move your cursor or mouse point to the desired foreground and background colors and press {Enter}. After you have selected the area you wish to modify, a grid featuring all of the available colors will display. At the bottom of the grid is the label of the color choice. For systems without color capability this enables the System Operator to determine golor selections pleasing to the eye, without the guesswork. The colors assigned as a default by QuickBBS are denoted by a box when you open the window. It is not necessary to use these colors, but they are recommended for systems with monochrome monitors. Press {Esc} to save changes for each color set. System Security When you have finished selecting default colors for your system, press {Esc}. Move the cursor to Security, and press {Enter}. 郞袴袴袴袴袴袴袴System Security袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴� � � � Allow shell commands from text files: No � � Allow one word user names: No � � Inactivity time out: 120 � � Logon time limit: 10 � � Password tries: 3 � � � � Sysop security: 32000 � � A flags: -------- � � B flags: -------- � � C flags: -------- � � D flags: -------- � � � 突袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴槁 Fig. XX Allow Shell Commands From Text Files: QuickBBS has the capability to execute an external program in a DOS Shell. If you have a database utility that your callers can read and write to, you can create an ANSI graphic screen to display opening information to the caller prior to loading. This shell command uses a number of parameters. To enable, place a {Ctrl-X} in the text. When QuickBBS finds it, it will execute the external program via a TYPE 7 Command. For example, if you have an external database utility that you allow your callers to access, you can create an ANSI graphic screen to announce it prior to loading. At the bottom of the ANSI screen, place a {Ctrl-X} on the last line with the TYPE 7 call, terminated with a DOS pipe {|}. For instance: {^X\QUICKBBS\UTIL\DATABASE.EXE|} Allow One Word User Names: If you allow callers to logon with first names only or aliases, press {Space}. QuickBBS will only recognize one-word names if a semi-colon (;) is placed after that name. If you want users to log on with their real, full names, press {Space} again to disable. Inactivity Time Out: The value amount of time you set QuickBBS to drop carrier when there is no keyboard input. A standard setting would be 120 seconds (r minutes). Logon Time Limit: The value amount of time expressed in minutes you set to allow a caller to logon. Under normal conditions, it should take no more than 3 minutes for someone to completely logon. If the caller is new and you have lengthy welcome messages and new user information text files, set this value higher. Password Tries: The number of attempts a user has to get their password correct before QuickBBS hangs up. If the caller is disconnected, all activity will be written to SYSTEM.LOG. After you have configured the default Security for your system, press {Esc}. Move your cursor down to Restrictions. Press {Enter}. User Restrictions 袴郞袴袴袴袴袴袴�User Restrictions袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴맹袴袴袴袴� rm� � Quit � 袴� 300 baud access allowed between : and 넌袴袴맹袴� � Downloads allowed between and � � � Paging allowed between and � � � � � � Page Attempts: 3 Page Bell Length: 20 � � � � � � Minimum speed to use ANSI graphics: 1200 baud 쿽ns � � Minimum speed for file transfers: 1200 baud � � � � � � Minimum speed to log on: 300 baud 넌袴袴� � � � Security level required to log on: 5 � � A flags required to log on: -------- � � B flags required to log on: -------- � � C flags required to log on: -------- � � D flags required to log on: -------- � � � 突袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴� Fig. XXII 300 Baud Access Allowed Between: Allows you to control 300 baud access to specific hours. This grants 300 baud users access during normally low traffic periods. Downloading Allowed Between: The hours that you will allow downloading on your system. Uploading is always allowed. Paging Allowed Between: The hours that you will allow pages. When callers attempt to page you outside of these hours, NOTAVAIL.A?? will display if the file is in your text file directory. If this file cannot be found by QuickBBS, the system will display a default message. Page Attempts: The amount of time a caller can request a chat during this logon session. You can create a custom file called MAXPAGE.A?? to display to callers that page you more than this limit, or QuickBBS will display an internal message. Page Bell Length: The number of seconds the bell sounds each time you are paged. Minimum Speed to Use ANSI Graphics: The slowest speed at which you will allow callers to have ANSI graphics and color. Set this to 1200, 2400 baud or higher as 300 baud is rather slow for effective use of ANSI graphics. ANSI allows the use of color, full screen editors and interesting screen displays that you can create, but it requives long escape character sequences sent through the modem for each ANSI command and therefore it may slow things down considerably. Minimum Speed for File Transfers: The slowest speed that you will permit a caller to upload or download files. Minimum Speed to Logon: Minimum baud rate that a caller must use to gain access to your board. You can set this to any baud rate that your modem supports. QuickBBS cannot check this against your modem's abmlities. If you set the minumum speed higher than the maximum speed of the modem, no one will be able to log on. Security Level Required to Logon: A default security level assigned to each new caller. Security levels range from 0 to 32000. You may want to assign a low level to new users and raise it later. A user assigned a security level of 0 cannot access the system. If you want to run a private board, set new user security to 0. A to D Flags Required to Logon: Another default security level assigned to a new caller. In order for a caller to gain access to your system, the caller's flags must match the flagset you have defined in New User security. These values can be set in the next window below Restrictions. When you have completed making changes to this section, press {Esc}. Move the cursor to the New User, and press {Enter}. New User Restrictions 郞袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴New User Parameters袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴拷 � � � Security level: 5 Force US Phone Format: No � � A Flags: ------- Ask For Home Phone: Yes � � B Flags: ------- Ask For Data Phone: Yes � � C Flags: ------- Ask For Birthday: Yes � � D Flags: ------- Ask For Gender: Yes � � Netmail Credit: 0 � � � 突袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴� Fig. XXII These are the default parameters for every new, first-time caller. Security Level: The maximum recommended value for callers that have not been verified by the TYPE 60 internal callback verifier. A to D Flags: The minimum flag set required for access. Force US Phone Format: The default format to use when a caller inputs their phone number at logon and for verification (Callback Verifier). Standard US format is area code followed by exchange and number, (nnn) nnn-nnnn. Countries outside of the United States use country code, city code, and phone number, respectively. If you cannot use the standard format for US phone numbers, press {Space} to turn this function off. Ask For Home/Data Phone:In order for a caller to use the verifier, QuickBBS will need the caller's home or data phone number. It is suggested that you leave at least one of these parameters enabled. Ask For Birthday/Gender: Optional, but not necessary at this time to enable these since there are TYPE commands available that can be used once verification is complete. (Menu Command TYPEs and Optional Data) Netmail Credit: The value, expressed in cents, for netmail each new caller gets. When a caller enters a netmail message to a board outside of a toll free calling area, QuickBBS can deduct the cost of the message from this credit. If the caller doesn't have enough credit, the message is not stored or sent and the caller is informed. System Operators do not generally give credit to callers, but require them to pay in advance for netmail charges they may incur while active. The Callback Verifier A Brief History In the early days of bulletin boards, System Operators trusted their callers. With the advent of inexpensive computers and high- speed modems flooding the market, just about anyone with a little knowledge of bulletin boards can connect. However, there are always people who abuse the efforts of System Operators by raping their file directories, and by leaving derogatory, abusive, and even downright slanderous messages in national and international echos. These people are the exception and not the rule, so in order to combat these individuals, some security measures are needed. QuickBBS has a internal callback verifier, eliminating the need for other external utilities. The verifier uses a TYPE 60 command to activate. While there are many excellent callback verifiers, you'll find that they are simply no