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AutoBBS version 2.41 Sysop Documentation
Copyright, 1991, 1992, Ray Yeargin
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--- Table of Contents -------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 1 Introduction to AutoBBS
Chapter 2 Installation and Common Installation Problems/Issues
2.1 Installation
2.2 DATA-CARRIER-DETECT Setting
2.3 DOS Setup Requirements
2.4 Memory Requirements
2.5 Modem-Escape-Character: Potential Security Concern
Chapter 3 Limitations of an Unregistered Copy
Chapter 4 Features of AutoBBS
4.1 Download file management
4.2 Conferences
4.3 Message management
4.4 User management
4.5 Call-back validation
4.6 Installation
4.7 File transfer
4.8 Security
4.9 File maintenance
4.10 Interrupting Displays
Chapter 5 AutoBBS Sysop Information
5.1 Nightly Automated Maintenance
5.2 Sysop options when a user is logged on
5.3 Graphics bulletins
5.4 Running Doors (external programs)
5.5 Installing Bulletins
5.6 Running under a mail handler such as Front Door
5.7 Upload/Download file information
5.8 CoSysops
5.9 Screen Saver (waiting for a call)
5.10 Conference membership for users
5.11 Access limits on individual doors, files, and bulletins
5.12 Upload conference
5.13 Suppressing BBS identification screens
5.14 Editing user data (Sysop menu option 1)
Chapter 6 Filenames used by AutoBBS
Chapter 7 AutoBBS restrictions
Chapter 8 AutoBBS Configuration and Command Reference
8.1 Options available from the Screen Saver (waiting for a call)
8.2 Time limit settings (Sysop menu option 2)
8.3 Access level settings for commands (Sysop menu option 3)
8.4 BBS Configuration options (Sysop menu option 4)
8.4.1 BBS name, Sysop name, Main Conference settings
8.4.2 Com port settings
8.4.3 Page bell, caller alarm, log file
8.4.4 File directory settings and maintenance event
8.4.5 Call-back validation parameters
8.4.6 User's initial conference settings
8.4.7 Display information (graphics, ID screens, screen saver)
8.4.8 Modem setup, control, and escape strings
8.4.9 Update, delete, or create conferences
Chapter 9 AutoBBS Support and Non-Guarantee
Chapter 10 AutoBBS Registration Information
--- Chapter 1, Introduction to AutoBBS --------------------------------------
AutoBBS is an Electronic Bulletin Board System (BBS) written for people who
don't want to dedicate their lives to the many mundane chores surrounding
the administration of a BBS. AutoBBS can automatically validate users, purge
inactive accounts, manage the message bases, optimize the use of the upload/
download space, and back itself up at 4:00 am every night. Practically all
system maintenance is performed from within AutoBBS. From the remote Sysop
menu it is possible to edit user records, change time limits, move files
between conferences, and many others. From the local Sysop menu it is also
possible to add or delete conferences, change the modem strings, modify the
call-back validation parameters, and generally reconfigure the BBS. About the
only thing you'll need to do in DOS is build batch files (for your doors) and
make bulletins. In addition, AutoBBS takes up very little disk space and is
surprisingly configurable for a BBS of its small size and simplicity.
Please see the last chapter of this document for registration information.
Good luck with your BBS and I hope to be hearing from you soon.
--- Chapter 2, Installation and Common Installation Problems/Issues ---------
--- 2.1 Installation
Installing AutoBBS is very simple and as automatic as I could make it. Just
make a directory where you wish to install AutoBBS, copy AUTOBBS.EXE to that
directory, run it, and answer the questions. (See section 8.4 for infor-
mation on the questions you will need to answer. Note that almost all
questions have pre-selected answers that will work in most cases.) If AutoBBS
doesn't run after the installation, you probably have a problem with your
modem configuration.
The most common problem that Sysops encounter when installing AutoBBS is their
DATA-CARRIER-DETECT (DCD) signal set to 'always on'. If you have this problem
and the following discussion of controlling DCD is not applicable to your
modem, you will have to refer to your modem manual for more information.
