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- TurBoard v0.40
-
- from Software @ Work
-
- TurBoard Version 0.40 Sysop's Reference Manual
- (c) Copyright Shawn Rhoads 1991,92, All Rights Reserved
- (c) Copyright Software @ Work 1991,92, All Rights Reserved
-
- May 28, 1992
-
- This document written by Shawn Rhoads
-
- TurBoard is an NAPLPS, ANSI and ASCII asynchronous
- telecommunications program designed to provide server E-Mail,
- data and information exchange for a group of users. The system
- can be used in a public or private environment and over a LAN or
- Modem connection.
-
- If you wish more information about TurBoard and how to register
- your copy for $35, contact:
-
- Shawn Rhoads
- Software @ Work
- P.O. Box 283
- Chattanooga, TN 37401-283
- (615) 756-8220 (voice)
- (615) 756-7810 (data)
-
- Unfortunately, time has not yet been taken to write a detailed
- specification of the TurBoard BBS System. This document has
- been written to enlighten TurBoard Sysops of the commands they
- can use to configure their system.
-
- You can always leave a message on the support bulletin board in
- the TURBOARD forum.
-
- TurBoard v0.40 Sysop's Reference Manual
-
- Table of Contents:
-
- 1. Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3
- 2. Installation Instructions . . . . . . . . . Page 3
- 3. Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4
- Changing System Options . . . . . . . . . Page 4
- Customizing Security Levels . . . . . . . Page 5
- Forum and File Security . . . . . . . . . Page 6
- Ads, BBS List, Books . . . . . . . . . . Page 7
- Doors and Misc Security Menu . . . . . . Page 7
- FidoNet Security Menu . . . . . . . . . . Page 8
- 4. Adding and Maintaining Bulletins . . . . . . Page 9
- 5. Mail Forums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9
- Maintaining Mail Forums . . . . . . . . . Page 10
- Chairmanship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10
- Security in Mail Forums . . . . . . . . . Page 11
- 6. File Directories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12
- Adding and Maintaining File Directories . Page 12
- Adding Files to Your Directories . . . . Page 13
- UPLOADS and how they work . . . . . . . . Page 13
- 7. Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14
- 8. The YAK Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15
- 9. User Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 16
- 10. Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 17
- 11. BBS List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 18
- 12. On-Line Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 19
- 13. Art Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 19
- 14. Keyboard Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 19
- 15. Colors? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 20
- 16. Full Screen Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 21
- 17. Line Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 21
- 18. Command Line Parameters . . . . . . . . . . Page 21
- 19. Modem Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 23
- 20. FidoNet! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 23
- Configuration of TurBoard with FidoNet . Page 24
- Setting up FidoNet for the First Time . . Page 24
- TBFIDO.EXE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 24
- COST and TurBoard . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 25
- EchoMail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 25
- 21. Customizing Your Displayed Screens . . . . . Page 26
- 22. NAPLPS Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 28
- 23. DAILY.BAT (Daily Batch event) . . . . . . . Page 28
- 24. TurBoard Terminal Emulation . . . . . . . . Page 28
- 25. Registered TurBoard Sysops . . . . . . . . Page 29
-
- TurBoard represents a *lot* of work. Even if you don't
- contribute to the shareware cause, we are always looking for new
- ideas! Please support the shareware cause with your input, call
- the support BBS (PC Chattanooga, 615/756-7810) and give us your
- input!
-
- Requirements
-
- TurBoard requires that you have a PC-DOS session with at least
- 320 kilobytes of RAM. A serial port, modem and LAN hardware are
- optional. While the serial port and modem are not required to
- run this program in local mode, you must have them to run a
- bulletin board system!
-
- It is suggested that you use a asynchronous communications
- FOSSIL and have DSZ loaded into your PATH. Other than this, no
- other software is required.
-
- If you intend to run a message intensive system, a 2400 baud
- modem and about 5 MB of free hard disk space is all that is
- required to run a small to modest message based system. If you
- want to add doors, download files, FidoNet echo forums and other
- features generally associated with bulletin board systems, it is
- suggested that you have a 20 MB hard disk minimum. There is no
- upper limit.
-
- For local NAPLPS displays, TurBoard requires that you have a EGA
- or a VGA installed in your computer. CGA mode can be used with
- a device driver from PC Chattanooga, but it is not recommended,
- and the poor graphics make it almost unusable. This, however,
- will not hinder your callers from using NAPLPS, you will mearly
- see the NAPLPS codes locally in text mode rather than seeing the
- NAPLPS images. (For optimum speed, it is suggested that you
- keep local viewing off via the Alt-S)noop command anyway.)
-
- Installation Instructions
-
- Ensure you have a copy of DSZ (file transfer program) and it is
- included in your current path, TurBoard requires this. Also,
- you should have a FOSSIL loaded, I suggest using X00.SYS. You
- can install X00.SYS in your CONFIG.SYS with the statement
- DEVICE=X00.SYS.
-
- UnZip the file TB???.ZIP in the directory you wish TurBoard to
- reside.
-
- ! Save a copy of TB???.ZIP, as some of the files will be removed
- (the ZIP's) after they are used by the INSTALL program.
-
- 1) To configure your TurBoard system for the first time, simply
- type:
-
- INSTALL
-
- The correct subdirectories will be created and zip files will be
- unzipped (make sure that your PKUNZIP program is in the current
- path).
-
- 2) Once the INSTALL program has successfully run, you will be
- prompted to start TurBoard by entering the following command:
-
- TB
-
- 3) If this is the first time you have dealt with TurBoard,
- choose the Q)icksetup option. TurBoard will create all the
- subdirectories it needs and you will only be prompted for
- hardware specific information.
-
- When configuring your modem, you should see a configuration
- option similar to your modem. If not you may use the modem
- configuration strings included in a later chapter to help you
- configure your particular modem.
-
- Always use TB.BAT! This is how you should always start the
- TurBoard BBS system. If you do not, the system will stop
- whenever someone enters a door or downloads a file.
-
- Answer the questions. If you have a problem configuring your
- modem, (you do not get the "Waiting . . ." status after you have
- configured everything,) we may need to set up a special modem
- definition for your specific modem. If this is the case, call
- the TurBoard Support BBS system (PC Chattanooga) at 615/756-7810.
-
- The following two files will be unzipped in the TEXT and YAK
- subdirectories of the same name. They will be deleted when
- INSTALL runs, but you may want to install them yourself. They
- are described here for your information.
-
- TEXT.ZIP - Includes Help Files, Welcome, and Logoff Screens.
- YAK.ZIP - Includes the menu files, news files, and the yak
- data files.
- (more on this later)
-
- After this you may delete these ZIPs, you will no longer need
- them all the other files are created automatically as they are
- needed.
-
- Configuration
-
- Once you are at the call waiting screen, you will probably want
- to customize your system to reflect the BBS name, open or
- closed, etc.
-
- To log on for the first time, type Alt-L for local login. Give
- the name and password you specified when you installed TurBoard.
- When you see the ">" symbol, this is the primary TurBoard
- command prompt. Any command may be entered whenever you see
- this prompt.
-
- Enter the "SE" (for setup) command and choose option 1. Now you
- may change your system name and some other parameters. To
- change how your system displays news and other options, you may
- wish to read "The YAK Subsystem" section below.