longer needed. How the Callback Verifier Works When a caller first logs onto your system, they are prompted to input their home and business phone numbers. Once activated, the verifier reads these numbers, prompts the caller to select a valid number, and attempts to dial it. If the verifier connects to a modem, it prompts the caller to enter the password they had selected at logon. Once the caller inputs the correct password, they are validated and upgraded to regular user status. In these times of security breaches of major defense installations, computer hacking of credit card and telephone companies, as well as FBI involvement in investigating computer crimes, the callback verifier is one way of fighting back. Installation and Operation From QCONFIG, move the cursor to General, then Verifier. The following window will appear: 郞袴袴袴袴袴袴袴Callback Verifier Configuration袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴拷 � � � Modem initialization string ATX3E0H0 � � Dial string ATDT Dial suffix � � � � Check for duplicate phone numbers Yes � � New user security 5 � � Validated user security 10 � � Validated user A flags ???????? � � Validated user B flags ???????? � � Validated user C flags ???????? � � Validated user D flags ???????? � � Resume BBS after local call Yes � � Maximum cost for local calls 0 � � Allow long distance calls Yes � � Resume BBS after LD call No � � Long distance start time � � Long distance end time � � � 突袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴� Fig. XXIII String: The string used by the Verifier to "wake" up the modem prior to dialing. Unless you are certain that the string is incorrect for your particular modem, it is recommended you leave this field as is. Dial String: The string that is commonly used by a variety of modems. It is probably not necessary to modify this field. Dial Suffix: The string used after the dial string and the phone number. Usually a DOS pipe symbol {|} and when included as a dial suffix will generate a carriage return. Very few modems have a need for a dial suffix. Character Delay: The delay in milliseconds between characters in modem commands. Once again, it is probably unnecessary to change this value unless you are experienced with your modem's capabilities. Check for Duplicate Phone Numbers: The most useful field in this window. It allows QuickBBS to determine if the number given by the prospective new caller is a duplicate. If the number is a duplicate, QuickBBS will abort the verifier, display a control file, and exit. This gives the caller an opportunity to alter their number via a TYPE 57 or 58 command, and you may want to have these TYPE commands available in your new user menu. If the number the caller entered is a duplicate phone number, QuickBBS will write the attempt to PHONEDUP.LOG. New User Security: The level of access you allow an unvalidated caller. It is prudent to set this to a low number so that the caller is unable to access any menu commands except that of the verifier. Validated User Security: The level of access you allow a caller that has successfully completed the verifier. This level should be high enough to allow access to most menu commands, but still at a level commensurate with first time callers. This enables the System Operator the opportunity to monitor the caller's actions while in a probationary period. Validated A to D Flags: Similar to the Flag Sets found in QCONFIG; except that you can control these unattended. Each flag defaults to a question mark. Once a caller is validated, you have the option of placing an {X} on a flag to turn it on, place a {-} to turn it off, or the default: {?} to leave the flag as is. Resume BBS After Local Calls: Used by the verifier to control arestart of the BBS after verification. If you would rather the verifier hang up the modem after sugcessful verification, press {Space}. The validated caller will still be able to call back. Maximum Cost for Local Calls: Used by some System Operators that have multiple exchanges in a local calling area. That is, even though the phone call may be local, your phone company still bills you separately for this call in addition to your regular phone charges. You can manipulate this to disable calls to certain exchanges in PHONE#.CTL. Allow Long Distance Calls: The most important (and expensive) part of the callback verifier. If you totally disallow any long distance verifying, set the field to {No}. However, if you allow verification during certain time frames, QuickBBS will display a control file explaining the hours that the caller may attempt verification. The callback verifier option will exit, based on the following errorlevels: 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� � 1) Validation Successful � � 2) Validation Failure � � 3) Validation Not Attempted � � 4) System Operator Error � � 5) Program Error � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� Fig. XXIV Control Of Phone Numbers The phone number setup is done in a manner similar to what you are probably familiar with in your nodelist processor. The control file for this purpose is PHONE#.CTL and may reside either in your main directory or a node directory. Each line in the file looks like this: Prefix_From_User Prefix_To_Dial Cost The cost field may be omitted, and will be taken as 0 if blank. The Prefix_To_Dial may also be omitted if desired. If it is ommited, the corresponding prefix supplied by the user will be stripped out before dialing. For example, if you wanted to be able to call other systems in the Philadelphia 848 exchange, no matter whether the user entered an area code or not, put the following lines into PHONE#.CTL: 215-848 848 848 848 Phone numbers will be dealt with based on the first match in the control file. Therefore, if you have a sequence like: 215 1-215 215-848 215 215-848 will be dialed as 1-215-848 which is not what is wanted. If a number is not found, it is treated as long distance. Otherwise, you can control whether each number is long distance or local by using the cost field. This method should provide you with enough flexibility so that you can make the verifier do what you need no matter where in the world you are. CONVERT.EXE will help you convert LOCAL.CTL used by other callback verifiers to PHONE#.CTL. LOCAL.CTL varies slightly in the first few lines depending on which program it was set for. All of these lines must be deleted before using CONVERT.EXE. You must specify the local area code on the command line: CONVERT 215 Control Files You completely control the look of the verifier by placing these files in your text files directory (each may have ANSI and ASCII versions). S-INTRO.A?? The first file the caller sees. After this file is displayed, a prompt is made to get phone number selection or confirmation. S-INTRO.A?? can be a short introduction into the system to explain uses. S-TRASH.A?? This file is displayed if the phone number the caller has selected is found in PHONENUM.CTL. This would indicate that you have blocked the number out for some reason. S-DUPE.A?? This file is displayed if another caller has the same phone number as the one chosen by the current caller, and you have selected dupe checking in the configuration. S-DISC.A?? This file is displayed after the prompt, and before hanging up. The purpose of S-DISC.A?? is to inform the caller that they are about to be disconnected. Use this file to remind the caller how to make their modem answer for them. S-LOGIN.A?? This is file that is displayed after the caller answers the callback. S-LOGIN.A?? should be edited to customize the look and style of your board. S-VALID.A?? This file is displayed after the caller properly enters their password. S-VALID.A?? will welcome the caller back into the system. S-LONGD.A?? This file is displayed if the caller is long distance, and you have either disabled long distance calls or the time frame is not active for a long distance callback. If you have configured for long distance during limited hours, you will want to indicate in this file the time period when the caller should and try again. Be specific on the time frame that the caller can attempt the verifier. For example, 10pm to 3am East Standard Time. Do not assume that everyone is on your time zone when allowing long distance call backs. S-USERM.ASC This file contains the User Manual for online help to the caller. S-USERM.ASC is called in from VERIFY.MNU, as a List ASCII File option. This is the only textfile that is not hard-coded, meaning that the user manual can be any filename you desire. The Flags You can control caller access based upon flag settings as well as by security levels. There are 32 flags in four groups of eight. If you set the first part of flag A on, it looks like this: X------- (flag A1). In a menu selection, only those callers that have that flag set in USERS.BBS AND the required minimum security level will be able to access the area. For example, if you restrict access to a message board to those with a security level of 20 or higher and Flag A1 set and you have three users: 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컫컴컴컴컴컴쩡컴컴컴컴컴� � � Security � � � Name � Level � Flag A � 쳐컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컵컴컴컴컴컴탠컴컴컴컴컴� � Karen Davis � 10 � X------- � � Mark Jones � 20 � -------- � � John Richards � 20 � X------- � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컨컴컴컴컴컴좔컴컴컴컴컴� Fig. XV Only Karen Davis will have access that message board. John Richards does not have a high enough security level, and Mark Jones doesn't have Flag A1 set. You can set caller flags by using USEREDIT (The User Base) or by using the SetFlag command in a questionnaire file (Appendix). You can set flags for individual menu items (Menu Configuration). Make sure to set the same flags on your menus for access to these message boards as you do here in QCONFIG, or the callers will get a message telling them access is denied. In the beginning you may want to leave all flags off and add them later when you think of good uses for them. With 32 flags, it's effortless to lose track of which flag is used where, so you may want keep track of them in Setup Information located in the appendix. Be certain that the flags you have assigned for new callers match the flagset in the Security window. When you are finished editing the prompts in the New User window, press {Esc}. Skip Verifier at this time, and more the cursor down one more field to Other. Press {Enter}. Miscellaneous System Parameters 郞袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴Misc System Parameters袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴� � � � Upload Credit Multiplier: 1 Ansi Graphics: Yes � � Screen Blank Timeout: 120 Colored Input Fields: Yes � � � � Auto Logon Character: No Direct Screen Writes: No � � Fast Local Sysop Logon: No Snow Check: No � � Mono Mode: No � � Swap on ALT-J: No � � Mail Check: Yes Exit when Net/Echo Mail Entered: No � � Node: 1 Use Extended Lastread Pointers: Yes � � � 突袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴� Fig. XXVI Upload Credit Multiplier: Adds 'n' number of minute(s) to every minute a caller uploads a file. It is recommended that you set this to '1.' Screen Blank Timeout: Used on standalone systems. Setting a value (expressed in seconds) to this field will blank the screen if there is no one online, reducing screen burn-in, especially on monochrome monitors. ANSI Graphics: If you have a full screen editor in your system or graphic screens, Ansi Graphics must be toggled on. The system will not check for them or ask users if they want to use them otherwise. QuickBBS will, however, automatically detect if a caller has ANSI capability, therefore the caller will be able to take advantage of color if you have it configured for your system. Colored Input Fields: Allows the System Operator to specify a blue background on the input cursor. If this option is toggled off, colors will not display. Auto Logon Character: Allows some communication programs to start a logon sequence if they have that capability. QuickBFS will output a 'Ctrl-E' and force the caller's terminal program to initiate the automatic logon sequence. Fast Local System Operator Logon: Allows the System Operator to logon automatically in local mode. The System Operator must be the first user listed in USERS.BBS to utilize this function. To be sure, set the access level to the highest amount (32000) and run USERSORT. The System Operator will still be required to enter a password. Direct Screen Writes: Speeds the updating of the status line on the local console. Turn this off if running under a multi-tasker. Snow Check: Attempts to correct problems with snow on direct screen writes that some older PCs with CGA cards experience. Mono Mode: Affects local operation only. Remote callers with color systems will still see the colors configured for the prompts, text files, and menus. Swap on Alt-J: Writes the system contents to disk or EMS (if available). Using the swap method may slow down access of the DOS Shell on XT-Class computers. Mail Check: Scans the message base and flags messages addressed to callers at logon. This enables callers to see what new messages they have waiting and read and respond to them immediately after signing on. If you prefer, you can disable this field and create a TYPE 22 Command in one of your menus. Node: Refers to the multinode line that QCONFIG will write its data to. If you operate only one line, leave the default parameter as is. (Multinode Configuration) Exit When Net/Echo Mail Entered: Used when operating QuickBBS with a continuous mailer. When operating a standalone system this option is not necessary. QuickBBS automatically detects whether or not a caller has entered a message and will execute an entry in your batch file to pack the message(s) for routing. The net/echo errorlevels are listed in the netmail section of this manual. Use Extended Last-Read Pointers: Used to keep track of the last read message of each caller. A file called LASTREAD.BBS, will be created. In order for callers to be able to read new messages each call, press {Space}. They will have to wade through the entire message base in order to read new messages otherwise. Each entry in LASTREAD.BBS takes up 400 bytes. Use One-Word User Names: Allows callers to logon with first names only or aliases. QuickBBS will only recognize one-word names if a semi-colon (;) is placed after that name. To force callers log on with their real, full names, press {Space}. Press {Esc} to exit. You have now completed the configuration of QuickBBS. As a final failsafe, you can either save the changes to disk, or exit QCONFIG without the new configuration information. Move the cursor to the Quit window, and press a {Enter} on either Save or Exit. Menu Command TYPEs and Optional Data Type Description Optional Data 0 Text Line ........................................... This is used to display text on the menu and is not considered a command. 1 Goto New Menu ................... [Password][/M=n] Go to another menu without saving a path back. The password is optional, one word, not case sensitive, and (if present), will be needed from the caller before the Goto is executed. Additionally, [/M=n] can be placed in the optional data field to Goto the message area specified, where {n} is a numeric character that points to a message board specified in QCONFIG. You can increment to the next available area with [/M=+] or decrement to the next available base with [/M=-]. 2 Gosub New Menu .................. [Password][/M=n] Gosub another menu and save the path back. Allows a subsequent Type 3 return. Menus can only be nested 20 levels deep. After that any subsequent Gosub call will not work. The caller will have to return from the current menu via a Type 1, 3, or 4 command. The password is optional, one word, not case sensitive, and (if present) will be needed from the caller before the Gosub will be executed. [/M=n] can be placed in the Optional Data field to Gosub the message area specified. 3 Return from Previous Gosub .......................... Returns to the menu that was last called with a Type 2. 4 Clear Gosub Stack and Goto New Menu ............. Goto another menu and cancel the return path. Suggested uses for this could include a "Goto TOP.MNU" commuand where you do not want the caller to call the previous menu. 5 Display .ASC/.ANS File ............ <1-8 Character Name>[*M] Displays an ASCII (ASC) or ANSI (ANS) text file from the Text and ANSI file directory specified in QCONFIG. Give only the filename, not extension, as the caller's graphics option will determine whether an ASCII or ANSI file will be shown. If there is no ANSI file default, the ASCII file will be displayed. If the *M parameter is used anywhere within a valid filename, QuickBBS will display it. The filename RULES*M placed in the Optional Data line of this command when in message area 1 will call RULES1.A??. *MRULES would call 1RULES.A??, MSG*MR would call MSG1R.A??. QuickBBS limits the maximum number of characters in a filename, so POLICY*M would work, but MSGRULES*M would not. 6 Selection Menu ...................... <1-7 Character Prefix> Displays a file that serves as a menu for a group of text files and allows the text files to be selected for viewing. The "Type 6 Command Prompt" as specified in QCONFIG is appended to the end of the menu file. The text files have the same name as the menu file with one alphanumeric character added at the end. This character is the command key to select the specific text file. When the caller selects '1' on a selection menu named BULLET.ANS or BULLET.ASC, the file with the name BULLET1.ANS (or ASC) is displayed. These files must be in the QuickBBS text files directory as specified in QCONFIG. 