Copyright: ®1994 by Russell Frey and James Carr
Citation: Client Terminal for PowerBBS for Windows


Contents

Thanks for using PowerAccess!

General Information

What is Power Access?

Frequently asked questions

Using Off-Line Mail

Working with Files

Menu System

File Menu

Edit Menu

Mail Menu

Window Menu

Options Menu

PowerBase Menu

Teleconference (Who's On-Line)


File Menu

Upload

Download

Scrollback

ANSI Window

Open Phone Directory

New Phone Directory

Save Phone Directory

View Graphic

Play Sound

View ANSI

Log ANSI Window

Exit


Edit Menu

Undo

Cut

Copy

Paste


Mail Menu

Read Mail

Create New Mail

Send/Receive All Mail

Address Book

Signature

Taglines

Hello/Opening Screens

New File List


Window Menu

This menu will list the different windows that you have open during the current session. Each menu is considered a window as is the message editor, teleconference, and other features on that particular BBS. You can switch to another window by clicking on that window or selecting it from this menu.


Options Menu

User Setup

Modem Setup

Preferences

Language


PowerBase Menu

You will only see this menu if you are viewing a database from a PowerBBS system.

Edit Row

Delete Row

Search

Add to Database

Post to User

Memo View


Upload

Use this menu option to upload files from your computer to the BBS computer. When connecting to a PowerBBS system using the Power Access interface you do not need to use this menu option. Power Access and PowerBBS have their own file transfer protocol that starts automatically.


Download

Use this menu option to download files from the BBS computer to your computer. When connecting to a PowerBBS system using the Power Access interface you do not need to use this menu option. Power Access and PowerBBS have their own file transfer protocol that starts automatically.


ANSI Scrollback
Scrollback

When you connect to an non-PowerBBS system, you will be in ANSI (text) mode. Power Access will hold in memory the contents of the screens you have already seen. If you want to see those screens, select this menu option. Then use the scroll bars to scroll backwards and see those screens.


Open Phone Directory

You can have multiple phone directories with Power Access. This will allow you to exchange phone directories with your friends or organize your phone directories into logical categories.

Use this menu command to open a different phone directory.


Save Phone Directory as
Save Phone Directory

Use this command to save the current phone directory with a new file name. All new entries after you save the phone directory will be placed in the new file name. Phone directory entries are automatically saved as you enter them. You do not need to use this command to save each new entry.


View Graphic

This command will allow you to open up a graphic file for viewing. You can do this while you are on-line or off-line.

See also...

Download Directory

Previewing Graphics


View ANSI

This command will allow you to view an ANSI or ASCII file. You can view this file while you are on-line or off-line.


Log ANSI Window

This command tells Power Access to write to a file any information entering your ANSI window. This is useful to record information from a BBS that you cannot download, such as a goodbye screen that shows phone numbers of another BBS.


Exit

Use this command to exit PowerAccess. If you are currently on-line, it will disconnect you from that BBS.


Undo

Undo will reverse the last action you took provided that action is undoable. Typically you can only undo actions like deleting, copying and pasting.


Cut

Cut will copy whatever you have highlighted, then delete it. Use Paste to paste the last thing you cut.


Copy

Copy will copy to the clipboard whatever you have highlighted. Use Paste to paste this information.


Paste

Paste will past the last thing you cut or copied. The information will be placed at the cursor's current location.


Read Mail

This command only works with PowerBBS systems that support Power Access connections!

Before using this command, you must first Download Mail from a PowerBBS BBS that supports Power Access. Use the Send/Receive All Mail command while connected to the BBS to download mail.

Assuming you have already downloaded mail from a PowerBBS system, follow these steps:

1. Select the BBS for which you want to read mail by selecting that BBS from the drop down pick list on the Power Access screen (the one you use to select a BBS to dial).

2. Select Mail, Read Mail from the menu.

3. You will see a list of mail packets you have already downloaded. The latest mail packet always has the highest file extension number (FOOSBARR.001, FOOSBARR.002, FOOSBARR.003, etc.).

4. Click on the mail packet you want to read.

5. Click the Read button.

6. There you go!

See also

Using Off-Line Mail

Send/Receive All Mail


Create New Mail

This command only works with PowerBBS systems that support Power Access connections!