-
- You will see a menu containing options to customize system
- information, security levels, forum and file security, ads, BBS
- list and book options, doors and misc. options, FidoNet options
- and security and modem settings.
-
- Following are some guidelines for configuring these options.
-
- Changing System Options
-
- You are already familiar with the SE command. Option 1 allows
- you to change some of the primary system settings. They are
- explained below:
-
- Name - This is the system name (ex: PC Chattanooga) that you
- wish to refer to you BBS system as. Setting this option will
- cause your system name to appear throughout the system menus,
- such as the file directory screens.
-
- Password - If you desire, you may require a logon password for
- EVERYONE to use every time they log on. Some Sysops desire a
- private board, but one you don't have to be pre-registered to
- log into, this is a method to accomplish that.
-
- Sysop Password - For added Sysop access security, this option
- will require all users with Sysop access to enter this password.
- This is good if your Sysops use their password on another
- system.
-
- Sysop Avail - Toggles the message the user gets when O option is
- used. Same as Alt-O at the keyboard, but allows the Sysop to
- turn this option on and off remotely.
-
- Sound - If this option is turned on, the BBS will beep (ASCII 7)
- when the user does. This is defaulted to off.
-
- Zone - Used to specify the primary FidoNet zone of the BBS.
- Normally 0 for a non-FidoNet system.
-
- Net - Used to specify the primary FidoNet network of the BBS.
- Normally 0 for a non-FidoNet system.
-
- Node - Used to specify the primary FidoNet node of the BBS.
- Normally 0 for a non-FidoNet system.
-
- Point - Used to specify the primary FidoNet point of the BBS.
- Set this option to 0 for a non-FidoNet, or a primary node system.
-
- Total Callers - How many people have called the BBS to date.
-
- Open System - Normally yes, this option can disallow new users
- tolog on.
-
- Time Zone - Specifies which time zone the BBS resides.
-
- Log Records - Specifies how the system log is kept. If None,
- then no monthly files are kept of the user activity. Set this
- option to 1 for monthly files.
-
- Customizing Security Levels
-
- The TurBoard security levels can be customized by choosing
- option 2 from the SE command. You can add new security
- definitions as well as change names and time limits on currently
- defined levels. You can enter colors at the command input line,
- but you will need some additional information, refer to the
- "Colors?" section below.
-
- Forum and File Security
-
- These are security levels generally associated with options for
- message forums and file directories. The are modifiable so that
- certain privileges may be given and removed from different
- security classes.
-
- Add Forum - This security and higher has the authority to add a
- new message forum. He may not, however automatically be able to
- use the CH command on that forum!
-
- Edit Forum options (CH command) - This security and higher has
- the authority to issue the CH command in any message forum,
- regardless if he is the actual forum chairman or not.
-
- Delete Forum - This security and higher has the authority to
- remove any message forum with the DF command. (The actual data
- files must still be manually deleted.)
-
- Enter FidoMail - This security and higher may enter FidoNet
- messages in a (the) message forum designated as FidoNet.
- Persons with security levels below this specified level may only
- enter "normal" messages into the forum. (Which do not get
- routed into FidoNet.)
-
- Read all mail - Probably should be named "read private mail".
- This person may read ANYTHING, including all message forums and
- all private mail in those message forums.
-
- Move Message - Security required to issue the MM command which
- moves a message from the current forum to another forum.
-
- Add File Directory - Security required to add a new file
- directory. (colors may be used as in naming of security levels.
-
- Delete Directory - Security required to remove an <empty> file
- directory.
-
- FF (or Find Files) - This command will search all your
- directories and add any new files in those directories.
-
- Edit Directory Entry - This is the security required to edit a
- FILE ENTRY, not a directory entry (which may not be edited once
- created.)
-
- Edit Extended - Allows access to extended file entry functions
- including resetting the review of the file as well as editing
- the comments file.
-
- Ads, BBS List, Books Security
-
- This menu (option 4 in the setup section) deals with securities
- for the classified ads, BBS list and Books subsystem. For
- additional information on each of these, please refer to the
- appropriate section.
-
- Delete Ad - This security and higher has the authority to read
- and delete ANY classified ad.
-
- Ad categories - This security and higher has the authority to
- alter the characteristics of any ad category. This includes
- security levels, etc. (see the section on classified ads.)
-
- Delete BBS entry - Authority to delete BBS entry. The only time
- a user may delete an entry but not have the required security
- level is if they were the one who entered it in the first place.
- In case you want the users to have Delete access all the time,
- lower this option to the security you prefer.
-
- BBS Sysop Info - Shows detailed information about Sysop's home
- address, etc.
-
- Make BBS text - Security required to created the actual BBS text
- file that you may or may not want to issue every month.
-
- Add BOOK - Required security to add a new book. (see section on
- books for more details)
-
- Edit Chapter - Required security (if you are not the "author" of
- a book) to edit a chapter in the book.
-
- Add chapter - Required security (if you are not the "author" of
- a book) to add a chapter to the book.
-
- Add bulletin - Required security to issue the AB command which
- creates a new bulletin.
-
- Delete bulletin - Required security to issue the DB command
- which removes a current bulletin.
-
- Edit Bulletin - Required security to issue the EB command which
- edits a current bulletin.
-
- Enter Resume - Required security to enter a resume into the
- classified ads system.
-
- Scan Resume - Required security to scan resume's in the
- classified ads system.
-
- Doors & Misc Security Menu
-
- This section (option five in the setup menu) deals with security
- levels for on-line doors and other special command line options
- including the YAK subsystem, which controls things such as the
- on-line news and the main menu. You can customized the system
- to your preference, and this menu sets up the security levels to
- do so.
-
- Add Door - This is the security required to issue the AD command
- to set up a new external door.
-
- Edit Door - This is the security required to issue the ED
- command used to change the options of a door's setup.
-
- Edit Text Files - This is the security required to issue the
- EDIT command at the > prompt. The EDIT command requires that
- you include a parameter on the line indicating the path and
- filename of the file you wish to edit. (For file names with no
- extension, be sure and include a period at the end. Ex: > edit
- shawn. )
-
- Type Text Files - Security required to issue the TYPE command at
- the > prompt. This is useful in displaying a file you just
- edited witht he EDIT command. A file name parameter is required
- here also as well as the same period naming convention (see
- above).
-
- Detailed Log - This is the security required to see a log
- including anything other than the (1) logon action. For more
- information see the Log section of the manual.
-
- Edit Users - This is the security required to edit any user
- other than yourself, (and to edit some normally uneditable
- options on your record.) Normally reserved for Sysops only.
- Also, all passwords will be visible by this security level.
-
- Yak Subsystem - This is the required security to initiate the
- YAK subsystem editor. (YAK is the command.)
-
- Setup Menus - This is the security to start these setup menus.
-
- Upload SL - This is the security level required to upload files
- (use the U command).
-
- New User SL - This is the security level assigned to first time
- callers.
-
- FidoNet Security Menu
-
- This menu contains some configuration options for FidoNet. Some
- ofthem are for debugging problems that may exist in FidoNet,
- others are just for looks.
-
- Set NetMail Ctrl - This is a debugging tool used to see the
- operation of the SEEN-BY, ^aPATH and other lines, in case there
- is a routing problem with one of your FidoNet Echos. (This
- options will cause problems if you are sending mail down the
- line to another system, please use with caution!)
-
- EchoMail origin - This is that famous " * Origin: " line that
- everyone is so cute with. You may enter anything here, but
- preferably your system name and location. "(net/node)" will be
- automatically appended on the end.
-
- Point Network - If you have a point network, specify it here so
- that mail will be properly routed to your points.
-
- Allow Passthrough - Probably should be named, "allow leech".
- Tells TurBoard to take mail that was not addressed to you, but
- to someone else, and send it. (This may or may not be a long
- distance call.) This is only for NetMail, not EchoMail.
-
- Adding and Maintaining Bulletins
-
- It's a good idea to put important information for your users in
- bulletins so they can refer back to the information as often as
- they need to. Bulletins are controlled solely in the TurBoard
- environment. You never need to go outside the system unless you
- wish to import data or text from another source.
-
- Initially, TurBoard has no bulletins. If you wish to create
- one, you will need to use the AB command. Once you issue the AB
- command, you will be prompted for the description of the
- Bulletin. This is the text that will appear in the main
- bulletin menu.
-
- Once you've entered the description, you will enter the editor
- (either full screen or line, depending on your setup). Here is
- where you will enter the actual bulletin text. If you are in
- the full screen editor, you can enter colors with the Ctrl-W
- command.
-
- After the bulletin is saved, you will be prompted for the
- security level of persons with access to the bulletin, as well
- as a read flag. This flag displays "No" or "Yes" depending if
- the person has read the bulletin or not. (It does require some
- file space, but only 1 bit per person, very small.)
-
- For example, lets create a new bulletin via the AB command
- entered at the TurBoard prompt:
-
- > AB <enter>
-
- You will notice that you are now creating a new bulletin.
-
- Some there are some special files you can place in your bulletin
- directory to add NAPLPS support that will override the normal
- TurBoard displays. Using this technique, you can create a
- customized bulletin display that will take full advantage of
- NAPLPS.
-
- If you wish to create your own bulletin menu in place of the
- normal TurBoard created menu, create a file called BULLN (for
- NAPLPS), BULLG (for ANSI) or (BULL) for ASCII and place it in
- the DOS directory named TEXT (under the TurBoard root
- directory). It is the System Operators responsibility that the
- BULL? file matches the information that TurBoard knows.
-
- In addition, you can create specific emulation files for NAPLPS,
- ANSI and ASCII. The name of the file is BUL[bulletin
- number][Emulation code] with no extension. For example, if you
- wanted to add a NAPLPS frame for bulletin number 3, the name of
- the file would be BUL
-
- Mail Forums
-
- The basis for any bulletin board or other telecommunication
- program is the ability for users to communicate with one
- another. I've attempted to make TurBoard as communications
- intensive as I could. While some packages refer to message
- forums as "bases," "areas" or "conferences." I choose "forum"
- because that is what messaging should be: a forum for
- discussion!
-
- In any case, TurBoard allows unlimited message forums
- (limited,rather, by your available hard disk space). I choose
- names rather than numbers to give a more human feel to each
- forum (and if a BBS has 200 forums, who knows what #132 is?) I
- am, however, considering switching to a number format if there
- are enough requests.
-
- Create the message forums with the AF command (standing for Add
- Forum). The first forum you create is very important! It is
- the all time default forum. I choose to call mine "PRIMARY".
- Unless another forum is joined first or someone reads all the
- messages and automatically joins the next forum, messages
- entered with the E command get sent to this forum.
-
- The primary message forum will always be displayed at the top of
- the forum list. Everything below that is sorted in alphabetical
- order.
-
- These are the TurBoard message commands that are active when you
- are reading mail. These commands are meaningless unless the P,
- R or S command is active.
-
- Maintaining Mail Forums
-
- Usually, there are no requirements placed upon the Sysop for
- maintaining the message forums. And assuming you had unlimited
- disk space, everything would be okay.
-
- But, for networking reasons, when messages are deleted, they are
- NOT removed. They are flagged for deletion until some process
- (currently the sysop only, but events are planned) comes along
- and physically removes them.
-
- The PM (for pack messages) is a local forum command that removes
- all messages flagged for deletion as well as all private mail
- that has been read.
-
- Another problem that Sysops run into is messages entered into a
- forum that really belong somewhere else (like in the primary
- forum). The MM (for move message) command will copy a message
- to the specified forum and flag the original message for
- deletion.
-
- Conference Chairmen have the ability to PM and MM in their
- respective forum (and only in their respective forum).
-
- Chairmanship
-
- It is profitable for everyone when you assign a leader or
- "Chairman" to a forum. People can identify him/her with the
- forum topic and have a direction to ask questions and enter
- comments. The Sysop benefits by not having to police every
- forum and allowing the Chairman to pack and move messages.
-
- Chairmen have the power to read private mail, delete and
- undelete any message in their forum. Chairmen also have the
- power to set the security level required to read/enter messages
- as well as changing the description line for the conference via
- the CH command.
-
- Chairmen can also assign away their chairmanship.
-
- There are several things that a chairman (as well as the Sysop)
- has control over. They include how many messages should remain
- active at any given time, how old messages can be before they
- are deleted, if people can enter private mail in this forum,
- what security levels can read or enter mail in this forum, and
- the description of the forum (displayed in the forum menu.)
-
- Message Forum Security
-
- Security is also defined by the CH command. Version 0.36 and
- above have special security "groups". The security level for
- each message forum can be set as always with a "security level
- >= X" where X is a security level set by the Sysop. A new
- edition will allow up to four exact security level matches as
- well. These are defined as "secuirty level = X" where X is a
- security level set by the Sysop.
-
- For example, if a Sysop has defined security level 35 to be
- "Macintosh Users" and 40 to be "Amiga Users" and 50 to be "DOS
- Users" and wishes only "Macintosh Users" and "DOS Users" to
- access the "Windows GUI" forum, security can be set as follows
- (via the SE command, set security level).
-
- Security Level >= 200 (All levels >= 200 have access)
- Security Level = 35 (Give Macintosh Users access)
- Security Level = 50 (Give DOS Users access)
-
- Up to four specific "exact" secuirty levels may be defined.
- This method gives greater flexability than pervious "group"
- methods, as the entire BBS is not limited to a certain number of
- "groups". Access, however, may only be given to a maximum of 4
- specific security levels and one greater than or equal range of
- security levels.
-
- Also, in the case of FidoNet forums: A user with security
- greater than or equal to the enter security for that forum may
- enter normal messages. BUT, if that user attempts to enter or
- reply to a FidoNet message, their security level must exceed or
- be equal to that of the security level set tin the SE option for
- entering FidoNet messages. That is to say, a FidoNet (not Echo)
- message can only be sent if the security of that user is
- authorized.
-
- Every forum may have a initial screen displayed when you first
- join it. This is useful in showcasing the forum for first time
- joiners, so they will get an idea of what the forum is about.
-
- File Directories
-
- File directories in TurBoard are used to catagorize files into
- different interest groups. In reality all the files
- descriptions are stored in one file (this may prove to be a
- problem with large networks). A separate file contains
- information on the "directories".
-
- When a file belongs to a directory, it is specifying where it
- resides on the BBS system physically. In addition it is giving
- a general description of what the file does/is. Please do not
- manually move files, as TurBoard attempts to keep up with where
- that file is on the system. If you move files around outside of
- TurBoard, the system will get confused and may not operate
- properly.
-
- Adding and Maintaining File Directories
-
- Adding a new file directory is easy. Use the AF (Add File
- directory) command to specify a name for the directory, path on
- the disk drive, and description. The name is of little
- importance, but you should note that the directory menu sorts
- the descriptions based on your directory name.
-
- For example:
-
- UPLOADS Recent Uploaded Files (Always use UPLOADS with an S!)
- DOSGAMES DOS Game Programs
- DOSGRAPH DOS Graphics Programs
-
- Will appear as:
-
- 1] DOS Game Programs 2] DOS Graphics Programs
- 3] Recent Uploaded Files
-
- This is useful when you want to group like directories together.
-
- Another function you should be aware of is the FF command. This
- command will scan all of your disk drive directories specified
- in the file descriptions for new files. If one is found, it
- will prompt you for information about that file.
-
- To list the files you currently have on-line, use the F command.
- You will see the file directory menu, and at this point you may
- choose a number or type in a search keyword. For example, you
- may type DOS and GAME to get files that match those keywords.
-
- Adding Files to Your Directories
-
- The easiest and best way to add files to your directories is to
- upload them while locally logged on. For example:
-
- First, you must have an upload (UPLOADS) directory, if you are
- not sure, read the section on uploads below before continuing in
- this section.
-
- While you are locally logged on (either by ALT-L or the DOS
- command "turboard -l") use the U command (for upload file). You
- will be prompted for a path and a filename. Give TurBoard the
- path and filename of the file you wish to upload, and it will be
- added to the upload directory.
-
- Once the file is added, display it with the N command. Choose
- the number of the file you just uploaded, and then choose the
- option to move the file. At this point, you may place the file
- in any directory you see fit.
-
- To add a lot of files at once, copy the files (at the DOS
- prompt) into the physical directory you wish to add them to.
- Log back into TurBoard and use the FF function. Enter each
- description of the files. Verify the files were added by using
- the f command and listing your directory.
-
- Once a file is added, ALWAYS move it with the TurBoard move
- command, otherwise the File Listing will not have correct file
- location information.
-
- UPLOADS and how they work
-
- There is no rule governing how the file directories should
- appear except one: In order to receive uploaded files, the
- Sysop needs to create an UPLOADS (with an S!) file directory.
- This directory says that all uploaded files will be placed in
- this directory, otherwise they go to the root file directory.
-
- When a file is uploaded (or placed in the upload directory and
- FF function used), you will be asked for a one line description
- of the file. Following that, you will enter the full screen
- editor where you will be tempted to write a paragraph or two on
- the file. This is purely optional, you can abort the edit and
- continue on.
-
- There is a text file that is displayed whenever the U command is
- issued. It is called UPLOADS.TXT. If you have used the default
- subdirectories, use the command:
-
- > edit text\uploads.txt
-
- You can include TurBoard colors and text to be displayed,
- formatting is automatic.
-
- There are additional special directory information files that
- you may want to create. These files are keyed to the search
- keywords or directory names and have the extension .FXT. For
- example, you can create a UPLOADS.FXT file in the TEXT directory
- to display whenever someone lists your most recent uploads. If
- someone enters the command "F ALL" TurBoard will check to see if
- there is an ALL.FXT file in your TEXT directory, and if so,
- display it along with the complete file listing. Other examples
- are "F GAMES" for GAMES.FXT or "F 3" for the directory name for
- #3 with an .FXT extension.
-
- Doors
-
- A "doorway" or "door" (once called a "window") is actually an
- external program that the bulletin board software passes
- complete control to. This is generally a game (likeTradeWars or
- Solar Realms) or some useful information, like a BBS list or
- Bible Trivia Game. It is TurBoards responsibility to initialize
- any information files that the door requires.
-
- TurBoard uses the AD (add door) and CD (change door) command to
- maintain the door system. Doors can be entered with the DO
- command. In order for doors (and up/downloads) to work
- correctly, TurBoard must be started with the TB.BAT file,
- otherwise, when a user enters a door, it will drop to DOS and
- processing will stop.
-
- Doors are by far one of the hardest things to install, simply
- because there is no specified standard by which they work. Each
- one is different and therefore a challenge, I'm afraid to say.
- There are several questions you will be asked that TurBoard uses
- to try to talk with a door. These are:
-
- Name - The 1-8 character name you choose to give your door.
-
- Description - A 60 Character description of the door contents.
-
- Path - The physical path of the door (this may be specified from
- the root TurBoard path, i.e. DOOR/SOLAR is the name of
- C:\TURBOARD\DOOR\SOLAR, if C:\TURBOARD is your root TurBoard
- path;the path you are in when you start TurBoard.)
-
- Command - the DOS command to start the DOOR, usually a BAT file.
- This BAT file should exist in the directory you specified in
- the PATH option.
-
- FileType: Currently, only one file type is supported. It is
- TurBoard type 1. Specifing type 1 tells TurBoard to put a
- DORINFO1.DEF file in the directory specified in the PATH
- parameter. Please set up your door to look for DORINFO1.DEF
- there.
-
- ANSI - If this option is true, the user must have ANSI graphics
- turned on before entering this door. This helps cut down on
- ASCII users starting something they cannot finish.
-
- NAPLPS - If this option is true, the user must have NAPLPS
- graphics turned on before entering this door. This helps cut
- down on ASNI below users starting a NAPLPS graphics door.
-
- Security - The minimum required security level of the user
- starting the door.
-
- Delete this entry - option to delete this door record.
-
- The YAK Subsystem
-
- YAK really doesn't stand for anything other than "to talk,
- probably more than one should." In any case, the YAK subsystem
- in TurBoard is where specialized information such as logon news,
- mail notifications and even the main menu come from.
-
- To start the YAK subsystem, type "YAK" at the TurBoard prompt.
-
- To use YAK requires that you understand what you want to happen.
- For instance, if the first thing the user sees is the logon
- news, the NEWS information should come first.
-
- These are the current checks, and YAK supports 4 different
- checks at a time. These are the criteria that must be met
- before a message (text file) is sent to the user.
-
- For example, the main menu should be the last item in your YAK
- list. It should use only 1 check value (number 9).
-
- In case 5, the X value is an internal TurBoard (DOS, actually)
- format. To use the integer for exactly the point in time you
- are entering the information, use the NOW keyword. This will
- insert the DOS date/time stamp for that point in time.
-
- Whenever TurBoard is finished processing, it checks the YAK
- List, it goes through each item in the list to see if that item
- meets all the criteria. If so, TurBoard displays the file
- associated with that information and sets the different yes, no
- and blank response information.
-
- Perhaps you want the BBS to ask a user if they want to read
- their mail now, if they have mail waiting. This can be done
- with the YAK subsystem as follows:
-
- Make a new YAK entry:
-
- Display file: MAILNOW
-
- Check1: 1
- Checkval1: 0
- ... [leave the rest of the checks as default]
- Yes Responce: P (the command to read your personal mail)
- No Responce:
- Blank Responce:
-
- Using your TurBoard editor or the YAK option to edit the
- MAILNOW.YAK file. Ex: EDIT YAK\MAILNOW.YAK. It should read:
-
- You have new mail waiting, do you wish to read it now?
-
- User Commands
-
- Following commands can be entered at the > prompt. Most of the
- two letter commands require extended access.
-
- ? - Help with the currently executing operation.
- A - Art Gallery - Shows various ANSI and NAPLPS
- displays.
- B - Bulletins
- C - Classified Ads - Enter/ read/ scan classified ads.
- D - Download File - Receive a file from TurBoard into your
- system.
- DO - DOOR menu - Run an external program from TurBoard.
- E - Enter Message - Send a message to another user or to the
- general public.
- F - File directory List - List files available for download.
- G - Good-bye (log off) - Leave this TurBoard system.
- H - Emulation Toggle - Change to ASCII, ANSI or NAPLPS mode.
- I - Inquiry (history) - Show caller history.
- J - Join Mail Forum - Join a message forum (usually by subject.)
- K - Delete message - Remove the message you just read.
- L - BBS List - List BBS systems on-line.
- N - New Files - List new files since you have last logged on.
- O - Operator page - Page the operator for a "chat" session.
- P - Personal Mail - Read mail that has been flagged for you.
- Q - Display the Main Menu - Go back to the main menu.
- R - Read Mail - Read messages in the current forum.
- S - Scan Current Forum - Scan messages in the current forum.
- T - User List - List the users who are active on this system.
- TIME - Displays day, time and time remaining.
- U - Uploads - Upload files to this TurBoard system.
- V - Version - See the version of TurBoard this system is using.
- W - Who's on - See the other people signed onto this TurBoard
- X - eXpert toggle - Put your session in Xpert mode.
- Y - Your information - Review and change your user account
- information.
- CH - Chairman Utilities - Change forum defaults information.
- Chairman or Sysop access. Allows the assigning (or assigning
- away) of chairmanship, setting of certain forum options.
- AM - Add Mail Forum - Starts a new message forum and adds all
- the associated information.
- DM - Delete Mail Forum - Deletes a message forum (data files
- remain intact, you must physically, ie via DOS, remove the files
- in that subdirectory).
- MM - Move message - Moves a message from the current forum to
- another specified forum.
- PM - Pack Message Forum - Deletes messages that have been
- "deleted" and private mail that has been read. Removes data
- files and header records.
- AF - Add new file directory - Will add the file forum and
- include it on the forum choice list.
- DF - Delete file directory - Remove an empty file directory from
- the directory menu.
- FF - Fix File Information - Will search all the file storage
- directories for new files not included in the list and add them
- (you must type in the descriptions).
- YAK - YAK subsystem
- TYPE - print specified text file
- EDIT - edit specified text file
- COPY - copy a file from one DOS location to another.
- DIR - Give a directory of the specified DOS directory.
- AD - Add new DOOR - This command will add a new door (be sure
- you know what you're doing!)
- CD - Change existing DOOR - After a door has been added, you can
- change the setup with this command.
-
- Classifieds
-
- The Classified feature of TurBoard is not a standard bulletin
- board feature. It's function is to provide a place for the
- buying and selling of goods through the public (not retail).
-
- Most bulletin boards will include a "For Sale" forum to
- accomplish this function. I found that this was difficult for
- people to use because it didn't organize the information in a
- way people could easily get at it. They are required to scan
- the subject of every message and pick the one's they are
- interested in.
-
- This will work okay so long as there are only a few ads to scan
- though. So I thought to myself, "What do people normally use to
- buy and sell items? Classified ads!" So I decided to implement
- an "electronic" version of the classified ads.
-
- I have included a rather detailed category file (in TBADS.ZIP on
- PC Chattanooga 615/756-7810) that is based on the Atlanta
- Journal/Constitution. Of course, you can create your own, but
- it's tedious!
-
- You may add new classified categories with the C command.
- Simply choose the "Add new category" option. Other than this,
- the system is completely self maintaining.
-
- BBS List
-
- This is a fairly standard BBS feature. There are some doors
- that perform the same function available. The advantage to the
- TurBoard BBS List command (L at the main prompt) is the ability
- to comment and review each BBS entry individually.
-
- The BBS List also does not require any maintenance on the
- Sysop's part.
-
- Once you choose the L command, you have several options. A
- complete BBS list, a local BBS list, add a new BBS entry or
- create the BBS text file.
-
- The difference between the complete and local BBS list is the
- "Is this BBS a local call?" flag. Only those that answered yes
- are displayed in the local BBS list, thereby eliminating toll
- call BBS's.
-
- To add a new BBS entry, you can accomplish that one of two ways.
- You may use the ADD command while displaying the entire BBS
- list, or you may simply choose option 3. If you use the ADD
- function, you will see the BBS inserted in the list as you are
- listing it, so you can ensure that it was indeed added.
-
- Option 4, create the BBS text file, is an option you can use to
- publish your BBS list. It will create a text file with two
- sections, a short BBS list and a detailed BBS list. Before the
- first section the file "BBSLIST.TXT" will also be included from
- the text file path.
-
- If you wish to edit this file, and you have used the default
- path names, use the command:
-
- > edit text\bbslist.txt
-
- After you have edited the file, save your changes and it will be
- included in your next BBS text file creation.
-
- On-Line Books
-
- Some BBS programs refer to features similar to this one as
- "continuous story" or "book writer". I had planned to include
- an option for on-line databases, but due to the request of one
- of the users of PC Chattanooga, I added support for a
- "continuous story" as the initial implementation.
-
- The idea here is to have entertaining, technical or whatever
- kind of information available for users to access on-line (with
- the option to download all or parts of the information).
-
- In addition the users may add to the information as they feel
- nessessary.
-
- Options are planned for keyword searching, downloading,
- uploading, etc. of the books.
-
- To enter the book option, type the command: BO
-
- From this point you will be able to enter/delete/add to books
- and chapters of books. Each book may have an "Author"
- associated with it. This is sort of like the Chairmen in the
- message areas. Editors can control, add and delete the chapters
- in their book.
-
- Each book consists of multiple chapters. Each chapter is either
- "open" or "locked". An open chapter allows users to append to
- the end of it. For example, they may continue the current story
- or add information to a technical document.
-
- There may become a time when the Author decides that a chapter
- is complete, and wishes to stop the extensions on it. The
- chapter may be locked via the edit chapter option (after a
- chapter is read). This will disallow further additions to the
- chapter.
-
- Art Gallery
-
- Version 0.40 and above are equipped with an Art Gallery. This
- is a method for displaying ANSI ASCII and NAPLPS frames as works
- of art or to demonstrate a terminal emulation like NAPLPS.
-
- In order to add a work of art, use the AA (for Add Art) command.
- To edit the information used to display a work of art, use the
- EA (Edit Art) command. And to display works of art use the A
- (Art Gallery) command.
-
- There is an added command called DEMO. This will rotate between
- works of art with a specified period of time. The rotation will
- include all the works of art regardless of current terminal
- emulation.
-
- Keyboard Commands
-
- Alt-S Snoop Mode Toggle
-
- Snoop mode should be OFF anytime you don't wish to monitor the
- BBS caller. Screen writes can slow the output data stream to
- the caller, so to increase your BBS's performance, turn snoop
- mode OFF at all times.
-
- Alt-T Chat mode on/ Terminal Mode
-
- To answer a sysop page, use the Alt-T command. Also, from the
- call waiting screen, Alt-T will put you in a full
- ASCII/ANSI/NAPLPS terminal emulation.
-
- Alt-O Operator available Toggle
-
- This toggle the ability of your users to page you. Turning
- sysop page on will allow the BBS users to call you for a chat
- session while they are on-line.