7 Shell Under Board and Run Program ............... Loads a program to run while the caller is online without removing QuickBBS from memory. The program must be able to detect when the carrier has been lost and then exit. For .EXE or .COM programs, place the program name with extension on the command line along with any command line parameters. For example: DATABASE.EXE *B *F *L *T For programs that are not an EXE or COM file, such as batch files or internal DOS commands like DEL, DIR or RENAME, you must use the COMMAND.COM /C option, as in this example: COMMAND.COM /C RUNFILE.BAT QuickBBS can pass information to the program with the following command line arguments: *1 Number of current message area *B Passes caller's Baud Rate (300-38400 or 0 for local) *C Full path to COMMAND.COM as set in the DOS environment variable COMSPEC. Write the above command argument as: *C /C RUNFILE.BAT *F Caller's First Name *G Graphics Mode (0=Off, 1=On) *H Shell to DOS with the FOSSIL hot (Open or Active) *L Caller's Last Name *M Swap to disk or EMS *N Node number (in Multinode environment) *R Caller's Record Number *T Time Left for Call (in minutes) 8 Version Information ................................. Displays the current version of QuickBBS operating. 9 Logoff the System ................................... When executed, this command displays GOODBYE.A??, and logs the caller off the system. 10 Display System Usage Graph .......................... Displays a bar graph of system usage by hour. The graph is generated from TIMELOG.BBS, and can be reset by deleting the file. If TIMELOG.BBS is not found, QuickBBS will create it. The graph display will respond to [P]ause and [S]top hot keys, and will automatically detect ANSI capability. 11 Page the System Operator for Chat ............ Allows the user to page the System Operator and request an online chat session. You have the option of ignoring or answering the page. The duration the computer will ring is set in QCONFIG The value is the number of seconds that the computer will generate a tone. If you fail to respond during the page bell period, QuickBBS will display "(Want-Chat)" on the status bar and show PAGED.A??. If the caller attempts to page more than the specified value in QCONFIG, QuickBBS will display MAXPAGE.A??. To abort page requests, press [A]. PAGEABRT.A?? will display and the page will be canceled. Before QuickBBS starts the page, it will prompt the caller one line of text asking for a reason for the chat request. The line is written to the SYSTEM.LOG file with the current date and time. 12 Execute Questionnaire File ........ <1-8 Character Q-A Name> Executes a questionnaire from a file in the QuickBBS root directory with a one-to-eight character filename with the extension .Q-A, and stores the answers in another file with the same filename with the extension ASW. QuickBBS will automatically create the answer file if it does not already exist. You create the questionnaire file from the commands listed in the appendix. Each command must be on a separate line. If you create a questionnaire file with the filename NEWUSER.Q-A, you should create a menu entry in your TOP.MNU or a new user menu to automatically execute it once a new caller logs on. The questionnaire file should execute after NEWUSER?.A?? files are displayed. 13 List/Search User List ......................... None or [/R] Allows the caller to list or search the user file. Useful for local mail options where the caller may not remember the correct spelling of the name of the person they want to send a message. The real name or alias of your callers are displayed, along with their city and state as well as the last time of logon. In order to suppress the listing of aliases in a userlog listing, the parameter [/R] can be placed in the Optional Data field. 14 Time Statistics ..................................... Gives the caller's time online for the current call, time remaining and total time online today. 15 Exit to DOS .................. Exits to the batch file that loaded QuickBBS with the Errorlevel wpecified in the optional data field. This must be an Errorlevel greater than 5 since Errorlevels 0 to 5 are reserved by QuickBBS. Your batchfile will go to the label identified with that Errorlevel (or next lower Errorlevel, if one isn't given for that value). See your DOS manual for more a more detailed explanation regarding batch files and Errorlevels. Upon return to the BBS QuickBBS will return to the menu specified in the Optional Data field or TOP.MNU if QuickBBS cannot find it or no menu is specified. For example: @ECHO OFF CLS :START IF ERRORLEVEL 10 GOTO DATABASE IF ERRORLEVEL 5 GOTO NET&ECHO IF ERRORLEVEL 4 GOTO ECHOMAIL IF ERRORLEVEL 3 GOTO NETMAIL IF ERRORLEVEL 0 GOTO START_UP GOTO START_UP :DATABASE DATABASE \A \N=5 QUICKBBS -R GOTO AFTER_QUIK In this example, a TYPE 15 menu command with an Errorlevel of 10 will make the batch file execute the command following the :DATABASE label. Include the line "QuickBBS -R" to return to the board after the external programs have been executed. 16 Change City and State ............................... Allows the caller to change their city and state they are calling from. QuickBBS will automatically format the data entered to upper and lower case, and the change will be written to USERS.BBS. 17 Change Password ..................................... Allows the caller to change their password. The caller will still be required to enter their old password BEFORE they may change it to a new one. Password input is hidden with asterisks and is only visible in USEREDIT or in the internal user editor accessible via an {ALT}{E}. 18 Change Screen Length ................................ Allows the caller to change the number of lines displayed, top to bottom, before a "More Prompt." The TYPE command is disabled if the caller selects the TYPE 20 command. 19 Toggle Screen Clearing .............................. Turns the screen clearing codes on/off. This TYPE command is generally only useful to a caller with ANSI capability, and when the System Operator utilizes TYPE 40 ANSI menus. 20 Toggle Page Pausing ................................. Turns the page pausing on/off. If the caller has a 43-line EGA monitor and enables page pausing, QuickBBS will display the "More Prompt" at then end of each 43-line screen. Disabling this option will force QuickBBS continually scroll text on the screen, aborted only by internal message reply prompts. 21 Toggle Graphics Mode ................................ Turns ANSI graphics on/off. If the graphics are enabled, the ANSI equivalent of the ASCII files will be displayed when available. Callers must have this TYPE Command enabled in order to use the full screen editor. (Full Screen Editor Interface) 22 Scan for Personal Mail .............................. Scans the message base for mail specifically addressed to the caller that has not been received. Useful only if you do not have the automatic mail checking enabled in QCONFIG, or if the caller opted not to read their mail at logon. 23 Read Messages ........... [MenuName /M= /M=+ /M=-] Starts the message reading routine for the board number listed in the Optional Data field. The board number is the number that was assigned to the message area in QCONFIG. An internal menu will allow the caller to select the messages to read and in what mode to read them (forward, reverse, continuous or message-by-message). If is entered as [0] in the Optional Data field, QuickBBS will read from all the message bases the caller has access to or has selected via a TYPE 28 (Select Combined Boards). Additionally, the System Operator can place [/M=] in the optional data field for the caller to read messages in after the caller has called a TYPE 49 (Select Message Areas) command. Placing [/M=+] will transfer the caller to the next available message area. Conversely, placing [/M=-] will place the caller in the message area prior to the one they have currently selected. 24 Scan Messages ........... [MenuName /M= /M=+ /M=-] Starts the message scanning routine for the board number listed in the Optional Data field. The board number is the number that was assigned to the message area in QCONFIG. An internal menu will allow the caller to select the messages to scan and in what mode to scan them (forward, reverse, continuous, or message-by-message). Scanning will list the header field of the messages and allows the caller to mark them for later retrieval. If is entered as [0] in the Optional Data field, QuickBBS will select from all the message bases the caller has access to or has selected via a TYPE 28 (Select Combined Boards). Additionally, the System Operator can place [/M=] in the optional data field for the caller to read messages in after the caller has called a TYPE 49 (Select Message Areas) command. Placing [/M=+] will transfer the caller to the next available message area. Conversely, placing [/M=-] will place the caller in the message area prior to the one they have currently selected. 25 Quick Scan Messages ...... [MenuName /M= /M=+ /M=-] Starts the Quick Scan routine for the board number listed in the optional data field. The board number is the number that was assigned to the message area in QCONFIG. An internal menu will allow the caller to select which messages to Quick Scan. Quick Scan lists the selected messages, one per line, showing message number, from, to and subject fields (truncated to fit if necessary). If is entered as [0] in the Optional Data field, QuickBBS will select from all message bases the caller has access to or has selected via a TYPE 28 (Select Combined Boards). Additionally, the System Operator can place [/M=] in the optional data field for the caller to read messages in after the caller has called a TYPE 49 (Select Message Areas) command. Placing [/M=+] will transfer the caller to the next available message area. Conversely, placing [/M=-] will place the caller in the message area prior to the one they have currently selected. 