Category : BBS Programs+Doors
Archive : PBBSD200.ZIP
Filename : PBBSDOC.DOC
Output of file : PBBSDOC.DOC contained in archive : PBBSD200.ZIP
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Á ÁPowerBBS software and documentation are copyrighted products of Russell Frey, and are protected by both United States copyright law and International Treaty provisions. As the purchaser of this software you are granted a nontransferable and non©exclusive license to use, on a single computer, PowerBBS and accompanying materials provided with your order of PowerBBS. You are allowed to make archival copies solely for your own purposes and to protect your investment from loss. Except as indicated above, purchaser agrees PowerBBS will not in whole or part be copied, reproduced, translated, or distributed to other parties.
Á ÁIf before 30 days after your purchase, there are defects in the disks you receive, send them back to Russell Frey, 35 Fox Ct., Hicksville, NY 11801 for replacement. This is limited only to replacement and shall not encompass any other damages.
Á ÁRussell Frey is not responsible for anything this program does to you. PowerBBS and accompanying software is provided 'as is' without warranty of any kind, either exprssed or implied. The entire risk as to the quality and performance of the programs is with you. Should any program provided, prove defective, you (and not Russell Frey, nor anyone else) assume the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair, or correction. In no event will Russell Frey be liable to you for any damages, including any lost profits, lost savings, or other incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use such programs, even if Russell Frey has been advised of the possibility of such damages, or for any claim by any other party. When running PowerBBS you are taking your own risk. Russell reserves the right to make changes, enhancements, and improvements to PowerBBS at any time and without notice. By using any programs you receive from Russell Frey, and the PowerBBS disk, you accept this licensing agreement.
à ÃÁ ÁÓ ÓÃÃ1.2 PowerBBS, IntroductionÄ ÄÄÄ
Á ÁThank you for your purchase of PowerBBS. Is it recommended, you carefully read this documentation, before running PowerBBS. Please be aware that this manual is a basic operating manual for PowerBBS. This includes all versions of PowerBBS for different operating systems. Generally, the basic setup and use of PowerBBS is the same on all operating systems.
Á ÁAfter running the basic installation, and setting up the icon in Windows, you can test out the software. Be sure to set up the Modem info in CONFIG for com port 0, which is the local node. Once loaded, you'll notice many of the screens already exists. These are here to help you set up your bbs. PowerBBS for Windows is a very flexible program, and you can really set it up to do what you want! For beginners, you should have an operating bbs within your first day. Enjoy the system. With your order you will ALWAYS have full support from us at the Product Support bbs (516) 822©7396. You will always have access to the support forum at that location. Your order also includes 6 free months of downloading privileges. After that time, for a VERY small fee, you will be granted downloading privileges, which enables you to download updated versions of PowerBBS.
Á ÁMost likely, there will be a number of updates to this manual, by the time you receive it. Please view the UPDATE.DOC file on the PowerBBS disk, for the latest information.
Á ÁÃ ÃÓ ÓÃÃ1.3 PRODUCT SUPPORTÄ ÄÄÄ
Á ÁRussell Frey
Á Á35 Fox Ct.
Á ÁHicksville, NY 11801
Á Á(516) 822©7396 (bbs support line/ordering info)
Á ÁWriitten in Pascal, PowerBBS is the product of years of work, to produce the best possible BBS Program. PowerBBS for Windows is the first BBS program to be written under windows, while our DOS version remains on top in its field. You can be sure that we will try to port PowerBBS over to other operating systems in the future.
Á ÁPowerBBS was developed to be a fast BBS program, with many features which are easy to use, including an easy installation procedure. Feel free to leave suggestions for future upgrades on the PowerBBS Support BBS. Likewise, if you have any questions or problems on the operation of PowerBBS, please call the support BBS.
Á ÁTo set up PowerBBS read the installation procedure, and install PowerBBS onto your system. When completed you will also find the ability to customize PowerBBS to meet your satisfaction.
à ÃÁ ÁÓ ÓÃÃ1.4 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTSÄ ÄÄÄ
Á ÁThe following are the minimum equipment requirements for running PowerBBS:
(1) Hardware/Resident Software which is 100% compatible with MS©DOS and IBM BIOS standards (at least DOS v3.x or higher)
(2) Microsoft Windows is required for our Windows Version
MS©DOS or compatible operating system for the DOS version. (v3.x or higher)
OR whatever operating system your version of PowerBBS was built for
(3) Monitor (Preferable Color but not needed)
(4) A Hard Disk to store PowerBBS files (At least 10 Megs)
(5) The WINDOWS version currently requires a 286 processor or better. The DOS version, current works on all 8088 processors and better.
Á ÁPowerBBS may be used locally on a network, for network Email. However, if you are planning on taking advantage of PowerBBS' telecommunications features, you'll need:
Á Á1. Á ÁA Hayes compatible modem (see the "Modem Info" section)
Á Á2. Á ÁA RS232 serial port and modem cables (for external modems)
Á ÁWe do not guarantee PowerBBS will run on every computer. It has been successfully tested on many compatibles. You will need a telephone line. Avoid lines with 'call waiting' and such, it will cause noise and drop callers.
WINDOWS NOTE: When PowerBBS drops to DOS, it will use the _default.pif pif settings file, in your windows directory.
à ÃÁ ÁÓ ÓÃÃ1.5 INSTALLATIONÄÄÄ Ä
Á ÁPowerBBS can easily be installed by following these simple steps. Please note, that INSTALLation will vary for different operating systems.
Á Á1. Check your hard disk, to see which drive you would like to install PowerBBS. This is usually drive C:. For the easiest possible installation, Drive C: is recommended.
Á Á2. Place the PowerBBS disk, in your floppy drive. It may be placed in drive A, OR drive B. Run Install on this drive.
Á Á3. Follow the instructions given in the install program.
Á Á4, When you are being asked for your NAME, and PASSWORD to be used, remember this information to log onto your BBS. ** IMPORTANT **: DO NOT USE ANY OLD PASSWORD. DO NOT USE THE PASSWORD YOU HAVE ON ANY OTHER BBS! USE A NEW PASSWORD.
Á Á5. Edit your CONFIG.SYS file, using a text editor to insure you have the following configuration:
FILES=40
BUFFERS=30
Á ÁTheses commands ensure that your computer allocates enough file buffer space for the BBS. If your CONFIG.SYS already contains these lines, be sure the values for Files and Buffers are at least as large as those shown above. If you are going to run Multi©Node, it is recommended that you add 15 more files for each additional node. If you should run out of environment space, place the following command in your CONFIG.SYS file: Shell=c:\command.com /e:1024 /p
Á ÁThe buffers command sets aside chunks of memory to store the data most recently read from or wrote to your disk. This option drastically speeds your system, but uses memory. If you are running a disk cache, then you probably do not need the buffers command. (The dos default for buffers is 3).
** Note **: You must reboot your machine after editing your CONFIG.SYS.
Á Á6. After installation, you will find the main PowerBBS executable files are in your C:\POWRBBS directory. There will also be other subdirectories, such as C:\POWRBBS\DATA, C:\POWRBBS\SCREEN, etc, containing information which PowerBBS will use.
Á Á7. If you are using Windows, load up the WINDOWS Program Manager. In the Windows Intstall Program, the ICONS for PowerBBS and Config are set up automatically (If you cannot find them, follow steps 8 & 12).
Á Á
Á Á8. Enter the group area, in which you want PowerBBS to be located (You may want to create a PowerBBS group). Move your cursor to the FILES Menu in the windows PROGRAM MANAGER and choice NEW. Enter the following data:
Á ÁName: Á ÁÁ ÁCONFIG
Á ÁCommand Line:Á ÁC:\Powrbbs\Config.EXE C:\Powrbbs\Powrbbs.dat
DOS users simply need to use the Command line to run CONFIG.
Á Á9. You may now load the configuration, by starting up the CONFIG Icon. Note that Powrbbs.dat is your data file for the current node, and it is required on the command line to load CONFIG.
Á ÁPlease note, that if you are installing on a drive other than C:, INSTALL should have changed most of the defaults from C: to the installation drive. Feel free to go through CONFIG, to check that the proper drive setting has been placed (including the forum setup, and menu setup).
Á Á10. Review the information in CONFIG, and make any initial changes, including your MODEM SETUP, etc. You will find detailed information for each setup in CONFIG later on in this documentation. To test out PowerBBS, it is recommended that you select node 0. This is the local node, and requires no interface with the I/O or modem.
Á Á11. If you are installing for DOS, remember to use the START.BAT to always load PowerBBS. You can skip the windows specific install directions.
Á Á12. Enter the group area, in which you want PowerBBS to be located. Move your cursor to the FILES MENU in the windows PROGRAM MANAGER Selection, then choice NEW. Enter the following DATA:
line 1Á ÁÁ ÁPowerBBS for Windows (or whatever you like to call your program)
line 2Á ÁÁ ÁC:\Powrbbs\Powrbbs.exe C:\Powrbbs\Powrbbs.dat
If you did not install on drive C:, simply change C: to the drive letter you used.
Á Á13. The PowerBBS icon should now be present in the current group. Simply select the icon, and PowerBBS will load.
Á Á14. Note that for transferring files, if you want to use DSZ, you should place SET DSZLOG=C:\DSZ.LOG in your autoexec.bat. This will be explained later in the documentation. All versions of PowerBBS come with a PBBSPROT, which is PowerBBS's own transfer protocol. PBBSPROT is automatically installed when installing PowerBBS.
à ÃÓ ÓÃÃDOS USERS:ÄÄ ALWAYS RUN START.BAT TO LOAD POWERBBS!Ä Ä
à ÃÁ ÁÓ ÓÃÃ1.6 ANSI.SYS Support Ä ÄÄÄ
Á Á(Color and Other Screen Displays)
Á ÁÓ ÓÃÃDOS USERSÄÄ: You must load ANSI.SYS (or other compatible .SYS) in your CONFIG.SYS for COLOR. If you see high byte characters, when you load PowerBBS, this is because you do not have ANSI.SYS loaded.
Á ÁÓ ÓÃÃWINDOW USERS:ÄÄ ANSI.SYS is a dos device driver, which provides screen attribute control, such as colors and moving the cursor. ANSI.SYS reads codes, which it understands, and interprets the codes. PowerBBS does not need this DOS device driver to be loaded, since it interprets for itself.
Á ÁNote that PowerBBS interprets the codes for display on your screen, and not the person calling your bbs. The receiving caller must be using an ANSI.SYS compatible term program to understand these codes. Almost every popular term program in use today understands these codes, however for those who can't interpret the codes, they can turn color off which eliminates all ANSI.SYS use.
Á ÁPowerBBS ANSI.SYS interpreter will not interpret the following information, to YOUR screen only (the caller still receives these codes):
Á Á(1) Mode controls, which changes the size of screens. (such as 80 x 25 or 40 x 25)
Á Á(2) Keyboard controls, which can change the definitions of any non©shift keys, or assigning multiple characters to keys.Ã Ã Ä ÄÃ ÃÓ ÓÃÃÁ Á2.0 CONFIGURATIONÄ ÄÄÄ
Á ÁÓ ÓÃÃDOS USERS:ÄÄ To run the CONFIGuration, return to your PowerBBS system directory, and fire up the CONFIGuration utility, CONFIG.EXE. You will use this to choose the CONFIGuration options for your system.
Á ÁÓ ÓÃÃWINDOW USERS:ÄÄ CONFIG for WINDOWS, is a true WINDOWS application. You set up CONFIG, exactly as you do with PowerBBS. Enter your PowerBBS Group in Program Manager, and select File New from the Menu. Here is a sample setup:Á ÁÁ Á
Á ÁDescription:Á ÁCONFIG
Á ÁCommandline:Á ÁC:\Powrbbs\Config.exe C:\Powrbbs\Powrbbs.dat
CONFIG is used to maintain system CONFIGuration information. As you enter the program, you will find (4) main screen selections available from the main menu.
The (4) main screen selections are as follows:
Á Á(A) General System Setup
Á Á(B) Forum System Setup
Á Á(C) Edit Files Listing
Á Á(D) Edit MENU files
Á Á(E) Edit Language Files
à ÃÁ ÁÄ ÄGeneral Setup Information
Á ÁWhen working in one screen, you have many options to move around. For example, you may move to the next screen by using the (PgDn) key, or move to the previous screen by using the (PgUp) key.
** IMPORTANT **: To exit any screen, use the (Esc) key.
While running CONFIG, when you are going through information,
the following keys may be used to go through the screens:
HomeÁ ÁÁ ÁGo to the beginning of the current field
EndÁ ÁÁ ÁGo to the end of the current field
Right©ArrowÁ ÁGo one character to the right in the current field
Left©ArrowÁ ÁGo one character to the left in the current field
Up©ArrowÁ ÁÁ ÁGo to the previous record
Down©ArrowÁ ÁGo to the next record
TABÁ ÁÁ ÁGo to the next field
EnterÁ ÁÁ ÁGo to the next field
PgDnÁ ÁÁ ÁGo to the next page
PgUpÁ ÁÁ ÁGo to the previous page
InsertÁ ÁÁ ÁToggle between Insert and OverWrite modes
DeleteÁ ÁÁ ÁDeletes character at cursor
Á ÁÃ ÃCONFIG for WINDOWS InfoÄ Ä
Á ÁWith CONFIG for WINDOWS, you may use the same keys as described below. If you have a mouse, you can take advantage of your Mouse's features. You can go to ANY BOX you want, simply by pointing with the mouse cursor, and clicking the botton. This includes the PgDn, PgUp, and ESC boxes, along with all the editting boxes. When you move to an editting box with your mouse, the cursor will appear EXACLY where you clicked it in the box.
Á ÁAt the Main Menu, if you click an item twice, that item will be loaded.
Á ÁÃ ÃÓ ÓÃÃ2.1 UPDATING GENERAL INFORMATIONÄ ÄÄÄ
Á Á
Á ÁYou may update the General Information, by selecting A from the Main menu of CONFIG.
Á ÁÓ ÓÃÃ2.1.1 Node Information Screen ÄÄ
Á ÁThe Node Information screen allows defining the parameters that are important for the current node. This info is important for SysOps running MultiNode.
Á Á** IMPORTANT **: When you are running a MultiNode system, ONLY this information MUST be different on each node. (Note: Entry #6,7, & 12 should remain the same on all nodes). All other screens, etc should remain the same on all nodes. (Note : Options 3, Entry 6 must also be different). ALSO, if you are running multinodes, you will most likely want a different live program data file for each node. See "Setting Up A Multi©Line System" (section 9.0 of manual) for more information.
Á ÁÃ ÃEntry #1Ä Ä: Node Number
Á ÁThis entry allows you to specify the node number of this DATA file. This should be unique to this DATA file only. If you are running a one line system, and will have only one copy of PowerBBS loaded, enter 0 (although you can use a 1). Multi©line systems should begin with a 1 and increment every node thereafter. If you enter a 0, you will not be able to use the W)ho command.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #2Ä Ä: Path to Transfer Directory
Á ÁThis is the directory which will be used for transferring files. For example, when users upload files, the files are uploaded into this directory. You should not keep any files in this directory. It should be empty, and different for each node.
Á Á** IMPORTANT **: This directory must exist for proper execution of PowerBBS. This directory will be checked by CONFIG on log off, and may be created, if it doesn't exist..
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #3Ä Ä: Path/File used for Display/Output
Á ÁThis is the file used for several file output after a request has been made by the caller. Used for Testing, Viewing, etc, a file. After a shell has been made at any time, including the live bats, if this file is found it will be displayed.
Á ÁÃ ÃEntry #4:Ä Ä Path/File to DSZ Log File?
Á ÁIn your autoexec.bat, you have placed: SET DSZLOG=C:\DSZ.LOG. Place the C:\DSZ.LOG, or other path, in this selection. This file is also used by PBBSPROT and internally by PowerBBS.
Á ÁÃ ÃEntry #5Ä Ä: Path/File to files DSZ listing
Á ÁThis is the Path/Filename created when using a DSZ protocol. This file should be different on all nodes. When used, it contains a listing of all the files to be transferred, giving DSZ the necessary information. PBBSPROT also uses this file.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #6Ä Ä: Path/File to activity log
Á ÁThe Name/Path of the file which stores all the callers activity information. The file is automatically created if the file doesn't exist, and is added to as each caller logs on. You can view this file from the end to the beginning on the sysops menu. Ã ÃThe activity file itself should not be more than 6 charactersÄ Ä . This entry should be the SAME on ALL nodes. If you are running more than one node, the number of the node is added to the name automatically, within PowerBBS (not CONFIG).
Á ÁIt is à ÃrecommendedÄ Ä that you leave C:\Powrbbs\Data\Actlog in this selection.
Á ÁExample: C:\Powrbbs\Data\Actlog is placed here. If this is node #1, it will automatically be called: Actlog1
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #7Ä Ä: Name to be given to Compressed Mail
Á ÁThis is the name only (No Path), of the compress filename which is created when a mail download is requested. It should not contain an extension, and should be THE SAME on each node. The Node Number is added automatically to the filename.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #8Ä Ä: Path/File to Current Callers Info .....
Á ÁThe path/filename for the user information on the current caller. Used by PowerBBS for internal functioning/protocol running, and may be used by Live Programs.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #9Ä Ä: FULL Path/File to Start Batch file
Á Á** THIS ENTRY IS NOT USED FOR PowerBBS/Windows **
Á ÁÓ ÓÃÃDOS USERS:ÄÄ Enter full path/filename to your Start Batch file.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #10Ä Ä: Path/Filename of Error File ......
Á ÁThis is the Path/Filename to the Error File which is created automatically by PowerBBS. This file is used for testing zip files.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #11:Ä Ä Directory to use for PowerMAIL
Á ÁIf you are running PowerMAIL, or are using the Professional Version of PowerBBS, this is the directory that you have unziped the PowerMAIL door to. You should have a different directory for each node (meaning you have to UNZIP powermail into each node's directory). CONFIG will create this directory on log©off if it doesn't exist.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #12: Ä ÄRun as CHINESE (JAPANESE, etc) compatible?
Á ÁIf this option is set to yes, people can enter any name they want. If this option is set to no, a users name must start with a letter (for the fast index routines).
Á ÁNote: PowerBBS will still be chinese compatible, if you select no. If you still want to use CHINESE (etc) compatible bytes, you must set "permit high characters" (options screen #3, entry #5) to yes. This will permit chinese characters to be sent to chinese windows. The only restriction would be that the persons first name, must begin with a letter.
à ÃÁ ÁÓ ÓÃÃ2.1.2 SysOps Information ScreenÄ ÄÄÄ
Á Á
Á ÁThe SysOps Information screen permits you to setup the information that will affect all sysop functions on your bbs.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #1Ä Ä: Name Of BBS
Á ÁPlace the name of your BBS here. This is displayed at a few places on the BBS, including Logon.
Á ÁÃ ÃEntry #2Ä Ä: Sysops First Name
Á ÁPut your first name here. Ã ÃIf you are using a Registered Version, be sure to use the same Sysops Name as on the front of your printed manual.Ä Ä
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #3Ä Ä: Sysops Last Name
Á ÁPut your last name here.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #4Ä Ä: Compressed Filename Extension
Á ÁPlace the default filename extension of the compressed files you will be using on your system. This file extension is added automatically to files selected by users with no extensions. The usual extension constitutes a compressed file, such as ZIP.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #5Ä Ä: Serial Number
Á ÁEnter your serial number in this spot.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #6:Ä Ä PowerMAIL Code
Á ÁIf you are running PowerMAIL or are using the professional version of PowerBBS, enter an 8 character code to be used as the filename of the .QWK and .REP packets. ONLY use LETTERS for the code. This code should remain the SAME on ALL NODES. Ã ÃThe PowerMail code MUST be 8 characters (no less, no more).Ä Ä
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #7Ä Ä: Level Needed to Read, Kill Any Message
Á ÁThis is the minimum security level needed to read ALL mail, including private messages, which are addressed to or from the user.