Before using this command, you must first Download Mail from a PowerBBS BBS that supports Power Access. Use the Send/Receive All Mail command while connected to the BBS to download mail. Downloading a mail packet first is required to tell Power Access what forums are available on that BBS.

Assuming you have already downloaded a Mail Packet from the BBS for which you want to create mail, follow these steps:

1. Select the BBS for which you want to read mail by selecting that BBS from the drop down pick list on the Power Access screen (the one you use to select a BBS to dial). If you are already on-line  to a PowerBBS system, that BBS is already selected.

2. You will see the Message Window appear with your address book on top of this Window. If you want o send mail to any of the names on your address book, double click on each of those names in the left side of this Window.

3. Click OK when you are done adding names for this message. Click Cancel if you do not want to use any of the names in your address book.

4. Select the message forum in which you want this message placed. The forum drop down pick list is at the top of the Message window.

5. If you did not pick a name from your address book, type in the TO: field the name of the person to whom you want to send mail.

6. Select whether you want the message to be public or private. Public messages can be seen by anyone. No other callers besides you and the recipient can see private messages.

7. Click in the main portion of the message window.

8. Type your message.

9. If you want to spell check your message, click the Spell button.

10. If you want to attach a file to this message, click the Attach button.

11. Click the Save button to save the message or Cancel to abandon the message.

12. You're done.

In order to send this message, you must call the BBS and use the Send/Receive All Mail menu option. If you are already connected to the BBS, you still must use this menu option.

See also:

Taglines

Signature

Send/Receive All Mail


Send Mail
Send/Receive All Mail

This command only works with PowerBBS systems that support Power Access connections!

This command will allow you send and/or receive mail with any PowerBBS system that supports Power Access. Use the Read Mail and Create Mail menu options to read and create mail.

Receive Incoming Mail

If you check this option, you will need to select one of the following:

New/All: This will tell the BBS to send you all public mail and all personal messages on the BBS since the last time you read or downloaded mail.

New/Yours: This will tell the BBS to send you only your new personal messages.

You will only receive mail for those forums you have selected for scanning on the BBS you are calling. Most PowerBBS sysops place this command on the Mail Menu or Utilities Menu. If you cannot find the option to set your forum information, contact your sysop.

Send Outgoing Mail

If you check this option, Power Access will send all of the mail you have created using the Create Mail menu option or replies you have created using Read Mail. You will not be able to do anything else while PowerAccess is sending the mail because the BBS will be busy processing your mail.

Disconnect When Done

If you check this option, Power Access will automatically disconnect you after sending and/or receiving mail from the BBS.

Options

Click this button to edit your preferences.

How It Works

Power Access will take care of sending and receiving the appropriate files with the BBS you are calling. Power Access has its own file transfer routines that will simultaneously upload and download your mail. You don't need to worry about file names; Power Access will take care of it for you.


Address Book

This command only works with PowerBBS systems that support Power Access connections!

Power Access allows you to maintain an address book of the people to whom you often send mail. This address book will allow you to select recipients for your mail both on-line and off-line.

Adding, Modifying and Deleting  Users

To add a user to your address book, click Add.

Enter in the user's name as it appears on the BBS you are calling.

In the BBS section, select the BBS this user is on by clicking the pick list button.

If this caller has an Internet address (not all PowerBBS systems have Internet access), enter that address in the Internet field. When you enter a message in the Internet forum on a PowerBBS system, Power Access will automatically use the Internet address instead of the User name.

If you have any comments or special notes about a user, type them in the Comments field.

Click OK to save this entry.

If you want to modify a user, click on that user's name and click the Edit User button. Follow the instructions above.

If you want to delete a user, click on that user's name and click the Delete User button.

Adding, Modifying and Deleting Groups

Another powerful feature of Power Access is the Group feature. This allows you assign two or more user names in your address book to a group name of your choice. You can then enter this name in the TO: portion of the Message Window. Power Access will then send mail to all of the names in this group. You can have as many groups as you want.

To create a new group, click the Add Group button.

In the Group field, enter the Group name.

In the Description field, enter any comments about this group that you feel you need.

In the bottom portion of the screen you will see two small windows. The window on the right lists all of the names you have in your address book. The window on the left lists all of the names that are in the current group. When you first create a group, this window is empty.

To add a user to a group, double click on that user's name. It will appear in the Group Members window and disappear from the Users window (so you don't select it again).  Click OK when you are done.

To modify a group, click on that group's name and click the Edit Group button.

To delete a group, click on that group's name and click the Delete Group button.


Signature

Power Access can automatically sign messages that you create when calling PowerBBS systems. Select Signature from the Mail menu. Enter your signature as you want it to appear in the Enter Signature window. Click OK to save this setting.


Taglines

Taglines are little messages that are added automatically to the end of your messages that you create with Power Access. To add, edit or delete taglines, select Mail, Taglines from the menu. To edit a tagline, double click on it or click once, the click the Edit button. To add a tagline, click the Add button. To delete a tagline, click on the tagline you want to delete and click the Delete button.


Hello Screens
Hello/Opening Screens

This command only works with PowerBBS systems that support Power Access connections!

If you want to see all of the opening screens for a PowerBBS system, select Mail, Hello/Opening Screens. If you are connected to a BBS when you select this option, you will see the screens for that BBS. If you are not connected to a BBS, you must select the BBS for which you want to see Hello screens. Use the drop down pick list on the Power Access screen to select a BBS.


New File List

This command only works with PowerBBS systems that support Power Access connections!

When you download a mail packet from a PowerBBS system, Power Access also receives a listing of the newest files available on that BBS. Select Mail, New File List to see a list of these files.


Modem Setup

Com Port: Select the communications port which your modem uses. Typically this is Com 2 on most systems, but it may be different on yours.

Default Baud: Baud rate refers to how fast your data is transferred through your com port. Select a rate that is at least as fast as your modem's carrier rate (2400, 9600, 14400, 28800). Your modem documentation will tell you how fast you can set this baud rate. For 14400 modems it is usually 38400 to 57600.

Select Modem: If you don't feel like setting up your own modem commands, use the Select Modem button to select your brand modem. If you do not see your brand modem, pick Hayes Compatible. AFter you click OK, PowerAccess will automatically set up your Init Strings for you.

Init String #1: When initializing your modem (preparing it for use), the software will send two different sets of commands to your modem. Typically the first command is a reset command such as ATZ or AT&F. Check your modem manual for the reset command for your modem.

Init String #2: This second initialization string is used to set custom parameters for your modem. Sometimes this command is not even needed. You will need to look in your modem manual for whatever commands you might need such as turning the speaker on or off.

HangUp String: Enter the string needed to hang up your modem. Typically it is ATH0.

Dial Command: Enter the command need to dial out with your modem. Usually this is ATDT.

Protocol: Choose the default protocol you prefer. The best choice is Z-Modem since it is the fastest and most reliable of the three choices.

Emulation Font: Click this button to choose the font for your ANSI display screens. You cannot choose just any font here, just those presented to you. The best font to use is Terminal, but you are welcome to choose different fonts and/or sizes.


Language

If you want to use PowerAccess with another language, select that language here.


Edit Row

First click on a row in the database. Then select PowerBase, Edit Row. If you have sysop access or are the one who entered that record you will be able to edit that row.

To Edit an Entry

Click on the field you want to edit. Type the new information, Press Enter to save the changes or Escape to abort.


Delete Row

First click on the row you want to delete. Select PowerBase, Delete Row. If you have sysop access or are the person who entered that entry, the row will be deleted.


Search

When you select this option, you will be able to search  the database for records that meet whatever criteria you set. You can search on a single field or multiple fields.

To Search

You must search for information in at least one field. To enter the information to search for, click on that field, then type in the information for which you want to search and press Enter. If you want to search on multiple fields, click on those fields and enter information there as well. When you click the Go button, PowerAccess will search the database for records meeting the criteria you set. If you specified information in more than one field, a record must have all of that information to be found in the search.

When the search is complete you will see a new database with just those rows that meet your search criteria. If you want to see the full database again, you must select that database from the BBS.


Add to Database

If you want to add a record to a database, select this option. You will see a dialog box with all of the fields from the database. Click on each field and type in the appropriate information. Press Enter to save the information in that field or Escape to abort. Once you have filled out all of the information, click the Go button.


Post to User

If a database has a field called POSTUSER, you can send E-Mail directly to the person who entered that record. Simply click on that row, then select PowerBase, Post to User. You will see the message editor pop up with the name from the POSTUSER field in the TO: field. Create your message as you normally would and save it.


Memo View

Some databases have a memo field. A memo field is a variable length field that is usually used for entries that are much longer than the norm. If a database has a memo field, you will only see a small part of it in the normal database view. To see all of it, click on that row and select PowerBase, Memo View. You will then see a dialog box with the contents of that memo field.


Teleconference

When you are connected to a PowerBBS system using PowerAccess, you are always "in" teleconference. By default you are in the room called Main Lobby. At anytime other callers on the system can send messages to you and you can send messages to other callers.

The main Teleconference windows is divided into two sections. The top section is where you will see the conversation take place. Whenever a caller sends a message to teleconference, you will see that message appear in the top window. Likewise, if you send a message to teleconference, it will appear in this window.

In order to send a message, type anything you want in the smaller window beneath the larger window. When you have typed your complete message, press Enter or click the Send button. This will send what you have typed to the larger top window on your computer as well as that of anyone else in teleconference.

The larger window will automatically scroll as new messages are sent by each caller. If you want to clear this screen yourself, click the Clear button.

There are several other things you can do in Teleconference. These are explained below.

Actions

Paging Other Callers (People)

Private Messages

Rooms

Edit Registry


Actions

An action is a special word in teleconference that will display a message indicating some sort of action. For example, the action word Giggle might display "James is giggling uncontrollably." You need only type the word Giggle and the BBS does the rest.

Listed on the right hand side of the teleconference window is a box listing the Actions for that BBS. The actions may be different on each PowerBBS system you call. If you don't feel like typing an action word, you can simply double-click on an action word in the actions list box. PowerAccess will automatically send that action word for you!

You may notice that some actions are just listed as one word; other actions have the word <user> after them. This is because there are two types of action commands: single-word and double-word.

Single-word action commands are exactly as you would guess - just one word. The Giggle action word described above is an example of a single-word action.

Double-word actions are special actions that can be performed on another caller. You must enter the name of a caller currently in teleconference in order for these commands to work. If you prefer, you can click on a name listed in the People in Room box, then click on a double-word action. PowerAccess will automatically use the name you selected as the second word of the action.

Double-word action commands will automatically insert the name of the caller you specify into the message it displays in teleconference. For example, if you were to use a double-action version of the Giggle action with the name Sweetcheeks, you might see "James is giggling uncontrollably at Sweetcheeks."


Paging Callers

If you want to invite other callers to teleconference, you must page them first. To do so, click on the People button. You will see a list of the other callers on-line. To invite another caller into teleconference, click on that caller's name and click the Invite button. That's it!


Private Messages (Teleconference)

If you want to send a message to another caller in Teleconference without any other callers seeing it, first type your message (but don't press Enter). Click on the name of the caller you want to receive the message (in the People in Room box). Now click the Priv Send button. This will send the message you just type only to the caller you specified. Nobody else will be able to see it.


Rooms

A PowerBBS system can have several rooms on-line. Think of each room as a separate teleconference. You can only be in one room at a time.

To join a room, click the Rooms button. Double click on the room you want to join.

To create a new room, click on the Rooms button. Double click on Create a Room entry. Enter the name of the room you want to create (anything you want).  Next you are asked if you want to close the room to invitation only. If you answer Yes, no one can enter that room unless you invite them. If you answer No, anyone can join that room if they want. Finally, you are asked if you are sure you want to create the room. Answer Yes and you will be in your newly created room.

Any room you create is automatically delete by the BBS when there are no callers on-line.


Edit Registry

If the PowerBBS system you are calling is using the PowerBase option, the sysop may have set up a database to use as a User Registry. If this is so and you have already entered a User Registry, you may edit your registry directly from Teleconference. Just click on the Edit Registry Button.


ANSI_Window
ANSI Window

This option is not available while you are on-line with a BBS. Select this option to get an ANSI (text) window on your screen. You can use this window to communicate with your modem via AT commands.


New_Phone_Directory
New Phone Directory

This command creates a new phone directory.

See also ...

Open Phone Directory

Save Phone Directory


Phone_Directory_Setup
Phone Directories

You store the phone numbers of the BBSs you call in the phone directories. If you want, you can keep all of the BBS numbers you call in a single phone directory. Or you may have multiple phone directories, maybe one for business and one for home.

The following is an explanation of the information needed for each phone book entry.

BBS Name

The name of the BBS.

Primary Phone

This is the first number you want PowerAccess to use when calling this BBS. If this number is busy or has no answer, PowerAccess will use the alternate phone numbers (alt-1 to alt-3).  When PowerAccess has tried all four possible numbers it will start again with the primary number.

NOTE: If you have call waiting on your phone line, put *70, in front of the phone number to disable it.

Alt #1 - Alt #3

These are alternate phone numbers to the primary phone number above.

Handle

If you are calling a PowerBBS system that uses Handles, enter that name here.  PowerBBS Systems Only.

Use Handle for Chat?

Check this box if you want your Handle to appear to other callers on-line. If you do not check this box, other callers will see your name as entered below. PowerBBS Systems Only.

Use Handle for QWK Mail

Check this box if you want your Handle used in the message system. If you don't check this, your name as entered below will be used. PowerBBS Systems Only.

Name

Enter the name you use on this BBS here. PowerAccess will use this name to log you on to the PowerBBS system you are calling. PowerBBS Systems Only.

Password

Enter your password here. Asterisks ****** will appear in place of the letters you type. PowerAccess will use this to automatically log you on to the PowerBBS system you are calling. You may leave this entry blank. If you do, the BBS you are calling will ask you for your password. PowerBBS Systems Only.

Default Connection

If you know you are calling a PowerBBS 4.0 or higher system, check PowerAccess. If you know you are calling a standard ANSI BBS, check ANSI-BBS. If you are unsure, check Detect.

Memo

Put any comments about this BBS here.

IP Address

If you are on a network that is running PowerBBS, enter the IP Address of that BBS here. Your sysop will know this address.

Dial

To dial a phone directory entry, click on that entry, then click the Dial button.

Edit

To edit a phone directory entry, click on that entry, then click the Edit button.

Add

To add an entry, click the Add button

Delete

To delete an entry, click on that entry first, then click Delete.

Close

Click the Close button to close the Phone Directory dialog box.

See also...

Open Phone Directory

New Phone Directory

Save Phone Directory as


User_Setup
User Setup

The information on this screen is used by PowerBBS systems to keep your  account information up to date. Please fill this information out completely and accurately since it is sent to the BBS everytime you call a PowerBBS system. This information is not sent to non-PowerBBS systems.

Please note that in addition to filling out your name here, you must also fill out this information in the Phone Directory. PowerAccess will use the name in the Phone Directory to automatically log you on to that BBS.


Modem_Setup_Screen
Modem Configuration

In order for you to be able to call a BBS, you must first set up your modem. A modem is a self contained device that either plugs directly into your computer or is connected with a cable.

Your computer talks to your modem using what is called a COM port. The speed at which it talks to your modem is called the baud rate. You must tell PowerAccess these two pieces of information in order for the program to function.

Comm Port

This is the port through which your modem and computer communicate. Most default installations work fine with COM2. Please pick the appropriate COM port for your modem.

Default Baud Rate

This is the rate at which your modem and computer communicate. Set this rate to the highest rate your modem permits. You can find this in your modem documentation. For 28.8 modems use at least 38400. For 14.4 and 9600 modems use at least 19200. For 2400 modems use 2400.

Init String 1 and Init String 2

These two items are special characters sent to your modem to "wake it up" and prepare it for operation. Typically the first string is used to reset the modem. This is usually ATZ or ATF. The second string is usually a few commands for special options on the modem such as &C1&D0. You will need to consult your modem manual for the best settings. If you are in doubt, use ATZ for Init 2 and AT&C1&D0 for Init 2. or use the Select Modem button.

Hang Up String

This is the string needed to hang up your modem. Typically this is ATH0 (that's a zero, not an oh).

Dial String

This is the command needed to tell your modem to dial. Usually ATDT works just fine (D means Dial and T means Touch Tone).

Select Modem

Click this button to see a list of modems. If you see your modem in the list, click on it, then click the OK button. This will automatically enter the two Init Strings for you. If you don't see your modem listed, select one of the Hayes modems based on your modem speed (Hayes 300 to Hayes 14400).

Prefix Phone Number

Enter the number(s) you want dialed prior to dialing the BBS number. For example, *70, will disable call waiting.

Post Phone Number

Enter the number(s) you want dialed after dialing the BBS number.

Protocol

When you transfer files between your modem and another modem you are using a protocol to transfer the files. Whichever protocol you choose here will be the default protocol when you download a file. Z-Modem is the fastest and most reliable protocol. Please note that this setting does not affect connections to PowerBBS systems since they have their own proprietary protocol.

Emulation Font

When you connect to an ANSI BBS or enter an ANSI window while on a PowerBBS system, you will see a Windows font. Most people will use the Terminal font. However, you may find you want to use another font. To do so, click the Emulation Font button and select a new font.

Redial Pause

Select the number of seconds PowerAccess should pause between each dialing attempt.


Preferences_Setup
Preferences

Download Directory

This is the directory into which all downloads will be placed, regardless of whether the file is from a file enclosure (see below) or a regular download.

When you download mail from a PowerBBS system using Send/Receive All Mail, the following preferences determine to a degree what you receive in your mail packet.

Include File Enclosures Address to You

If you check this option, PowerAccess will pick up any files attached to personal messages sent to you. The files will be placed in your Download Directory

Include File Enclosures Address to All

If you check this option, PowerAccess will pick up any files attached to public messages addressed to ALL.  The files will be placed i your Download Directory.

Maximum Private File Enclosure Size (K)

Enter the largest file enclousre size in kilobytes that you want PowerAccess to pick up when downloading mail. This option applies to files enclosed in personal messages to you.

Maximum Public File Enclosure Size (K)

Enter the largest file enclosure size in kilobytes that you want PowerAccess to pick up when downloading mail. This option applies to files enclosed in public messages to ALL.

Include New File List

Check this option if you want PowerAccess to retrieve a list of the newest files on the BBS you are calling. PowerAccess will only list those files put on-line after you last searched for new files.

Append New File List to Old

Check this option if you want a running list of new files. If you don't check this option, PowerAccess replaces each list with the latest version.

Note: The above file list can be seen by choosing Mail, New File List from the menu.

Retrieve/Play WAV Sounds

If your computer is capable of playing WAV files and you  want to hear sounds while on-line, check this option. Since WAV files take up disk space, you may not want to choose this option. Please note that not all PowerBBS sysops have WAV files on their systems.


What_Is_PA
What is PowerAccess

PowerAccess was created by the makers of PowerBBS to provide callers with a Windows based interface to PowerBBS bulletin boards. PowerAccess is freeware - your sysop(s) pay for PowerBBS to run their BBS. Please support your sysop if he or she asks for donations or subscriptions.

You can use PowerAccess to call PowerBBS systems as well as ordinary run of the mill ANSI systems. When you call an ANSI system you will get the same text based interface you are accustomed to.

But when you call PowerBBS systems you will see icons, buttons, bitmaps, boxes and hear WAV and MIDI files while on-line. You can preview graphics and text files on-line. You can read and write E-Mail off-line if you choose. You can teleconference with other callers while downloading files. In short, you can do just about anything you want on a PowerBBS system when using PowerAccess!

It is up to your sysop to create many of the screens you will see. The more bitmaps and graphics he or she puts on the screen, the slower they will display. Be sure to tell your sysop if you like the screens or dislike them. Sysops won't know a screen is too slow until you tell them.

While you are connected to a PowerBBS system, you may occasionally see an ANSI window pop up. Any DOS door your sysop offers on-line will appear in an ANSI window. When this happens, all other activities are suspended until you return from the ANSI window. Therefore, if you are downloading a file, don't enter an ANSI window. It will stop the transfer until you leave that window.

If you ever encounter a problem with PowerAccess, notify your sysop. Your sysop will in turn notify us.


Freqs
Frequently Asked Questions

Why do all of my windows disappear except one?

This happens when you start an ANSI (text) window. When this window is open, all other BBS operations are suspended until it is closed. This permits the BBS to run ANSI games and doors and still provide you with a Windows interface.

What are all these directories under the PowerAccess directory (\powracc)?

Each directory corresponds to a single phonebook entry. In each directory PowerAccess stores information specific to that BBS. It also stores any bitmaps and sound files that BBS has sent over to your computer. Do not delete any files in these directories. If you do, you'll have to wait while the BBS transfers those files again next time you call that BBS. When you delete a Phone Directory entry, the corresponding directory is deleted as well.

After I search a database, how do I get all of the records back?

You must first close the database, then reopen it to get all of the records back.

What happens on my first call

The very first time you call a PowerBBS 4.0 system with PowerAccess, that system will send graphics and sounds over to your computer. It is up to the sysop how many graphics and sounds are sent, so it will vary by system. Fortunately, this really only needs to be done once unless the sysop changes his screens. You will not be able to do anything else with PowerAccess while the screens are being retrieved.

In order to call a PowerBBS system, you must first enter that system in your phone directory. Click the yellow phone book button to bring up the directory. Click Add to add a new entry. You must fill in the Name in this dialog box. Use the same name you have always used for the BBS you are calling. Otherwise the system will think you are a new caller.

Why does the BBS no longer recognize me?

You must use the name you use on each BBS when you fill in the Name field in the phone directory.

Why is my user account information wrong?

In the PowerAccess menu Options, User Setup, there are several pieces of information you must fill out. Please fill this information in correctly. It is sent to the BBS each time you call. If you put junk in those fields, your sysop will be very unhappy!

How do I know what the toolbar buttons do?

To find out what a button on the toolbar does, place your mouse on top of that button. After about one second, a tooltip will pop up telling you what that button does.

Why doesn't the spell checker work?

Note that the AMERICAN dictionary was not included on your PowerAccess disk.  If your sysop does not have this file (PACCSPEL.ZIP), call the PowerBBS Support BBS at 516-822-7396, GO PBBS on Compuserve, or FTP PowerBBS.IC.NET for a copy of the dictionary so that you may use the spell checking capabilities of PowerAccess!


Off-Line_Mail
Using Off-Line Mail

Off-line mail is simply a term for reading and writing E-Mail when you are not connected to a BBS. It allows you to take your time while reading mail and to reply at your own leisure. When you connect to a PowerBBS system with PowerAccess, you have quick and easy access to off-line mail. Everything you need is built in.

The following are the basic steps for using off-line mail:

1. Call a PowerBBS system using PowerAccess.

2. Select Send/Receive All Mail from the Mail menu.

3.  Once you have downloaded your mail, disconnect from the BBS.

4. Select Read Mail from the Mail menu.

5. Reply to messages and/or create new messages.

6. Close the mail packet.

7. Call the BBS again.

8. Select Send/Receive All Mail from the Mail menu (note that Send Outgoing Mail is checked) and click OK.

9. Wait while the BBS posts your messages.

10. Voila! That's it!

See also...

Mail Menu


Files
Working With Files

When connected to a PowerBBS system while using PowerAccess, you have some great features for dealing with files. You can preview graphics files on-line, simultaneously upload and download files, and perform other actions while files are transferring.

You can continue to perform other tasks while transferring files. Once you start a download or upload, just go do something else. To initiate simultaneous uploads and downloads, just select the approrpriate options from the PowerBBS system you are calling. PowerAccess and PowerBBS will handle the rest.

Listing Files

Though every PowerBBS system is different, all will have a command that lists files. When you select this command, you will see a list of the file listings available. Select one of these lists to see the file names and descriptions in that list. Please note that you can open more than one file list at a time!

Descriptions

You normally see only a single line description for each file. If you want to see the full description, click on that file and click the Description button.

Selecting Files for Download

While viewing a list of files you will notice a small box to the left of each file name. If you double click on that box, you will mark that file for later download. Also, if you click on that file and click the Mark button, you will mark that file for later download. Double click that box a second time to UNmark that file.

Downloading Files

While listing files, click the Download button to start the download. You can continue using the BBS while files are downloading. You can even add more files to your download list by either marking them (see above paragraph) or click on them and clicking Download.

Previewing Graphics

You can preview just about any type of graphics file while connected to a PowerBBS system. When you see a file in a file list and want to preview it, simply click on that file and click the Preview button. Depending on whether the sysop has premade the preview file or not and the speed of your modem, it can take anywhere from 5 to 30 seconds to get the preview.

Previewing Other Files

You can preview other files as well. If you preview a file with TXT as the extension, you will see the text of that file in a window. If you preview a file with ZIP as the extension, you will see a list of the file enclosed in that ZIP (compression) file.


Play Sound

This command allows you top play a WAV or MID file if you have a Windows compatible sound card installed.