26 Delete Selected Message .......................... Allows you to delete a message from the board number listed in the Optional Data field. This TYPE command prompts the caller for the message number, and asks if the caller actually wants to delete the selected message. This TYPE command is similar to the System Operators's elete prompt on the message command line menu. 27 Post a Message .. [/L][/T=][MenuName /M= /M=+ /M=-] Posts a message to the board number listed in the Optional Data field. The board number is the number that you assigned to the message area in QCONFIG. [/L] will force a logoff after the message is saved to disk. [/T=] will force the message to be addressed to the person you specify. The name must not contain spaces and must be found in USERS.BBS. When using a first and last name with this option you must place an underscore character (ALT 95) between the first and last name: (/T=First_Lastname). Useful to force messages addressed to the System Operator at logoff to be directed automatically to you. Additionally, the System Operator can place [/M=] in the optional data field for the caller to read messages in after the caller has called a TYPE 49 (Select Message Areas) command. Placing [/M=+] will transfer the caller to the next available message area. Conversely, placing [/M=-] will place the caller in the message area prior to the one they have currently selected. 28 Select Combined Boards .............................. Allows the caller to select or deselect the boards that they would like to read in combined mode. The default setting is all boards that they currently have access to, and that have their QCONFIG combined mode access flag enabled. To allow use of combined mode access, assign read, scan and quick scan commands with board [0] as the Optional Data field in a menu. Board [0] is not an actual message area, but directs QuickBBS to operate in Combined Board mode. Your callers can reply to messages in combined mode, but cannot enter new messages. When selected, this TYPE command writes the caller's combined board settings to COMBINED.BBS. Each time a caller logs on, their previously chosen combined board settings are retrieved. 29 Move A File .................................... Moves a file from one directory to another. The field must contain the full path name for the directory from which the file will be moved, in the form: DRIVE:\DIR1\DIR2\...DIRn You will be prompted for the name of the directory to move the file and asked if you wish to move the entry in the FILES.BBS file as well. This command is intended for use by the System Operator on boards that check uploads prior to placing them in the proper download directories. 30 MS-DOS Directory ....... [MenuName /F= /F=+ /F=-] Displays a raw DOS "DIR" command for the specified directory to the caller. The Optional Data field must contain a full path name, in the form: DRIVE:\DIR1\DIR2\...DIRn Additionally, the System Operator can place [/F=] in the optional data field for the caller to read the raw directory after the caller has called a TYPE 50 (Select File Area) command. Placing [/F=+] will transfer the caller to the next available file area. Conversely, placing [/F=-] will place the caller in the file area prior to the one they have currently selected. 31 List FILES.BBS ............................ [*F] Displays the contents of FILES.BBS found in the path specified in the Optional Data field. This file should contain the names and descriptions of all files available for download in that file area. It is updated when a caller uploads a file to that area or created if it does not exist. Each file area must have its own FILES.BBS, and the file must not end with a {Ctrl-Z}. If you edit these files manually be sure that your ASCII text editor does not add a {Ctrl-Z}. The format of FILES.BBS is: FILENAME.EXT Description The filename occupies character position 1 through 12, and the description should start at column 14. There must be at least one space between the filename and the description. The length of the description is unlimited; any words or characters after the 47th character are automatically word wrapped to the next line. The Optional Data field must contain the full path in the form: DRIVE:\DIR1\DIR2\...DIRn If the caller has chosen a file area using the TYPE 50 command, the characters [*F] should be in the Optional Data field. 32 Download from SubDir [Password][MenuName /M /M=+ /M=-] Allows the caller to download a file from the directory specified in the Optional Data field. The file does not have to be listed in FILES.BBS file for the caller to download it. The Optional Data field must contain the full path name, in the form: DRIVE:\DIR1\DIR2\...DIRn The password is one word, not case sensitive, and (if present) will be required from the caller before the download is allowed. Additionally, the System Operator can place [/F=] in the Optional Data field for the caller to download after the caller has called a TYPE 50 (Select File Area) command. Placing [/F=+] will transfer the caller to the next available file area. Conversely, placing [/F=-] will place the caller in the file area prior to the one they have currently selected. 33 Upload a File to SubDir [MenuName /F= /F=+ /F=-] Allows the caller to upload a file to the directory specified in the Optional Data field. This will modify FILES.BBS, or create it if it does not already exist, in the specified directory. The Optional Data field must contain the full path, in the form: DRIVE:\DIR1\DIR2\...DIRn Additionally, the System Operator can place [/F=] in the Optional Data field for the caller to upload after the caller has called a TYPE 50 (Select File Area) command. Placing [/F=+] will transfer the caller to the next available file area. Conversely, placing [/F=-] will place the caller in the file area prior to the one they have currently selected. 34 List Archive in SubDir ......................... Lists the contents of a file compressed by a file archiving utility, including ARC, PKARC, PKZIP, PAK, LHARC, or ZOO, in the directory specified in the Optional Data field. The Optional Data field must contain the full path, in the form: DRIVE:\DIR1\DIR2\...DIRn The caller will be prompted for the file name to display and they must include the extension when they enter it. 35 Search for File by Keyword .... or <1-8 Char Filename> Performs a keyword search in all FILES.BBS specified in the paths listed in FILECFG.DAT. The keyword is prompted from the user and will be compared to the text of each description in each directory defined in QCONFIG. If a match is found, the corresponding line from FILES.BBS will be listed for the caller. Each new file area will be listed as it is searched. This TYPE command is not case sensitive; the caller's input is automatically forced to upper case, and is compared to an uppercase conversion of FILES.BBS. The System Operator has the option of creating a separate file search control file. For example, if you have a large collection of .GIF files, but also have a large file area of TRS-80 software, a caller wouldn't want to complete a file search of both areas. In the Optional Data field, place the name of the control file you wish to display. In this case, GIFFILES.CTL or TRSFILES.CTL. 36 Search for File by File Name . or <1-8 Char Filename> Performs a file name search in FILES.BBS that are found in FILECFG.DAT. As in a TYPE 35 command, the System Operator has the option of creating a separate file search control file. 37 List New Files on System ..... or <1-8 Char Filename> Performs a search for files that have been added to the system since a specified date. The caller is prompted for the date, or they can use the last time the caller was online. The System Operator has the option of creating a separate file search control file as in a TYPE 35 and TYPE 36 command. 38 View Text File ................................ Prompts for the name of an ASCII text file in the directory listed in the Optional Data field and displays it. 39 Display a Direct Text File ............ Displays the text file listed in the Optional Data field. The file can be anywhere on your system and have any file extension. It may contain the embedded control characters (ASC/ANS File Control Characters). The Optional Data field must contain the full path name, file name and extension, in the form: DRIVE:\DIR1\DIR2\...DIRn\FILENAME.EXT 40 Display ASC/ANS File w/Hot Keys <1-8 Character Filename>[*M] Identical to the TYPE 5 command, except that the menu hotkeys are active while the file is displayed. This allows you to create special graphics menus without manually entering TYPE 0 commands (text descriptions) on each line. To enable this powerful TYPE command, assign {Ctrl-A} as the key for this file at the top of your menu, and place a semi-colon on the display line for all other commands on that menu. Be sure all the commands are described fully in the menu file (Automatic Menu Execution). If the *M parameter is used anywhere within a valid filename, QuickBBS will display it. The filename RULES*M placed in the Optional Data line of this command when in message area 1 will call RULES1.A??. *MRULES would call 1RULES.A??, MSG*MR would call MSG1R.A??. QuickBBS limits the maximum number of characters in a filename, so POLICY*M would work, but MSGRULES*M would not. 41 Toggle Full Screen Editor ........................... Toggles the use of the full screen editor. The caller must have the TYPE 21 (Toggle Graphics Mode) enabled in order to take advantage of the editor (Full Screen Editor Interface). 