à ÃÁ ÁEntries # 8 © 13Ä Ä: Sysops Menu Security Levels
Á ÁHere are the 6 sysop menu commands, and the minimum security level needed to access the commands. Users must have at least this security level to access the commands.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #14Ä Ä: directory containing .MNU/.POW
Á ÁEnter the directory, which will contain all the MENU files, and the POWERlang files. Example: C:\Powrbbs\Source\ This entry MUST be a directory, and end with \. \ will be added automatically, if it is not placed at the end.
Á ÁÃ ÃÓ ÓÃÃ2.1.3 Security LevelsÄ ÄÄÄ
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #1Ä Ä: Access Level Given to New Users
Á ÁThis is the access level new users are granted on their first call to your BBS, after they completed their registration.
à à Á ÁEntry #2Ä Ä: Delete a Message
Á ÁEnter the minimum security level for a user to delete a message in which was written to or from him/her.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #3Ä Ä: Reply to A Message
Á ÁEnter the minimum security level a user needs to reply to a message.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #4Ä Ä: Forum Area Change
Á ÁEnter the minimum security level a user needs to change forums.
Á ÁÃ ÃRunning FIDO Front DOORSÄ Ä
Á Á(or any other front door)
Á ÁSee section 18.0 of manual for information on setting up FIDO on your BBS.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #1:Ä Ä Are you running FrontDoor(tm) or other program?
Á ÁIf you place YES here, PowerBBS will not detect callers. Instead, PowerBBS will drop to dos and run your EVENT.BAT file. When the EVENT.BAT is done, PowerBBS will read the current node's USERINFO.BBS for the Baud rate. It will then log the caller on to the BBS. For futher information on setting up FIDO Net with PowerBBS, call the support bbs.
à à Á ÁÓ ÓÃÃ2.1.4 Data Files #1Ä ÄÄÄ
Á ÁFiles in this area, are data files containing information towards the setup of your bbs. You may edit any one of these files, by typing the F1 key, while you are on the field you want to edit.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #1Ä Ä: Path/File to Questionnaire DataFile
Á ÁThis is the menu of questionnaires available. This command is shown when the questionnaires area is entered. The DataFile contains the filespec information of the questionnaires. For information on writing Questionnaires, see 'Questionnaires'.
Á ÁFile Definition:
Á ÁWhen you type F1 to edit this file, you have the following options:
#1: The Questionnaire path is the path to the questionnaire data file. Example: C:\Powrbbs\Work\Quest1
#2: The Answer path is the path to the answer data file. Example: C:\Powrbbs\Work\Answer1. After users answer a questionnaire, their responses are recorded here.
Á ÁTo actually create your own Questionnaire, see the section "Questionnaires".
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #2Ä Ä: Path/File to à Ãdownload security fileÄ Ä
Á ÁThis is the Path/Filename used to store all of the download file security information. This file can restrict downloads of specific files by security level & password.
Á ÁFile Definition:
Á ÁWhen you type F1 to edit this file, you have the following options:
#1: Enter the path/filename/wildcard Wild©card characters and drive designators to be used to restrict certain classes of files (by extension, by drive, etc) from being downloaded.
Some Examples:
G:*.*
E:*.GIF
*.ZIP3
#2: Enter the minimum security level required to download the files designated in entry #1.
#3: Enter the password, if any, which is needed to download the files designated in entry #1.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #3Ä Ä: Path/File to upload security file
Á ÁThis is the Path/Filename used to store all of the upload file security information. This file can restrict uploads of specific files by security level & password.
Á ÁFile Definition:
Á ÁWhen you type F1 to edit this file, you have the following options:
#1: Enter the path/filename/wildcard Wild©card characters and drive designators can be used to restrict certain classes of files (by extension, by drive, etc) from being uploaded.
Some Examples:
*.EXE
*.COM
*.GIF
#2: Enter the minimum security level to upload the files designated in entry #1.
#3: Enter here the password, if any, which is needed to upload the files designated in entry #1.
Á ÁÓ ÓÃÃ2.1.4.1 Setup of Security LevelsÄÄ
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #4Ä Ä: Path/File to à Ãsecurity datafileÄ Ä
Á ÁThis is the Path & Filename to the Security Level file, which contains the minutes and download bytes available to the caller.
Á Á** IMPORTANT **: All the security levels you use and assign, should be defined in this file.
Á ÁFile Definition:
Á ÁThe time is in minutes, the download bytes are in Kilobytes (1024 bytes), and the max monthly bytes are in megabytes.
When you type F1 to edit this file, you have the following options:
Á Á#1:Á ÁEnter the security level on this entry.
Á Á#2: Á ÁEnter the daily amount of time permitted, in MINUTES, to the security level in entry #1.
Á Á#3: Á ÁEnter the daily amount of download kilobytes permitted.
Á Á 1 = 1024 bytes per download day
Á ÁÁ Á 1000 = 1 Meg of downloaded bytes per day
Á Á#4:Á ÁEnter the montly amount of download megabytes permitted.
Á ÁÁ Á 1 = 1 Meg of download bytes per month
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #5Ä Ä: Path/File to Junk Users Name
This is a pure ASCII file used to store the junk names which will be automatically denied access to PowerBBS.
Example text which may be entered:
+++
MR.
APPLE
THE
JOHNNY APPLESEED
Á ÁÓ ÓÃÃ2.1.4.2 Setup of LIVE PROGRAMSÄÄ
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #6Ä Ä: Path/File to Live Programs DataFile
Á ÁThis is a Pure ASCII datafile which contains information on the path/file of the batch file, and security needed to load the live program.
File Definition:
When you type F1 to edit this file, you have the following options:
#1: Enter the path/filename to the live program file. Examples: C:\Powrbbs\Fun C:\Powrbbs\Chess When you create these files, the path/filename should be exactly the same, as you have enter here. For example, if you place C:\Powrbbs\Fun here, then create the door file C:\Powrbbs\Fun.
#2: Enter the minimum security level for access to this live program.
#3: Enter the password needed, if any, to access the live program.
Here is a sample live program file:
Cd\Chess
Chess Chess.dat
à ÃÁ ÁSetting up either Dos or WINDOWS doorsÄ Ä
Á ÁEntry #1 in this file notifies PowerBBS to either load a windows or dos live program. Whenever PowerBBS reads a .EXE anywhere in Entry #1, it assumes a WINDOWS program is to load. If no .EXE is found, it assumes a DOS live program is to be run. Also note, that WINDOWS programs require the path to the data file on the command line.
Á ÁDOS Entry for BlackJack: C:\Powrbbs\DBlack.Bat
Á ÁWindows Entry for BlackJack:Á ÁC:\PowrBBS\BlackJk.EXE C:\PowrBBS\Powrbbs.dat
Á ÁHow to get a DOS door to run under Powrbbs:
Á ÁTo create a live DOS door, you will have to edit your live.dat file (you can do this in CONFIG). On Entry #1 you should enter a path to some file (not not enter an .exe or .com). An example would be C:\Powrbbs\Door1. You have now done everything PowerBBS needs. Using
an ascii editor, such as QEdit, Edit C:\Powrbbs\Door1 file. (Notice we didn't use any extensions in live.dat and we won't use any extensions when creating the file with QEdit).
Á ÁFirst of all you must have Convdoor.exe, Russell Frey's free wear program that converts Powrbbs info to Door.sys or Dorinfox.def file format. These files that convdoor.exe create, serve to tell the door all about who is calling, baud rate, etc. The door is not actually interacting with the bbs, it is mearly running in place of it and using the phone line to send data to the user. I also uses the door.sys or Dorinfox.def file to "know" about the user. Convdoor.exe is located in
your \powrbbs directory. If you just run the program Convdoor.exe, you'll see the basic usage. This information can also be found in the manual. The first line in Door1 should run Convdoor.exe.
Convdoor c:\powrbbs\userinfo.bbs c:\powrbbs\data\users c:\door1\door.sys
Á ÁYou should create a directory for your door application. For example, create the C:\DOOR1 directory. You should have all the door files in there. Notice on the Convdoor line, I have saved
the door.sys in the door1 directory. The second line in your C:\Powrbbs\Door1 file, should be to change to this directory.
Á ÁCD\DOOR1
Á ÁProblem with DOS doors under WINDOWS
Á ÁOne problem is that the door would run as a live program, as it should, but did not display anything on the callers monitor. If you have this problem, the solution has been to load a Fossil Driver. What you need to do is get a Fossil Driver and put it into your batch file that starts the program, before running the Door program. Note: most fossil driver are supposed to be loaded from the config.sys file and are therefore end in the suffix ".sys". EG: mouse.sys is usually a mouse
driver for your mouse. In the config.sys file you will load it by a line stating "Device = Mouse.sys". Powerbbs does not require a Fossil driver. But, since your door may, you will need it! To load one in a batch file you simply rename the file from XXXX.sys to XXXX.exe. Then you put the command in the batch file just before the command to run the door program. Be sure you read whatever command line switches are required for your Fossil driver. BNU170.ZIP is available for download
from the support BBS, if you do not have a fossil driver.
Á ÁOne more note. Be sure what ever door you load, will recognize a dropped carrier. If your door does not self terminate at the loss of carrier, then you may find your bbs locked up when you come home at the end of the day. The door program will be sitting there on the screen!
Á ÁExample C:\Powrbbs\Door1 file we talked about:
Á ÁConvdoor c:\powrbbs\userinfo.bbs c:\powrbbs\data\users c:\door1\door.sys
Á ÁCD\DOOR1
Á ÁBnu
Á ÁMyDoor
Á ÁCd\Powrbbs
Á ÁÃ ÃDOS USERS:Ä Ä You must have START at the end of your door1 file
Á ÁÓ ÓÃÃ2.1.4.3 Setup of BulletinsÄÄ
Á ÁÃ ÃEntry #7Ä Ä: Path/File to Bulletin DataFile
This is a pure ASCII DataFile containing the path/file to the bulletins. The bulletin system is defined by the sysop for posting of information, in which the user can access and read. A bulletin can be any ASCII file. This file contains the path/filename to the specified bulletins. When pressing F1, example data would be:
C:\Powrbbs\Blt\Blt1
C:\Powrbbs\Blt\Blt2
Á ÁÓ ÓÃÃ2.1.4.4 Setup of ProtocolsÄÄ
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #8Ä Ä: Path/File to protocol data file
Á ÁThis is the Path/Filename to the file used to store all protocol information, used for transferring files.
Á ÁEDITING INFO: (* F1 *)
Á ÁThis section enables you to setup the protocol section of your BBS. No protocols are hard©coded into the code. PowerBBS drops to dos to run these protocols. You can set up any protocols you wish to support. Including batch and non©batch. On each page you can edit up to 5 protocols at once, type PGDN for more room to add/edit protocols. Each protocol has 6 options.
Á ÁRead section 5.0 of the manual for PBBSPROT setup, and section 6.0 for DSZ/HSLINK setup.
#1: Letter
Á ÁThis is the letter which must be entered to use the protocol. Usually it uses the first letter of the protocol name.
Example: Zmodem would use Z
Á Á#2: Max DLs
Á ÁThis is the maximum number of files that can be downloaded. If this is a batch file you can have up to 40 files. Only DSZ protocols will allow up to 50 files. See the documentation to your protocol to see how many file can be transferred. If this is not a batch download, put 1 in this space. If you are using a batch protocol, set this to 0. PowerBBS will set up the max dls, to the most it supports, when this option is set. This makes it easier for future upgrades, support a higher number of file transfers.
Á Á#3: Max ULs
Á ÁThis is the maximum number of files that can be uploaded at once. For DSZ batch uploads you should specify 0 in this spot, meaning PowerBBS will determine the files. Remember to consult the protocols documentation.
Á Á#4: Desc
Á ÁThis is a short description of the protocol, which is displayed when a user is choosing his/her default protocol. It should tell the name of the protocol, and if possible a little information on the protocol, such as a batch file or single protocol, whether it is slow or fast, etc.
Á ÁExample: ZMODEM Batch © Fast
#5: (D) Cmd Line
#6: (U) Cmd Line
Á ÁThese two options are the most involved. This is the command line which is run inside of the work directory. You will most likely have to search your protocols information file to see the exact commands.
Á Á** Important **: The command line should contain a .COM or .EXE, and NOT ANY .BAT files.
Ó ÓÃÃÁ ÁWINDOWS USERS:ÄÄ This protocol command line, MUST contain the .COM or .EXE for the protocol to load.
Á ÁIn the Command Lines you are able to use the following macros. The macros are substituted with their correct value. Be sure to have both | at the beginning and end, and also to have the word in CAPS.
Á Á|BAUD| Á ÁThis is the current baud rate of the caller
Á Á|COM| Á ÁThis is the current com port # on this node
Á Á|FILES| Á ÁThis is the filename which contains the file list
Á Á|PBBSDAT| Á ÁThis is the path/filename to your powrbbs.dat (for the current node)
Á ÁThe (D) Cmd Line is when someone is downloading a file. Remember that you are sending the file, so the command line should be an upload command line.
Á ÁThe (U) Cmd Line is when someone is uploading a file. Remember that you are receiving the file, so you are actually putting a download command line here.
Á ÁYou are provided with a protocol.BBS file with your copy of PowerBBS. Protocol.BBS is usually set up to use PowerBBS's own protocol transfer program PBBSPROT.EXE.
Á ÁÓ ÓÃÃDOS USERS:ÄÄ PBBSPROT.EXE uses the INT 14 to send/receive files. You can use DSZ to send/receive.
Á ÁÓ ÓÃÃWINDOWS USERS:ÄÄ It has been found that using DSZ or other dos protocols on UPLOADS will not work good, because bytes will be lost (overrun errors). Future upgrades of Windows (included v3.1) are sure to be a plus with DOS protocols.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #9Ä Ä: Path/File to files NoCharge Datafile
Á ÁThis is the path/file to the pure ASCII datafile containing files which should not be charged as downloads to callers.
Á ÁFile Definition:
Á ÁEach line should contain a different file name. Example:
Á Á*.GIF
Á ÁINFO.ZIP
#1: Callers who download files with extension .GIF will not be charged for that download.
#2: Callers who download INFO.ZIP will not be charged for a download.
Á ÁÓ ÓÃÃ2.1.4.5 Setup of Language DatafileÄÄ
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #10Ä Ä: Path/File to Language Datafile
Á ÁThis is the path/filename of the language datafile, which is read by PowerBBS for multi©language systems.
Á ÁFile Definition:
Á Á<# of language>,
Á ÁEntry #1: This is the NUMBER of the language file. For example, 1 will be saved as C:\Powrbbs\Source\1.LAN (or where your source directory is specified as in config [A].
Á ÁEntry #2: This is the extension of ASCII/ANSI files for this langauge. For example, if this is the language French, you can type FR for the file extension. Whenever an ASCII/ANSI file is displayed (such as C:\Powrbbs\Screen\Hello1), if the extension is found (C:\Powrbbs\Screen\Hello1.FR), then that file is displayed. This will give you the ability to have different text files for different languages. If you do not want such an extension, just leave this option blank.
Á ÁEntry #3: The text you place in this option, is the information given to the user on logon. Such as Deutsch, English, etc. You can use whatever you want, so long as you think it will be clear to the user.
Á ÁEntry #4: The text you type here, is the phone number text used for this current user. Wherever you place a #, a number will be requested. Any other text will just be displayed (and saved in the users phone number list.) Here are some examples:
Á ÁUS:Á ÁÁ Á(###) ###©####
Á ÁFrance:Á ÁÁ Á##©##©##©##
Á ÁGermany:Á Á##©##©####
Á ÁEngland:Á ÁÁ Á###©###©###
Á ÁNOTE: If you put the two letters NO in the ENTRY #4, then the phone number will just be a regular character input for the user. If you receive callers from different countries, you might want to specifity this. If your callers are all from the US, then you will want to put (###) ###©####, to force the user to use the correct setup.
Á ÁYou can use whatever you like, but you are limited to 14 characters.
Á ÁCONFIG Section [E] will edit the language datafiles.
Á ÁÃ ÃÓ ÓÃÃ2.1.5 Display Files #1ÄÄÄ Ä
à ÃÁ ÁFor detailed information on setting up files in the display files section, see the "Text Screen Files" area.Ä Ä
Á ÁALL Files in Display Files #1 & #2 can be edited!
Á ÁType F1 to EDIT ASCII file, & F2 to EDIT ANSI file!
Á ÁÓ ÓÃÃ2.1.5.1 Setup of Securitirized Menu ScreensÄÄ
Security level menus will be displayed if available. Just add the security level, to the specified menu screen.
Á ÁFor example, if you specify the Main Menu to be:
C:\Powrbbs\Screen\Menu
Á ÁIf the caller is security level10, C:\Powrbbs\Screen\Menu10 will be displayed. (Menu10c if color).
Á ÁIf this file does not exist, the normal \Powrbbs\Screen\Menu file will be displayed.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #1Ä Ä: Path/File to Sysops Menu
Á ÁPath & Filename to the Sysops Menu Screen which describes the options available to the caller. Only shown when Xpert is turned off
à à Á ÁEntry #2Ä Ä: Path/File to Opening Screen
Á ÁPath & Filename to the screen which is shown on logon, before the callers name is given.
Á ÁÃ ÃÓ ÓÃÃ2.1.5.2 HELLO SCREENSÄÄÄ Ä
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #3Ä Ä: Path/File to Hello Screen
Á ÁPath & Filename to the hello screen which is displayed right after the callers name is given. Files Name1 to Name9 is shown. If a filename is not found, the hello stops. You cannot have Hello1 Hello5 Hello9, but Hello1 Hello2 Hello3.
Á ÁHello Screens are displayed to the caller when logging on, right after the user enters their password. Files xxxxx1 © xxxxx9 are displayed continuously until a file is not found. The default is Hello. The files Hello1 to Hello9 are displayed in continuous mode until one file isn't found. If Hello5 isn't found the hello screens stop, even if hello6 exists. It is a good idea to have all your files in order Hello1 Hello2 Hello3, NOT Hello1 Hello5 Hello9. Because Hello2 will not be found, and Hello mode ends.
Á Á**NOTE**: Hellox is ASCII & HelloxC is for color Mode.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #4Ä Ä: Path/File to Birthday Screen .....
Á ÁPath & Filename to Birthday screen, displayed on a callers Birthday.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #5Ä Ä: Path/File to Expired Screen ......
Á ÁPath & Filename displayed when a callers Expiration date has been reached.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #6Ä Ä: Path/File to Forum Sub©Menu ......
Á ÁPath & Filename to the screen which displays the forums available.
à à Á ÁEntry #7Ä Ä: Path/File to NewUser Screen .....
Á ÁPath & Filename to the screen displayed to a newuser logon. Displayed right before asking the caller if he/she would like to register.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #8Ä Ä: Path/File to Logoff Screen ......
Á ÁPath & Filename to the screen displayed on logoff, after G Y is chosen.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #9Ä Ä: Path/File to No Chat Screen .....
Á ÁPath & Filename to the screen displayed when the sysop's pager is off, or the pager is on and the sysop doesn't respond.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #10Ä Ä: Path/File to Enter Chat Screen ..
Á ÁPath & Filename to the screen displayed as the caller/sysop enter chat mode.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #11Ä Ä: Path/File to Exit Chat Screen ...
Á ÁPath & Filename to the screen displayed as the caller/sysop exit chat mode.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #12Ä Ä: Path/File to Questionnaire Sub©Menu ...