--- 2.2 DATA-CARRIER-DETECT Setting
Many 'Hayes compatible' modems ship from the factory configured with DATA-
CARRIER-DETECT on. This means that until the modem is reconfigured, the
computer will always see a carrier on the modem as if it were connected to
another modem. Since bulletin board systems in general, and AutoBBS in
particular, expect DCD to follow the true state of the connection, AutoBBS
will not work if this signal is always on. If your maximum modem speed is
1200 BPS or slower, DCD behavior is probably controlled by a dip switch.
For 2400 BPS and faster modems, the following sequence of modem commands may
work to reset DCD to reflect the actual presence or absence of a carrier tone:
ATZ
AT&C1&W
The first command resets the modem to its power-up configuration and the
second resets the behavior of DCD and writes the new configuration to the
setup memory.
--- 2.3 DOS Setup Requirements
AutoBBS will not work correctly unless sufficient FILES are declared in the
CONFIG.SYS file. We recommend the following minimum value in CONFIG.SYS:
FILES=16
--- 2.4 Memory Requirements
AutoBBS requires approximately 230K of free memory to run. If you will be
installing doors and/or using DSZ (for file transfers) you will need more
free memory! If you have at least 500K of free memory prior to loading
AutoBBS you should be able to run most doors -- but you should try to get
as much memory freed up as possible.
--- 2.5 Modem-Escape-Character: Potential Security Concern
The characters used for escape from online mode are traditionally +++ (3
'plus' signs entered quickly with pauses before the first and after the last
keystroke). It is recommended that you change this 'escape character' from
a '+' to a character with a value of 128 or higher. On some modems, a value
above 127 will disable the modem escape sequence and prevent electronic
vandals from reconfiguring your modem. Of course, if you disable the escape
sequence you will need to use an alternate method of hanging up the phone.
The following modem commands may reset your 2400 (or faster) modem to use
the DTR-drop method of hangup and disable the escape sequence:
ATZ
ATS2=255&D1&W
The first command resets the modem to its power-up configuration. The 'S2=255'
part of the second command resets the escape character to the character '255'.
The '&D1' part sets DTR to follow the true state of DATA-TERMINAL-READY and
'&W' writes the new configuration to the modem's setup memory.
If this fails to change your modem escape character you may want to add the
string 'S2=255' to your modem setup string in AutoBBS Sysop option 4.
If you use this method of hanging up the phone, you will need to also set the
MODEM HANGUP STRING to NONE and the MODEM ESCAPE STRING to NON in option 4 of
the AutoBBS Sysop menu. See section 8.4.8 for more on setting modem strings.
--- Chapter 3, Limitations of an Unregistered Copy --------------------------
AutoBBS is distributed as 'shareware' and we expect would-be AutoBBS Sysops
to try it before they register. There are no time limits or other such
usage limitations on unregistered AutoBBS bulletin boards. Run it for as
long as you wish to determine if AutoBBS is for you. We think the low price
of registration and the advanced automation features will soon convince you
to acquire a registration code!
The shareware version of AutoBBS is a fully functional single-conference BBS.
There is, however, one item that only works if you have a registration code.
The J command, which allows users to change conferences, does not work for
regular users in the unregistered version. However, it does work normally
for all Sysops (users with an access level of 8). You can still configure
multiple conferences and set user's home conferences to point to any
conference you wish, but they will be restricted to only that conference.
You can set up several conferences and each conference can be configured as
a completely different BBS with unique doors, bulletins, files, and users.
Once you have a registration code, you can use either access levels or
Sysop-assigned membership (or both) to control which users can go to each
conference.
--- Chapter 4, Features of AutoBBS ------------------------------------------
AutoBBS is truly a maintenance-free system. It can automatically validate
new callers and delete inactive users. It recycles the disk space of old
messages so that new messages don't consume additional disk space. It even
manages the upload/download file directory to ensure that the newest and most
popular files are retained when it has to free up space for new uploads. In
short, a properly configured AutoBBS system will never run out of disk space,
will keep the messages bases fresh, and will optimize your upload/download
area by keeping the most popular and newest files at the expense of old and
unpopular ones -- all with no work on the part of the Sysop. In addition,
installation is about as easy as setting up a BBS can be. Read the following
sections for specific information on these and other labor-saving features
of AutoBBS.