42 Select Alias ................................ or [/D] Allows the caller to use an alias or handle for messaging. When the caller first logs on, QuickBBS will search for messages addressed to the caller's alias or real name. To allow the user to delete their chosen alias, add an identical TYPE command in your menu with [/D] in the Optional Data field. 43 (Not Implemented) 44 Prompt Caller for Birthday/Gender ... [BS] The System Operator has the option of monitoring the date of birth as well as the gender of the caller. This is primarily useful if their are certain message or file areas you wish to deny access to callers that do not meet certain criteria. For instance, you don't want your adult callers to have access to the TEENAGER echo, and don't want men to access the WOMENS_RIGHTS message area. If a caller logs on the system on their birthday, BIRTHDAY.A?? will display. You may select either birthday [B] or sex [S], or a combination of the two [BS] as shown. 45 Display ASC/ANS file w/EOF Prompt . <1-8 Character Filename> Similar to a TYPE 5, except that this command forces a pause at the end of the text file with a command prompt "Press [Enter] to Continue:" This prompts prevents the file from rolling off the caller's screen before it can be read. 46 Display a .GIF File Header ..................... Allows callers to view the header of a .GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) graphics file, which contains such information as the resolution of the picture, the number of colors, and the recommended monitor. The caller will be prompted for the entire filename of the .GIF file they wish to view. 47 Create System Log Entry ............... When executed, the Optional Data section of this TYPE command will be written to SYSTEM.LOG with the current date and time. If you wish to monitor menu accesses, place a {CTRL-A} in the Key field and a semi-colon on the first line of your menu with the desired text in the Optional Data field. 48 Download A Specific File .............. Allows a caller to download a specific file without creating a subdirectory to hold it. You can specify any directory and filename. This enables the caller to download system policies, new user registration, or sales prices. 49 Select Message Area ................................. If you are utilizing menu templating, this TYPE command is necessary in order for the caller to be able to change between message areas. All available message areas as defined in the caller's record in USERS.BBS and the information as defined in QCONFIG are read to determine which areas the caller is allowed to see. (Menu Templating) 50 Select File Area .................................... If you are utilizing menu templating, this TYPE command is necessary in order for the caller to be able to change between file areas. All available file areas as defined in the caller's record in USERS.BBS, access levels, flagsets and information as defined in QCONFIG (FILECFG.DAT) are read to determine which areas the caller is allowed to download. (Menu Templating) 51 (Not Implemented) 52 Show List of Users Online ........................... Displays a list of all callers currently online. It shows information such as name, city and state calling from, baud rate, and the line they are connected to. (Multinode Configuration) 53 Toggle "Do Not Disturb" Flag ........................ A caller on one line disable attempts by callers on the other lines to send a TYPE 54 (Send Online Message to Another Node). The System Operator always has the capability to override this TYPE command. (Multinode Configuration) 54 Send Online Message to Another None ................. A caller on one line on your system can send a brief message to another caller on the system by enabling this TYPE command. The message is one line in length. (Multinode Configuration) 55 (Not Implemented) 56 (Not Implemented) 57 Change Voice/Home Phone Number ...................... 58 Change Business/Data Phone Number ................... Occasionally at logon, a first time caller may deliberately give an incorrect phone number to avoid verification. However, sometimes giving an incorrect phone number may be accidental. This command enables the caller to alter the entry they made for a valid phone number, so that the callback verifier will be able to phone them. It is not recommended that you keep these TYPE commands on any menu except the new user menu. A caller intent on damaging your system may verify correctly and change to another phone number immediately after. 59 (Not Implemented) 60 Activate Callback Verifier .......................... This command allows the System Operator a measure of security by making certain that the caller is not using a random phone number to avoid verification. QuickBBS will dial the numbers that were input by the new caller and attempt to connect. If no connect was made, it can be assumed that the caller does not have a modem with auto-answer capabilities or the number was not valid. (The CallBack Verifier) SysOp Function Keys Alt-C - Begin CHAT mode. This will allow you to talk (type) to the caller currently on line. Press "{Esc}" to end the chat mode. Alt-D - DISPLAY toggle. This is for multitasking environments where you may not want to see what the caller is doing. Alt-D will turn the display on or off. Alt-F - Changes any of the 32 privilege flags (A1 through D8)of the current caller. Alt-G - Produces a stream of high-bit ASCII characters on the screen. Useful if you need to drop a caller with something more significant than ALT-H. Alt-H - HANGS UP now! Disconnects the caller. Alt-J - JUMPS to DOS, while the caller is still on line, to perform some task. Type {Enter} to return to QuickBBS. Alt-L - LOCKOUT the caller. This logs the caller off and changes the caller's security level to 0 so that they no longer have access to the board. Alt-P - Toggles the printer log switch, and sends all SYSTEM.LOG entries to the to the printer. If the printer is not online this will have no effect and you will generate an entry in ERRORS.LOG, based on error codes provided in the appendix. Enabling the printer log can also be done from a command line parameter. Alt-S - Changes the security level of the caller currently online. The caller's current security level will display, and you will be prompted to input a new level for the caller. These security level changes are saved permanently in USERS.BBS. Up arrow - Increases the users time limit by 1 minute. Down arrow - Decreases the users time limit by 1 minute. Home - Displays a help menu locally. End - Removes windows and returns to normal screen. PgDn - Toggle DOWN between status bar windows. PgUp - Toggle UP between status bar windows. Calling Up the Board from a Batch File You may eventually wish to call up your board from a batch file. Even if you do not implement netmail or echomail, you ma} find it convenient to have the board periodically exit to a batch file to run maintenance functions, such as the utilities described next. Here is a list of command line parameters that QuickBBS accepts: 旼컴컴쩡컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴커 � -Bx � Baud Rate of Caller is x (i.e. -B2400) � � -Ex � Exit After Caller at ERRORLEVELx � � -Tx � Time in Minutes Until Next Event � � -L � Logon in Local Mode � � -N � Node number the user is calling from � � � (Multinode configuration) � � -P � Log System Activity to the Printer � � � if Printer is Online � � -R � Relogon After a TYPE 15 Exit � � -S � Snoop Mode Default to OFF (Helpful for � � � Multitasking) Stops Display to Local � � � Console � 읕컴컴좔컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴켸 Fig. XXVII Examples of these parameters for use in batch files are in the appendix. The Message Base Included in the main relase archive is a separate archive called MENUS275.ZIP. This file contains the complete documentation you'll need to set up your bulletin board's menu areas. There are over 55 menu commands giving you great flexibility in the look and feel of your system. You have complete control over color selection and can create custom graphic menus. QuickBBS has its own built-in ANSI routines so you don't need to have ANSI.SYS loaded. Message Submenus QuickBBS has built-in submenus to handle message reading, scanning and quick-scanning. Read/Scan/Quick-Scan Method Selection If a command to read, scan or quick-scan a message base (TYPEs 23 through 25) is selected this submenu appears: orward Order everse