Á ÁSub©Menu is screen displayed when Main Menu Command Q is chosen.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #13Ä Ä: Path/File to Bad Ratios Screen
Á ÁPath & Filename to the screen displayed to users when they try a download, but they are not permitted to do so because they have either not uploaded or not left enough public messages.
Á ÁÃ ÃÓ ÓÃÃ2.1.6 Display Files #2Ä ÄÄÄ
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #1Ä Ä: Path/File to Read Help File .........
Á ÁPath & Filename to help file, displayed when reading messages.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #2Ä Ä: Path/File to Begin Download File ...
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #3Ä Ä: Path/File to Begin Upload File .....
Á ÁFiles shown when [D]ownload & [U]pload are chosen at the File Menu.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #4Ä Ä: Path/File to Files Ratios Screen ...
Á ÁEnter the path/filename of your ratios screen.. This file is shown to the user after he/she has either completed a transfer, or selects to view this file via the Files Menu.
Á ÁIf you do not want ratios, you can make up any screen. Such as "Welcome to the Files Area", etc.
PLEASE note the macros available to the Files Ratios Screen:
|MMR| Á ÁMINIMUM Message/Calls Ratio
|YMR| Á ÁUsers Message/Calls Ratio
|MFR| Á ÁMINIMUM Downloaded/Uploaded files Ratio
|YFR| Á ÁUsers Downloaded/Uploaded files Ratio
|MBR| Á ÁMINIMUM Downloaded/Uploaded Bytes Ratio
|YBR| Á ÁUsers Downloaded/Uploaded Bytes Ratio
|GOOD_MR| Á ÁThis tells the user about his/her Message Ratio
|GOOD_FR| Á ÁThis tells the user about his/her File Ratio
|GOOD_BR| Á ÁThis tells the user about his/her Byte Ratio
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #5Ä Ä: Statistics Screen, Path/File ................
Á ÁThis is the path/filename to the statistics screen. The statistics screen should display to the user his current statistics, and standings.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #6Ä Ä: Path/Filename to Monitor help file
Á ÁEnter the path/file to your monitor help file. This file is displayed when a caller is selecting his/her monitor type.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #7Ä Ä: Path/File to Live Programs Sub©Menu ...
Á ÁEnter the path/file to the live programs Sub©Menu. This sub©menu, should display to the user, the live programs available.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #8Ä Ä: Path/File to Bulletin Sub©Menu ........
Á ÁThis is the screen which displays bulletins available for viewing.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #9Ä Ä: Path/File to Update user info screen
Á ÁThis screen is displayed when the user wants to update his basic user info.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #10Ä Ä: Path/File to Clock screen
Á ÁThis is a text file, which you can customize, but should contain the current date and time.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #11Ä Ä: Path/File to Chat help file
Á ÁThis file is displayed when entering chat mode.
à ÃÁ ÁÓ ÓÃÃ2.1.7 File Paths #1ÄÄÄ Ä
à à Á ÁEntry #1Ä Ä: Path to dir containing sec screens ..
Á ÁSecurity Messages are messages text screens, displayed to the user on arrival to your BBS (right after the password is given). If no file is available, none is displayed.
Á ÁThis is the directory which contains security messages. Filename must end in \. Example: C:\Powrbbs\Sec\
Á ÁSecurity filenames begin with WEL and end in the security level of the caller. A caller with security level 20, will be displayed the file WEL20 in the directory you specify (or if wel20c is available, and the caller is in COLOR mode).
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #2Ä Ä: Path/File to uploaders Datafile ....
Á ÁThis is the Name/Filename to a file, which is created by PowerBBS as a pure ASCII file. After an upload the filename and user name plus modem statistics will be written.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #3Ä Ä: Path to restricted files directory
Á ÁThis is the path in which uploads which the uploader only wants the sysop to see will be put. If you set all uploads to be restricted, then all uploads will be sent to this directory. Otherwise only files which are specified by the user to be for the SYSOP only, will be sent here.
Á ÁÁ ÁÃ ÃEntry #4Ä Ä: Listing containing private files
Á ÁThis is the path/filename of the file which will list private uploads. (which are contained in the restricted directory)
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #5Ä Ä: Path/File to users file .............
Á ÁThis is the Path/Filename to the file used to store all user data base information. This file should be the same on all nodes. You can edit information in this file via the Sysop's menu [U]pdate user command.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #6Ä Ä: Path/File to Forum Data File ........
Á ÁThis is the Path/Filename to the file used to store all the forum information. This file should be the same on all nodes. You can edit the Forum Data File, via Config's Main Menu [B] option.
Á ÁÃ ÃÁ ÁEntry #7:Ä Ä Path/File to script for new users .......
Á ÁÁ ÁEnter the path/filename to the file (ascii file), which will contain the QUESTIONNAIRE (see questionnaire section for information on creating such a file), that will be give to new users.
Á ÁÁ ÁExample: C:\Powrbbs\Work\Quest1
Á ÁÃ ÃÁ ÁEntry #8:Ä Ä File to contain answers to above .....
Á ÁThe path/file you enter here, will contain the output to the above questionnaire for new users.
Á ÁÁ ÁExample: C:\Powrbbs\Work\Ans1
à ÃÁ ÁÓ ÓÃÃ2.1.8 Options #1Ä ÄÄÄ
Á ÁÓ ÓÃÃ2.1.8.1 Setup of Files/Calls/Msgs RatiosÄÄ
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #1Ä Ä: Minimum Msgs/Calls Ratio ........... (0..100)
Á ÁThis is the minimum messages per call ratio needed to download.
RatioÁ ÁWhat to do in order to download
100 Á ÁLeave 1 Message Per Call
50 Á ÁLeave 1 Message Per 2 Calls
25 Á ÁLeave 1 Message Per 4 Calls
Á Á 0Á ÁNo public message posts are requiredÁ Á
à à Á ÁEntry #2Ä Ä: Minimum Down/Upload Files Ratio .... (0..100)
Á ÁThis is the minimum download/upload ratio needed to download. This is using the total number of files. It does not matter how large or small the files are.
Ratio Á ÁWhat to do in order to download
100 Á ÁUpload 1 File Per Download
50 Á ÁUpload 1 File Per 2 Downloads
25 Á ÁUpload 1 File Per 4 Downloads
Á Á 0Á ÁNo minimum Upload files are required
à à Á ÁEntry #3Ä Ä: Minimum Down/Upload Bytes Ratio .... (0..100)
Á ÁThis is the minimum download/upload ratio needed to download. This is using the total number of bytes transferred. It does not matter how many files, but the total number of bytes.
Ratio Á ÁWhat to do in order to download
100 Á ÁUpload 1 Byte Per 1 Download Byte
50 Á ÁUpload 1 Byte Per 2 Download Byte
25 Á ÁUpload 1 Byte Per 4 Download Byte
Á Á 0Á ÁNo minimum Upload bytes are required
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #4Ä Ä: Minimum Security to Bypass Ratios .. (0..200)
Á ÁThis security level and higher do not have to worry about ratios. No matter what their ratio is, they can download.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #5Ä Ä: Maximum Number of Msgs for Mail File
Á ÁThis is the maximum number of messages a caller can compress using the [D]ownload function in the mail menu.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #6Ä Ä: Restrict all uploads?
Á ÁIf you do not want your users to download/view uploads you should set this to Y. If you want your users to download/view uploads set this to N. ** Note **: If this is set to Y, all uploads are sent to the restricted directory and listed under the restricted files listing.
à à Á ÁEntry #7Ä Ä: Most Idle Mins Before Auto Logoff
Á ÁThis is the most time in minutes, PowerBBS will wait until it hangs up the caller. If set to 0, the caller can be idle for as long as he/she has time.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #8Ä Ä: Track Users Birthdate? (Y/N) ..........
Á ÁThis selection gives you the ability to turn off asking the callers for his/her Birthdate.
Á Á'Y': Normal Setup. Asks users for his/her birthdate, and tracks his/her age.
Á Á'N': Will not ask user for his/her birthdate, and Age will be UNKNOWN. You will no longer be able to view the callers age at the bottom of the screen.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #9Ä Ä: Char displayed, when not displaying echo ..
Á ÁEcho anything which is one carrier such as * or . or @. This character is displayed when PowerBBS is not echoing what the caller is sending, such as when a password is being given.
Á ÁIf you select * it'll look like:
Á ÁEnter your Password: ********
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #10Ä Ä: Delete Uploads when Carrier Dropped?
Á ÁThis selection gives you the ability to delete a file or keep a file, when a caller has completed an upload and a description is not given, because the caller has hung up or has been disconnected for some reason.
Á Á'Y': PowerBBS will delete new uploads when a caller has not given a description of the file, and the caller has hung up or disconnected. The User is NOT GIVEN upload credit.
Á Á'N': When a caller uploads a file, not giving a description, then hangs up when a description is asked, the description: "User Dropped Carrier", will be given, and the file will be placed where it belongs.
à à Á ÁEntry #11Ä Ä: Path/File to node status data file....
à à Á ÁEntry #12Ä Ä: Path/File to whose chatting file......
à à Á ÁEntry #13Ä Ä: Path/File to talking temp file........
Á ÁThese entries should be the SAME on ALL nodes.
Á Ánode status display: This file keeps track of all the information included in the W)ho function from the Main Menu.
Á Áwhose chatting file: This keeps track of the node numbers which are chatting.
Á Átalking temp file: This file is where all the text from chatting is written to.. The other nodes will pick up new information and display during chat. When there is no one chatting this file is deleted. It is then created when a new chat begins.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #14Ä Ä: Allow ONE Word Names?
Á Á'Y': This is generally for handle BBSs. It allows for one word names. Example Names: Junkman, Killer, Stranger
Á Á'N': If you do not want one worders. Users must use AT LEAST two words. Example Names: John Doe, Billy Green, Howy Rose, The Junkman
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #15:Ä Ä Do you want MULTI©LANGUAGE support?
Á ÁIf you want to use the default English language, enter 'No'. All the text displayed to the user will be language file #1 (1.Lan), which can be editted in Config's section [E].
Á ÁIf you want to have a selection of languages, on logon, then enter 'Yes' here. PowerBBS will use the Datafiles screen option #10 file, for its language information. This will give you the ability to have different .LAN files, which all can be editted in Config's section [E].
à ÃÁ ÁÓ ÓÃÃ2.1.9 Options #2Ä ÄÄÄ
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #1Ä Ä: Command to View Compressed Files
Á ÁThis is the command line which is run to get a listing of files inside of a compressed file.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #2Ä Ä: Command to Test Compressed Files
Á ÁThis is the command line to test the validity of a compress file.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #3Ä Ä: Command to Compress Mail File
Á ÁThis is the command line to compress the mail file.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #4Ä Ä: Are you running a CLOSED bbs?
Á Á'Y': Enter Yes if you do not want users added the users database. Instead, the new user must answer the closed script questionnaire, and is logged off. In order to add new users, you must use the U command in the Sysop's menu.
Á Á'N': Enter No, for a normal bbs operation, in which New Users are permitted to log on and be added to the users database file.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #5Ä Ä: Enter path/file to CLOSED script file
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #6Ä Ä: Enter path/file to CLOSED answer file
Á ÁThese two entries are for CLOSED bbs systems. The script file, is the path/file to the script questionnaire which must be answered by a new user. The answers are outputted to the CLOSED answer file. This works just the same, as the Q)uestionnaire Main Menu Function.
Á ÁÃ ÃEntry #7:Ä Ä Permit forums to have ANONYMOUS names?
Á ÁIf you want to have forums where users can enter ANONYMOUS messages, you must enter Yes here (you must also select the option in the forum setup).
Á ÁÃ ÃEntry #9:Ä Ä Minimum Security Needed to Abort Intro
Á ÁSet this option to the security level, that is required to be able to abort the old intro news screens.
à ÃÁ ÁÓ ÓÃÃ2.1.10 Options #3Ä ÄÄÄ
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #1Ä Ä: Maximum Lines to a message (15..99)
Á ÁThis is the maximum number of lines a message can be. PowerBBS will not let callers enter a message any larger.
à à Á ÁEntry #2Ä Ä: Halt Uploads When Drive Has K Bytes (0..9999)
Á ÁStop uploads when upload drive has this much space left.
Á ÁEnter in K Byte.
Á ÁExample: Á Á200 © Á ÁWhen 200,000 bytes are left, no more uploads are permitted.
Á ÁÁ Á1000 © When 1,000,000 bytes are left, no more uploads are permitted.
à à Á ÁEntry #3Ä Ä: Normal Default Color
Á ÁThis is the color which is shown as the caller types, inputting data. This is only used when the caller has a [C]olor Monitor. You must type in the ansi color code of the color you desire.
Á ÁColor Codes:
Á Á31 © Red 32 © Green 33 © Yellow 34 © Blue 35 © Magenta
Á Á36 © Cyan 37 © White
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #4Ä Ä: Permit Color in messages (Y/N)
Á ÁThis has been put in, because there have been people going around putting codes in messages, which can do strange things under normal DOS ANSI.SYS (such as redirect keys). Also, color messages are also color to people who have color turned off. Set this to N if you do not want to permit color in messages. If set to Y messages can be entered with ANSI codes.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #5Ä Ä: Permit High ASCII Characters (Y/N)
Á ÁYou should set this to Y, unless you are having programs with high ASCII codes.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #6Ä Ä: Path/File to Batch Created For LP & T .
Á ÁEnter a file, with extension .BAT. This is the file which is created for live programs (LP), and for transfers (T). This file SHOULD BE DIFFERENT FOR EACH NODE.
Á ÁExamples: LIVE.BAT LIVE1.BAT PROG1.BAT
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #7Ä Ä: Directory containing index files ............
Á ÁThis is the path of the directory which will contain your index files.
Á ÁThe path should exist on disk, and end with a \.
Á ÁExample: Á ÁC:\Powrbbs\Index\ (NOT C:\Powrbbs\Index)
Á ÁÁ ÁD:\Index\
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #8Ä Ä: Ramdisk directory containing index files ....
Á ÁThis is the ramdisk path of your index file. If you do not want to use this, leave this blank. If you decide to use this function, you should create this directory in your Autoexec.bat, and also copy your DISK copy of index to your ramdisk.
à à Á ÁEntry #9Ä Ä: PowerInfo Path/File .........................
Á ÁThis is the file which contains the number of calls to the system, and the pager/display information. This file should be the same on all nodes. Example: C:\Powrbbs\PowrInfo.BBS
Á Á** Be sure to include the FULL path in this entry! **
Á ÁThis file should be placed on a Hard Disk. No Ramdisks since it is important information.
Á ÁLine #1: Number of Calls to your BBS
Á ÁLine #2: Display On/Off
Á ÁLine #3: Pager On/Off
Á ÁThe LENGTH of this entry, should be AT LEAST 3 characters.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #10Ä Ä: Path/Filename to Noscroll file
Á Á** THIS ENTRY IS NOT USED FOR PowerBBS/Windows **
à à Á ÁEntry #11Ä Ä: Path/Filename to quit from PowerBBS
Á Á** THIS ENTRY IS NOT USED FOR PowerBBS/Windows **
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #12Ä Ä: Path/Filename to Ascii/Ansi Editor
Á ÁEnter the editors path, which will be used by CONFIG to EDIT Screen files.
à ÃÁ ÁÓ ÓÃÃ2.1.11 Comm & Event SetupÄÄÄ Ä
Á ÁThe Communications setup is the most difficult and important information for you to fill in. You are going to have to set up the commands to meet the needs of your modem. Read the information carefully. Remember that proper modem setup is a must for correct operation of your BBS.
à ÃÁ ÁÁ ÁÓ ÓÃÃ2.1.11.1 MODEM INFOÄ ÄÄÄ
Á ÁPowerBBS will work properly only if the communications setup is correct. First of all, you must have a FULL Hayes Compatible modem. Your modem should be able to do the following:
Á Á1. Must be able to track Carrier Detect (CD), and know when there is a caller or not.
Á Á2. The modem must respond with a 'CONNECT' or 'CONNECT xxxx' messages when connecting to a modem. (xxxx=baud rate). If only CONNECT is received, 300 baud is assumed. Be sure you CONFIGure your modem to send word result codes, along with the baud rate. This is usually done by adding X4 to the initialization string. Be sure to see your manual.
Á ÁSome modems have the option to disable the CD signal. If your modem does, be sure you CONFIGure your modem to show the 'true' state of CD. If you modem needs commands to do this, add the commands to the initialization string. To have the true state of the CD signal, you may have to add the following commands to your initialization string:(Check your modem documentation for further & complete information)
Á Á&C1 usually sets the true state of the data carrier. This may vary on some modems, and may be a dip switch on others. If your modem contains dip switches, be sure to set the true state of CD.
Á Á&D2 usually will disconnect the caller, if it detects an 'on to off' transition on DTR. This may vary on some modems, and may be a dip switch on others. If your modem contains dip switch, be sure to set your modem to respond to the DTR signal from the computer. This can also be set to &D3 if you like. &D3 will initialize your modem to the settings in RAM, when an 'on to off' transition on DTR is found.
Á ÁWINDOWS USERS: For WINDOWS operations, you are better off not using the DTR to drop carrier (an option described later on, gives you the option). Ã ÃMost windows users should set the initialization string to &D0.Ä Ä If you do not, possible disconnections are likely.
Á ÁIf the bbs thinks there is a carrier when you first run PowerBBS, try adding the following command: AT&C1 to your initialization string.
Á ÁThe following command should work on most 2400 Modems:
ATM0X4&D0&C1S0=0H0
Á ÁIf you want to use AutoAnswer:
ATM0X4&D0&C1S0=1H0
Á ÁSome modems may need 'H' instead of 'H0' or 'M' instead of 'M0'. H0 should ALWAYS be placed at the end of the string. Note: Most modems use the 0 (zero), that is not the letter O. However, a few select modems do use the O so be sure to refer to your modem manual.
Á Á
Á ÁHere are sample setups for a few modems:
Á ÁPractical Peripheral 2400
Á ÁInit[1]: Á ÁATZ
Á ÁInit[2]: Á ÁATM0X4&D0&C1S0=0H0
Á ÁPackard Bell 2400
Á ÁNote: Package bell is one of select modems using the letter O instead of 0 (zero).
Á ÁInit[1]: Á ÁATZ
Á ÁInit[2]: Á ÁAT&C1MOX4V1&DOQOS0=1HO
Á ÁTwinCom 14.4/DF
Á ÁInit[1]: Á ÁATZ
Á ÁInit[2]: Á ÁAT&F&C1&D0S0=0Q0X4V1M0H0
Á ÁSupraFax v32bis
Á ÁLocked in at 19200
Á ÁInit[1]: Á ÁATZ
Á ÁInit[2]: Á ÁAT&F2&D0M0E0V1S95=35Á Á
Á ÁUSRobotics
Á ÁLocked in at 19200
Á ÁInit[1]: Á ÁATZ
Á ÁInit[2]: Á ÁAT&C1&D0M0Q0X4&A1S32=2S0=0B0&B1&H1H0
Á Á
à à Á ÁEntry #1Ä Ä: Highest Baud Rate
Á ÁPowerBBS provides serial I/O support for speeds of up to 115,200 baud. You must NOT enter a baud rate higher than your modem actually supports. Enter the baud rate of your modem here, such as 300, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, etc in the space provided. If you are not sure what your modem supports check your modem manual before going on.