--- 4.1 Download file management
The Sysop assigns a maximum amount of disk space to be allocated to the
download directory. When that area is filled up, AutoBBS will start
deleting files -- based on age, size, and number of downloads. The
oldest/largest/least popular files are purged first. One day prior to
deleting a file, AutoBBS marks it with an X in the Save Status (S) column
of LCS in AUTODOWN.LST and sends a broadcast message in the main conference
(0) to all users and the Sysop.
--- 4.2 Conferences
AutoBBS 2.41 supports up to 9 conferences in addition to the main conference
(which is conference 0). Each conference has its own message base, bulletins,
doors, and files. Each conference also has an access level and will permit
users with sufficient access to enter the conference even if the Sysop hasn't
registered them in that conference. A pure public conference would have an
access level of 0 and a pure private conference would have an access level
of 9. With an access level of 9 no one can enter (including Sysops!) without
first having their 'conference membership table' or their 'home conference'
field updated to include the conference number. The Sysop can select any home
conference for all new users as well as one for all users validated by the
built-in call-back validation. The Sysop can also select any group of
conferences for the conference membership table for both new users and
call-back validated users.
--- 4.3 Message management
The Sysop selects how big the message bases will be and AutoBBS continuously
recycles the allocated area by re-using the disk space of the oldest messages.
When AutoBBS is first installed or when a conference is added AutoBBS will
pre-allocate space for the message base. Since each message takes 1024 bytes,
a message base configured to hold 200 messages will be 200K bytes in size.
Please note that it is possible to increase the size of the message base at
any time by reconfiguring the BBS.
--- 4.4 User management
AutoBBS manages your user base by deleting users who have not called for long
periods of time. When determining whether to delete an inactive user,
AutoBBS considers their security level and the 'purge cycle' settings. The
purge cycle is automatically adjusted up and down depending on how busy your
BBS is -- but only if the nightly event is activated. You can view the purge
cycle settings under menu option 2.
--- 4.5 Call-back validation
The Sysop may enable call-back validation for any combination of local, toll,
and long distance calls. The Sysop also selects the access level assigned
to users who complete the call-back procedure.
--- 4.6 Installation
AutoBBS is completely contained in a single file (AUTOBBS.EXE) of under 100K
in size. When executed for the first time, it will lead the Sysop through
all the steps necessary for basic installation by asking about 30 questions.
The BBS may be further customized by using menu options 2 and 3 and by
editing the *.TXT files and making *.GR1 versions of them (see the section
on character graphics for more on .GR1 files).
--- 4.7 File transfer
AutoBBS contains no internal file transfer protocols. DSZ.COM or DSZ.EXE is
required for file transfers. If either DSZ file is present, Zmodem and Xmodem
are supported automatically. DSZ can be acquired from Omen Technology, Inc,
P.O. Box 4681, Portland, OR 97208. Their BBS number is (503) 621-3746. You
may also be able to locate a copy of the shareware version of DSZ on a BBS
near you. (Actually, AutoBBS can use any file transfer protocol program to
upload an download. However, it does expect to find a file named DSZ.COM
or DSZ.EXE in its home directory before it will attempt to call the upload
and download batch files.)
AutoBBS uses batch files to install file transfer protocols. Up to 26 file
transfer protocols may be installed corresponding to the letters A through Z.
The com port number (1 or 2) and the filename are passed by AutoBBS to the
batch files whenever a user initiates an upload or download. All other infor-
mation must be hardcoded in the batch file. AutoBBS creates four example
protocol batch files for you. They are named:
UPLOAD-Z.BAT
UPLOAD-X.BAT
DNLOAD-Z.BAT
DNLOAD-X.BAT
To install an additional protocol you must do the following:
First, select an unused letter to represent the download protocol.
Second, make a download batch file named DNLOAD-?.BAT where the ? is
the letter you selected. That batch file must invoke your file
transfer program and pass it the filename and the port number --
along with any other information required by the program. Third,
you need to make an upload batch file named UPLOAD-?.BAT. Again,
the ? represents the letter you assigned to the new protocol. This
batch file will also be passed the port number and the filename by
AutoBBS whenever a user selects the protocol to upload a file.
Last, you need to add the new protocol to the list in PROTOCOL.TXT
so that users will be informed of the new protocol option when they
initiate a file transfer.
--- 4.8 Security
All sensitive menu options are controlled by access levels -- which are
configurable by the Sysop. Passwords are stored encrypted. If a user forgets
his or her password, a new one must be issued -- the old one cannot be viewed
by the Sysop. Time limits for each access level are set by the Sysop. Logins,
uploads, and other major events may optionally be logged to a disk file.
--- 4.9 File maintenance
AutoBBS enables you to delete files and add descriptions to
files that were manually copied into the download directory. Also, there is
an option to change the access level for files in the download directory from
the file maintenance menu. Please note that to add a description to a file
manually copied to the download directory, the file must be copied to the
directory prior to using menu option 9 to add the description.
--- 4.10 Interrupting Displays
All displays can be interrupted by the remote caller pressing a key. The
next prompt will then display, followed by the character pressed. This
applies only to modem calls and only to the remote user's keyboard -- never
to the console.
--- Chapter 5, AutoBBS Sysop Information ------------------------------------
--- 5.1 Nightly Automated Maintenance
AutoBBS will generate a batch file to automate your nightly maintenance.
This batch file (AUTO_EVT.BAT) can be modified to compress and back up your
*.DAT files [System Data] to a floppy. These files are: AUTO_USR.DAT
[Users], AUTO_CFG.DAT [Configuration], and AUTO_MS?.DAT [Messages]. (Please
note that there is some interdependence between the .DAT files. For example,
if you lose your AUTO_CFG.DAT file, you may not be able to simply recreate it
and still read your messages. Therefore, it is important that you back up
all of your .DAT files as a group.) When you modify AUTO_EVT.BAT, ensure
that it returns to the home directory of AutoBBS before it ends. To test
your AUTO_EVT.BAT file, press the F3 key while AutoBBS is waiting for a call
-- that will cause the AUTO_EVT.BAT to run immediately. Note that you must
not rerun AUTOBBS.EXE at the end of the AUTO_EVT.BAT file -- AutoBBS will
restart automatically when the batch file ends.
--- 5.2 Sysop options when a user is logged on
Although you can use the Sysop's menu option, 1, to modify a user's data, a
couple of common operations can be performed while a user is logged on. A
user's permanent validation level can be lowered and raised while the user
is logged on by pressing the left and right arrow keys on the console.
Please note that this option only applies when a user is logged on via a
modem connection; it will not work when a user logs in on the console. This
limitation is to prevent a user from easily raising his or her own access
level simply by getting access to the console for a couple of minutes. Also,
the up and down arrows change time limits for the current session -- and the
day, with increases limited to the amount available at the start of the
session. Press the F10 key to enter CHAT mode to chat with a user. Press
F10 again to toggle CHAT mode back off. All CHAT text is automatically
entered into the AUTOBBS.LOG file if logging is turned on.
While a user is logged on you can press the F5 key to 'shell' out to DOS
to do some quick work. The user will be given an appropriate message.
To return to the BBS, return to the AutoBBS directory and type EXIT.
For bothersome users, press the F7 key to give them a bit of 'line noise' at
appropriate times. This bogus line noise is harmless and is intended to make
the user think that he or she has a bad connection. You can use this to
interfere with a user trying to post annoying messages, etc. Be careful with
this -- two quick presses of F7 will disconnect the user!
AutoBBS provides two methods of hanging up on a user. First, you can simply
press and hold the down arrow (which uses up their time for the session and
the day) until AutoBBS kicks the user off with a 'time limit exceeded'
message. Second, you can press the F7 'line noise' key (see above) twice
within .2 seconds to cause the user to get some simulated line noise just
before AutoBBS hangs up.
If you want to get a remote user's attention, press F8. That will send
a beep to the remote terminal. It is handy if a user wanders away from
the terminal.
--- 5.3 Graphics bulletins
AutoBBS now includes minimal graphics support - for static IBM character
set screens only. ANSI is not supported in this version due to a limitation
in the compiler that is used to compile AutoBBS. If the Sysop enables the
system graphics option, AutoBBS will check for graphics versions of all the
text files that end in .TXT. The extension of the graphics versions is .GR1.
If the Sysop turns graphics on users who have graphics enabled will see
these files instead of the .TXT versions -- if they exist. Any file that
ends in .TXT can have a .GR1 version except for AUTO_HEL.TXT. That file is
displayed before a user logs on and prior to knowing whether the user can
support graphics. Note that the various user bulletins (BULL0-1.TXT, etc)
can also have graphic counterparts. If you do not create .GR1 versions of
your text files, you should leave the graphics option disabled to speed up
access to menus and bulletins -- otherwise, AutoBBS will check first for the
.GR1 version for users with their graphics flag on. Note: ANSI graphics is
not supported in release 2 of AutoBBS. However, if you absolutely MUST use
ANSI graphics screens as the .GR1 counterparts to your .TXT files, bear in
mind that they will not display correctly on the console. You will want to
turn the personal graphics flag off for the Sysop and all other users who log
in locally. Users who log in remotely will be able to see the ANSI graphics
but the simultaneous console displays will not be pretty!
--- 5.4 Running Doors (external programs)
AutoBBS uses two methods of running door programs. (Doors are external
programs that can be added to BBS's. Many door programs run multi-player
games or contests.)
The most common method of interfacing door programs uses a 'door information
file'. To support this popular approach, AutoBBS generates a DORINFO1.DEF
file whenever a door is opened. Some programs expect to find this file in
the directory in which they run. Others expect you to build a configuration
file containing the location of this file. Still others require that you pass
the full path name of the DORINFO1.DEF file in a command-line parameter.
Needless to say, you'll have to carefully read the installation instructions
that come with each door you plan to use in order to successfully install it.
A batch file for using DORINFO1.DEF with a door program might look like this:
CD \GAMES\CZARWARS
COPY \AUTOBBS\DORINFO1.DEF
CZARWARS
CD \AUTOBBS
The other door interfacing technique is a little more difficult to use, but
allows you to run most doors that do not support DORINFO1.DEF. AutoBBS
generates command-line parameters and these are sent to the door batch file
whenever a user opens a door. The following information is passed to the door
batch file in the order shown:
ComPort BaudRate TimeLeft FirstName LastName
The items are separated by spaces. BaudRate will contain a 0 on console
logins. TimeLeft is in minutes. Some sample Door batch files using command
line parameters follow:
(sample batch file/Global Warfare) (sample batch file/CZARWARS)
CD \AUTOBBS\GLOBWAR CD \AUTOBBS\CZARWARS
WAR /C %2 %1 %3 %4 %5 CZARWARS /C %1 %2 %3 %4 %5
CD \AUTOBBS CD \AUTOBBS
Please note that either of these door programs can also run using the
DORINFO1.DEF file produced by AutoBBS. The above examples are for
illustration purposes and the command line parameters aren't required for
either Global Warfare or CZARWARS.
Also note that you must not rerun AUTOBBS.EXE at the end of the door batch
file -- AutoBBS will restart automatically when the batch file ends.
In both methods of running door programs, AutoBBS expects to find a
corresponding DOOR?-#.BAT file for a valid door # in conference ?. For
example, assume you installed CZARWARS as door #1 in conference 3. AutoBBS
will look for a file named DOOR3-1.BAT when door 1 is opened. The commands
to run that program must be in that batch file. Also, in addition to doors
1 through 99, it is possible to configure each conference with a batch file
for door 0 which only the original Sysop can open. Typically, one of these
Sysop-only doors will be configured as a drop-to-DOS door using DOORWAY or a
similar utility. As of version 2, AutoBBS supports up to 1000 doors. Each
conference can have up to 100 doors using the following naming convention:
DOOR?-#.BAT (where ? represents a conference digit of 0 - 9
and the # represents any number from 0 to 99)
It is possible to set up doors with selective access levels. For example, to
make door 24 of the main conference accessable only to users with an access
level of 5 or above, make the following line the first line in your
DOOR0-24.BAT file:
::5
For access by users of any other access level, use the appropriate number
after the two colons. Note that the first three characters of the first
line must be ::# where # is any digit from 0 through 9. Remember that to
open any door, a user must also have an access level sufficient to use the
'O' command.
It is also possible to run AutoBBS itself as a door under a completely
different BBS or even even another AutoBBS. (While I can't think of a
reason why you might want to install AutoBBS as a door under another AutoBBS,
you might find you could use an AutoBBS door under some other BBS.) Assuming
you were using AutoBBS as your host BBS and wanted to install another AutoBBS
as door 50 you would need to do the following:
1) Bring down your host BBS.
2) Build a new directory for the AutoBBS door (assume C:\AUTOBBS\AUTODOOR)
3) Install a copy of AutoBBS there making sure to use the same com port
that your host BBS uses.
4) Run and then log into the new 'door' BBS, select option 4 from the
Sysop's menu, and change all modem strings to NONE.
5) Return to the home directory of your host BBS and build a batch file
named DOOR0-50.BAT containing the following statements.
CD \AUTOBBS\AUTODOOR
AUTOBBS /1FDD CONNECT %2
CD \AUTOBBS
That's all there is to it. The /1FDD command line option puts AutoBBS in
'door' mode. When in this mode it expects the modem connection speed to
be passed to it on the command line. This must consist of the word CONNECT
followed by the modem BPS rate. For local logins the BPS rate should be 0.
The host AutoBBS passes this information automatically when any door is
opened and it can be retrieved by using the %2 option as shown above.
The only difference between the /1FDD switch and the /1FD switch, discussed
later in this document, is that AutoBBS will not disconnect the call when
a user exits from AutoBBS when the /1FDD switch is used.
--- 5.5 Installing Bulletins
To install BULLETINS in the main conference, modify the AUTOBUL0.TXT file to
describe each bulletin alongside a number for that bulletin. Then, place the
bulletin file in the AutoBBS directory with the name BULL0-#.TXT where # is a
number from 1 to 99 that corresponds to the number used in AUTOBUL0.TXT for
the description of that particular bulletin. For example, bulletin #1 would
be named BULL0-1.TXT and the AUTOBUL0.TXT file might look like this (assuming
only 1 bulletin):
The following bulletins are available
-- -------------------------------------
1 The top 50 callers to this BBS
To limit access to a bulletin by access level, make the first 3 characters
of the bulletin ::# where # is the minimum access level that will be allowed
to read the bulletin. This facility works exactly like the door restriction
technique described in section 5.4 above.
As of version 2, AutoBBS supports up to 990 bulletins. Each conference
can have up to 99 bulletins using the following naming convention:
BULL?-#.TXT (where ? represents a conference digit of 0 - 9
and the # represents any number from 1 to 99)
--- 5.6 Running under a mail handler such as Front Door
The BBS can be caused to answer one call and quit by running AUTOBBS.EXE with
the /1 switch as follows: AUTOBBS /1. To override the com port setting that
was assigned during BBS configuration, use either the /COM1 or /COM2 switch.
There is an option of the /1 switch that allows AutoBBS to accept an existing
carrier tone from another program -- such as a mail handler. Use the /1FD
switch to tell AutoBBS to accept any carrier and immediately present a logon
prompt. In order for this to work properly, AutoBBS expects the baud rate to
be passed on the command line that invokes it along with the word CONNECT. In
the examples that follow, either of the first 2 lines are 300 bps connections;
the others represent 1200, 2400, 9600, 14400, and 19200 bps connects,
respectively.
AUTOBBS CONNECT
AUTOBBS CONNECT 300
AUTOBBS CONNECT 1200
AUTOBBS CONNECT 2400
AUTOBBS CONNECT 9600
AUTOBBS CONNECT 14400
AUTOBBS CONNECT 19200
In addition to the above command line options, it may be necessary to tell
AutoBBS that a system event is scheduled -- such as for mail handling. In
that case, you will need to pass a time limit to AutoBBS as well as the /1FD
switch and the connection speed information. The /E9999 switch, where 9999
represents the number of minutes until the system event, controls this.
In the example below, a mail handler is passing a 2400 BPS carrier informing
AutoBBS that a system event is scheduled for 45 minutes:
AUTOBBS /1FD CONNECT 2400 /E45
In the above example, AutoBBS will allow a maximum time limit of 40 minutes.
--- 5.7 Upload/Download file information
The LCS field of AUTODOWN.LST contains system data. Columns 77, 78, and 79 of
the file identification line of these files are used for controlling Access
Level (L), Conference (C), and Save Status (S). If a digit from 0 through 9
is used in the L field then only users with an access level equal to or higher
than this number will be able to download the file. The C column can contain
any digit from 0 - 9 or a space. If a digit is there, that file will only be
visible from the conference that matches that digit. If a space is used
instead, the file will be visible from all conferences.
The S column of LCS will usually contain either an X, a -, or an S. A space
in this column is equivalent to a -. These characters are used by AutoBBS as
an instruction to remove a file at the next event (X), consider a file along
with others for purging when space gets short (- or space), and to avoid ever
considering a file for removal -- regardless of how tight space is (S).
Therefore, to override automatic purging for particular files in the download
directory, place an S in column 79 of the AUTODOWN.LST file (under the S of
LCS) in the line identifying the file concerned. (While all of these fields
can be updated from the Sysop's file maintenance menu (9), it is sometimes
more convenient to modify the AUTODOWN.LST file with an editor.)
Also, only one line can be used to describe a file and that line must
immediately follow the line identifying the file -- and it must begin with
3 blank spaces. If you always use option 9 to describe files you've manually
copied to your download directory, your file description entries will be
correctly formatted.
--- 5.8 CoSysops
You can create as many CoSysops as you wish just by setting their access
levels to 8. They will have all of the access of the Sysop except that they
can't modify the original Sysop's user record or open any door 0. Also,
options 7 and 8 are available only from the console -- remote Sysop sessions
can't use them.
--- 5.9 Screen Saver (waiting for a call)
While waiting on a call, AutoBBS displays a 'screen saver' which shows a
copyright notice, some function keys active from the waiting screen, the
amount of time AutoBBS has been waiting on a call, and the time and date.
This screen saver is normally in inverse video (black characters). When
someone posts a message to the Sysop, however, it reverses to normal
video and stays that way until the Sysop or any Co-Sysop logs on.
See section 8.1 for information on screen saver menu options.
--- 5.10 Conference membership for users
Conference membership can be granted to a user in three different ways.
One way is by setting the conference access level equal to or below the
access level of the users you want to be members of that conference. A
second method is to put the conference number in the user's conference
membership table. A typical membership table field might look like this:
0149
In the above example, membership is granted in conferences 0, 1, 4, and 9.
Note that if there are are other conferences with an access level equal to
or below the access level of the user, he would also have access to them.
In addition, if the user's home conference is set to 7, for example, he
would also have access to conference 7. Further, he would automatically
be put in conference 7 by the system as soon as he logged on.
--- 5.11 Access limits on individual doors, files, and bulletins
AutoBBS allows you to set access level limits on the individual doors,
bulletins, and download files. For example, if you had adult-only files,
doors, and bulletins, you might restrict access to those to level 5 users
and above. You could then limit all under-age callers to access levels 4
and below. (Of course, you could also isolate these items to conferences
that are themselves limited by access level -- or Sysop-assigned membership.)
