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WI$******************************************************************************* * * * * * WELCOME TO THE * * * * RRRRRRRRR BBBBBBBBB BBBBBBBBBB SSSSSSSS PPPPPPPP CCCCCC * * RRRRRRRRRR BBBBBBBBB BBBBBBBBBBB SSSSSSSSSS PPPPPPPPP CCCCCCCCCC * * RRR RRRR BBB BBBB BBB BBB SSSS SSS PPP PP CCC CCC * * RRRRRRRRR BBBBBBBBB BBBBBBBB SSSSS ==== PPPPPPPP CCC * * RRRRRRRR BBBBBBBBB BBBBBBBB SSSSS ==== PPPPPPP CCC * * RRR RRRR BBB BBBB BBB BBBB SSS SSSS PPP CCC CCC * * RRR RRRR BBBBBBBBB BBBBBBBBBB SSSSSSSSSS PPPPP CCCCCCCCCC * * RRR RRRR BBBBBBBBB BBBBBBBBB SSSSSSS PPPPP CCCCCC * * * * 15.1C * * USER'S GUIDE * * * * * * AUTHORS: Bruce Landeck and Doug Wichman * * Atlanta PC Users' Group * * * * MODIFIED by: Ronald I. Nutter * * Bluegrass IBM PC Users Group * * Bluegrass RBBS 606-272-0499 * * * ******************************************************************************* TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ---- INTRODUCTION ..................................................... 1 RECOMMENDED SYSTEM CONFIGURATION ............................... 1 SECURITY FEATURES .............................................. 2 SYSTEM SIGN-ON PROCEDURE ......................................... 2 BULLETIN SUBSYSTEM ............................................... 3 MESSAGE SUBSYSTEM ................................................ 4 FILE SUBSYSTEM ................................................... 9 ASCII DATA CAPTURE ............................................ 12 XMODEM FILE TRANSFER .......................................... 13 LIBRARY SUBSYSTEM ............................................... 14 UTILITY SUBSYSTEM ............................................... 17 APPENDIX A: RBBS-PC REFERENCE CARD ............................. 19 APPENDIX B: MODEM CONTROLS ..................................... 21 RBBS-PC USER'S GUIDE INTRODUCTION: This system is one of a family of local systems utilizing the RBBS-PC software package. RBBS, which stands for "Remote Bulletin Board System," is public domain software that is officially copyrighted and maintained by the Capital City PC Users Group in Washington, D.C. RBBS-PC exists for the purpose of exchanging technical information and software related to the IBM PC and other high-end microcomputers. You are encouraged to take full advantage of the many opportunities to be found within. Four features of RBBS-PC are particularly useful: (1) its BULLETIN subsystem; (2) its MESSAGE subsystem; (3) its FILE subsystem; and (4) its UTILITY subsystem. Bulletins announce information of general interest and can be accessed from either the introductory welcome or the Main Menu. From the Main Menu, you can also send messages to other users or comments to the system operator. Furthermore, RBBS-PC allows you to freely download and upload files from the File Menu. Meanwhile, the options available on the Additional Utilities menu provide needed statistics and alter several program specifications. RECOMMENDED SYSTEM CONFIGURATION: Successful sign-ons, viewing of ASCII text files, and exchange of messages require only an asynchronous ASCII terminal and a 300-baud modem. However, this minimum configuration does not allow you to store or transmit files. For maximum on-line interaction with RBBS-PC, the following equipment and software is recommended: IBM PC or IBM PC family member (e.g., the XT) 80-column monitor Asynchronous communications adapter (serial port) Hayes Smartmodem 300, 1200, or 1200B or Rixon PC212A Voice-grade telephone connection for modem 25 pin RS-232-C modem cable (for stand alone modem) 128K RAM One double-sided diskette drive Printer PC-TALK III, Hayes SMARTCOM II, CROSSTALK, PROCOMM, or QMODEM Communications Package We assume within this introduction to RBBS-PC that you are familiar with the operation of all components of the recommended system configuration. WIWIWIWI WIWI KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI Page 1 KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI WI WI SECURITY FEATURES: The current version of RBBS-PC contains extensive safeguards that systematically enhance security and privacy. These options make the system suitable for private business use. For instance, both users and commands have security levels assigned to them. Also, additional security is provided for messages and file downloads. All users must pass these security tests. Messages can be assigned a password by their creator. Only persons either logged on with that password or able to give it can read or inactivate ("kill") the message. Security violations are logged to the caller's file. These include any attempt to use functions without sufficient security clearance and any failure to give required passwords. At present, most local bulletin board systems allow you a maximum of anywhere from 20 to 120 minutes on-line (depending on the particular system and/or the time of day) after each sign-on. RBBS-PC periodically displays your remaining time and automatically signs you off at session expiration unless you sign off beforehand. SYSTEM SIGN-ON PROCEDURE: After dailing this bulletin board system and receiving confirmation of connection, you must press <C/R> (carriage return) once if transmitting at 300 baud or twice if at 1200 baud in order to synchronize the rates of transmission of both systems. Transmission of binary files under the XMODEM protocol as discussed in "XMODEM FILE TRANSFER" should be carried out using 8 data bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit (see your communications software documentation for directions on changing these parameters). A request for lower case capability is then displayed, followed by verification of current communications parameters and a request for graphics menus. If you are using an old terminal, your responses to these questions should be "N." All IBM PC products, however, do support lower case entries and graphics menus. When prompted, enter your first name, last name, and password exactly as they exist on the bulletin board system. You will immediately lose access to RBBS-PC if you enter either name incorrectly or enter three (3) incorrect passwords; however, RBBS-PC does not discriminate between upper and lower case entries. A successful sign-on produces a welcome screen and a listing of personal mail and caller statistics. If you wish to see any bulletin currently on the system, enter "N" in response to "Skip them?." This produces a listing of available bulletins. WIWIWIWI WIWI KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI Page 2 KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI WI WI BULLETIN SUBSYSTEM: Either a request that bulletins not be skipped or the <B> function from the Main Menu produces a listing of available bulletins like the following: ╔════════════════════╗ ║ BLUEGRASS RBBS ║ ╔═╩════════════════════╩═╗ ║ Bulletin Menu ║ ╔══════════╦════╩════════════════════════╩══════════════════════╗ ║ Bulletin ║ Description ║ ╚══════════╬════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ * 1 ║ The story behind the Second Ring * 2 ║ Bluegrass RBBS Policies. * 3 ║ Bluegrass RBBS Access levels. * 4 ║ Membership in Bluegrass RBBS & Bluegrass IBM PCUG 5 ║ Support Shareware and your club. 6 ║ Current Versions of Shareware/Freeware Software. 7 ║ Local BBS numbers. 8 ║ System Useage Report * - Required Reading first time on Bluegrass RBBS You can view a specific bulletin by entering its number, enlist on-line help via <H>, or exit to the Main Menu by pressing <C/R>. WIWIWIWI WIWI KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI Page 3 KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI WI WI MESSAGE SUBSYSTEM: The Main Menu serves as the central default menu for RBBS-PC. From this menu, you can directly or indirectly enter any of the four subsystems. What follows is a description of each option, several of which provide for the exchange of comments and messages: ╔════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ COMMUNICATIONS ║ ╔═════════════════════════════╗ ╟────────────────────────────────────────╢ ║ MESSAGE SYSTEM ║ ║ PERSONAL ║ ╚═════════════════════════════╝ ║[E]nter a message (to someone or all) ║ ║[K]ill a message (only your own, please)║ ╔═════════════════════════════╗ ║[P]ersonal mail check (got/sent any?) ║ ║ X══> Turns off this display ║ ║[R]ead message(s) ║ ║ (only bottom prompt) ║ ║[S]can msgs (to/from/topic) ║ ╚═════════════════════════════╝ ║[T]opic scan messages ╔═══════════╩═════════════╗ ╟────────────────────────────╢ UTILITIES ║ ║ CONFERENCING ╟─────────────────────────╢ ║ [J]oin conference ║[H]elp...Are you lost?╔══╩════════════════════╗ ╟────────────────────────────╢[X]pert mode on/off ║ ELSEWHERE ║ ║ SYSTEM ║[?]List of functions ╟───────────────────────╢ ║[A]nswer Questionnaire ╚════════════╦═════════╣[D]oors Subsystem ║ ║[B]ulletins (list, view) ║ ║[F]ile Subsystem ║ ║[C]omment (for SYSOP only) ║ ║[G]ood bye (disconnect)║ ║[I]nitial welcome message (review) ║ ║[Q]uit to a Subsystem ║ ║[O]perator (page SYSOP of this system) ║ ║[U]tilities Subsystem ║ ║[W]ho else is on the system ║ ║[@]Library Downloads ║ ╚═════════════════════════════════════════╝ ╚═══════════════════════╝ COMMUNICATIONS - PERSONAL [E] -- (Enter message) This enables you to send a public or password-protected message to another user or group of users. To enter a message, address it to the appropriate user(s), briefly state its subject matter, and choose one from the following list of available message protection options: K -- The message is made public in that it can be read by anyone but can only be killed if the proper password is given. Remember the password, and kill the message when it is no longer needed. P -- The message can be read and killed only by persons who can give the password or by the sysop. R -- The message can only be read by the addresser, the addressee, and the sysop. Any of these three parties can kill the message. N -- The message is given no protection. This is a public message that anyone can read and/or kill. H -- This describes all available message protection options. The message editing subfunctions mentioned under the <C> option WIWIWIWI WIWI KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI Page 4 KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI WI WI are also available for editing user-to-user(s) messages. [K] -- (Kill message) This option allows you to inactivate