Order ndividual Msgs ew Messages elected Messages arked Messages elp With Commands uit (Abort) Fig. XXIX The first three selections provide a prompt asking for specific message number. orward accepts {Enter} as the default to the first message, everse will default to the last message. This is the only place where you can choose to read messages in reverse order. ew Messages will probably be the most frequently chosen selection. It allows callers to start reading at the point they left off on their last call, provided Extended Last Read Pointers are enabled in QCONFIG. QuickBBS saves last read pointers in LASTREAD.BBS (Support Files). When elect is chosen, another submenu appears allowing the caller to select the rom, o or ubject areas of message headers. Callers can ark messages to read later when Scanning through messages. Unread new mail for the caller is automatically arked as well. A final prompt follows the above selections for Read or Scan, asking the caller if they want to "Pause After Each Message (Y/n)?" {Enter} defaults to Yes. Selecting elp displays READHELP.A?? (Auto-Display Files) elsewhere in this manual. uit returns the caller to the menu. Read/Scan After-Each-Message Selection If the System Operator answered to "Pause After Each Message?" this menu is displayed below the message: [A]gain [N]ext [B]ack [R]eply [D]elete [H]idden [!]Private [U]nread [M]ove [F]wd [X]port [S]top? Fig. XXX The caller sees: gain, ext, eply, top Fig. XXXI On a Read Only board, or if the caller does not have write privileges, the eply prompt is inaccessible. elete will display only if the message is addressed to them or if the caller wrote it. Most of these commands are self-explanatory. ext goes to the next message in direction they are reading. There is no command to change directions, call up the previous message displayed, or to post a new message while in read or scan routines. Upon exiting a ead routine to enter a message and return to ead, they will start over from the beginning. Last Read Pointers are not updated in the user record until log off. idden repeats the last message similar to gain, except that it displays the IFNA "kludge" information on echomail. This may help when trouble-shooting problems with echomail delivery. A message EID will display at the top of the message, PATH and SEEN-BYs will display at the bottom of the text. Private toggles the message public if it's privileged, or privileged if it is public. nread toggles the received bit in the message. If you would like to read your mail but not reply at that time, this option will toggle the received bit off. Each time you logon, that message will be in your personal mail scan. ove allows you to move the displayed message to another message board. orward allows you to send a copy of the message to someone else. Both of these commands provide a series of prompts, some of which apply only to netmail but which appear nonetheless. port allows you to print a copy of the displayed message or copy it to a file. You may select any valid subdirectory or drive to write the message to a text file. If the filename already exists, QuickBBS will ask if you wish to append or overwrite the new information to that file. Additional Command Options For Linked Messages If the message is part of a thread, additional choices may appear one line above the other options. If there are previous messages in the thread, <-> allows you to read reverse through the thread. If there are subsequent messages in the thread, you may read forward through them by selecting <+>. Both <-> and <+> appear when the message is in the middle of a thread. A new line between the header and message text gives the numbers of the messages immediately linked to the one you are reading. Once you have entered into a linked message thread, you will not see <+> or <->. You can continue reading through the thread in the direction you have selected by entering ext or {Enter}. You have a command option allowing you to uit reading the thread and return to the original message, but you cannot change directions from within the thread. When you are finished reading a thread, either by reading through to the end or pressing uit, the original message is redisplayed. While this may seem redundant, it allows you to respond to the original message after reading what others have already typed. And you can always interrupt with the hot key ext to go on to the next sequential message. Your Last Read Pointers do not advance when you read forward through a thread, so you will not risk missing messages when using the ead ew command. Message Base Maintenance Cleaning the Message Base MSGUTILS performs several functions. These parameters and functions are: KILLOLD -Dn Kills messages on the listed boards that are more than 'n' days old. Spaces between -D and 'n' not allowed. KILLRECV Kills received messages on the specified boards. DELBRD Deletes all messages on the board numbers specified. MOVEBRD -Tx Moves all messages on the board specified to the board in the target field where 'x' is the destination board. Spaces between -T and 'x' not allowed. PRINTBRD Prints all messages on the specified boards. TOALL Makes all messages on the listed boards addressed to all. Examples: MSGUTILS KillOld 1 2 3 -D10 Kills messages over 30 days old in message boards 1, 2, and 3. MSGUTILS KillRecv 1 2 Kills all received messages in boards 1 and 2. MSGUTILS DelBrd 4 Deletes all messages on board 4. MSGUTILS MoveBrd 5 6 -T4 Moves all messages on boards 5 and 6 to board 4. MSGUTILS PrintBrd 4 Prints all messages on board 4. MSGUTILS ToAll 6 Makes all messages on board 6 addressed to all. Packing the Message Base MSGUTILS does not remove deleted messages from the file. Run MSGPACK to remove deleted messages. MSGPACK removes the messages that are marked for deletion by writing out a new set of files. It has five command line options. They are: -A Analyzes to make sure that there is enough disk space for the new set of files before continuing. Use this together with -W to have MSGPACK Write In Place ONLY if there is not enough disk space for backups. "-A" by itself is the MSGPACK default. -B Will Delete the backup message files when processing is completed. MSGPACK creates MSGTXT.BAK and MSGHDR.BAK if you omit this parameter. -Hn Limits the amount of Heap space that MSGPACK will use. Default is 60k. The value "n" is the number of 10k blocks to be used. It is not necessary to specify Heap. MSGPACK will automatically do so. -I Rebuilds the message base Index. This is used in cases where the Index has been corrupted by a power failure or other catastrophic problem. -R Renumbers the messages during processing. It is not necessary to renumber your message base each time you use MSGPACK. It is recommended that you renumber at least weekly, depending on the size of your message areas. -W Write In Place Runs MSGPACK without writing backups. If -A has been selected as well it will only write in place if there is not enough disk space for the new set of files. Although Write In Place saves space on disks with limited free space there is a real danger of message base corruption if the operation is interrupted in any way. Example: MSGPACK -A -B -R -W Message Linking QuickBBS links messages together by subject in two ways. Messages entered as replies on the local BBS are automatically linked when they are saved. Incoming echomail can be linked by running the QLINK utility. This links all messages in the same board with the same subject together. If two separate conversations in the same boards have the same subject, those messages will be linked as well. There is no way for QLINK to differentiate between the two. There is only one command line parameter for use with QLINK; "-LFilename" where "Filename" is a list of the names of the message boards you wish to be linked. This linking list file can be generated by QECHO's corresponding "-L" parameter. In the absence of the parameter, QLINK defaults to the areas listed in AREAS.BBS. MSGPACK now updates message links after packing the message base, and QMSG has an option to remove all reply chains. The User Base Editing the User Base USEREDIT is the proprietary user editor for QuickBBS. While you may use certain third-party user editors, the new structures of USERS.BBS makes editing user records with those utilities difficult. Since there are attribute fields within USERS.BBS that other user editors are not capable of editing, it is recommended you use USEREDIT exclusively. From the QuickBBS "root" directory, type USEREDIT, and press {Enter}. The following window will appear: Copyright 1990, Pegasus Software Company. All Rights Reserved. 