-
- Alt-X Exit
-
- Exit the current operation. If at call waiting screen, exits
- TurBoard.
-
- Alt-I Information
-
- Gives information on registering the TurBoard BBS package.
-
- Alt-L Local log on
-
- Used from the call waiting screen to log on the BBS locally.
- Name and password is required for security.
-
- Colors?
-
- Turboard uses single ASCII characters to indicate different
- colors, you can take advantage of this in the editor and input
- prompts.
-
- In NAPLPS mode, TurBoard assigns the following colors to the
- internal TurBoard format for cross-compatibility.
-
- To enter these numbers in manually on a line (the file directory
- description prompt, for example), use the alt key. While
- holding down the ALT key, type the 3 digit number on the numeric
- keypad and then release the ALT key. At that point the color of
- the text you type will change. TurBoard treats this character
- as a full character, so if you make a mistake, be sure to
- backspace as far as you can go before trying again.
-
- Full Screen Editor
-
- The full screen editor work with WordStar commands. If you are
- logging on remotely be sure to use doorway mode to get maximum
- function from your keyboard. F1 or Ctrl-H for additional help.
-
- Colors are stored in TurBoard format (see colors above) but in
- the full screen editor do not take up a character of space.
-
- Line Editor
-
- The line editor in TurBoard works as most BBS line editors.
- Wordwrapping is automatic, and when you are finished editing,
- hit return on a blank line.
-
- You will be prompted to Continue, Abort, Quote or Save. If you
- are replying to a message, you may quote by choosing line number
- in the message you want to quote.
-
- Colors are not supported in the Line editor. (Quoting will
- still have the highlighted ">".)
-
- Command Line Parameters
-
- There are certain command line parameters that will allow
- TurBoard to operate in a networking/FidoNet environment.
-
- These are:
-
- # - Node number
- (defaults to 1) Ex: turboard 2
- -l - Local Switch
-
- This switch will bypass the call waiting screen and go directly
- to local log on. For example, if you are in a networking
- environment, you can use this switch at program startup, so that
- the network node will begin at logon.
-
- Ex: turboard -l
-
- -fd - Front Door Active
-
- This switch is used when using a front door processor, such as
- BinkleyTerm or Front Door. It will cause TurBoard to check for
- a carrier detect, as well as to fall back to DOS after logoff.
- (The call waiting screen in used in this mode.)
-
- Ex: turboard -fd
-
- -p##### - Incoming port rate
-
- This switch is generally used with the -fd switch so the front
- door can pass the port rate to TurBoard. The modem to remote
- CONNECT rate my not be the same as the Modem to DTE PORT rate.
- If this parameter is specified, TurBoard will communicate to the
- modem at this rate.
-
- -b##### - Incoming call baud rate
-
- This switch is generally used with the -f switch so the front
- door can pass the baud rate to TurBoard. An example of the
- Batch file that might be used is:
-
- (%3 contains the baud rate parameter)
-
- turboard -f -b%3
-
- -cbios - Use BIOS for NAPLPS writes.
-
- If you experience "snow" or unexpected results on you NAPLPS
- displays, you may want to try this switch, it will tell TurBoard
- not to use direct EGA and VGA hardware writes and to go through
- the BIOS instead. On the downside, turning this switch on may
- cause you to lose characters when in TurBoard Terminal Mode.
-
- -t### - Max Time allowed
-
- This parameter can be used to limit a BBS visit's time limit (in
- the case of an upcoming event). This parameter is usually
- passed from some kind of front door processor.
-
- %4 contains the time limit.
-
- Ex: turboard -fd -b%3 -t%4
-
- Modem Configuration Strings
-
- The following strings may be used to help configure TurBoard.
- Use the one that most closely matches your computer. (You may
- refer to your modem manual for additional information.)
-
- Modem Init String
-
- Hayes 1200: ATS0=0M0S2=1X1H0E0
- Hayes 2400: ATS0=0M0S2=1X1H0E0
- Hayes 9600 V.42: AT&F&K0&C1&D2S0=0S2=255M0E0H0
- Hayes ULTRA: AT&F&K0&C1&D2S0=0S2=255M0E0H0W1
- USR Dual Standard: AT&F&B1&C1&D2S0=0S2=255M0E0&WH0
- (USR HST, I haven't tested...)
-
- Terminal Init String
-
- Hayes 1200: ATE1M1
- Hayes 2400: ATE1M1
- Hayes ULTRA: ATE1M1L1
- USR Dual Standard: ATE1M1L1
-
- Use the standard response codes (check your manual for exact
- spelling).
-
- Ex: RING, CONNECT, RINGING, NO CARRIER, BUSY, NO DIAL TONE
-
- If you have any configuration strings that I have not mentioned
- here, be sure to leave a message on the support BBS!
-
- Common Questions on Modem Configuration:
-
- When I start my system, it gets hung in a loop trying to log
- itselfon and off. What's wrong?
-
- The problem lies in the modem configuration. TurBoard will jump
- to the terminal emulation prompt if it thinks there is someone
- on-line. Most modems can configure the Carrier Detect pin (CD)
- to follow actual carrier detect or not either by switch settings
- or an internal command (USR uses &C1.)
-
- You want to set your modem up so that Carrier Detect follows
- actual carrier detect. (If you do not have switch settings, add
- the command to the end of your modem initialization string via
- the SE command.)
-
- When someone tries to log off the system, they just get put back
- at the start-up prompt again, or the BBS just sits there.
- What's wrong?
-
- A high to low signal in the (Data Terminal Ready) DTR needs to
- be set to cause the modem to hang up the line. Most modems use
- a switch setting or AT command to control this feature. (USR
- uses &D2.) If you do not have switch settings to control this
- feature, add the command on the end of your modem initialization
- string via the SE command.
-
- FidoNet !
-
- FidoNet is a worldwide network of bulletin board systems which
- communicate to each other through message "packets" TurBoard
- v0.33 and above will interface with any other FidoNet or
- compatible system through a front door. A front door is a
- program which answers the incoming call, decides if the caller
- is another FidoNet system or an actual user, and either receives
- the FidoNet package or transfers control to the BBS system
- (TurBoard).
-
- TurBoard v0.33 includes all the files nessessary to configure
- FidoNet with a front door processor. This includes the
- "scanning/tossing" of incoming and outgoing messages. This is
- performed by the TBFIDO.EXE program. This program will convert
- the incoming FidoNet messages to TurBoard format and put them in
- their proper message forums. It will also export messages
- entered in the TurBoard forums and put them into FidoNet
- "packets".
-
- Configuration of TurBoard with FidoNet
-
- The hardest part about interfacing with another external program
- is configuration. TurBoard has been extensively tested with
- BinkleyTerm, and I would suggest using that software. Included
- is a text file called BINKLEY.CFG. This file contains an
- example BinkleyTerm configuration file. There is also a .BAT
- file included (TBFN.BAT) that should be used to initialize
- TurBoard when running FidoNet.
-
- It is your responsibility to ensure that the nodelists and other
- data that BinkleyTerm requires is configured correctly.
-
- When you are running FidoNet, start the TurBoard system with
- TBFN.BAT rather than TB.BAT, this will run the message packer
- and automatically start BinkleyTerm. I would suggest
- configuring BinkleyTerm to match the ErrorLevel operations used
- in TBFN.BAT.