Á ÁWINDOWS USERS: If you are going to use the Windows API comm routines (instead of the internal ones), be aware that Windows 3.1 limits the baud rate to 19200. If you are using version 3.1, you will not want to use a higher baud rate.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #2Ä Ä: Modem Initialization Command [1]
Á ÁThis string is the first command sent to the Modem when PowerBBS resets the modem. The default string is: ATZ
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #3Ä Ä: Modem Initialization Command [2]
Á ÁThis string is the second command sent to the Modem when PowerBBS resets the modem. The default string is: ATM0S0=0Q0X4V1H0
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #4Ä Ä: Local Initialization Command
Á ÁThis string is sent to the modem when you do a local logon, or before an event. Default string is ATH1. This command places the phone 'on hook', or busy. If someone calls, they will receive a busy signal.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #5Ä Ä: Comm Port (0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8)
Á ÁFor a LOCAL Node, set Comm Port to 0. PowerBBS will not try to access the modem at all. Otherwise, enter the NUMBER of your COM PORT.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #6Ä Ä: Minimum baud rate
Á ÁEnter the MINIMUM baud rate which is needed to access your system. If any baud rate may call then enter 0 or 300. If you wish to restrict 300 baud then enter 301, if you don't want 1200 baud then enter 1201, etc.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #7Ä Ä: Answer by RING? (No = AutoAnswer)
Á ÁIf you want PowerBBS to detect a Ring and send ATA to answer the modem, select YES. You should use this. If it doesn't work, then use AutoAnswer.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #8Ä Ä: Enter Modem Port Irq Number
à à Á ÁEntry #9Ä Ä: Enter Modem Port Base Code
Á ÁIn order to communicate to you COM port, PowerBBS must know the IRQ number and BASE codes. COM1 & COM2 are standards. They are ALWAYS the same. As you go above 1 & 2, there is no standard. You can check your irq setting & base code in your com port manual. This option gives you the ability to define your own settings, for non©standard com ports. You must enter the correct information. Be sure you begin the input with the $ sign as shown below.
Á Á***** COM1 AND COM2 AND IBM STANDARD! *****
Á Á** COM 1 © IRQ = 4, Base CODE = $3F8
Á Á** COM 2 © IRQ = 3, Base CODE = $2F8
Á ÁHere is a list of some of the other popular settings.
COM PORT IRQ Number Base Code
COM3 ©©©©©© 4 ©©©©©© $3E8
COM4 ©©©©©© 3 ©©©©©© $2E8
COM5 ©©©©©© 4 ©©©©©© $3F8
COM6 ©©©©©© 3 ©©©©©© $2F8
COM7 ©©©©©© 5 ©©©©©© $2E8
COM8 ©©©©©© 5 ©©©©©© $3E8
Á ÁÃ ÃEntry #10Ä Ä: Lock in baud rate
Á ÁIf you want PowerBBS to send to the modem at a constant rate, no matter what the caller connects at, enter Yes in this sport. Such modems as Hayes and USRobotics high speed modems, will work with this option. The Hayes Ultra does not require any additional setup, while the USRobotics requires you to give the command &B1 in your modem init.
Á ÁSetting up a USRobotics:
Á Ábaud rate: 38400
Á Ámodem init 1: Á ÁATZ
Á Ámodem init 2:Á ÁAT&C1&D0M0Q0X4&A1S32=2S0=0B0&B1&H1H0
à à Entry #11:Ä Ä Use DTR to drop carrier?
Á ÁIf you put YES here, the DTR is used to drop the carrier. This usually requires &D2 to be set. If you put NO here, PowerBBS uses the ATH0 skeem to drop the carrier. You should use &D0 in your initialization string if you put NO in this option.
Á ÁIt is recommended that à ÃWINDOWS users set this option to NO, and put &D0 in the initialization stringÄ Ä.
à à Á ÁEntry #12: Ä ÄDOS: Use FOSSIL Routines? WINDOWS: Use Windows API Comm Routines?
Á ÁDOS USERS: If you want to use COMM©DRV or another fossil driver, set this to YES, and refer to the COMM©DRV routines. Otherwise place NO here.
Á ÁWINDOWS USERS: If you want to use the Windows comm.drv (or other replacement, such as TurboCom (tm), Hayes ESP (tm) replacement, place Yes here. Be aware that you still have to put the baud rate/ base code/ Com Port Number in the setup. Comm.drv is the communications library that Windows installs, and is used by most communications programs for windows. If you set this option to YES, powerbbs will make use of these routines. Windows 3.1's COMM.DRV provides internal support for the FIFO Buffered Uart.
Á ÁIf you place no, PowerBBS will use its own communications routines (not the ones that windows provide).
Á ÁNote: The default protocol program which PowerBBS installs (PBBSPROT) for sending/receiving files, uses the WINDOWS API. If you have problems with the API and want to use the internal routines, then you must install the PBBSPROT with the internal communications routines.Á Á
à ÃÁ ÁÁ ÁÓ ÓÃÃ2.1.11.2 Event SetupÄ ÄÄÄ
Á ÁPowerBBS offers a powerfully simple event system. An event is a batch file, which is run daily at a specified time. You can run utility programs, such as powrpack, to keep your BBS up to date.
Á Áa) If you want an event active, set entry #1 to yes, otherwise set entry #1 to No.
Á Áb) Set Entry #2 to the time to begin your event.
Á Ác) Enter the path/filename to the event.bat file you will be using.
Á ÁEVENT.BAT setup:
Á ÁImportant.. For proper PowerBBS operation, your event should be at least 3©4 minutes. Here is an example batch:
c:\Powrbbs\stats c:\Powrbbs\data\users c:\Powrbbs\screen\hello4 10
copy c:\Powrbbs\screen\hello4*.* g:\Powrbbs\screen\*.*
\Powrbbs\wait 240
Á ÁNote: Line #3, wait 240: Wait is a waiting utility, which is included with the package. This will delay the batch file, to wait the desired time. You should always include this line in your batch file.
Á ÁÃ ÃÓ ÓÃÃWindows Users:ÄÄÄ Ä You no longer have to use the WAIT command.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #1Ä Ä: Do you want the Event Activated (Y/N)
Á ÁIf you don't want an event set up, answer N and forget about entries #8 & #9. If you want to set up an event set this to Y.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #2Ä Ä: Time to start event
Á ÁThis is the time to start the event. Enter in the form of XX:XX. Examples: 01:30 05:30 12:30 15:30 17:30
Times should be from 00:00 to 23:59
à à Á ÁEntry #3Ä Ä: Wait for Event (Y/N)
Á ÁIf this is set to Y, if a caller is on before an event PowerBBS will let the user use his time, and on logoff begin the event. If this is set to N, if a caller is on before an event, his/he time will be reduced to the time before the active event.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #4Ä Ä: Path/File to Event batch file
Á ÁEnter here, the path file to your .BAT file for your event. Example: C:\Powrbbs\Event.bat
à ÃÁ ÁÁ ÁÓ ÓÃÃ2.1.12 Test Files SetupÄ ÄÄÄ
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #1Ä Ä: Test new files after upload ...... (Y/N)
Á ÁSet to 'Y' if you want new uploads to be tested for validty. If the new file fails, the file will be deleted, and the uploader will not be given credit. If you set to 'N' Skip entries #2 © #4.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #2Ä Ä: Path/Filename of test batch ......
Á ÁThis is the Path/Filename to the batch file which will be loaded to test each new uploaded file.
++ Testing Files | Example Batch file to test a ZIP file ++
echo off
if exist %3 del %3
pkunzip ©t %1 >%4
If errorlevel 51 goto Good
If errorlevel 50 goto Error
If errorlevel 11 goto Error
If errorlevel 10 goto Error
If errorlevel 9 goto Error
If errorlevel 8 goto Error
If errorlevel 7 goto Error
If errorlevel 6 goto Error
If errorlevel 5 goto Error
If errorlevel 4 goto Error
If errorlevel 3 goto Error
If errorlevel 2 goto Error
If errorlevel 1 goto Error
if errorlevel 0 goto Good
:ERROR
Echo Error In Zip
Copy %2 %3 >NUL
Goto Exit
:GOOD
Echo Zip is good
goto :Exit
:Exit
cd\Powrbbs
When PowerBBS loads the batch file, it uses the following parameters:
%1 = The Compressed File to be Tested.
%2 = The Error File which is created before loading the zip, if an error occurs, there is a file to copy.
%3 = The Temp Error File which is created if the Compressed file has an error.
%4 = The Logfile which is displayed to the user as the batch completes.
Á ÁNOTE: When you are testing errorlevels in a batch file, DOS tests the errorlevel not for equality, but for greater than or equal to.
Á ÁEXAMPLE: If the program exits with an errorlevel of 5, errorlevels 4 to 0 will also be true. Errorlevel 0 is always tested as true. Therefore, errorlevels should be tested in descending order.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #3Ä Ä: Path/Filename of Temp Err File ...
Á ÁThis is the Path/Filename to the Temp Error File created by your Batch file when an error is found in the compressed file. If PowerBBS finds this file, it knows an error occurs.
à ÃÁ ÁÓ ÓÃÃ2.2 UPDATING FORUMSÄ ÄÄÄ
Á ÁYou may update the forum information, by selecting B from Config's Main Menu. This selection enables you to add/edit/delete forums. Forums are message areas, and each one may have its own files area. You can have up to 201 forums (0 © 200).
Á ÁNote:
Á ÁTo start a new message base, do the following:
Á Á1. Enter the correct information for the forum in this section.
Á Á2. If you entered a valid message base path/file, when you type PgUp, PgDn, or Esc, and the file is not found, CONFIG will create the message base for you.
Á Á3. Enter PowerBBS, and enter a message in the new forum (Use A to get to the forum. Give yourself access if needed).
Á Á4. PowerPack the message files every so often (or in your event!)
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #1Ä Ä: Forum Name .................
Á ÁThis is the name of the forum area. The name will be prompted in several areas, including at the main prompt. The name can be up to 20 characters.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #2Ä Ä: Forum Sub©Sysop ............
Á ÁThis is the user name who will be the Sysop of this Forum. If you do not want a forum sub©sysop, you can leave it blank. The Sub©Sysop is given special message base access. He/She can read all messages, and use the message base sysop commands in this forum only. No special access is given for the files area.Á Á
à à Á ÁEntry #3Ä Ä: Public Access Forum ........ (Y/N)
Á ÁThis entry affects users who do not have access to the forum yet. If set to 'Y' all users will be able to access the forum. When set to 'N' the users will only be able to access the forum, when given access by the sysop via the sysop menu.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #4Ä Ä: Minimum Security to Join ...
Á ÁThis is the security level needed to join the forum. Only users with this security level or higher will be able to access the forum.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #5Ä Ä: Message File path ..........
Á ÁThis is the path to the message base file for this forum. When entering Page Down, Page Up, Esc, the file will be checked. If it is not found, CONFIG will create the message base files automatically.
à à Á ÁEntry #6Ä Ä: News File path .............
Á ÁThis is the path to the ascii file, for the [N]ews Command. When the news command is entered, this file will be displayed.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #7Ä Ä: Files Listing Sub©Menu .....
Á ÁThis is the Ascii file displayed when the Files Menu [L]ist command is used.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #8Ä Ä: Listing DataFile ...........
Á ÁThis is the path to the file which contains the path & description to all the file listings.
Á ÁFor each forum to have it's own files area, the filename must be unique for this forum.
Á ÁFile is setup as follows:
Á Á
Á ÁNote: The
Á ÁEnter F1 to edit this file, each line has 3 entries:
#1: Á ÁEnter the path/filename to the files listing.
Á ÁÁ ÁExample: C:\Powrbbs\Files\List1
#2: Á ÁEnter a description of this files listing.
Á ÁÁ ÁExample: Games
#3: Á ÁEnter the DIRectory, which contains these files.
Á ÁÁ ÁExample: C:\Powrbbs\Games\
Á ÁÁ ÁÁ Á(This is where the programs can actually be found on the hard disk.)
Á ÁNOTE: You are currently limited to 50 different directories, for each forum. You can have 50 directories, in EACH forum!
Á ÁÃ ÃÓ ÓÃÃWindows Users:ÄÄÄ Ä You may have up to 250 file listings!
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #9Ä Ä: Download Dirs Datafile .....
Á ÁThis is the path to the ascii file which contains the directories of downloadable files. All the files in the directories that you specify, will be accessable to downloads (any other directories on disk will not be accessable). To put restrictions on the files in these directories, edit the download security file (Data Files #1, Entry #2).
Á ÁNOTE: The name of each Download Dirs Datafile should be unique in that forum. This will keep your downloads directories appropriate for that forum. For every entry you have made in Entry #8, you must have a corresponding download directory here. These path listings allow the bbs to find the files when a user selects files to download from the listings in #8 above. The listings in #8 are used only for display purposes, this listing (Entry #9) are used by the bbs to locate the downloadable files. Ã ÃInclude here the path to your new uploadsÄ Ä in item #10 below, or else your callers will not be able to download files that have been recently uploaded to the new uploads area! The text file list for the new uploads will be stored on the path you specify in item #11 below. This list will ALWAYS be the last choice on the submenu that the user sees. If you have three different file areas for a forum, then there will be a fourth choice for callers, this will bring up the NEW UPLOADS listing file from item #11.
Á ÁTo edit this file, type F1. Each line has 1 entry:
Á Á#1: Enter the Path/DIRectory, which contains user downloadable files.
Á Á Examples:
Á ÁC:\Utils\
Á ÁD:\Files\Games\Games1\
Á ÁE:\Allmy\Files\
Á ÁEach line should contain the drive letter, and then the dir (and sub©directories). Be certain all the dirs exist. Order has no importance.
Á Á** NOTE **: 200 directories are the limit for each forum.
Á ÁÃ ÃÓ ÓÃÃWindows Users:ÄÄÄ Ä You may have up to 500 download directories!
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #10Ä Ä: Path to Upload Directory .....
Á ÁThis is the directory in which uploads are placed. Be certain to have the drive letter, dir, and/or sub©directories. All files uploaded to this forum that are not RESTRICTED for sysop only, will go to this directory.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #11Ä Ä: Uploads Listing Dir ..........
Á ÁThis is the path to the ascii file in which uploaded files are added & listed.
Á ÁForum Editing, F3 Command. Type F3 if you would like to delete the current forum. You will also be asked if you want to update the users file. If you select yes, CONFIG will delete the forum information in the user file. You should always update the users file.
Á ÁÃ ÃÁ ÁEntry #12:Ä Ä Make all messages PUBLIC?
Á ÁÁ ÁIf you do not want any PRIVATE messages to be permitted to be placed in the current forum, then place Yes here. All Private messages will be routed to forum #0 (Note that you cannot make forum #0 a public forum, you must put No for forum #0).
Á ÁÃ ÃÁ ÁEntry #13:Ä Ä Do you want ANONYMOUS names?
Á ÁÁ ÁIf you enter YES to this question, users will be able to leave ANONYMOUS messages in this forum. You will then have no way of knowing who left the messages (the only way you could tell is if you are watching your bbs in action and actual see the message entered!)
Á ÁÃ ÃÓ ÓÃÃ2.3 EDIT FILES LISTINGÄ ÄÄÄ
Á ÁYou may edit the files listings, by selecting C from the Main Menu of Config. This option lets you edit your files listings, and move files between directories.
Á ÁWhen you enter a file listing, you are first asked if you would like files in the directory that are not in the list, to be added. If you select Yes, PowerBBS will check the directory for files not in your list. The files that are found, will be marked by 'D' in Option #1. If you would like this file to be listed, you must enter the current number of the file listing.
Á ÁIf you see a 'N' before the option #1 on any file, this means that the file listed is not currently in the directory.
Á ÁEach option is explained below:
Á ÁOption #1: Enter the conference number. This is the conference number which contains the files listings you want to edit. Remember, each forum can have a different files listings, as you have selected in Section [B] of CONFIG.
Á ÁOption #2: You may now enter the files listing # you want to edit. You should now be in edit mode. On each files list page, there are 4 options to EACH file:
Á ÁÃ ÃÁ ÁEntry #1:Ä Ä Forum #
Á ÁÁ ÁThis is the forum # that the files list is in. If you want to move the current file to a different forum, just replace the given forum # with the forum # that you want the file to be located at.
à à Á ÁEntry #2Ä Ä: List #
Á ÁThis is the list number, this file is in. If the file is not on the list, and ONLY in the directory, then D is placed here. If you want to add this file to the current list, change the D to the current list # (if you leave D, the file line will not be saved). If you want to move a file between lists, enter the list # to move the file to.
Á ÁÃ ÃEntry #3Ä Ä: Filename
Á ÁThis is the filename of the file. It should be placed as a standard DOS name.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #4Ä Ä: Date
Á ÁThis is the DOS date of the file.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #5Ä Ä: Description
Á ÁThis is a general description of the file. You should place the general aim of the program here.
à ÃÁ ÁÓ ÓÃÃ2.4 EDITTING MENU FILESÄ ÄÄÄ
Á ÁYou may edit your menus, and create your own menus, by selecting D from the Main Menu.
Á ÁAll you MENU source files and PowerLANG files must be placed/ located in your source directory. This directory is CONFIGurable in CONFIG (The General System Setup).
Á ÁÁ ÁÓ ÓÃÃ2.4.1 Code #s of Built In CommandsÄÄ
1) Area Change:
Used to jump to a different forum. Forums usually deal with a certain topic, and includes its own message base.
2) Read Bulletins:
This option will display a listing of bulletins, which can be displayed. You have the option to read one or more bulletins by selecting the bulletin number, re©listing the bulletins that are available for display, or returning you to the MAIN menu.
3) Clock Display:
This option will display the time you called up, the current time and date, the amount of time used on this call, and the amount of time left for your call.
4) Goodbye, Logoff:
Terminates the current connection and disconnects. You will be asked if you are sure you want to logoff. If Yes, you will be disconnected after the logoff screen is shown. If No is entered, you will be returned to the MAIN menu.
5) Initial Welcome:
This will display the opening screens, which were displayed to you as you logged on today. This lets you look at the screens, without having to logoff and then call again.
6) Live Programs, Doors:
This feature permits you to run an outside program, and leave the main bbs temporarily. Live programs can be almost anything from a database to a game. You will be displayed a list of programs, and you must type in the program # to run, or return to come back to the MAIN menu.
7) News Display:
This menu choice displays the contents of the current Forum you are in.
8) Page the SysOp:
This selection allows you to page the system operator. If the sysop's Pager is turned on, the computer will try and call the SysOp by beeping. If the SysOp is there, he will go into CHAT mode. You must first give a reason for calling him.
9) Questionnaire:
You are presented with a menu screen containing numbered listings of questionnaires available to be answered. Select the number you wish to answer. You will then be followed by questions, which are defined by the SysOp, to answer.
10) Update Settings:
This gives you the ability to make changes to certain information in your User database. You may change the entries in some area, while others are not accessible. This gives you the ability to set up color, hotkeys, etc.
11) View Statistics:
This displays information from your User Database. It will display your file information, settings, etc.
12) Who is on, Node Chat:
If you are running multinodes, users will be able to see who else is online, and chat with other nodes.
13) Expert Toggle:
You have the option of two levels of menus: Expert And Novice. In Novice mode full menu support is shown, while in Expert mode the screens are by©passed.
14) Comment to SysOp:
This permits the user to enter a message to the SysOp. The message is saved in the current forum.
15) Enter a Message:
This message entry command has a number of features. First you must select who to address the message to. If return is selected, it will be addressed to ALL. You are then asked for the Topic of the message. The final prompt prior to message entry is whether to make the message private. Private mail is seen only by the sender, recipient, Sysops, and Sub©SysOp. If your computer permits Ascii codes, a full screen editor will be used, with numerous features.
16) Lastread Update:
Allows you to reset your last message read pointers (for the forums). Used for Downloading of Mail, and for reading messages.
17) Read Messages:
Reading messages involves selection of the messages to be read from a sub©menu. The choices within the READ command are fully explained in a help file within that area.
18) Scan Messages:
Scanning messages is different from reading messages. Only the header information is shown. It is used in cases where a quick view of the messages is needed.
19) Update Forum Info:
This permits the user to change the forums he wants to scan. The scanning is used for when Reading Messages, and when downloading mail.
20) View Forum Info:
This prompt displays all the forums which you have access to and all the forums which are set for scanning.
21) Your Mail:
This will search messages for mail written to YOU.
22) Download files:
This option allows transferring files from the BBS system to your computer. If your ratio does not comply with the system rules, you will be notified and returned to the FILE menu. You can fix this by Uploading files, and/or by leaving messages. To see what you have to do, use the Y function to view your statistics. If you have a set protocol, you will be prompted for the name(s) of the files to download. If you do not have a set protocol, you will have to enter a protocol. You can transfer up to 50 Files using Batch mode. When the BBS indicates 'ready to send' you should begin your own local transfer procedures, using the same protocol as you selected.
23) List Files:
This option views the available files for download from the BBS. It presents a sub©prompt asking for which file area to be displayed.
24) New Files:
Displays a sub©prompt asking for the date to use as a basis for the search. The default date is the last time you used this option. The files which are that date are newer will be displayed.
25) Protocol Option:
This gives you the ability to change the default protocol, which is used for transfers.
26) Read a Text File:
A sub©prompt asks for the name of any ascii file listed in the file database. The selected text file is displayed with appropriate screen pauses. Only files with .TXT are permitted.
27) Search File List:
This option gives you the ability to search the files listing for any series of characters. If the series is found in the filename, or description, the file will be shown.
28) Test a File:
This will test an ARCHIVE to see if it is a valid ARCHIVE.
29) Upload a File:
This option allows transferring of files from your computer to the BBS. If no default protocol is set, you must choice the file. You will then be prompted for the files, and enter a description. If enter is hit alone, you can upload the files and be asked for the descriptions later.
30) View inside a ZIP:
This selection is designed to allow viewing compressed files, such as .ARC, .ZIP, .PAK, .ZOO, etc.
31) Write MARKED files:
This permits you to update the information in the MARKED files listing. This listing of files, is set to be downloaded, when the D FILE MENU option is used.
32) Your Stats [Ratio]:
This will display your current download/upload information, your ratio, the lowest ratio available for download, and if you have access to download. If you have a bad ratio in either Downloading/Uploading or Messages Per Call, you will be notified.
33) Sysops System:
This function will load the SysOps Menu, PowrSYS.exe.
34) Download Mail:
Executes a mail scan in which unread messages in the forums you select are placed into an Ascii file, Archived, and prepared for download from the Files System. Will use your 'Forum Scan' default when the A)ll Forums selection is used.
35) Ascii Upload:
Allows for Ascii Uploads
36) View Graphic online
Á ÁÁ ÁSee GRAPHICS section for more info
Á ÁÓ ÓÃÃ2.4.2 Download/Upload .QWK/.REP PackagesÄÄ
37) Á ÁCommand to permit User to Download Mail
38) Á ÁCommand to permit User to Upload Mail
Á ÁThese options are only available on the PROFESSIONAL VERSION, not the regular version (registered or shareware). These options will permit your users to download mail, and read the mail with any quickmail compatible reader off©line. Option #38, permits them to upload their replies to the BBS.
Á ÁÓ ÓÃÃ2.4.3 Info On Editting Menus ÄÄ
Á ÁYou will first be asked the Menu #. Enter the # to edit (1 to 99). The File saved will be located in your Source .MNU/.POW directory. For example, if this directory is C:\Powrbbs\Source\, and you enter 1 to edit, the file C:\Powrbbs\Source\1.MNU is used. If the MENU is not found, it will be created automatically.
Á ÁIMPORTANT: Menu # 1 (one) is the MAIN MENU. After logon, Menu #1 is loaded. You MUST have this menu made, for correct operation!
Á Á
Á ÁNote that one of the setups from the Menu Editor, is the Interactive Menu Setup. This setup refers to the capability of using the arrows at a menu. If you have interactive menus set up, people who have ansi capabilities can use their arrows. Be aware that you do not need to have this on your bbs. One of the bottom entries will be "Allow Interaction". If you place NO here, then you can skip over the other interactive entries. You decide for EACH Menu, whether you would like interaction.
The options given are:
Letter C/G/M Min Sec Code # Time Description
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #1Ä Ä: Letter
Á ÁThis is the one character letter of the command. This is the character the caller must type on his keyboard for access to this command. For example, if you made the letter A, then an A is the command the caller must use.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #2Ä Ä: C/G/M
Á ÁYou are now creating the command. Enter here the letter C or G or M. Each of these 3 letters, tells PowerBBS where to go when the user types this command.
Á Á'C': This refers to a built in command. You should find the "Code #s of Built In Commands" listed previously.
Á Á'M': M is referring to another MENU. Type M here if you want to load a different menu. For example, if this is the MAIN menu, and you want F to lead to the FILES menu, then type M here.
Á Á'G': G is referring to a PowerLang file. PowerLang is a simple language which permits you to create your own commands. If you have created your own command, via a PowerLang file, use G here. PowerBBS will know to run a PowerLang file.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #3Ä Ä: Min Security
Á ÁEnter the minimum security level the user must have to enter this command.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #4Ä Ä: Code #
Á ÁThis gives the computer the exact information on what to do. On the entry for C/G/M if you entered:
Á Á'C': Use the above chart of "Code #s of Built In Commands". Just enter the number from the chart, and this is what the computer will run. For example, if you put 1 here there Computer will run the procedure for area changing.
Á Á'M': If you entered M for the C/G/M option, this command will run another menu. This current menu will go out of memory, and the new menu will be run. Just enter the MENU NUMBER, (the same menu number you entered to edit menus).
Á Á'G': Enter the PowerLang file. PowerBBS will run the PowerLang file located in your .MNU/.POW source directory. For example, if this directory is C:\Powrbbs\Source\, and you enter the code number 2, then the PowerLang file C:\Powrbbs\Source\2.Pow will be run. Be sure you create the PowerLang file.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #5Ä Ä: Time
Á ÁThis tells the computer how to charge time, when this function is in use. 1 is the normal time. Anything above 1 gives the user less time, anything below gives the user more time.
Á ÁUse the following chart:
Á ÁTime Description
Á Á©1.0 Á ÁThe user is given 1 minute for each minute being used. ©1 or ©2 is useful for
Á ÁÁ ÁÁ Áthe UPLOAD option. This will give users time back, for their uploads.
Á Á0.0 Á ÁThe clock is stopped, and no time is being charged.
Á Á1.0 Á Á1 minute is charged for every minute used. This is the normal time, and
Á ÁÁ ÁÁ Áshould be placed on almost all of your functions.
Á ÁÁ Á** This is the normal setting **
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #6Ä Ä: Intr
Á ÁThis options stands for the Interaction menu item. When a user logs onto an interactive menu, the first menu item that is selected is Intr #1. If the User pressed, the down arrow, Intr #2 is selected. You should begin your menu items with 1 and go up by 1 from there.
Á ÁIf you have interaction menus on, but do not want this command to be selected via the interaction method, put a 0 here.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #7Ä Ä: X
Á ÁThis is the interactive X coordinate. When a user is up to this Intr #, PowerBBS will go to this X coordinate, and display the description.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #8Ä Ä: Y
Á ÁSame as the previous entry, but the Y coordinate.
à ÃÁ ÁEntry #9Ä Ä: Description
Á ÁEnter a small description on the command.
à ÃF3: Editting other informationÄ Ä
Á ÁWhen you type F3 you can edit the main information of the menu file.
Á Á#1: Name of this menu
Á ÁEnter a short description of this menu. This short description is displayed at the command line.
Á Á#2: Menu Display File
Á ÁThis is the SCREEN which will be displayed to the user. Enter the Path & Filename to the Menu Screen. Remember, this is like any other screen file. This path is to the ASCII path/filename. During use, if a color file is found (with C added to the filename), and the user can use color, then that is displayed.
Á Á#3: Help Display File
Á ÁThis is the SCREEN which will be displayed to the user, when the user types ? or H for help. Enter the path/filename to the help file.
Á Á#4: Norm Background
Á ÁNormal background, is the color selected that PowerBBS uses for interactive menus.
Á ÁBlack ©> 40
Á ÁRed ©> 41
Á ÁGreen ©> 42
Á ÁYellow ©> 43
Á ÁBlue ©> 44
Á ÁMagenta ©> 45
Á ÁCyan ©> 46
Á ÁWhite ©>47
Á Á
Á Á#5: Intr Background
Á ÁThis is the color that PowerBBS will use when the current menu item has been selected via the interactive method.
Á Á#6: Norm Color
Á ÁThis should be the normal color of the text that is being used on the interactive menu.
Á ÁBlack ©> 30
Á ÁRed ©> 31
Á ÁGreen ©> 32
Á ÁYellow ©> 33
Á ÁBlue ©> 34
Á ÁMagenta ©> 35
Á ÁCyan ©> 36
Á ÁWhite ©> 37
Á Á
Á Á#7: Intr Color
Á ÁThis is the color that PowerBBS will use when the current menu item has been selected via the interactive method.
Á Á#8: Ã ÃAllow Interaction?Ä Ä
Á ÁPlace a 'Y' here if you have interaction set up for this menu, otherwise put 'N'.
Á Á*** NOTES On Menus ***
Á Á The characters H and ? cannot be used. When these commands are pressed, help is displayed.
à ÃÁ ÁÓ ÓÃÃ2.5 Config Section [E] © Edit Language FileÄ ÄÄÄ
Á ÁThis section will let you edit the language specific files. Note that 1 (which is 1.LAN) is the default text file, which is used when you are not running a multi©language bbs.
Á ÁIf you want to have different languages you should read section 2.1.4.5 of the manual, and also set entry #15 on options screen #1 in CONFIG to yes (described in section 2.1.8).
Ó ÓÃÃÁ Á** If you do not have on disk, language file #1, then the internal text will not be displayed correctly. **ÄÄ
Á ÁWhen you are asked for the language number, this file is stored as #.LAN in the SOURCE directory. You can create a new file by editting a language number that does not exist. This new file will contain the ENGLISH default text.
Á ÁIn all the text editting, you can type whatever you want. Plus you can use ANY MACROS that are documented in this manual. This includes the COLOR macros:
Á Á@1@ © Blue @2@ © Green @3@ © Cyan @4@ © Red @5@ © Magenta
Á Á@6@ © Gray @7@ © Yellow @8@ © Brown @9@ © White
Á ÁAlso, the macros which will follow (|DATE|, |NAME|, etc) may also be used.
Á ÁExample:
Á Á@7@Press [@9@RETURN@7@]:
Á ÁThis selection, prints Press [RETURN]: to the caller. The @7@/@9@ are color codes. If the caller is in graphics mode, these colors are shown.
Á ÁYou can use any of the Color Macros, or users macros in this area.
Á ÁYou can also do:
Á Á|FIRST|, Please press [RETURN]:
Á ÁRemember that |MACROS|, MUST be in CAPS!
à ÃÁ ÁÓ ÓÃÃ3.0 TEXT SCREEN FILESÄ ÄÄÄ
Á ÁThe text (screen) files you defined in CONFIG gives the path/filename to the ASCII (Non©Color) file. If the caller has a color monitor the code will display the color ANSI (Color) file. (If the ANSI file is not available, the ASCII file will be dispalyed) Add a C to the Path/Filename of the ASCII file to make the ANSI File.
(This is what you enter) Á ÁÁ Á(C is added automatically)
ASCII File (Non©Color) Á ÁÁ ÁANSI File (Color)
C:\Powrbbs\Screen\Hello1 Á ÁC:\Powrbbs\Screen\Hello1C
C:\Powrbbs\Screen\Welcome Á ÁC:\Powrbbs\Screen\WelcomeC
C:\Powrbbs\Blt\Blt Á ÁÁ ÁC:\Powrbbs\Blt\BltC
Because of the way C is added to make the Path/Filename of ANSI files, it is a good idea to limit the Filename of ASCII files to 7 characters.
In any text file, you can place these macro commands. These commands will be substituted with the current values. Be certain to include one | in the beginning and one | at the end, and to put the macro in CAPS.
Á ÁÓ ÓÃÃ ÄÄÓ ÓÃÃÁ Á3.1 MACROSÄÄ
Á ÁÃ ÃMACROS MUST BE IN CAPS!Ä Ä
|BAUD| Á ÁÁ ÁThis is the current baud rate of the caller
|BBSCALLS| Á ÁTotal number of bbs calls
|BIRTHD| Á ÁDate the current caller was born
|COM| Á ÁÁ ÁThis is the current com port # on this node
|CLOCK| Á ÁCurrent System Time
|DATE| Á ÁÁ ÁCurrent System Date
|DLFILE| Á ÁTotal number of downloads for current caller
|DLBYTE| Á ÁTotal number of bytes downloaded by current caller
|DLKA| Á ÁÁ ÁTotal number of k bytes available for download for the current call
|EX| Á ÁÁ ÁExpert mode on/off by current user
|EXPDAT| Á ÁExpiration Date for current caller
|FILES| Á ÁÁ ÁThis is the filename which contains the file list
|FIRST| Á ÁÁ ÁThe current callers first name
|FIRSTD| Á ÁThe current callers first date called
|LASTDT| Á ÁThe current callers last date he called
|LEVEL| Á ÁSecurity level of current caller
|LOG| Á ÁÁ ÁThis is the log file, which if found is viewed by the caller after a shell.
|MBDL|Á ÁÁ ÁCurrent monthly download byte limit in kilobytes
|MONITOR|Á ÁÁ ÁThe current callers monitor type (Ansi = Color, Mono = Otherwise)
|MINLEFT| Á ÁThe current callers minutes left before log off
|MINON| Á ÁThe current callers minutes on the system (time in mins used)
|MSGS| Á ÁTotal number of messages left
|NAME| Á ÁThe current callers FULL name
|NAME25| Á ÁThe current callers FULL name (always 25 characters)
|NODE#| Á ÁÁ ÁThe current node number
|PAGELEN| Á ÁThe current callers page length
|PBBSDAT| Á ÁThis is the path/filename to the current node's Powrbbs.dat file
|SS| Á ÁÁ ÁIn = Pager on, Out = Pager out (Sysop in/out)
|SYSOP| Á ÁThe sysop's first name
|ULFILE| Á ÁTotal number of uploads for current caller
|ULBYTE| Á ÁTotal number of bytes uploaded by current caller
|USRCALLS| Á ÁTotal number of calls the user has made
|VER| Á ÁÁ ÁThe current version number of PowerBBS
|WHO©ON|Á ÁÁ Áidentify the current callers (all the nodes) information
Á ÁThe following Macros can be anywhere, but are usually located
Á Áin your Ratios Screen File.
|MMR| Á ÁÁ ÁThis is the MINIMUM Message/Calls Ratio
|YMR| Á ÁÁ ÁThis is the Users Message/Calls Ratio
|MFR| Á ÁÁ ÁThis is the MINIMUM Downloaded/Uploaded files Ratio
|YFR| Á ÁÁ ÁThis is the Users Downloaded/Uploaded files Ratio
|MBR| Á ÁÁ ÁThis is the MINIMUM Downloaded/Uploaded Bytes Ratio
|YBR| Á ÁÁ ÁThis is the Users Downloaded/Uploaded Bytes Ratio
|GOOD_MR| Á ÁThis tells the user about his/her Message Ratio
|GOOD_FR| Á ÁÁ ÁThis tells the user about his/her File Ratio
|GOOD_BR| Á ÁÁ ÁThis tells the user about his/her Byte Ratio
à ÃÁ Á** IMPORTANT **Ä Ä: The current limit is 255 characters to each line. Do not save any ANSI files past this limit. When using | in color files be sure to:
Á Á(1) Save your ANSI files to 150 characters per line. This will ensure you that the 255 limit will not be violated, when the new information replaces the | statements.
Á Á(2) When saving | statements in color files, you cannot change the color within the | statement. Also be certain that your ANSI editor does not split the | between 2 lines. When this happens the new info will not replace the macro.
Á Á(3) If you are using THEDRAW to edit ANSI SCREENS, you might want to use [ ALT©B, S ] to save the screens.
Á ÁÓ ÓÃÃ4.0 Files Configuration SetupÄÄ
Á ÁBecause it is possible to have different files for each forum, in order to set up files you must first enter the update forums area of CONFIG (see manual 2.2).
Á ÁEntry #8 in the forum setup will set up the listings itself (the screens your users will see when they enter the file listings command). When a user selects Download, PowerBBS will search all the files in the directories you specify in Entry #9.
Á ÁBe sure you go over this section thoroughly before moving on.
Á ÁOnce you have the basic configuration of the files area complete, you can now edit and change the files listings, and the files contained within. Section C of Config (see manual 2.3) edits the file listings.
If you are creating the listing for the first time, you will most likely want to add files on disk that are not contained in the listing. You should then select Yes when CONFIG asks you if you want to add files that are found on disk but are not on the list. PowerBBS will then add the files on
disk to the list temporarily. It is only temporary because the listing # (entry #2) will contain a [ D] meaning it is on the disk but not contained within the listing. If you want the file to be contained within the listing, change the [ D] to the listing number you are working with. If you are working
on listing #2 change it to 2 [ 2].
That is the basic setup of files. Your last concern should be of new uploads to the system. There are two kinds of uploads, public and private. Public uploads will be accessable to downloads, whereas private uploads will not. You can restrict all the uploads on your system to
be restrictive by turning entry #6 "Restrict all Uploads" in the Options #1 screen to Yes. The files uploaded will then go into the directory you specify in files paths #1 screen entry #3 and listing in entry #4.
If you set "Restrict all Uploads" to NO, PowerBBS will permit uploads to go in the public directory that you specify in the forum setup entry #10 and be listed in the file specified in entry #11.
à ÃÁ ÁÓ ÓÃÃ5.0 PBBSPROT SETUPÄÄÄ Ä
Á ÁPBBSPROT is a file transfer utility, which is automatically installed by INSTALL. PBBSPROT.EXE is placed in your \Powrbbs directory.
Ó ÓÃÃÁ ÁDOS USERS:ÄÄ Remember that PBBSPROT ONLY uses the INT 14 to transfer files in its DOS version.
Usage:
PBBSPROT PowerData©File command
PowerData©FileÁ ÁÁ ÁPowerBBS (Powrbbs.dat) file for the current node (or |PBBSDAT| macro)
sx/rxÁ ÁÁ ÁSend/Receive Xmodem©CRC
sxk/rxkÁ ÁÁ ÁSend/Receive Xmodem©1k
sxg/rxgÁ ÁÁ ÁSend/Receive Xmodem©1kg
sy/ryÁ ÁÁ ÁSend/Receive Ymodem
sz/rzÁ ÁÁ ÁSend/Receive Zmodem
Example commands in your protocol.bbs file: (which you can edit in Config's Data Files #1 screen, Entry #8)
To send Zmodem files:
PBBSPROT sz |PBBSDAT|
To receive ymodem files
PBBSPROT ry |PBBSDAT|
Xmodem:
(U) PBBSPROT rx |PBBSDAT|
(D) PBBSPROT sx |PBBSDAT|
YES, its that SIMPLE!
à ÃÁ ÁÓ ÓÃÃ6.0 SETTING UP DSZÄÄÄ Ä
Ã Ã Ä Ä
Á ÁÓ ÓÃÃDOS USERS:ÄÄ If you are a DOS User, than DSZ will most likely be your first choice for protocol setup. Remember, that the PBBSPROT included will also transfer files, via the INT 14 method. If you have the FOSSIL loaded, you can still use DSZ. However, you cannot use IRQ sharing cards with DSZ. If you are using Irq sharing cards, you MUST be PBBSPROT!
Ã Ã Ä Ä
Before starting anything you should gain a copy of DSZ. Be sure your
copy is NO EARLIER than 4/6/88. Remember DSZ is a shareware product.
The DSZ program requires two important environment variables to be set up for operation with PowerBBS. These variables should be added to your autoexec.bat. Dos sets an environment as follows:
SET VARNAME=VALUE
VARNAME = The variable
VALUE = The assigned value to that variable
Check your DOS manual for further information.
1. DSZPORT
This variable tells DSZ which com port you are using. This should be
assigned either a value of 1 or 2.
SET DSZPORT=1
SET DSZPORT=2
2. DSZLOG
This variable tells DSZ to record the results of file transfers. PowerBBS will then take that information for CPS info, etc. If this file is not found, PowerBBS will determine the results and CPS to the best of its ability. This should be set to the path/filename you entered in Config's Node Screen, Entry #4.
SET DSZLOG=C:\DSZ.LOG
Your autoexec.bat should now contain 2 NEW VALUES.
DSZ is case sensitive. Be sure you read the documentation to DSZ before switching the command lines.
An example Zmodem (D) Cmd Line is:
DSZ port |COM| handshake both pB4096 z pb1 sz |FILES|
If you are using a high speed modem and have chosen to LOCK in at 19,200 or 9,600 some addition parameters are needed. Check your documentation for more info.
An example Zmodem (U) Cmd Line is:
DSZ port |COM| pB4096 rz
An example Ymodem Batch (D) Cmd Line is:
DSZ port |COM| pB4096 sb ©k |FILES|
An example Ymodem Batch (U) Cmd Line is:
DSZ port |COM| pB4096 rb ©k
Á ÁÓ ÓÃÃ6.1 Setting up HSLINKÄÄ
HSLINK is currently a DOS protocol, that will permit your users to download and upload at the same time. It will work with both the DOS and WINDOWS versions of PowerBBS. As with any DOS comm program under WINDOWS it will not be nearly as fast as a WINDOWS comm program.
Once you have a copy of hslink.exe in your \powrbbs directory, add the following to your protocol.bbs file:
H 40 40 1 0 HSlink (use D to begin Only)
c:\powrbbs\hslink ©P|COM| ©B|BAUD| ©U|UPDIR| |FILES|
Be sure that you have set up the "SET DSZLOG" as described above. That is all you have to do to have hslink set up on your bbs.
To operate HSLINK, your users should select the Download command, as you can tell there is no command for uploads. They can select the files for download, and once in Hslink they can upload files at the same time. PowerBBS will check for the new files when the transfer is complete.
Á ÁÃ ÃÓ ÓÃÃ7.0 SYSOPS FUNCTIONS KEYSÄ ÄÄÄ
When a caller is on©line, the sysop sees a little display on the bottom of the screen. The display lets the SysOp know who is on©line and statistics on the caller. The following commands may be executed by either typing the F keys OR USING THE MENUS at the top of the screen! Just click the menus as you would with any other WINDOWS program.
Command Description
F1: Á ÁAdds 2 minutes to the current users time
F2: Á ÁSubtracts 2 minutes from the current users time
F3: Á ÁToggles the system pager. Then ON, the sysop will be beeped when a user chooses to Page the sysop from the main menu. When OFF, the user will be displayed the nochat screen.
F4: Á ÁToggles the screen writing. When off there will be no screen writing on the local monitor. This is useful, in that the ansi©interpreter does not have to interpret the messages, and thus speeds up operation.
F5: Á ÁUpgrade User On©line. Using this command you can set the users security level, expiration date/level, forum status. If the computer should hang up before the user exits (Goodbye, Live Program, Transfer), the information will be lost.
F6: Á ÁHangs up the current caller. Logging him off, and saving current user information. Use this if you have to use the computer for some reason, or if the caller is doing something you don't want.
F7: Á ÁBreaks into chat mode, a procedure in which the sysop
can talk to the user, with no other activity occurring.
F8: Á ÁToggles Printing of Activity Log on/off
F9: Á ÁLoads a file from your bbs, and uses the file as if you were typing it in as an input.
F10: Á ÁOutputs all caller activity, screens, etc to a file you
specify.
à ÃDOS USERS: Pressing Home, PgUp, and PgDn will give you more information on the current caller. Ä Ä
Á ÁÓ ÓÃÃ8.0 Run External DOS programs after each callerÄÄ
Á ÁPowerBBS looks for a particular batch file in your à ÃPowerbbs directoryÄ Ä after each caller hangs up. This can give you the opportunity to run programs that may update a last caller screen, etc. Such utilities are available at the PowerBBS Support BBS.
Á ÁThe file is "Logoff" + the node number + ".BAT"
Á ÁFor example, node #1 would be Logoff1.bat. (\powrbbs\logoff1.bat). If this file is found after a caller logs off, it will be run.
Á ÁBe aware that PowerBBS will look for these files in the same directory as your powrbbs.dat. So if your command line in start.bat is powrbbs \powrbbs\powrbbs.dat, then powrbbs will look in the \powrbbs directory. If you do not have a path (powrbbs powrbbs.dat), powrbbs looks in the \ directory. So be sure you give the full drive path information at the command line to run powrbbs.
Á ÁÃ ÃRun external DOS programs on each logonÄ Ä
Á ÁThis is the same as running a DOS program on logoff, except it is after the caller has logged onto the bbs.
Á ÁPowerBBS will run "LOGON"+Node#+".BAT"
à ÃÁ ÁÓ ÓÃÃ9.0 SETTING UP A MULTI©LINE (MultiNode) SystemÄÄÄ Ä
To set up more than one node of PowerBBS
Á Á1) First install PowerBBS. This will install one line, or one copy, when complete.
Á Á2) To set up each addition node, you have to do the following:
Á ÁÁ Áa) Copy your PowrBBS.DAT (which is the date file for the first line), to a new name, such as PowerBBS2.dat
Á ÁÁ Áb) Run Config for the new data file. CONFIG PowrBBS2.dat
Á ÁÁ Ác) Edit the information which needs to be different for this node, including the node information screen, and the modem information. You will probably have to change the com port, irq & base numbers. Ã ÃThe following information is required to be different on each node:Ä Ä
à ÃÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ ÁÄ Ä1) All the options on the Node Information Screen, except entrys 6,7, & 12.
Á ÁÁ ÁÁ Á2) Options Screen #3, Entry #6 (Path/File to Batch created for LP & T)
Á ÁÁ ÁÁ Á3) You'll probably want a different live programs data file (Data FIles #1,
Á ÁÁ ÁÁ Á Entry #6.
Á ÁÁ Ád) Now just as you installed your first copy of PowerBBS, set up a NEW ICON for this node, by typing File New in Window's Program Manager.
Á ÁYou should have something like:
Á ÁÁ ÁI. PowerBBS (node 2)
Á Á II. C:\Powrbbs\Powrbbs.exe C:\Powrbbs\Powrbbs2.dat
Á ÁNotice the Data file is different for this node. You can now load your second node, by running the ICON.
DOS USERS: You will need a different START.BAT for each node. If you are running desqview, you'll need to run the different START.BAT for each node that loads.
Á ÁÃ ÃÓ ÓÃÃ10.0 NETWORKINGÄÄÄ Ä
Á ÁPowerBBS will work properly under networking protocols based on DOS 3.x and up, included SHARED and file/record LOCK modes. PowerBBS should run properly under just about any network, as long as the network is 100% NetBIOS compatible.
Á ÁYou can use a NETWORK drive, which can share PowerBBS data for different nodes.
Á ÁÃ ÃÓ ÓÃÃ11.0 QUESTIONNAIRESÄ ÄÄÄ
Á ÁThe questionnaire system gives the Sysop the ability to ask the callers questions, and respond with answers. PowerBBS uses a simple line©oriented language and text files to do this.
Á ÁIn the CONFIG program, you filled in two important pieces of information:
Á Áa) Questionnaire menu fileÁ Á(Display Files #1 Screen, Entry #12)
Á Áb) Questionnaire data fileÁ Á(Data Files #1 Screen, Entry #1)
Á ÁWhen the caller, selects the Q function (At the Main Menu), he/she is shown the questionnaire menu file. The caller can then select the questionnaire he/she wants to answer.
Á ÁTo create the questionnaire file, you have to create the ASCII file, using the questionnaire command structure. You are provided with sample questionnaire files. Viewing these files will help you in making your own questionnaires.
Á ÁThe questionnaire commands are as follows:
Á ÁBe sure not to use ANY commas except for the designed areas. You can not use: |Welcome, to our BBS. You can use: |Welcome to our bbs.
Á Á| : Begin line with a | for display of any string to the right. It will not ask any questions of any sort.
Á Á1,3,How old are you?
Á ÁStructure: 1,
Á ÁTo ask a Question with a string result begin a line with the number 1 and a comma. The next data is the maximum length the user can respond. The above command will permit only 3 characters at the most for the caller to respond with. The last data is the question you want to be asked. The above command will permit a string input, with a maximum of 3 characters, and the question: How old are you? to appear on the screen. A maximum of 75 characters is permitted for
Á Á2,Are you a sysop?
Á ÁStructure: 2,
Á ÁTo ask a Yes/No Question, begin a line with a 2 and a comma. The only other information required is the question. The above command will display: Are you a sysop? (Y/N). The (Y/N) is added automatically in PowerBBS to let the caller know Y or N must be hit.
Á Á3,(###) ###©####,What is your business telephone #?:
Á ÁStructure: 3,,
Á ÁThis is the most complicated command you will come across. Be certain you know what your doing when using this command! This command gets a full input of numbers and will not let the caller quit till all the numbers are filled. Begin the line with a 3 and a comma. On the next command be careful. You can form any number input you want. The #'s will be inputed where the # is. All the other text is displayed and added to the output file. The above example: (###) ###©#### is one way of doing a phone number. A date would be ##©##©## or ##/##/##.
Á Á4,10,50 4,
Á ÁThis option permits you to upgrade users, but only of a certain access level. In this example (4,10,50), users are upgraded from level 10 to level 50. ONLY level 10 users are upgraded to level 50.
Á ÁEach time the questionnaire is answered, the answers are appended to your answers file. It is a simple text file, with the user info, his/her record #, and the questions/answers.
Á Á5,50Á ÁÁ Á5,
Á ÁThe above (5,50) will run 50.POW in your SOURCE directory.
Á ÁBe certain to read the docs, and view the sample questionnaires before starting your own questionnaire. Remember to test your questionnaires once written!
à ÃÁ ÁÓ ÓÃÃ12.0 SYSOP MENUÄÄÄ Ä
Á ÁThe sysop menu, permits you to access special areas which permit you to keep up with your BBS & your users. The SysOp menu is an external windows only program, PowrSys.exe, contained in your \Powrbbs directory. The Menu is not CONFIGurable. You can enter the Sysop Menu via the 1 command at the standard Main Menu.
Á ÁThe default menus which come with PowerBBS, will enter the Sysop Menu when you press a 1 at the main menu (150 is the default security level required).
Á ÁThe commands available are:
A) Activity Log
L) List Users
D) Drop To Dos
P) Perform Dos Function
U) Update User Database
Command Á ÁDefinition of Command
A)ctivity Log Á ÁPermits you to view the caller activity.
L)ist Users Á ÁLists the users in the database. The users name, city, and last time called Á Á
Á ÁÁ ÁÁ Áis displayed.
D)rop to dos Á ÁThis permits you to drop to dos remotely. The batch file 'REMOTE.BAT' is Á Á
Á ÁÁ ÁÁ Áshelled to.
P)erform Function Á ÁThis permits you to enter a dos command which will be shelled to dos and
Á ÁÁ ÁÁ Árun. Use this so you don't have to shell to dos for a simple function, such
Á ÁÁ ÁÁ Áas directory, or to copy a file.
U)pdate User Dbase Á ÁThis is a full featured User Database control function,which can be used to
Á ÁÁ ÁÁ Áupgrade your users information, including security level, downloads, etc.
à ÃÁ ÁÓ ÓÃÃ13.0 POWERLANGÄÄÄ Ä
Á ÁPowerLang is a Basic Type of Language, which permits you to write your own menu routines. PowerLang files can be created by any text editor or word processor which can edit standard text files. PowerBBS runs PowerLang programs line by line, and run just like a basic program.
Á ÁBe aware that the values for Strings, Integers, Booleans, and Chars can be between 1 & 25.
Á ÁHere are the commands which are currently available in PowerLang:
Á ÁÃ ÃActivityÄ Ä
Structure: Á ÁActivity "Info to be written to Activity Log"
Description: Á ÁWrites info to the Activity Log. Info in quotes can
Á Ábe no larger than 75 characters.
Examples: Á ÁActivity "Added BBS to BBS Listed"
Á ÁÁ ÁActivity "Loaded Viewage program"
à ÃÁ ÁAppendÄ Ä
Structure: Á ÁAppend "Path/Filename to open file for Append"
Description: Á ÁThis command will open a file to write to. If the file
Á Áis not found, it is created. The Write_File command will
Á Áwrite to the end of the file. The file is NOT DELETED, the
Á Ádata is written to the end of the file.
Examples: Á ÁAppend "Blt.Dat"
Á ÁAppend "BBS.Lst"
Á ÁAppend "D:\Powrbbs\Blt\Blt4"
Á ÁÃ ÃÁ ÁChange_AreaÄ Ä
Structure:Á ÁChange_Area "[Forum to change to]"
Description:Á ÁWill change to the forum selected in quotes.
Á ÁÁ ÁEx: Change_Area "0" will change the user to forum #0
Á ÁÁ ÁÃ ÃClearScreenÄ Ä
Structure: Á ÁClearScreen
Description: Á ÁClears the screen
Examples: Á ÁClearscreen
Á ÁÃ ÃCloseÄ Ä
Structure: Á ÁClose
Description: Á ÁCloses the current open file (If a file is currently open)
Examples: Á ÁClose
Á ÁÃ ÃDecÄ Ä
Structure: Á ÁDec [Integer Code] [Integer Code]
Á ÁDec TIME [integer Code]
Á ÁDec SAFE [integer Code]
Description: Á ÁDecreases the integer. For example, if you do (Dec I1 I2), if
Á ÁI1 = 12 and I2 = 5, I1 becomes 7 and I2 stands at 5.
Á ÁYou can Decrease the users TIME or SAFE by using this command.
Examples: Á ÁDec I5 I7
Á ÁDec TIME I1
Á ÁDec SAFE I1
Á ÁÃ ÃÁ ÁDelete_FileÄ Ä
Structure:Á ÁDelete_File "[Path/Filename to delete]"
Description:Á ÁDeletes the file you specify in quotes
Examples:Á ÁDelete_File "C:\Junk.Txt"
Á ÁÃ ÃDisplayÄ Ä
Structure: Á ÁDisplay "[Text to be displayed]"[;]
Á ÁDisplay S1[;]
Á ÁDisplay I1[;]
Description: Á ÁDisplay sends text to the caller, and writes the info on the local monitor.
Usage: Á ÁText in " can be anything BUT Quotes ('"').
Á ÁIf a Comma (';') is placed at the end of the line,
Á Áno return (C/R) is send and written on the monitor.
Á ÁIf no Comma is present, C/R is sent and written on
Á Áthe local monitor.
Á ÁTo display a string or integer, just enter the code of
Á Áthe string, integer.. You MUST include the S or I.
Examples: Á ÁDisplay "Welcome to the FUN world of BBSing.. "
Á ÁDisplay "Enter your name: ";Á Á
Á ÁDisplay I1
Á ÁDisplay S1;
Á ÁDisplay S1
Á ÁÃ ÃDisplay_BMPÄ Ä
Ã Ã Ä Ä
Structure: Á ÁDisplay_BMP "Path\Filename to ZIP with 499.BMP in it"
Description: Á ÁIf you want to send a BMP graphic file ONCE, use
Á Áthis command.
Á ÁRequires:
Á Á1) File in QUOTES must be a .ZIP file, but LEAVE
Á Áthe .ZIP extension OFF in the actual quote.
Á Á2) The actual file in the ZIP MUST be 499.BMP
Examples: Á ÁDisplay_BMP "C:\PBBS"
Á ÁÁ ÁÃ ÃDisplay_BMP_SAVEÄ Ä
Structure: Á ÁDisplay_BMP_SAVE # "Path\Filename to ZIP with 499.BMP in it"
Description: Á ÁIf you want to send a BMP graphic file and have it
Á ÁSAVED on the USERS end for QUICK RETRIEVAL use this.
Á ÁThe # used, MUST be between 900 and 1000.
Á ÁRequires:
Á Á1) File in QUOTES must be a .ZIP, but LEAVE
Á Áthe .ZIP extension OFF in the actual quote.
Á Á2) The actual file in the ZIP MUST be #.BMP
Á ÁFor example, if you use the number 905, then
Á Á905.BMP should be included in the .ZIP
Examples: Á ÁDisplay_BMP 908 "C:\PBBS"
Á ÁÃ ÃÁ ÁDosÄ Ä
Structure: Á ÁDos "[Dos Command Line]"
Description: Á ÁShells to Dos, and runs the command in quotes (" ").
Á ÁWhen the shell is complete, if the log file is found,
Á Áit is displayed and then erased.
Examples: Á ÁDos "Dir >|LOG|"
Á ÁThis will do a directory of the current location, and
Á Ásend the output to the |LOG| file. The |LOG| file
Á Áis then displayed and erased.
Á ÁÃ ÃÁ ÁDos_WindowsÄ Ä
Structure: Á ÁDos_Windows "[Windows PowerDOOR Command Line]"
Description: Á ÁShells to run a PowerDOOR, and runs the command in quotes (" ").
Examples: Á ÁDos "c:\mail\powrmail.exe |PBBSDAT|"
Á ÁÃ ÃÁ ÁGive_ValueÄ Ä
Structure: Á ÁGive_Value S1 "This is what S1 will equal"
Á ÁGive_Value I1 "300"
Description: Á ÁAssigns the identification code (either string or integer)
Á Áa new value which is assigned in quotes.
Examples: Á ÁGive_Value S9 "Welcome..."
Á ÁGive_Value I1 "1"
à ÃÁ ÁÁ ÁIf (EndIf)Ä Ä
Structure: Á ÁIf [!] [Flag #]
Á ÁIf [!] [Char #] = "Character to compare character # with"
Á ÁIf [!] I1 = I2
Á ÁIf [!] I1 > I2
Á ÁIf [!] I1 < 12
Á ÁIf [!] S1 = S2
Á ÁIf [!] S1 > S2
Á ÁIf [!] S1 < S2
Description: Á ÁThe If statement, will check to see if the flag is true, or
Á Áif the character is equal to the character in quotes. If
Á Áthe definition is true, all the commands after the If statement
Á Áwill be run, until an EndIf statement is reached.
Á ÁIf statements for integers can compare different integer values..
Á ÁThe ! is optional, and stands for Not. In this case, if the
Á Ádefinition is false, then the if statement is run.
Examples: Á ÁIf B1 (Use B and the number for flags)
Á ÁÁ ÁDisplay "B1 = True"
Á ÁÁ ÁDisplay "This statement is still run"
Á ÁEndif
Á ÁIf ! B1
Á ÁÁ ÁDisplay "B1 = False"
Á ÁEndif
Á ÁIf C1 = "A"
Á ÁÁ ÁDisplay "The Character #1 is equal to A!"
Á ÁEndif
Á ÁIf ! C1 = "A"
Á ÁÁ ÁDisplay "The Character #1 is NOT equal to A!"