靈컴컴컴컴컴컴횿uickBBS User Editor, Version 2.75컴컴컴컴컴컴컴캠 � � � Name: David Small Record: 0 � � Alias: (None) � � Password: *************** Age: 32 � � Location: Orlando, Florida � � Security: 32000 � � A Flags: XX-----X- Voice Phone: 407-555-7890 � � B Flags: X-----XX Data Phone: 407-555-1234 � � C Flags: -XX--XX- Birthday: 01-01-60 Gender: M � � D Flags: X--XX--X � � Credit: 5000 Last Date: 12-31-90 Deleted: N � � Pending: 20 Last Time: 15:48 No-Kill: Y � � Uploads: 167 Time Today: 26 Clear Screen: Y � � Dnloads: 38 Times Called: 4804 Page Pausing: Y � � UploadK: 14841 Messages Posted: 6597 ANSI Graphics: Y � � DnLoadK: 792 High Message Read: 15876 Full Scr Editor: Y � � TodayK: 0 Screen Length: 50 Xfer Priority: Y � 聃컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� F)irst L)ast P)rev N)ext E)dit S)earch G)oto A)dd D)el Q)uit Fig. XXXII USEREDIT provides the System Operator with detailed information about their callers. From the first time a caller logs on, data concerning their "visits" are constantly updated and saved in USERS.BBS. Each field is extended with blocks. To edit a particular field, move your cursor with the {PgUp} or {PgDn} keys, or you may use a mouse. On a standard two-button mouse, move the pointer to the desired edit function at the bottom. Click the {Left-Button} twice to open the window, {Right-Button} to move between fields. Most of the fields are self explanatory, but some discussion is necessary. Each caller is assigned a record number, but this number is not a constant except for the first record in USERS.BBS, usually the System Operator. If you clean the userbase during nightly maintenance, the record number may change based on the access level of the caller. Alias: Each caller is allowed one alias, which can be activated or deleted with a TYPE 42 Command. Only one caller can use a specific alias; if someone else selects the same alias, QuickBBS display a message informing the caller to select another alias. (Menu Command TYPEs and Optional Data) for more information. Password: This field is currently concealed with asterisks. If you attempt to edit this caller's user record, the asterisks will disappear and the caller's password is shown. This is a minor security feature in case there may be others nearby while you are editing or scanning the userbase. Security Level: May be set to any value from 0 to 32000. If you set this caller's security level to 0, that caller will not have access to the board. Only the System Operator should have the highest allowable security level of 32000. Age/Birthday: USEREDIT allows the System Operator to keep track of the caller's age and date of birth. This feature can be activated by the caller via a TYPE 44 Command. If any of the callers in the userbase call on their birthday, and they have already input their date of birth, an auto-display file called BIRTHDAY.A?? will display for them at logon. (Auto-Display Files) This field can also be considered a security measure, since with the knowledge of a caller's age, access can be blocked or enabled to certain message or file areas. A to D Flags: To change flags on a record, move the cursor down to the field to modify. Place an {X} to enable a flag, or a {-} to disable the flag. Credit: The value (expressed in cents) that a caller must have in order to send netmail outside of the local calling area. Most System Operators require the caller to send a deposit so that the netmail feature is not abused. Charges for the cost of these calls will be deducted from this amount, if QNODE is supplied with the rates (Compiling the Nodelmst). Pending: Lists the costs of all netmail messages the caller has entered that have not been exported to packets. Once the message(s) have be extracted and are placed in the outbound directory, this field will have a value of 0. Uploads/Dnloads/UploadK/DnloadK/TodayK: Refer to the the number of files a caller has either sent to or taken from the system. The 'K' value is the total number of bytes. TodayK shows the total number of bytes downloaded on that day. USEREDIT also gives the caller's last date and time online, the amount of time they were on today, number of messages posted, as well as the highest message the read last. This value is stored in LASTREAD.BBS, and is updated if the message base is renumbered. The caller's screen length is also shown. Don't be concerned if this value is an unusual number; the caller may have a monitor that displays 43 lines per page (EGA), or 50 lines per page (VGA). Finally, the userbase contains certain flags about the caller's computer capability. If the caller has ANSI graphics, this flag would be on. Additionally, the caller may have the Full Screen Editor flag on. Callers that do not have ANSI capability will not be able to use the full screen editor. Optionally, the System Operator can alter a userbase record to toggle No-Kill. The flag defeats USERPACK from deleting this record if the caller has not called in 'n' number of days. The System Operator can also defeat the maximum number of files a caller can download in one session by setting Xfer Priority on. This means that the download hours you set in QCONFIG would have no effect, and the limits you have established in LIMITS.CTL would also be ineffective. At the bottom of each user record are keystrokes allowed within USEREDIT. F)irst will move you to the first record in USERS.BBS. Alternately, L)ast will display the last record. P)rev goes to the previous record, and N)ext moves on to the next available record. With the E)dit command enabled, you can now make changes to a caller's user record. S)earch will let you scan the entire user record for a specific name. For instance: 郞袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴� � � � Search String: Sm � � � 突袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴� Fig. XXXIII Searches the entire userlog for names beginning with SM, and will retrieve SMALL, SMITH, SMART, or any name that contains the two characters listed in the search string. A)dd adds a new caller to the userbase, D)el marks a caller for deletion. Q)uit exits USEREDIT. Packing The User Base USERPACK will remove all users that were deleted from USERS.BBS, either by the System Operator, or based on a time value. USERPACK will only accept two command line parameters: {-B} Deletes the backup file (USERS.BAK) that is created after USERPACK is completed. {-D} Deletes callers that have not logged onto the system in days, where is any value from 1-32000. If you have set a caller's NO-KILL flag to ON, USERPACK will not delete the caller no matter how many days since their last logon. An example of the parameters for USERPACK: USERPACK -B -D21 Sorting the User Base USERSORT sorts the userbase by security level and name. USERSORT also creates a backup file, but before sorting. USERSORT has only one command line parameter, and it is used to delete the backup file: USERSORT -B Support Files Files QuickBBS Creates QuickBBS stores all messages for its message boards together in a single database consisting of five files. These are MSGTXT.BBS, MSGHDR.BBS, MSGINFO.BBS, MSGIDX.BBS and MSGTOIDX.BBS. These are described fully in the accompanying structures document. In addition, if you set QCONFIG to keep "Extended Last Read Pointers" a LASTREAD.BBS file is created. QCONFIG's setting are stored in QUICKCFG.DAT, the user records are in USERS.BBS. QuickBBS keeps a log of all errors that are generated by QuickBBS in a logfile, ERRORS.LOG. This log however, does not include errors encountered while running any external programs. If you are unable to determine the reason for the error, send the logfile to one of the support systems with a detailed description of how the error occurred. This will enable Pegasus Software to alter code that may be causing these errors. A list of Turbo Pascal error messages are included in the appendix. QuickBBS also keeps track of uploads designated private by the caller. If a caller inputs [/] at the beginning of the description of a file just uploaded, the text will be written to PVTUPLD.LOG. The System Operator has the option of writing the contents of a chat discussion from a caller to CAPTURE.LOG. This feature is enabled and disabled by pressing {Ctrl-A}. See "Internal Chat Utility" for more information. TIMELOG.BBS contains all of the information used to create the system usage graph. To reset this graph, erase the file. ALIAS.BBS keeps track of each caller's handle, or alias that they use. Only one alias per person is allowed. The current number of callers to your system is stored in SYSINFO.BBS. SETNUM is an offline utility used to change the total number of callers. To change the value, type: SETNUM , where is the amount of callers that you want the system to have currently recorded. Control Files QuickBBS reads information from seven external files, that either the System Operator or QCONFIG creates, and should be in the same directory as QuickBBS. They are FILECFG.DAT, LIMITS.CTL, PHONENUM.CTL and TRASHCAN.CTL. LIMITS.CTL is required, the rest are optional. All data items in the control files can be spread out into even columns. FILECFG.DAT contains the full path name, security level, and description used for the search for file by keyword and search for file by name menu options. QuickBBS will also allow an optional control file to perform file searches on a TYPE 35, 36, or 37 command. This file can be named anything you desire, but must have the extension of .CTL, and the filename must be listed in the Optional Data field of your menu. LIMITS.CTL determines the time limit and download limit for the security levels. This file uses the following format: