L O G G I N G   O N   A   B B S
          
          When you first have your modem dial a BBS (often started
          with the command <ALT> D on a DOS-based
          telecommunications program), you will hear rapid dial
          tones (touch-tone phone) and high pitched squeals (like
          a stuck pig). The modems then attempt to connect
          (handshake). The ghastly noise is the unmistakable "Call
          of the Modem." The awful noise stops when the modems
          connect. The SYSOP (SYStem OPerator) who runs the BBS may
          not give you full access. Normally, you will be asked to
          supply your name, address, and phone number. You will
          also be asked to provide a password. Be sure to write
          down this password and keep it in a safe place. People
          tend to forget their passwords. It is wise to keep your
          password secret. Don't even tell your mother.
          
          Some SYSOPs will call you in a couple of days to verify
          that you are at the phone number you gave them. Many of
          the better BBSs charge a yearly fee to access their
          board. This helps them defray operating costs. 
          
          When you first log on a BBS, it is a good idea to turn on
          the screen capture which is often called a CAPTURE LOG.
          This should be a feature of your communications software.
          If the telecommunications software you are using doesn't
          have this feature, it is time to switch. Sometimes this
          capture feature is called a capture log file. This
          captures the text that appears on your screen and
          eventually sends it to a file. For example, if you are
          using TELIX software, you press <ALT> L to invoke screen
          capture. When you press <ALT> L again, it turns off the
          screen capturing and saves the captured screens to a
          file. For example, TELIX, by default, saves captured
          screens to a file called TELIX.CAP which is found in the
          same directory as the main TELIX program. Later, you can
          use an editor, word processor, or LIST to view or print
          portions of this text file. It is helpful to read the
          bulletins when you first log onto a BBS. These usually
          contain lots of information about the BBS. Often BBSs
          have a bulletin containing information about other BBSs
          in the area. If you have your capture log turned on, you
          will be able to review such bulletins later, on your own
          time.

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