Á ÁEndif
Á ÁIf I1 > I2
Á ÁÁ ÁDisplay "Integer I1, is greater than I2!"
Á ÁEndif
Á ÁIf I1 = I2
Á ÁÁ ÁDisplay "Integer I1, is equal to I2!"
Á ÁEndif
Á ÁIf I1 < I2
Á ÁÁ ÁDisplay "Integer I1 is less than I2!"
Á ÁÁ ÁEndif
Á ÁNote: You can place if statements, within an if statement.. Examples:
Á ÁIf C1 = "A"
Á ÁÁ ÁIf I1 < I2
Á ÁÁ ÁÁ ÁDisplay "I1 < I2 and C1 = A!"
Á ÁÁ ÁEndif
Á ÁÁ ÁIf I1 > I2
Á ÁÁ ÁÁ ÁDisplay "I1 > I2 and C1 = A!"
Á ÁÁ ÁEndif
Á ÁÁ ÁDisplay "GoodBye!"
Á ÁEndif
Á ÁÃ ÃGet_ReturnÄ Ä
Structure: Á ÁGet_Return
Description: Á ÁForces the caller to type RETURN
Examples: Á ÁGet_Return
à ÃÁ ÁGet_ChoiceÄ Ä
Structure: Á ÁGet_Choice [Ok_Char_String] [Char #]
Description: Á ÁForces the caller to keep inputing, until one of his
Á Ácharacters is contained in the OK_Char_String. The
Á ÁChar # is given this value. The Char # can be from
Á Á1 © 25, and is understood as C and the number, such
Á Áas C1. C does not have to be present in this command.
Examples: Á ÁGet_Choice YN 1
Á ÁThis command will wait until Y or N is pressed, and give
Á ÁC1 the value which is pressed.
Á ÁGet_Choice ABCDEFG 4
Á ÁThis command will wait until one of the letters A,B,C,D,
Á ÁE,F, or G are pressed, and give C4 that value.
Á ÁÃ ÃGet_YesnoÄ Ä
Structure: Á ÁGet_YesNo [Flag#]
Description: Á ÁForces caller to type Y or N.
Á ÁIf Y is pressed the Flag# given is assigned True
Á ÁIf N is pressed the Flag# given is assigned False
Usage: Á ÁThe Flag# is a number from 1 to 25 (NO higher, NO lower).
Á ÁB can be placed before the number, but is not necessary in
Á Áthis function. (It IS nessassary in other functions)
Examples: Á ÁGet_YesNo B1
Á ÁGet_Yesno B3
Á ÁGet_Yesno 4
Á ÁÃ ÃÁ ÁGotoÄ Ä
Structure: Á ÁGoto [Line to move to]
Description: Á ÁGoes to a certain line number. Lines designated for GOTO,
Á Ábegin with :.
Examples: Á ÁGoto END
Á Á:START
Á ÁDISPLAY " This is Start "
Á Á:END
Á ÁDISPLAY " This is End "
à ÃIncÄ Ä
Structure: Á ÁInc [Integer Code] [Integer Code]
Á ÁInc TIME [integer Code]
Á ÁInc SAFE [integer Code]
Description: Á ÁIncreases the integer. For example, if you do (Inc I1 I2), if
Á ÁI1 = 5 and I2 = 12, I1 becomes 17 and I2 stands at 12.
Á ÁYou can increase the users TIME or SAFE by using this command.
Examples: Á ÁInc I5 I7
Á ÁInc TIME I1
Á ÁInc SAFE I1
à ÃÁ ÁInput_StringÄ Ä
Structure: Á ÁInput_String [Max String Length] [String #]
Description: Á ÁGets a string from the caller (Combination of any characters),
Á Áup the the Maximum string length. The Value of the String
Á ÁInput is given to the String #.
Usage: Á ÁThe Input String Number, is a variable defined as S and the
Á Ánumber of the string which can vary from 1 to 15. You can
Á Áhave up to 15 strings (S1©S20). In this function, only the
Á Ánumber of the string has to be given, since only strings
Á Áare outputted. The Maximum length a string can be is 50
Á Ácharacters.
Examples: Á ÁInput_String 50 1
Á ÁInput_String 25 2
Á ÁInput_String 40 S3
Á ÁÃ ÃInt_To_StrÄ Ä
Structure: Á ÁInt_To_Str [Integer Code] [String Code]
Description: Á ÁThe integer value from the integer code is assigned to a string
Examples: Á ÁInt_To_Str I1 S1
Á ÁInt_To_Str I19 S5
Á ÁÃ ÃNumber_InputÄ Ä
Structure: Á ÁNumber_Input [Number Format] [String #]
Description: Á ÁInputs a number©format, and sends input to the string #
Á Ádefined. The Number Format is the same used in the
Á Áscript questionnaires. In for Number Format, wherever a
Á Á# is placed, the caller must enter a number. Anything
Á Áelse in the format, is just displayed to the user, and
Á Áalso entered in the string #.
Examples: Á ÁNumber_Input (###) ###©#### S1
Á ÁNumber_Input ##©##©## S2
Á ÁNumber_Input ##/##/## S3
Á ÁÃ ÃReturn_To_BBSÄ Ä
Structure: Á ÁReturn_To_BBS
Description: Á ÁQuits, and returns to PowerBBS
Examples: Á ÁReturn_To_BBS
Á ÁÃ ÃÁ ÁRunÄ Ä
Structure: Á ÁRun "[PowrLang Source Code Path/Name to Run]"
Description: Á ÁQuits out of the current code, and runs the code specified
Á Áin the Run QUOTES. It quits the current code, and WILL
Á ÁNOT COME BACK (Unless that source RUNs the current code again).
Usage: Á ÁRun "EndOf.Pow"
Á ÁRun "Menu.Pow"
Á ÁÃ ÃRun_Menu_CommandÄ Ä
Structure: Á ÁRun_Menu_Command "Menu command # to run"
Description: Á ÁWill take a built in Command, and run the option.
Example: Á ÁRun_Menu_Command "1"
Á ÁThis will run the Forum Area Change built in command.
Á ÁÃ ÃÁ ÁRun_Menu_CommandÄ Ä
Structure:Á ÁRun_Menu_Command "[menu to run]"
Description:Á ÁWill load another menu
Example:Á ÁRun_Menu_Command "1.MNU"
Á ÁÃ ÃSet_FlagÄ Ä
Structure: Á ÁSet_Flag [FLAG #] [YES/NO]
Description: Á ÁSets the flag # to either true (YES) or false (NO).
Á ÁFlag # can be a number from 1 © 25.
Examples: Á ÁSet_Flag B1 YES
Á ÁSets flag #1 to True
Á ÁSet_Flag B19 NO
Á ÁSets flag #19 to False
Á ÁÃ ÃStr_To_IntÄ Ä
Structure: Á ÁStr_To_Int [String Code] [Integer Code]
Description: Á ÁThe Integer value of the string is assigned to the integer code
Examples: Á ÁStr_To_Int I1 S1
Á ÁStr_To_Int I19 S5
Á ÁÃ ÃÁ ÁType_FileÄ Ä
Structure: Á ÁType_File "[Path/Filename]"
Description: Á ÁTypes a file to the screen and to the caller.
Usage: Á ÁIn " " should be the path/filename of the file you
Á Áwant to be typed to the caller and monitor. No "
Á Áshould be present.
Examples: Á ÁType_File "C:\Powrbbs\Screen\Menu"
Á ÁType_File "D:\Fun"
Á ÁÃ ÃÁ ÁType_File_ListÄ Ä
Structure:Á ÁType_File_List "[Path/Filename]"
Description:Á ÁUse this command the same as Type_File, except
Á ÁÁ ÁType_File_List will display the file as though it is a fie listing
Á ÁÁ Á(meaning, PowerBBS will automatically color the listing if
Á ÁÁ Áa user has color).
Á ÁÃ ÃWaitÄ Ä
Structure: Á ÁWait [MilliSeconds to Pause]
Description: Á ÁWaits for the certain time in milliseconds. 1000 => 1 Second
Examples: Á ÁWait 5000 :: Pauses for 5 Seconds ::
Á ÁWait 200 :: Pauses for .2 Seconds ::
Á ÁÃ ÃÁ ÁWrite_FileÄ Ä
Structure: Á ÁWrite_File [String #][;] [/String Length]
Á ÁWrite_File "[Text to write]"[;]
Description: Á ÁWrites Info to the current opened file. File must be
Á Áopened for REWRITEing, or APPENDing.
Á ÁString # is the String #. If no ; is present, C/R is
Á Áentered in the file. If there is a ;, no C/R is present,
Á Áyou can then use the / command. The /# will write the string
Á Áto the file, set in the number of strings. For example, if
Á Áyou write S1 to the file and S1 = "516", but you want the
Á Áfile to be cleared for the next data, you can use
Á ÁWrite_File S1; /4 which will write "516 ", instead of "516".
Á ÁInfo written in Quotes, will be written to the text file.
Á Á; places the same role as above. No / is supported.
Examples: Á ÁWrite_File S2
Á ÁWrite_File S2;
Á ÁWrite_File S2; /5
Á ÁWrite_File "516©873©8032"
Á ÁWrite_File "516©873©8032";
Á ÁÁ ÁÓ ÓÃÃ13.1 BBS Database in PowerLANGÄÄ
Example [1.Pow]:
:BEGIN
Display
Display
Display " @2@BBS Database... @8@Written By Russell Frey in PowrLang... "
Display
Display " @7@[@9@A@7@]dd to Local BBS Listing"
Display
Display " @7@[@9@V@7@]iew Local BBS Listing"
Display
Display " @7@[@9@Q@7@]uit to Main Menu"
Display
Display " @1@(@2@|MINLEFT|@7@ mins Left@1@)@3@ Enter Command: @3@";
Get_Choice AVQ 1
Display
Display
IF C1 = "V"
Type_File "Local.Lst"
Get_Return
Goto BEGIN
EndIf
If C1 = "Q"
Return_To_BBS
Endif
Display
Display " Enter the BBS Name (25 Chars): ";
INPUT_STRING 25 1
Display
Display "Enter the PHONE Number (XXX©XXX©XXXX): ";
NUMBER_INPUT ###©###©#### 2
Display "Enter the highest BAUD rate (5 Chars): ";
Input_String 5 3
Display
Display " BBS Software Used (9 Chars): ";
Input_String 9 4
Display
Display "Description of this BBS? [2 Lines/30 Chars]: ";
Input_String 30 5
Display "Description of this BBS? [2 Lines/30 Chars]: ";
Input_String 30 6
Display
Display "Add Entry To BBS List File? (Y/N) ";
GET_YESNO B1
If ! B1
GOTO BEGIN
EndIf
APPEND "Local.Lst"
WRITE_FILE S2;
Write_File " ";
Write_File S1; /25
Write_File " ";
Write_File S5
Write_File "Highest Baud: ";
Write_File S3; /5
Write_File " ";
Write_File "Software: ";
Write_File S4; /9
Write_File " ";
Write_File S6
Write_File " "
Close
GOTO BEGIN
Á ÁÁ ÁÓ ÓÃÃ13.2 Safe (Save Time) in PowerLANGÄÄ
Example [3.Pow]:
:BEGIN
Display
Display " @5@Minutes in safe: @3@|SAFE| "
Display " @7@[@9@T@7@]ake from safe, [@9@P@7@]ut into Safe, [@9@Q@7@]uit?@3@
";
Get_Choice TPQ 1
Display
Display
If C1 = "Q"
Return_To_BBS
Endif
If C1 = "P"
Give_Value I1 "|SAFE|"
Give_Value I2 "60"
Give_Value I5 "|MINLEFT|"
Dec I2 I1
Display "@2@Put how many minutes into the safe (Max:@3@ ";
Display I2;
Display "@2@)?@3@ ";
Input_String 2 S1
Display
Str_To_Int S1 I4
If I4 > I5 Then
Display "@9@You don't have that much time!"
Goto BEGIN
Endif
If I4 > I2 Then
Display "@9@Safe can't hold over 60 minutes!"
Goto BEGIN
Endif
INC SAFE I4
DEC TIME I4
Endif
If C1 = "T"
Display "@2@Take how many minutes from the safe (Max: @9@|SAFE|@2@)?@3@ ";
Give_Value I1 "|SAFE|"
Input_String 2 S2
Display
Str_to_int S2 I2
If I2 > I1
Display "@9@Sorry, the safe only has |SAFE| minutes! "
Goto BEGIN
endif
DEC SAFE I2
INC TIME I2
Endif
Goto BEGIN
Á ÁÓ ÓÃÃ14.0 Settings up GRAPHICS (Windows Ver Only)ÄÄ
Á ÁNow you can have a BMP compatible BBS (such as a picture of yourself on the log©on screen!!).
Á ÁNote that your user will only receive GRAPHICS if they are using PowerComm. Otherwise, the normal ascii/ansi screens will be sent.
Á ÁTo setup graphics on your bbs:
Á Á1) The graphics file that is sent to the user, is a .BMP file that is ZIPped. For example, the live programs regular screen setup is called LIVE. To support graphics for this screen, first create a 1.BMP. Then ZIP it to the name you call it in CONFIG (which default is LIVE).
Á Á2) Only the following screens are currently supported (with the name that must be in the .ZIP)
Á ÁLive programs menuÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ Á1.BMP
Á ÁOpening ScreenÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ Á2.BMP
Á ÁHello ScreensÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ ÁHello1.ZIP ©> Hello9.ZIPÁ Á500.BMP ©> 508.BMP
Á ÁForum ListingÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ Á3.BMP
Á ÁBulletins ListingÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ Á4.BMP
Á ÁSysop Enter ChatÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ Á5.BMP
Á ÁSysop Chat EndÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ Á6.BMP
Á ÁLogOff ScreenÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ Á7.BMP
Á ÁQuestionnaires ScreenÁ ÁÁ Á8.BMP
Á ÁBegin Download ScreenÁ ÁÁ Á9.BMP
Á ÁBegin Upload ScreenÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ Á10.BMP
Á ÁBad Ratios ScreenÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ Á11.BMP
Á Á3) Another Example:
Á ÁAscii Opening Screen: C:\Powrbbs\Screen\Opening
Á ÁCreate BMP Compatible File: 2.BMP
Á ÁZIP with PKUNZIP (tm): C:\Powrbbs\Screen\Opening.ZIP
Á ÁWhen a PowerComm Graphics User Logs on, they will receive your graphics file.
Á Á©© For those sysops who would like to have graphics files libraries viewed ©©
Á ÁA new built in menu command (#36, which you can add in the menu editor) has been created for those that would like to have a file list of ZIPped .BMP files. The way this entry works, is the user will be permitted to view any files with .ZBM extensions on your bbs. The file itself in the .ZBM file must be 499.bmp. ** Be aware that users are not charged download bytes for viewing the graphic! **
Á ÁPowerLang Users will find the commands DISPLAY_BMP & DISPLAY_BMP_SAVE.
Á ÁÓ ÓÃÃ15.0 Setting up a PAY Credit SystemÄÄ
Á ÁThe usual method to limit one's use of your system, would be by putting a time limit (in the seclevel file), to once's security level.
Á ÁBy selecting the "Use a Credit System" in CONFIG, the following system will result:
Á Á* Each user must be granted a certain amount of credits by the Sysop, manually via the Update Users selection of the Sysops Menu.
Á Á* The maximum amount of credits used per day, is the amount of time given (for example, if a 50 level user is given 50 minutes, then they will only be able to use 50 credits for the day).
Á Á* using this CREDIT system, you can adjust each menu option to use a certain amount of credits (Entry #5 in the EDIT MENU section), by changing the TIME attribute in the EDIT MENU section.
Á ÁScreen to display when credits are used (edit in CONFIG): This menu option should include the path/filename of the screen filename to display, when the credits are VERY LOW. This should give the user information on ordering more credits, etc.
à ÃÁ ÁÓ ÓÃÃ16.0 PowerPackÄÄÄ Ä
à à External mail packing system written by Russell FreyÄ Ä
Á ÁÓ ÓÃÃ16.1 Packing Message BasesÄÄ
Á ÁThe forums you set up, each contain a separate mail file for the message system. Callers will leave new messages, delete some, etc. This calls for the need of a program to rid of the deleted messages, and freshen up the message base. PowrPack.exe is located in \Powrbbs, and is a DOS program.
Á ÁPacking a forum file is defined as:
Á ÁPowrPack MAILFILE DELETE DAYS:xxx TOTAL=xxx
Á ÁWhen running PowerPack, be sure all your commands are in CAPS. Putting any commands which are not recognizable, or which are not in CAPS will bring the program to termination.
Command Description
MAILFILE This is the path/filename to the message base you are packing. The message base should contain no extension.
Example is: C:\Powrbbs\Forum\General
D:\Fun\Games
The path/filename does not have to be put into caps
(The only one that doesn't).
DELETE This is an optional command. Place this in the command line if you want to delete all private & read messages.
DAYS:xxx Use this command to specify the oldest age message to keep. Examples:
DAYS:365 This will delete all messages older than 365 days
DAYS:30 This will delete all messages older than 30 days
** NOTE ** DAYS:xxx is an optional command.
TOTAL=xxx Use this command to specify the maximum number of messages to keep. If the number of messages are larger than this, the oldest messages will be deleted.
Example, if you have 2500 messages in your SysOp forum, and you have the command TOTAL=2000, at least 500 messages will be deleted.
** NOTE ** TOTAL=xxx is optional.
The commands here can be mixed, so long you AT LEAST have the MAILFILE, otherwise nothing can me done.
This program is good for running in your events.
Example Commands:
PowrPack C:\Powrbbs\Forum\General
PowrPack C:\Powrbbs\Forum\General TOTAL=500
PowrPack C:\Powrbbs\Furum\General DELETE DAYS:60
Line #1 will refreshen the message base. It does nothing more, then delete the deleted messages. All valid messages will stay intact.
Line #2 will do the same as #1, with the exception: The maximum messages PowrPack will permit is 500. If you go over 500 messages, PowrPack will delete the old messages till 500 messages are there.
Line #3 will do the same as #1, in addition to deleting all private and read messages, and also deleting all messages over 60 days old.
à ÃÁ ÁÓ ÓÃÃ16.2 Packing User FilesÄÄÄ Ä
Packing a User file is defined as:
PowrPack /U USERFILE INDEXPATH DAYS:XXX FORUM:XXX START:XXX
Be sure to use CAPS.
Command Description
/U You MUST put /U right after PowrPack. This tells PowrPack that you want to Pack a USER file.
USERFILE Enter the full path/filename of the user file to process. Example: C:\Powrbbs\Data\Users User files SHOULD NOT have extentions!
INDEXPATH Enter the DIRectory which contains your INDEX.
Example: C:\Powrbbs\Index
DAYS:xxx This is the ONLY optional command. All users who have not logged on for xxx days will be deleted. DAYS:20, will delete all users who have not logged on for 20 days. DAYS:200 would be 200 days, etc.
FORUM:XXX & START:XXX commands enable you to set the last message read pointer in a particular forum, to some value. Example: FORUM:1 START:100 will set everyones last read pointer to 100 in forum #1.
à ÃÁ ÁÓ ÓÃÃ17.0 (Convdoor.Exe) Convert DoorÄÄÄ Ä
à à Á ÁConverts PowerBBS's Userinfo To DOOR.SYS or DORINFO1.DEFÄ Ä
Á ÁUse this program to support Live Programs which require the DOOR.SYS or DORINFO1.DEF standard.