-
- Setting up FidoNet for the First Time
-
- Actually, TurBoard is about ready to receive FidoNet message
- strait out of the package. Most of your time will be spent
- setting up your front door processor (which can be trick if you
- are not programmer inclined.)
-
- To set up TurBoard for FidoNet, you will need to specify your
- address in the SE menu. You will also need to set up one of
- your message forums as the primary FidoNet forum.
-
- To setup the FidoNet forum (which can be any forum other than an
- echoed forum), join the forum you wish to use. (If you do not
- have any forums defined yet, use the AM command first and then
- join that forum. But remember, the first forum you create will
- be your master message forum, so you may want to name it
- something like "PRIMARY" and then add a new forum for FidoNet,
- which you may want to name "FIDONET".)
-
- Once you are in the forum you wish to use for FidoNet messages,
- issue the CH command and choose the option for Mail Type (it
- will currently say: "Normal"). Change this setting to F for
- FidoNet. At this point you are ready to go. Any messages
- designated with an address in this forum will be placed in the
- FIDOOUT directory for processing by the front door. It is your
- responsibility to ensure that the address on the message is
- correct.
-
- TBFIDO.EXE
-
- This program serves three functions. First, it scanning the
- incoming FidoNet directory and converts that information into
- useable information by TurBoard. Secondly, it checks the
- outbound FidoNet packets, if it finds ones marked .ECHO, it
- combines them into "ArcMail" which are nothing more than FidoNet
- compressed packets with the ARC.EXE utility.
-
- Thirdly, if the -p command line parameter is specified, the
- program will scan and pack all of the active TurBoard message
- forums. This is complete and automatic. The settings for the
- compression are set with the CH command in the TurBoard system
- itself.
-
- FidoNet COST and TurBoard
-
- Cost of messaging is very important to most FidoNet sysops.
- Currently, TurBoard does not keep track of how much a message to
- a certain system will cost, or even if the target system exists.
- For this reason, it is important that you configure your front
- door processor (most likely, BinkleyTerm) when it can and cannot
- send messages to different systems. This is performed with
- theBINKLEY.EVT file. Here you can specify the cost of a message
- that is allowed to be mailed. (BinkleyTerm will check the
- Nodelist for an entry and figure the cost from that list.)
-
- EchoMail
-
- TurBoard can handle echomail. To configure where outgoing (and
- incoming) messages are going, as well as the name of the
- EchoMail area, use the CH command for your particular forum.
-
- For example:
-
- Once I have set up my system for FidoNet, I perform the
- following:
-
- Say I wanted to set up an EchoMail forum with PC Chattanooga in
- Chattanooga, TN. And the name of this EchoMail "AREA:" is
- TURBOARD. (This would be an answer and question echo about the
- TurBoard BBS software package.)
-
- First, I would create a new message Forum. To do this I would
- issue a AM command, choose a name for the forum (say "SUPPORT")
- and enter a brief description. Okay, now I want to join that
- forum with the J SUPPORT command.
-
- Once I have the SUPPORT forum as the active forum, I issue the
- CH command to bring up the chairman utilities. I choose the
- option named "Mail type" (it currently says "Normal"), and then
- choose E for FidoNet Echo.
-
- Now, I choose the option to give the system the name of the echo
- area (it will say: SUPPORT). I want to change this to
- "TURBOARD" since that is the name that FidoNet calls it (so
- TBFIDO.EXE will know where to put those messages). I also want
- to set up the address of the other echomail members I am
- responsible for sending and getting this echo from.
-
- I choose the last option and add the address:
-
- Zone: 1
- Net: 362
- Node: 614
- Point: 0
-
- I do this because this is the address of PC Chattanooga, and I
- want to get all the messages from that BBS system as well as
- address my new messages to it.
-
- Once I've done this, all I need to do is inform PC Chattanooga
- that I'm ready for the echo to be sent to me! The same
- procedure can be followed for ANY FidoNet echo.
-
- Customizing Your Displayed Screens
-
- A fairly recent addition to TurBoard is the support to
- completely customize your File Directory screen as well as the
- Forum Directory screen. (I'm sure not everyone likes the way I
- like to display theinformation!)
-
- Here are the files you can alter, their format and their
- function:
-
- (All of these files should be in your "TEXT" TurBoard
- subdirectory. Also, none of these files have extensions [that
- stuff after the .])
-
- WELCOMEN, WELCOMEG and WELCOME - This is the initial logon
- screen that is displayed just after the "Do you want to use ANSI
- terminal emulation? " question. WELCOMEG is the ANSI version
- of this file which should be edited with an ANSI editor (I
- suggest THEDRAW). WELCOME can be edited with the internal
- turboard editor, and I suggest doing this if you don't want to
- mess with the different ANSI codes (at least until a time when
- you want to dive into it.)
-
- WELCOMEN is a new edition, this is the NAPLPS welcome screen.
- You will need an editor to create the file (SHARENAP.ZIP), but
- once you have created the file, simply rename it to WELCOMEN and
- copy it in the TEXT directory, this is you 'NAPLPS log on screen.
-
- LOGOFFN, LOGOFFG and LOGOFF - These are the logoff screens
- that your system will display when the user issues the G
- command, just before they are disconnected. The naming
- convention is the same used with WELCOME.
-
- To edit the WELCOME file (and get ANSI colors with out going to
- the WELCOMEG file) use the internal TurBoard command EDIT. For
- example:
-
- > edit text\welcome. [you need to add the period so turboard
- will know you are specifying a file]
-
- NEWUSERN, NEWUSERG and NEWUSER - This is the information that
- TurBoard displays when a user logs on for the first time. Just
- before the normal questions are asked to complete the on-line
- information, the user is asked, "Do you agree with the above
- conditions? ". This file will outline those conditions you
- want to place. This would also be a good place for a legal
- disclaimer, which I highly suggest.
-
- As before, use an ANSI editor (like TheDraw) to edit the
- NEWUSERG file and you may use the internal TurBoard editor for
- the NEWUSER file (ex: > edit text\newuser.)
-
- DIRN, DIRG and DIR - These two files are completely optional.
- In fact they are not included in the TurBoard distribution ZIP.
- These were included so that you may add your own personality to
- your File Directory listing. When one of these files is placed
- in the TEXT subdirectory, it overrides TurBoards internal File
- Directory screen.
-
- There are a couple of quirks, and I'll outline them now. The
- Sysop never sees the finished product of DIRG and DIR. This is
- because he needs to see what is really out there (things
- change). If youwish to see what these files look like
- displayed, use the TYPE command.
-
- Ex: > type text\dirg. [this will display the DIRG file as your
- users would see it.]
-
- Now, as before, the DIRG is reserved for ANSI codes hard coded
- into the file, where the DIR file can be edited by the TurBoard
- editor (see examples above). BUT REMEMBER, if you wish to do
- this, it is your responsibility to keep the DIRG and DIR file
- correct and up to date. If your system is like mine, your
- directories will come and go and the numbering will change all
- the time. You need to reflect those changes in the DIRG and DIR
- file. This is why the Sysop will always see the normal TurBoard
- listings.
-
- (A quick side note: I find it useful to create a dummy user
- name that I log onto with to see what the system looks like to
- the end user, I find it very helpful. Just pick a name and log
- on, you may even want to enter a message to yourself.)
