Running TriBBS in OS/2

				      by

				 Carey Peoples

This is by no means the only way to run TriBBS in OS/2.  This is just the way 
I have found works for my system.  I am currently running 3 nodes on a 
386DX40 with 5 megs.  There have been several people who have stated that OS/2 
is slow and will not run TriBBS efficiently.  At first I had some difficulty 
so I am writing this to try and help other sysops set up their systems more 
quickly than I did.

I have a separate computer for the BBS so this setup may not work for you.

First of all, since I don't do much work on the BBS computer, I don't need the 
Workplace Shell.  I use a Workplace Shell replacement called Filebar.  It is 
an excellent shareware program.  If you can not find it on this board I always 
have the latest version on my board.

First, install Filebar and set it up as the Workplace Shell.

You must create a SETTINGS.INI file for each node and place it in your node's 
directory.  I have enclosed my SETTINGS.INI for you to use to get you started.  
One of the settings in the SETTINGS.INI file is DOS_AUTOEXEC.  This setting 
points to the file the will be run as soon as the DOS session is started.  
This batch file will load any TSR's or PATH statements that you need.  
In my case I call that file UNDUE1.BAT.

Next you will need to copy the OS/2 COMMAND.COM to the node's directory.  It 
is located in the C:\OS2\MDOS directory.  

Now edit the Filebar menu and create a DOS session for your TriBBS node.  You 
will want to select DOS Full Screen for maximum speed.  Then under Pgm Path 
type in the path and filename where you put the COMMAND.COM file.  
Example:  C:\TRIBBS\COMMAND.COM   Then put your node's directory under 
Directory.  Example:  C:\TRIBBS   Save this and you are all set.

Now when you execute the menu item you just made, the following should happen:  
OS/2 will open a DOS session by executing COMMAND.COM using the settings in 
the SETTINGS.INI file.  Then the file you set up as the DOS_AUTOEXEC will be 
executed.  In my case it was UNDUE1.BAT.  UNDUE1.BAT will then start your 
Tribbs node.

If you have more than one node, all you need to do is put a COMMAND.COM, 
SETTINGS.INI and UNDUE1.BAT (or whatever you are calling it) in each node's 
directory.

You may notice in my UNDUE1.BAT file, I load a program called OSTSR.  I have 
found it does a good job in freeing up CPU time.

Also, you should use Ray Gwinn's SIO Communication Drivers to replace the 
one's that come with OS/2.  I also found that Ray Gwinns OS/2 fossil driver 
does not work as well as his DOS fossil drivers.  So, I use the DOS fossil 
driver and install it as a TSR for doors that need it. 

I hope this helps other sysops setup their system with OS/2.  I have been 
extremely satisfied with OS/2.  If this file has been useful to you or if you 
have any questions, please let me know.  I am available on WME and can also be 
reached on my board:

					Carey Peoples
					Undue Influence
					(916) 921-2645
					Sacramento, CA 

Recommended Files:

Filebar                 Workplace Shell Replacement
			Latest version at this date: 1.88

SIO131                  Ray Gwinn Communications Drivers
			for OS/2

OSTSR 1.1               Frees up clock cycles to OS/2 for progams that 
			are Desqview aware.