a message to which you have access. Here, you must enter an upper-case "K" or you will exit to the Main Menu. Pressing <C/R> bypasses an inactivation in progress. [P] -- (Personal mail) This lists message file use by and messages directed specifically to you. [R] -- (Read messages) Messages can be read with a stacked read command. For example, "R;10;14;32+" will cause messages 10, 14 and 32 plus all messages beyond 32 to be displayed one at a time. This command format must be used from the Main Menu. After an "r" or "R" has been entered at the Main Menu, the stacked read can still be used just by separating message numbers with semicolons. For example, inputting "10;14; 32+" will duplicate the process described above. Note that any stacked read command is limited to 9 messages. The stacked read command can have an "M" imbedded in it to read only messages sent to or from you. For example, from the Main Menu, you could enter "R;10;14;M;32+" to cause messages 10, 14, and only messages to and from you beginning with message 32 to be displayed one at a time. While messages are being read, the "More" prompt indicates the replies Y (to continue with the next message requested -- this is the default when messages are scanned forwards and backwards), N (for no more), NS (for non-stop scanning of messages), RE (to enter a response to the current message without having to go to the Main Menu), and K (to kill a message before continuing -- this occurs only for messages to or from you). To read messages backwards, you must enter a minus sign after the last message you wish to read. For example, you must input "R;32-" to start reading messages in reverse chronological order beginning at message 32. An asterisk (*) can be used in place of a message number on the Q, R, and S functions to start from the next message after the highest one you have read during this or previous sessions. [S] -- (Scan messages) This lists message date, sender, receiver, and subject for all messages. Messages with password protection will show <PROTECTED> when scanned. [T] -- (Topic scan messages) This lists message topics only. WIWIWIWI WIWI KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI Page 5 KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI WI WI COMMUNICATIONS - CONFERENCING [J] -- (Join Conference) This command puts you to a menu to select from any available conferences that are on a specialized or general topic of discussion outside the general message base. COMMUNICATIONS - SYSTEM [A] -- (Answer Questionaire(s)) This lists the questionaires that the sysop(s) have placed on the system for you to answer. Unless mentioned otherwise, these are voluntary and are not required to be answered. By answering them, you will be helping the sysop among other things to see what kind of software you would like to find on the board, what you would like to see discussed on the board, etc. [B] -- (Bulletins) This repeats the initial sign-on bulletin, which (for now) contains a list of up to 6 secondary bulletins available for immediate access. [C] -- (Comment) This enables you to issue a private message to the RBBS-PC operator up to a maximum of 19 lines of text. Pressing <C/R> on an empty line brings up the following edit subfunctions: A -- Abort without saving the message. C -- Continue adding lines to the message. D -- Delete a specific line of the message. E -- Edit a specific line of the message. I -- Insert a line into the message before a particular line. L -- List the entire message. M -- Set the right text margin at column 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, or 72. S -- Save the message. This option must be used in order to leave the message. ? -- List descriptions of all available edit subfunctions. Note that pressing <C/R> in response to some of these prompts allows you to return to the Main Menu without executing the chosen function or subfunction. [I] -- (Initial welcome) This repeats the RBBS-PC sign-on welcome message. [O] -- (Operator) This pages the sysop for 30 seconds. [W] -- (Who else is on) WIWIWIWI WIWI KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI Page 6 KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI WI WI In the case of multiple copies (nodes) of RBBS are running on a machine, this will show you who is currently on or the next node(s) that are available for use. ELSEWHERE [D] -- (Doors) This lists the .BAT files to which you may exit from RBBS-PC. When you return to RBBS-PC, you will find yourself back at the Main Menu. The applications that will run under "windows" are limited because: 1 -- The application software must be written to manipulate the communications port, or 2 -- The RBBS-PC system must run under MultiLink or Desqview. [F] -- (Files system) This allows you access to the File Menu (see "FILE SUBSYSTEM"). [G] -- (Goodbye) This function disconnects you from RBBS-PC. [Q] -- (Quit this subsystem) This gives the user the option of going to the file subsystem, doors subsystem(if available), returning the the Main subsystem or quiting the system. [U] -- (Utilities) This allows you access to the Additional Utilities menu (see "UTILITY SUBSYSTEM"). [@] -- (Library Downloads) A new feature to RBBS-PC 