-
- FORUMN, FORUMG and FORUM - These files are along the same
- lines as DIR and DIRG. The sysop will never see them in their
- used form, rather, he must use the TYPE command to see it. As
- before, FORUMG is the ANSI version. If you want to keep
- everything in the system, use the TurBoard editor to create/edit
- the file FORUM, and here you may add colors, if you choose to.
-
- Ex: > edit text\forum.
-
- Again, it is the SYSOPS responsibility to keep these files
- updated if he plans to use it. TurBoard normally keeps the
- menus updated, but does not update these files.
-
- NAPLPS Color Graphics
-
- If you have ever signed on prodogy, you have seen NAPLPS at
- work. The idea is to provide exciting color graphics to the age
- old BBS technology. Here is a brief description of what we are
- talking about:
-
- The North American Presentation-Level Protocol Syntax (NAPLPS)
- standard defines a text and graphics transmission interface with
- display or recording devices with sufficient local intelligence
- and memory to process the NAPLPS data stream.
-
- In many respects, NAPLPS has reversed the normal progression
- from functinal description to data format or language building.
- Instead, NAPLPS starts with the code extension technique
- specified by ISO 2022-1982, ANSI X.41-1974, and CSA
- Z243.35-1976, and fits a versatile picture-definition standard
- into the constraints of the 32 character C sets and 94-character
- or 96-character G sets established by those standards.
-
- A major advantage of the code-extension technique is, of
- course,that large amounts of information can be transmitted over
- narrow-bandwidth transmission lines, provided the receiving
- device is capable of expanding on the information.
-
- In case you didn't understand the above, don't worry! All you
- reall need to understand is that NAPLPS is a way to transmitting
- compressed color graphics pictures that are hardware
- independent. To create these images, you will need a NAPLPS
- editor (there is a shareware one on PC Chattanooga called
- SHARENAP.ZIP).
-
- Another limitation is that the caller has to have a terminal
- emulation program capable of decoding the NAPLPS codes. (One
- shareware program is NAPCOM.ZIP.) Right now, there are not many
- NAPLPS terminal emulation programs, but depending on the success
- of TurBoard and other NAPLPS programs, this may soon change.
-
- DAILY.BAT (The Daily Batch Event)
-
- Many game doors require that you run a maintainance utility once
- per day. DAILY.BAT is TurBoards way of accomplishing this.
- After midnight, at the first idle moment, TurBoard executes this
- .BAT file. It is the Sysop's responsibility to include the
- commands to run their particular application.
-
- DAILY.BAT comes pre-configured to automatically pack all the
- message forums with the TBFIDO.EXE program. (Using the -P pack
- mail switch.) This takes responsibility away from the Sysop to
- maintain the message forums. You may also with to run other
- programs such as a bulletin generator.
-
- Nothing besides the file itself is required to run DAILY.BAT.
- (TurBoard must have been started with TB.BAT or TBFN.BAT).
-
- TurBoard Terminal Emulation
-
- TurBoard has a built in NAPLPS terminal emulation mode, so that
- busy Sysop's don't have to take their board down to call another
- BBS system. From the call waiting screen, type Alt-T, this will
- start TurBoard's built-in terminal emulation mode.
-
- There are several keys you should be aware of in TurBoard's
- terminal emulation mode. They are Alt-X to exit back to the
- call waiting screen, Alt-C will put your terminal in ANSI mode
- and clear the screen, PgUp will start a ZModem upload, PgDn will
- begin a ZModem Download.
-
- All the NAPLPS functions that are available in the normal
- TurBoard BBS System are available in the terminal mode of
- TurBoard. Plans for terminal emulation mode is use of the
- on-line BBS list for a dialing directory. If you have any
- suggestions for improving the Terminal Mode of TurBoard, please
- let me know!
-
- Registered TurBoard BBS's (in order of registration)
-
- The Haven (sysop Steve King) in Ringgold, GA (404/000-0000)
- Steve owns Design Systems, a computer consulting firm
- (404/861-1064) dealing in sales, service, rentals and leasing.
- He is a friend and I appreciate his early support.
-
- Portable Panic (sysop David Gridley) in Rochester, NY
- (916/254-7332) David is the one who introduced me to NAPLPS.
- He is much more current in the BBS world than I am, and I am
- grateful for all his help. David runs a very current and
- maintained system and is a constant supply of good ideas. He
- has helped me stay on track with TurBoard and is probably it's
- most vocal supporter. Thanks, David!
-
- Poor Man (sysop Don Vickers) at WAFB, MO (816/563-5558) Don is
- about to move at the end of May, 1992, so you might check future
- editions of this document for the correct phone number.
-
- Mind's Eye (sysop Paul Erkkild) in Rochester, NY (716/427-7637)
- Paul runs TurBoard under Windows 3.1. It's a good thing
- Microsoft added graphics support for windowed DOS sessions!
-
- International Multimedia (sysop Ed Pimentel) in Atlanta, GA
- (404/498-4254) Ed has been a NAPLPS supporter for a long time.
- Hopefully, TurBoard will live up to his expectations!
-
- Underground Monorail (sysop Brian McCord) in Dayton, TN
- (615/365-7570) Brian is primarily responsible for the DOors
- option and has contributed a lot of good ideas to TurBoard.
-
- (your name here!)
-
- TurBoard Phone Support
-
- Once you've registered TurBoard, you are entitled to free phone
- support at 615/756-8220. I hope you enjoy using TurBoard as
- much as I've enjoyed programming it! And remember, if you have
- a suggestion or new idea, please give me a call or leave me a
- message because I want to make TurBoard the best!
-
- That's the end of the TurBoard documentation! I hope it was
- helpful, and please support this starving programmer by sharing
- this program with your friends and businesses!
-
- TurBoard v0.40
-
- SKIP - Skip this forum
- NEXT - Go to next forum
- #### - read number
- + - read in forward mode
- - - read in reverse mode
- K - Kill previous message
- FIX - Alter previous message
-
- 1 Mail>X OK if user has mail waiting.
- 2 Logons>X OK if user has called more than X times
- 3 Logons=X OK if user has called exactly X times
- 4 Logons<X OK if user has called less than X times
- 5 LastOn<X OK if last date on < X value
- 6 SecLvl>X OK if security level > X
- 7 SecLvl=X OK if security level = X
- 8 SecLvl<X OK if security level < X
- 9 expert mod OK if expert mode is turned off
- 10 ANSI OK if ANSI mode is on
- 11 NAPLPS OK if NAPLPS mode is on
- 12 NONE OK if not in ANSI or NAPLPS mode (ASCII Mode)
- 13 ANSI/ASCII OK if either ANSI or ASCII mode
- 14 Birthday OK if today is user's birthday
- 15 Random OK if CheckValue is > random number between 1 and
- 100.
-
- Black 128
- Blue 129
- Cyan 131
- Red 132
- Magneta 133
- Brown 134
- LightGray 135
- DarkGray 136
- LightBlue 137
- LightGreen 138
- LightCyan 139
- LightRed 140
- LightMagneta 141
- Yellow 142
- White 143
-
- Black 144
- Blue 145
- Green 146
- Cyan 147
- Red 148
- Magneta 149
- Brown 150
- LightGray 151
- Attributes Off 152
- Underscore 153
- Blink On 154
- Invisible 155
- Clear Screen 12
- Line Feed <none>
- End of Parag. 13
-