Usage: CONVDOOR [PowrBBS Userinfo] [Users File] [Output File] [(2)]
[PowrBBS Userinfo]Á ÁCurrent NODES userinfo.bbs file
Á ÁÁ ÁÁ ÁSet in CONFIG [A] © Node info screen
[Users File]Á ÁÁ ÁPath to USERS Record file
Á ÁÁ ÁÁ ÁUsually \Powrbbs\Data\Users
[Output File]Á ÁÁ ÁThis is where to put the output information, such as Door.sys
[(2)]Á ÁÁ ÁÁ ÁThis is an optional command. If you want to convert to DOOR.SYS, put NOTHING here.
Á ÁÁ ÁÁ ÁIf you want to convert do dorinfo1.def, put 2 here!
Examples to convert to DOOR.SYS
Convdoor C:\Powrbbs\Userinf1.bbs C:\Powrbbs\Data\Users C:\Doors\Door.sys
Convdoor D:\Powrbbs\Userinfo.bbs D:\Powrbbs\Data\Users D:\Pdoor\Door.sys
Examples to convert to DORINFO1.DEF
Convdoor C:\Powrbbs\Userinf1.bbs C:\Powrbbs\Data\Users C:\Doors\Dorinfo1.def 2
Convdoor D:\Powrbbs\Userinfo.bbs D:\Powrbbs\Data\Users D:\Pdoor\Dorinfo1.def 2
Here is an example batch file to start a chess program:
Convdoor Userinfo.bbs \powrbbs\data\users door.sys
cd\Chess
Chess
Start (* Only needs START.BAT in DOS VERSION door batch files! *)
You should always run convdoor first. This will create the door.sys or dorinfo1.def file.
Á ÁÓ ÓÃÃ18.0 Connecting to FIDO Mail NetworkÄÄ
Á ÁThe following information will describe the basic setup of interfacing into the FIDO network. This text on setting up PowerBBS to work with FrontDoor was originally written by Michael Miller, author of PowerEcho and other utilities on interfacing PowerBBS with the FIDO network. Michael runs his own bbs at 412©662©0769 and can be reached at FIDONET number 1:2601/531.
Á ÁThe latest version of PowerEcho is always available at the PowerBBS Support BBS. It is an excellently written program, to help you interface with FIDO. If you use the program, please show your support by registering the program.
Á ÁFront Door and all related programs and files are property of Advanced Engineering sarl.
Á Á
Á ÁConfMail and all related programs and files are property of Bob Hartman, copyrighted by Spark Software.
Á ÁPowerEcho and all related programs and files are property of Michael A. Miller, copyrighted by ROCKSoft Programming Labs.
Á ÁThis document will not even attempt to explain net mail, echo mail, mail tossing, mail packing, or the mail man. What this document will do is give you detailed instructions on how to interface Front Door with PowerBBS.
Ó ÓÃÃÁ Á18.1 Programs you will need.ÄÄ
Á ÁA FIDONET compatible echo mail processor. I use CONFMAIL version 4.00. This document will show CONFMAIL specific command lines, but with a little patience and understanding of the echo mail process, any mail processor could be used.
Á ÁA FIDONET compatible front end mailing program. I use Front Door 2.02 non©commercial. This document will give some Front Door(FD) specific examples, but with some patience and understanding of how a front end mailer works, any mailer could be used.
Á ÁPowerEcho © Another MUST HAVE program. This program can also be downloaded from the PowerBBS support BBS or the Last Outpost.
Á ÁÃ ÃWhat is Front Door and why would I want to interface it with PowerBBS?Ä Ä
Á ÁFront Door is front end mailing program designed to send and receive net and echo mail. Without it, there would be no way to get the mail. Front Door takes careof calling other systems to get the mail, and it also allows other systems to call you so that they may download their mail. What it boils down to is, if you want echo mail, you must run a front end mailer program like Front Door.
Á ÁÓ ÓÃÃ18.2 Setting up PowerBBS to handle echo mail.ÄÄ
Á ÁIt is very easy setting up PowerBBS to handle echo mail (it's the other programs that are difficult). First, call up the config program that comes with PowerBBS. Select A © General System Setup then go to the third screen by pressing PgDn twice. You will see a section called FIDO Support Options. Put a "Y" in the field labeled Are you running FrontDoor(tm) or other prg? Next, write down the path and the name of the field labeled Temporary file to read baud rate from? (you can change if you want, just be sure to write it down for later use).
Á ÁNow, hit the PgDn button eight(8) times. This should bring up the screen that has the communications setup and the event setup. The event setup is the part we are interested in. Turn the event off by placing a "N" in the field labeled Do you want the Event Activated? You will want to write down the path and the name of the event batch file. There is a bug in PowerBBS that causes PowerBBS not to recognize a batch file/path name in lower case. Make sure the path/filename is in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS.
Á ÁNext, set up the forums that you want the echo mail imported into. If you don't know how to set up the forums, you should go back and re©read(or read for the first time) the PowerBBS docs. After you get the forums set up, you might want to write down the path/filenames of the message files for each forum on your handy©dandy piece of paper. Now store the piece of paper that has the temporary baud rate path/filename and the event path/filename in a cool dry place. Keep away from fire or flame. Do not store in direct sunlight. Caution : contents are fragile. This end up. That's all that needs to be done for PowerBBS. Not too difficult. Just wait....
Á ÁÃ ÃCreating Mail DirectoriesÄ Ä
Á ÁNow that PowerBBS is set up, you must now create the directories where the messages will be exported. I recommend creating a directory off of the root called ECHOMAIL. Change to the ECHOMAIL directory, and create one directory for each echo forum you set up in the PowerBBS config program. You do NOT want the PowerBBS message file to be stored in this directory. You simply want one directory for every forum you are going to echo.
Á ÁHere's an example. You are going to have 3 forums support echo mail. You call one forum LOCAL Echo, another forum Humor Echo, and the third Windows Echo. Your message file for Local is C:\POWRBBS\FORUM\LOCAL, the one for Humor is C:\POWRBBS\FORUM\HUMOR and the one for Windows is C:\POWRBBS\FORUM\WIN. You would probably want to create the following directories under the ECHOMAIL directory to hold the outgoing mail.
C:\ECHOMAIL\LOCAL
C:\ECHOMAIL\HUMOR
C:\ECHOMAIL\WIN
Á ÁYou should not have 2 forums sharing the same directory. This will lead to cross©conference messages which will get quite a few people pretty upset. Remember, one directory per forum.
Á ÁYou will also need to create a directory to hold the files that Front Door receives. I recommend calling the directory C:\INFILES.
Á ÁÃ ÃSetting up Front DoorÄ Ä
Á ÁAt the time of this writing, Front Door 2.02 is the most recent version. Always use the most recent version, older versions may not be allowed in FIDONET.
Á Á
Á ÁStart setting up Front Door by creating a directory called FD off of the root. Unzip Front Door in this directory and set it up (if you think I'm going to walk you through setting up all of Front Door, you are obviously taking some sort of controlled substance). Front Door is a very complex program. I will not even attempt to describe fully how to set up the program. What I will do is go over the options that are somewhat PowerBBS specific. These areas are the event manager, folder manager, and errorlevels.
Á ÁÃ ÃERRORLEVELSÄ Ä
Á ÁThe most important part of setting up Front Door is setting the errorlevels. The ERRORLEVEL sub©menu is called from the MAILER option on the main menu. The errorlevels you enter here will correspond to the errorlevel Front Door exits with when a human caller connects. I would recommend stetting the 300 baud errorlevel at 240, the 1200 baud errorlevel at 241, and continue working your way up. It would probably be a good idea to set all of the errorlevels, even though your modem may not support the higher baud rates. This way if you ever upgrade your modem, you won't have to mess with these options again. You will also see an option labeled RECEIVED MAIL set this errorlevel to 255. The last option on this menu is Create .BAT File. Set this option to YES(Use ENTER to toggle).
Á ÁÃ ÃEVENT MANAGERÄ Ä
Á ÁAn event is any action that you want Front Door to do at a specified time. Events can be internal to Front Door, like having FD call a BBS to send/receive mail; or they can by external, like running a batch file. If you fail to set up the events properly you will not be able to send or receive mail.
Á ÁYou only need to create three events to begin with. The first event should last all day. This event will define Front Door's behavior all day. To create the all day event, the start time should be 00:00 and the length should be 23:59. The second event is an external event. This will cause Front Door to exit with a specified errorlovel. This event is used to run your daily maintainence programs and to process outbound mail. The last event is an internal event that will make Front Door call your local echomail hub to get your daily mail shipment. The Front Door documentation will discuss how to set up these events.
Á ÁÃ ÃSetting Up ConfMailÄ Ä
Á ÁUnzip ConfMail into the Front Door directory. Next, grab your favorite text editor, create a file called AREAS.BBS in your Front Door directory. This a sample of what a simple AREAS.BBS file would look like :
Á ÁThe Last Outpost ©Mercer, Pa 412©662©0769 ! Michael Miller
Á Á;
Á ÁC:\ECHOMAIL\LOCALÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ ÁLOCALÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ Á2601/100
Á ÁC:\ECHOMAIL\HUMORÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ ÁHUMORÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ Á2601/100
Á ÁC:\ECHOMAIL\WINDOWSÁ ÁÁ ÁWINDOWS Á ÁÁ Á2601/506
Á ÁThe first line contains the system name separated from the sysop's name by an exclamation point(!). The next line is usually blank, and the remaining lines specify which echos go to which directory, the proper Fidonet name of each echo, and where you are sending/receiving the echos. In the above file, the LOCAL echo is stored in the C:\ECHOMAIL\LOCAL directory, and is being sent/received from net/node number 2601/100. There is one line like this for every echomail area.
Á ÁThe second file you need to create is called CONFIG.DOG. Here is a sample file:
Á Á
Á ÁNODE 1:2601/531
Á ÁMAIL C:\ECHOMAIL
Á ÁFILES C:\INFILES
Á ÁThe first line is your net/node number. The second line is the name of you netmail directory, and the last line is the directory where the new message packets can be found. This file will work fine as©is with the on©going example. Á ÁBoth of these files should be in your Front Door directory.
Á ÁÃ ÃSetting up the PowerEcho ProgramsÄ Ä
Á ÁCreate a directory off of the root called P_E., and unzip PowerEcho into this directory. Copy the files called EXEBBS.EXE and EXEBBS.DAT into your Front Door directory. You may have to edit the EXEBBS.DAT file. The contents of this file should be the same as the PATH/FILE to Current Callers Info as defined in the node information screen in the PowerBBS config program.
Á ÁNow we want to set up the main PowerEcho Program. The first step is editing a file called POWRECHO.CFG. This file should be in your P_E directory. The file should contain 3 lines; the first line is your registration number; the secnd line is the sysop's first and last names; and the last line is your zone number. PLease remember that most echos in FidoNet require the use of real names.
Á ÁNow we want to call up the configuration mode of POWRECHO. To enter the setup mode of PowerEcho, type POWRECHO SET. After you get past the title screen you will see a menu wih 5 options. Since this is an inital installation of PowerEcho you will want to select the first menu option, A)dd a Forum. This will bring up a data entry screen. Help can obtained while you are entering data by pressing the F1 key.
Á ÁThe first opion on the data entry screen is FIDO NAME. This is the anme of the echo you will be receiving. It is a good idea to use the proper FidoNet area name, future versions will use this field for more than a label. In the running example, this filed would be LOCAL.
Á ÁNow you want to get out you handy piece of paper that you have been taking such good care of. The field labeld Msg File contains the name of the PowerBBS message file. Do NOT put the extrnsion of the file in this field. In the running example, this filed would be LOCAL.
Á ÁThe next option is the Origin Line. This a a string of 50 characters that is appeneded to the end of every message. Most people put their BBS name and phone numers here. For my BBS I would use "The Last Outpost © (412) 662©0769, but you can use anything you want.
Á ÁThe Path to PBBS is the PATH(no filename) to the PowerBBS message files. This should be written down on your handy piece of paper. In the example we are calling this field C:\POWRBBS\FORUM\LOCAL. The Path to Fido is the directory specification of where the FidoNet messages are stored. This should be the same as the directory specified in your AREAS.BBS file for the same forum. To keep with the example, the filed would be C:\ECHOMAIL\LOCAL
Á ÁIf you chose to Delete Imported Messages then PowerEcho will delete the FidoNet message from the disk as soon as it si written into the PowerBBS message base. The last 4 options are for your net/node number and for your host net/node number. If you don't know what these are, then have someone who is more familiar with FidoNet to help you.
Á ÁThat's it for setting up PowerEcho. Just repeat the above steps for echo forum you want to echo. Information on how to use PowerEcho is in the PE_DOC.WRI file.
Á ÁÃ ÃCreating Batch FilesÄ Ä
Á ÁYour batch files are very important. They are what tie all of the other programs together. Probably the easiest way to describe how to set up the batch files would be to show a completed series of files. If you have copied the actions in this document, the following batch files should work without modification. All of the lines starting with a semicolon(;) can be deleted, and are for reference only.
Filename : C:\POWRBBS\EVENT.BAT
; change to the C drive
C:
; make the Front Door directory the active directory.
cd\fd
; LOOP is a label
:loop
c:
cd\fd
; execute Front Door
FD
;check the errorlevel Front Door exited with
if errorlevel 255 goto inmailÁ Á; Front Door received mail
if errorlevel 246 goto boardÁ Á; Human caller logged on at 19,200 baud
if errorlevel 245 goto boardÁ Á; 9600 baud
if errorlevel 244 goto boardÁ Á;4800 baud
if errorlevel 243 goto boardÁ Á;2400 baud
if errorlevel 242 goto boardÁ Á;1200 baud
if errorlevel 241 goto boardÁ Á;600 baud
if errorlevel 240 goto boardÁ Á;300 baud
if errorlevel 230 goto localÁ Á;User defined key in FD to generate an Á ÁÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ Á;errorlevel of 230 for LOCALÁ Á
If errorlevel 150 goto dailyÁ Á; External event errorlevel for daily maint.
if errorlevel 10 goto userbrkÁ Á; EXIT the BBS
if errorlevel 4 goto fatalÁ Á; Front Door fatal error
if errorlevel 3 goto dspaceÁ Á; Low disk space
if errorlevel 1 goto fatalÁ Á; Front Door fatal error
Á Ágoto LoopÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ Á; Front Door exited with an unknown errorlevel. Á ÁÁ Ástart
Á Áover
;Front Door creates a batch file called DoBBS.BAT. This will execute that file.
;Change toLOCK.BAT if running a locked com port.
:board
dobbs
; run daily maint
; process on©line games
:Daily
cd c:\doors\yt
ytmaint
cd c:\doors\oo
maintoo
ooiitop
cd c:\doors\ec
ecmaint
cd c:\doors\cr
campedit
;return to front door
goto loop
:inmail
del c:\echomail\local\*.msgÁ Á;clear out the message directories.
del c:\echomail\local\*.
del c:\echomail\humor\*.msg
del c:\echomail\humor\*.
del c:\echomail\windows\*.msg
del c:\echomail\windows\*.
c:
cd\powrbbs
powrpack c:\powrbbs\forum\local=100Á Á;power pack the message
Á ÁÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ Á;bases(IMPORTANT!)
powrpack c:\powrbbs\forum\humor total=200
powrpack c:\powrbbs\forum\win total=300
; change back to the Front Door directory and run ConfMail to import FidoNet
; messages
c:
cd\fd
Confmail Import areas.bbs ©k ©n ©f echotoss.log ©m ©a arce
Confmail Import areas.bbs ©k ©n ©f echolist.log ©m ©a pkunzip
; change to the PowerEcho dir.
c:
cd \P_E
PowrEcho BOTHÁ Á; import and export the new messages into the PowerBBS msg
bases
; change back to the Front Door directory and run ConfMail to export new FidoNet
Messages
c:
cd\fd
Confmail Export areas.bbs ©a pkzip
c:
cd \powrbbs
powrpack c:\powrbbs\forum\local total=100Á Á; PowerPack the message
bases(IMPORTANT!)
powrpack c:\powrbbs\forum\humor total=200
powrpack c:\powrbbs\forum\win total=300
; all done! start over and load up Front Door
goto loop
:local
local
:userbrk
rem ©©©User break
cls
echo User break.
goto done
rem ©©©Disk space error
:dspace
cls
echo FrontDoor reported insufficient disk space
goto hang
rem ©©©Fatal condition
:fatal
cls
echo FATAL error reported by FrontDoor.
goto hang
:done
stop
:hang
Echo ***FATAL ERROR***
@echo off
:lockit
goto lockit
You will also need to create two(2) more batch files. One is for Local mode and the other is for exiting the BBS. They are only one line each.
Filename : C:\FD\LOCAL.BAT
EXEBBS LOCAL
Filename : C:\FD\STOP.BAT
EXEBBS EXIT
Á ÁÃ ÃLOCKED COM PORTSÄ Ä
Á ÁIf you are running a locked com port, you must make a a small change to the EVENT.BAT file given above. Change the DOBBS.BAT to LOCK.BAT in the EVENT.BAT file. You must also create a new batch file called LOCK.BAT. If your com port was locked at 19,200 baud your LOCK.BAT would look like this:
EXEBBS 19200
Just replace the 19200 with the rate at which your com port is locked. That's it. Those are the only batch file you need.
Á ÁÓ ÓÃÃ18.3 Connecting to PCRelay Mail NetworksÄÄ
Á ÁTo connect to a PCRelay mail network, you must first have a copy of the PCRelay software. The only PowerBBS specific information you need to know is that you must use the PCBoard 14.0 UTI in interfacing with the PCRelay network.
Á ÁÓ ÓÃÃ19.0 Advanced DOS version featuresÄÄ
Ó ÓÃÃÁ ÁÄÄWant PowerBBSto swap out memory to EMS, XMS, or file, on dropping to DOS? Then in START.BAT change the line:
Á ÁPowrBBS c:\powrbbs\powrbbs.dat %1
Á Áto:
Á ÁPowrBBS c:\powrbbs\powrbbs.dat %1 x
Á ÁOn dropping to DOS, PowerBBS will only use 4©7k of memory.
Á ÁSome additional changes for this feature:
Á ÁOptions Screen #2
Á ÁEntry #1, #2, & #3: You must include the full paths to pkzip & pkunzip. Ex: replace pkzip ©v with c:\pkware\pkzip ©v giving the complete path to pkzip.
Ó ÓÃÃÁ Á20.0 CreditsÄÄ
Á ÁAny references to products or trademarks in this document is in sole reference to the individual products.
Á ÁThe following products and names are the copyrighted material and or trademarks of their copyright and or trademark holders respectively:
Á ÁPowerBBS Á ÁRussell E. Frey
Á ÁDSZ Á ÁOmen Technology INC
Á ÁMS©DOS Á ÁMicrosoft Corporation
Á ÁHayes Á ÁHayes Microcomputer Products, Inc
Á ÁIBM,IBM PC, PCJr, XT, AT, PC©DOS Á ÁInternational Business Machines Á ÁÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ ÁÁ ÁCorporation.
Á ÁMicrosoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Á ÁSpecial thanks to all the PowerBBS sysops who helped me thoroughly develop and distribute this fine program. Your effort helped make PowerBBS the quality program it has become. So many people have contributed to the well benefit of PowerBBS, that a list would take pages. Special thanks goes to the following people:
Á ÁFred Healy, for teaching me and inspiring me to program.
Á ÁGlen, for your influence on creating a computer monster of myself. Were it not for you, I very much doubt I would have anything to do with computers today.
Á Á
Very nice! Thank you for this wonderful archive. I wonder why I found it only now. Long live the BBS file archives!
This is so awesome! 😀 I’d be cool if you could download an entire archive of this at once, though.
But one thing that puzzles me is the “mtswslnkmcjklsdlsbdmMICROSOFT” string. There is an article about it here. It is definitely worth a read: http://www.os2museum.com/wp/mtswslnk/