15.1C. This allows the sysop of the board to make available PC-SIG's CD-ROM collection of programs (over 700 disks worth of programs) for download. PC-SIG agrees to this availability on if a membership fee (if any) is charged for access to the board as a whole and not on a per download basis. UTILITIES [H] -- (Help) This describes all available Main Menu options. [X] -- (Expert on/off) This is a toggle for switching between novice and expert mode. In expert mode, menu options are not displayed and data entry/file maintenance is greatly facilitated. [?] -- (Functions) This lists the functions supported by RBBS-PC. These functions are: -- Allow the use of menus with graphics characters in them. WIWIWIWI WIWI KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI Page 7 KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI WI WI -- Send and receive messages with password protection. -- Download and upload 7-bit ASCII files. -- Download and upload 8-bit binary files using XMODEM and other protocols (if available). -- List files available for download via directory number selection. -- List new files available since last directory review. -- Save the caller's expert/novice, prompt, and page length preferene -- Save the caller's last message read, mark preference, and line feed preference. -- List personal mail message numbers or say "No personal mail." -- Provide for quick scan and scan of messages with a stacked number option. -- Read messages via a stacked number or from the last message read. -- Read sysop bulletins from the bulletin menu. WIWIWIWI WIWI KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI Page 8 KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI WI WI FILE SUBSYSTEM: The file subsystem permits you to move files between your system and RBBS- PC. Downloading refers to moving files from RBBS-PC to your computer, and uploading is moving files from your computer to RBBS-PC. The transfer of data can either be done in ASCII ,XMODEM protocol, or others as available. This protocol was originally developed by Ward Cristensen for CP/M-based systems but is also contained in programs such as PC-TALK III. ╔═════════════════════════════╗ ╔═════════════════════╗ ║ WHAT'S AVAILABLE? ║ ║ Files Subsystem ║ ╠═════════════════════════════╣ ╚═════════════════════╝ ║[H]elp (or ?) ║ ║[L]ist files available ╔════╩═══════════════════════╗ ║[N]ew files added since ║ UPLOADING AND DOWNLOADING ║ ║ specified date ╠════════════════════════════╣ ║[S]earch for substring ║ [D]ownload a file (to you) ║ ║ in file names/desc ║ [U]pload a file (to me) ╔══╩════════════════════╗ ║[V]iew .ARC contents ╚════╦════════════════════╣ ELSEWHERE ║ ╚═════════════════════════════╝ ╠═══════════════════════║ ║ [Q]uit to a Subsystem ║ ╔═══════════════════════════════╗ ║ [G]oodbye! (All Done) ║ ║[L] Directory of directories ║ [X]turns ╚═══════════════════════╝ ║ L;7;9;10 Shows dirs 7,9 & 10 ║ display ║ N;021887 Files from FEB 1, 87 ║ on/off ╚═══════════════════════════════╝ WHAT'S AVAILABLE [H] -- (Help) This describes all available File Menu options. [L] -- (List files) For a list of the names of the files that are available on the host disk for downloading, the <L>ist command should be entered at the File Menu. This command will display a listing of available directories like the following: Bluegrass RBBS-PC File Directory ╔════════╤════════════════════════╦══════════╤════════════════════════════╗ ║ Dir │ Description ║ Dir │ Description ║ ╠════════╪════════════════════════╬══════════╪════════════════════════════╣ ║ Asm │ Assembler pgms ║ Ham │ pgms for the Ham operator ║ ║ C │ "C" language ║ PCMag │ Utilities from PC Magazine ║ ║ Comm │ Communications pgms ║ Printer │ Printer Utilities ║ ║ Dbase │ Pc File, etc ║ Program │ Programs for PC and comp ║ ║ Draw │ Drawing & CAD pgms ║ Pursuit │ about to PC-Pursuit ║ ║ File │ File Utilities ║ Qbasic │ QuickBasic files ║ ║ Finance│ Financial programs ║ Text │ Tutorials, Info, etc. ║ ║ Forth │ Forth language ║ Utils │ Utilities for PC ║ ║ Games │ Games for PC ║ Word │ W.P. pgms & related files ║ To list a directory - type l;Dir name (i.e. L;File) ALL users may download the following - RBBSUSER.ARC - Instruction on how to use RBBS MASTER.DIR - listing of Files on this board WIWIWIWI WIWI KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI Page 9 KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI WI WI These directory [L]ists can be stacked as full as 9 entries to reduce your responses (i.e. "L;10;9;3" will list all files available in directories 10, 9, and 3). Each directory lists the full names of its files along with a short description of each. Usually, there is a document file that accompanies most of the program items on a bulletin board. These document files usually have an extension of DOC or TXT. [N] -- (New files) For a list of the names of the files that have been added since your last directory review, you must enter N;XX, where XX is the desired directory to be searched (i.e. "N;8;1" will display all new files added to directories 8 and 1 since your last directory review). You can also use "ALL" to check "ALL" directory files for new filenames. [S] -- (Search for substring in file name and/or description) This will help locate a file by name or containing a keyword or keyword(s) in the description. [V] -- (View .ARC contents) This will give a list of files in any file that has a .ARC extension. This is the same thing that you see when you type "arc v filename.arc" on a file on your pc. Helps in seeing if you need to download it or you are just curious. UPLOADING AND DOWNLOADING [D] -- (Download a file) See "ASCII DATA CAPTURE" and "XMODEM FILE TRANSFER" for details on downloading files via this option. [U] -- (Upload a file) You are encouraged to donate any potentially useful program or documentation to a bulletin board system's library. File uploading via RBBS-PC is very similar to downloading (see "ASCII DATA CAPTURE" and "XMODEM FILE TRANSFER"), and uploading of ASCII files can be done without interruption between lines. RBBS-PC can handle data uploading at 300 baud without any problem. However, if transfer is done at 1200 baud, there may be a data overrun if the file is larger than 20K. If RBBS-PC falls behind during a file upload operation, it will send an XOFF (Ctrl-S) to your system, and if your system supports XON/XOFF file transfer speed-matching, data transfer will be suspended until an XON (Ctrl-Q) is sent to you, indicating that RBBS-PC is ready to accept data again. When uploading files, you should convert BASIC programs to ASCII before transferring them so that callers without XMODEM can download them. This can be done by using the file save command format 'SAVE "filename.ext",A.' Before sending a bulletin board system a file, you must make sure the receiver has enough disk space to take the file. When you ask for an <U>pload at the File Menu, RBBS-PC will tell you how much disk space is free on the upload drive. If WIWIWIWI WIWI KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI Page 10 KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI WI WI this system runs out of disk space during an upload function, it will issue a cancel request. This will be in the form of a data stream of one or more ASCII CAN (Ctrl-X) characters. Your system will abort transmission if it supports XON/XOFF file transfer speed-matching protocol. If your system does not support XON/XOFF, the data overflow will be lost and RBBS-PC will recycle, thereby dropping you off-line. Be prepared to enter a file description (maximum of 40 characters) for each file you upload, for a description is required to complete the operation. [?] -- (Transfer info) This provides detailed instructions on how to download and upload files. ELSEWHERE [G] -- (Goodbye) This allows you to directly exit RBBS-PC from the File Menu. [Q] -- (Quit to main menu) This allows you to return directly to the Main Menu. WIWIWIWI WIWI KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI Page 11 KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI WI WI ASCII DATA CAPTURE: The transfer of files in ASCII mode can be done if your system is capable of data capture. Downloading a file via the ASCII method requires the sequence of steps listed below: 1. List the files available for download using the <L>ist command, and either capture the list to your printer or write down the exact names of the files you want to receive. 2. After returning to the File Menu, select <D>ownload. 3. When RBBS-PC asks for the filename you wish to select, input the exact filename and include a period between the filename and the extension. 4. When RBBS-PC asks for the type of download you want, input "A" for the <A>scii method. 5. When RBBS-PC tells you to open your capture file and press <C/R> to start the download, you should do so. Opening your capture file is done by using the Alt-R command in PC-TALK III, and file specification requires both a drive specification and an allowable filename. After setting up to receive the file on your end, you have to send RBBS-PC one carriage return so that it knows you are ready to start. 6. The file will be sent a line at a time until the entire file is sent. You will see the lines of ASCII code (readable text and numbers) on your screen as they flow to your system. If you wish to suspend the transmission temporarily, your system should send RBBS-PC a Ctrl-S (XOFF). A Ctrl-Q (XON) will restart the temporarily halted transfer. A Ctrl-X (ASCII CAN) can be sent any time to abort the transmission of the data; because of the output buffering performed automatically by RBBS-PC, there may be up to 120 characters transmitted before the output stops. 7. When the file transfer is finished, RBBS-PC will send you an End-Of-File Marker (Ctrl-Z) followed by 5 bells. You should close your capture file (PC-TALK III Alt-R) as soon as you hear the bells, or you will get garbage at the bottom of the file. If you go away for a cup of coffee and end up getting the "end of file" sign attached to the bottom of the capture file, you can delete it from the file later using a text editor. 8. After the file transfer is complete, you will be returned to the File Menu. You should look at the capture file at this point to make sure you got it OK. You can use the PC-TALK III Alt-V command to do this. Do not list the entire file unless it is short; RBBS-PC will give you 3 minutes to remain off-line before it assumes you have left for the day and recycles. To reconnect, simply redial the bulletin board. WIWIWIWI WIWI KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI Page 12 KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI WI WI XMODEM FILE TRANSFER: While the following refers exlusively to XMODEM, it also represents to a degree some of the other protocols available - YMODEM, IMODEM, WXMODEM, TELINK, etc. If your software supports XMODEM protocol (i.e. PC-TALK III, RELAY, and CROSSTALK), files with EXE, OBJ, and COM extensions and BASIC interpreter program files saved without the "A" parameter can be exchanged. Files containing the IBM PC special ASCII characters (ones with ASCII values above 128) can also be transferred with XMODEM --this includes Wordstar files. These files cannot be transferred in ASCII mode since ASCII transfer is only 7-bit, and these types of files require the full 8-bit transfer of the data with no translation of the contents of the file. XMODEM also offers the advantage of a block check to assure that the data sent contains no errors. It does this by adding a checksum byte to the end of each block of data; the receiver calculates its own checksum and compares it to the one received. If an error is detected in the transmission, XMODEM will request that RBBS-PC retransmit the block of data. An XMODEM file download requires the same first 4 steps as shown above for ASCII data capture, but <X>modem must be selected instead of <A>scii when RBBS-PC asks you what file download type you want (step 4). In addition, XMODEM file transfer requires the following: 5. If you called in using EVEN parity, RBBS-PC will tell you to switch to NO parity and 8 data bits (you may use the PC-TALK III Alt-P command to do this). If you called in using 8 data bits, the system will not give you this message. You should then open your capture file (PC-TALK III Alt-R command) and start the XMODEM receive process. PC-TALK III starts XMODEM for you when you put ";X" at the end of the download filename. 6. The file transmission will proceed automatically until the entire file has been transferred. You may abort the transfer by sending RBBS-PC an ASCII CAN code (Ctrl-X). PC-TALK III will do this for you if you enter an Alt-R during the file transfer. 7. When the file transfer is finished, XMODEM automatically closes your capture file for you. XMODEM also insures that binary files and text files appear just as they were sent to you with 99.6% error-free transmission. Wordstar files should transfer without additional carriage returns being added. 8. XMODEM transferred files cannot be listed on your monitor unless they are actually ASCII files. Binary files will appear as symbols rather than human readable text. WIWIWIWI WIWI KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI Page 13 KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI WI WI LIBRARY SUBSYSTEM: This advancement in technology allows your sysop to make available with the cooperation of PC-SIG over 700 diskettes worth of programs. CD-ROM's have the capacity to store approximately 550 megabytes worth of information. An important thing to remember, you must [A]rchive a Library Disk before you can download it. This accomplishes 2 things, it shortens the time required to download the file and ensures that all required files are with the program ╔═════════════════════════════╗ ╔═════════════════════╗ ║ WHAT'S AVAILABLE? ║ ║ Library Subsystem ║ ╠═════════════════════════════╣ ╚═════════════════════╝ ║[A]rchive a Library Disk ║ ║[C]hange Library Disk ╔════╩═══════════════════════╗ ║[H]elp ║ DOWNLOADING ║ ║[L]ist files available ╠════════════════════════════╣ ║[S]earch for substring ║ [D]ownload a file (to you) ║ ║ in file names/desc ║ [?]Library Help ║ ║[V]iew .ARC contents ║ ╔══╩════════════════════╗ ╚════════════════════════╣ ║ ELSEWHERE ║ ╚═════════════════════════╬═══════════════════════╣ ╔═══════════════════════════════╗ ║ [Q]uit to a Subsystem ║ ║[L] Directory of directories ║ [X]turns ║ [G]oodbye! (All Done) ║ ║ L;100;101 Shows dirs 100 & 101║ display ╚═══════════════════════╝ ║ ║ on/off ╚═══════════════════════════════╝ WHAT'S AVAILABLE? [A] - Archive a Library Disk The "A" command will create an ARCx file of the Library disk selected. It is desireable to ARCx files from the disk if you wish download more than a few files from a CD-ROM disk. Be aware that it may take some time to create the ARCx file, especially if the Library disk contains a large number of files. But, the time saved in downloading 1 compressed file is considerable compared to downloading 137 files individually froma disk. The name of the ARCx file created is as follows: If disk 367 was chosen (using the CHANGE option) file DK0367.ARC would be created upon issuing the A)rchive command. TIPS: 1. Only one archive file will remain on the RAM/work disk. This area is purged clean each time the A)rchive option is used. 2. If the Library disk being archived has sub-directories on it the A)rchive command will also archive the sub-directories as separate files. All files archived will be listed to let you know the file names ready for download. [C] - Change Library Disk WIWIWIWI WIWI KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI Page 14 KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI WI WI The "C" command will aquire a Library disk for downloading. Since the Library disks are really private sub-directories it is possible to have only one disk accessed at a time. When a disk is selected for downloading, you will be informed of the current selected disk before you change to a new one. If no change is desired, press the [ENTER] key to cancel the change. A Library disk must be selected using "C)hange" before they are available for use. Once selected, you may archive the entire disk or download any or all files on that selected disk. [H] - Help with the Library Subsystem [L] - List files available The "L" command will display the directories or categories of Library files which are available for downloading from RBBS- PC. The "L" command can also be used along with a directory name (or number) to display the list of files in that directory (e.g, "L;100". A brief description, the size in bytes, and the date the file was posted on the system accompanies each file name. After issuing an "L" command you can press ENTER to see a list of what categories are available, or specify what categories that you want to see. You can also enter "L;<directory name>" to see a list of files in that category. For example, "L;CDRM3" might display the names and descriptions of files in the Library disk 3 directory. [S] - Search for substring "S" scans file names and descriptions for a key term. This gives you the capability to search for a specific file, to locate a group of files dealing with a specific topic or to identify certain types of files (e.g., .BAS, .COM, .EXE). WARNING: This file is over 1.5 megabytes in size and could take up to 10 minutes to scan. Use caution with the "ALL" option. If a string is found when searching the Library directories the disk number will be displayed in columns 77-79. TIPS: 1. Keep in mind that strings consisting of only a few characters could produce too many matches. S;X will locate every line with an "X" in it. 2. Strings consisting of many characters could produce too few matches. For example, if you want all files connected with QMODEM, specifying "S;QMODEM" will miss QMDM210.ARC and QMODFON.ARC. You might want to broaded your search with "S;QM" to make sure you get all wanted files. 3. You can use the "S" command to search for file types such WIWIWIWI WIWI KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI Page 15 KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI WI WI as .DOC, .ARC, .COM etc. You could also search for files related to a specific topic such as "spread" for information or programs related to spread sheets or "comm" for communications programs. [V] - View .ARC contents "V" scans the .ARC file names specified and will give you a list of the file names and their sizes that are contained within the .ARC file. DOWNLOADING: [D] - Download a file ( to you ) This option will download a file from RBBS-PC to your system. Give it the name of the file that you [A]rchived and follow the rest of the instructions that follow. [?] - Library subsystem help ELSEWHERE: [Q] - Quite to File, Menu, Doors, Utility, or System (hang up) subsystem. [G] - Goodbye [X] - turns expert mode on/off WIWIWIWI WIWI KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI Page 16 KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI WI WI UTILITY SUBSYSTEM: Be aware of the following options, for they allow you to display and/or modify many of your program specifications without exiting RBBS-PC: ╔═══════════════════════╗ ╔════════════════════╗ ║ DISPLAY CONTROLS ║ ║ UTILITIES ║ ╠═══════════════════════╣ ╚════════════════════╝ ║[G]raphics ║ ║[L]ines per page ╔═════════════════════╗ ║[M]essage margin ║ SYSTEM PARAMETERS ║ ║[T]oggle bell, ╠═════════════════════╣ ║ line feeds, ║[B]aud rate ╔═══════════════════╗ ║ nulls,... ║[C]lock TOD ║ INFORMATION ║ ╚═════════════════║[F]ile protocol ╠═══════════════════╣ ║[P]assword change ║[H]elp (or ?) ║ ╚══════════════════║[R]eview preference║ ║[S]ystem stats╔═════════════════════╗ [X]turns display on/off ║[U]serlog ║ ELSEWHERE ║ ╚══════════════╠═════════════════════╣ ║[Q]uit to a subsystem║ ╚═════════════════════╝ DISPLAY CONTROLS [G] -- (Graphics) This serves as a toggle between no graphics, IBM graphics and Ansi graphics. [L] -- (Lines per page) This sets the number of lines per page before you are given the continue questions (Y/N/NS) [M] -- (Message margin) This allows you to set the right text margin at column 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, or 72. [T] -- (Toggle options) This lets you set whether line feeds are needed at the end of a line or not, how many (if any) nulls are needed at the end of a line before proceeding, and if you want a prompting bell to sound whenever a decision is needed from you by RBBS. SYSTEM PARAMETERS [B] -- (Baud rate) This allows you to switch your rate of transmission from 300 baud to 450 baud. Most 300-baud modems, including the Hayes Smartmodem 300, can transmit information at 450 baud. A direct switch from 300 baud to 1200 baud, however, is not available. [C] -- (Clock Time of Day) This displays the time of day and the elapsed time of the call in progress. [F] -- (File Protocol) WIWIWIWI WIWI KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI Page 17 KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI WI WI This allows you to select what file transfer protocol you would like to have as a default. If none is selected, you will be prompted for a choice with each download. [P] -- (Password) This changes your message protection password after requesting that you reenter your selection. INFORMATION [C] -- (Clock Time of Day) This displays the time of day and the elapsed time of the call in progress. [H] -- (Help) This describes all available Additional Utilities menu options. [R] -- (Review Preferences) This displays for you the preferences you have indicated (i.e. Novice or Expert menues, what type of file transfer protocol you want, what type of Graphics that are displayed, etc.) [S] -- (Statistics) This displays data on system use (e.g., number of callers and messages). [U] -- (Userlog) This displays a listing of either users or recent callers. ELSEWHERE [Q] -- (Quit to a subsystem) This allows you to return to the Doors subsystem (if available), the Files Subsystem, the Main menu or to sign off the system. WIWIWIWI WIWI KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI Page 18 KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI WI WI APPENDIX A RBBS-PC REFERENCE CARD RBBS-PC MAIN MENU: [A] -- Answer Questionaire [B] -- Bulletins [C] -- Comment <A> -- Abort <C> -- Continue <D> -- Delete <E> -- Edit <I> -- Insert <L> -- List <M> -- Margin <S> -- Save <?> -- Subfunctions [D] -- Doors Subsystem [E] -- Enter message <K> -- Killed by password only but read by all <P> -- Password-limited reading and killing <R> -- Read and killed by addresser and addressee only <N> -- No protection <H> -- Help <?> -- Temporary novice mode (The message editing subfunctions are also available here) [F] -- Files subsystem [G] -- Goodbye [H] -- Help [I] -- Initial welcome [K] -- Kill message [O] -- Operator [P] -- Personal mail [Q] -- Quit to a subsystem [R] -- Read messages [S] -- Scan messages (to/from/topic) [T] -- Topic Scan (messages) [U] -- Utilities subsystem [W] -- Who else is on [X] -- Expert on/off [?] -- another way of getting additional help [@] -- Library Subsystem WIWIWIWI WIWI KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI Page 19 KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI WI WI RBBS-PC FILE SUBSYSTEM MENU: [D] -- Download a file [G] -- Goodbye [H] -- Help with files subsystem [L] -- List files [N] -- New files [Q] -- Quit to another subsystem [S] -- Search for substring in file names/descriptions [U] -- Upload a file [V] -- View .ARC contents [X] -- Expert on/off [?] -- another way to get help UTILITIES SUBSYSTEM MENU: [B] -- Baud rate [C] -- Clock time of day [F] -- File transfer protocol [G] -- Graphics [H] -- Help [L] -- Line per page [M] -- Message margin [P] -- Password [Q] -- Quit to main menu [R] -- Review preferences [S] -- Statistics [T] -- Toggle options (Line feeds/Nulls/Prompt Bell) [U] -- Userlog LIBRARY SUBSYSTEM MENU: [A] -- Archive a Library disk [C] -- Change Library disk [H] -- Help [L] -- List files available [S] -- Search for substring [V] -- View .ARC contents [D] -- Download a file to you [?] -- Help [Q] -- Quit to a another subsystem [G] -- Goodbye GLOBAL VARIABLES: <C/R> -- Bypass prompt <Ctrl-K> -- Abort entered option * -- Next message after highest read this session <[Y]> -- Yes (default) <N> -- No <NS> -- Non-stop scrolling <RE> -- Response to message <K> -- Kill message WIWIWIWI WIWI KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI Page 20 KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI WI WI APPENDIX B MODEM CONTROLS RBBS-PC uses a Hayes Smartmodem 300 or 1200. The switch settings on the modem are: switch -- 12345678 setting - UUDDDUUD These switch settings should work for your communications software package (e.g., PC-TALK III); however, you will be advised to give the modem an "ATZ" command before using PC-TALK III in order to reset the registers correctly. The modem cards now available for the IBM PC can be used without changing any of their switch settings as long as they have a Hayes-compatible command mode. The Hayes 1200B and the Rixon PC212A have been tested successfully with RBBS-PC using the standard card switch settings. Callers who come in at even parity and 7 data bits and then try to change to no parity and 8 data bits to use XMODEM may have a problem if they are using PC-TALK III and a Hayes Smartmodem. Switch 1 has to be down (the factory default position), or the carrier will be dropped when the communications parameters are switched. To avoid this, the PC-TALK III caller will have to enter the escape code (factory setting "+++"), reset the modem parameters with Alt-P and/or Alt-F, and then return to the "connect" state with the command "ATO." Callers who wish to communicate at 450 baud have to call in at 300 baud then switch to 450 using the [B]aud rate selection from the Additional Utilities menu. WIWIWIWI WIWI KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI Page 21 KWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWIKWI WI WI WI$