The Sysop selects the access level initially assigned to uploaded files and
has the ability to change individual file access levels through the file
maintenance menu. Note that this allows you to run a BBS with a single file
directory for both upload and download files while retaining the ability to
screen files prior to making them available. (The file access level is the
number that appears below the L in LCS on a file's identification line.)
See section 5.4 (doors), 5.5 (bulletins), and 5.7 (files) for information on
setting access levels on this items.
--- 5.12 Upload conference
AutoBBS also allows the Sysop to select a specific conference for uploads.
If a conference is selected for uploads, all non-Sysop uploads will go
into that conference regardless of which conference the user is in when the
upload is sent. If the 'upload conference' is set to an * (asterisk), all
uploads go into the conference where the user is at the time of the upload.
--- 5.13 Suppressing BBS identification screens
There is an option in the menu-driven configuration that allows you to suppress
the initial BBS identification that is normally displayed when a user connects.
This option also suppresses the hard-coded system information that is displayed
by the 'I' command.
--- 5.14 Editing user data (Sysop menu option 1)
When you select option 1 from the Sysop menu, you will be presented with the
options of listing all users, listing users of an individual access level, or
listing/editing a specific user's data. To edit a user, enter the user's name
and, if that user exists, you will be shown a screen of user data along with
options for modifying the data, deleting the user, resetting the users time
limit for that day, and abandoning or saving any changes. Note that Co-Sysops
cannot use this option to list or modify the original Sysop's data.
To manually add a user, enter three spaces for the name and you will be given
a blank user record in which to add a name, password, and validation level.
You will also need to use the T option before saving in order to initialize
the user's last logon information. If you run a private BBS you will need to
manually add all users this way. To make your BBS private set the time limit
for level 1 users (new users) to 0.
--- Chapter 6, Filenames used by AutoBBS ------------------------------------
AUTOBBS.EXE (AutoBBS executable program)
AUTOBBS.DOC (you're looking at it -- Sysop doc file)
AUTOBBS.REG (registration code file (you get one of
these when you register AutoBBS))
AUTOBBS.LOG (log file -- this is created if the
logging option is turned on.)
AUTO_USR.DAT (user information)
AUTO_CFG.DAT (configuration file, system data)
AUTO_MS0.DAT, AUTO_MS1.DAT, ... (message bases (1 per conference))
AUTO_HEL.TXT ('hello' bulletin -- seen by everyone)
AUTOWEL0.TXT, AUTOWEL1.TXT, ... ('welcome' bulletin (1 per conference)
This is seen by users in their 'home'
conference only!)
AUTO_MNU.TXT (user menu -- visible to everyone)
AUTO_BYE.TXT ('goodbye' bulletin -- visible to all)
DORINFO1.DEF (the door information file. many doors
either need this file in their directory
or must be told where it is located.
DORINFO1.DEF is created by opening a door)
AUTODOWN.LST (list of downloadable files)
AUTONFO0.TXT, AUTONFO1.TXT, ... ('information' bulletin (1 for each conf.))
AUTOBUL0.TXT, AUTOBUL1.TXT, ... (bulletin lists (1 for each conf.))
AUTODOR0.TXT, AUTODOR1.TXT, ... (door lists (1 for each conf.))
AUTO_EVT.BAT ('event' batch file. runs during
daily maintenance)
BULL0-1.TXT, BULL0-2.TXT, ... (bulletins (up to 99 for each conf.
BULL1-1.TXT, BULL1.2.TXT, ... ... and up to 10 conferences))
. .
. .
. .
DOOR0-0.BAT, DOOR0-1.BAT, ... (door batch files (up to 100 per conf.
DOOR1-0.BAT, DOOR1-1.BAT, ... ... and up to 10 conferences))
. .
. .
. .
UPLOAD-A.BAT, DNLOAD-A.BAT (upload & download batch files,
UPLOAD-B.BAT, DNLOAD-B.BAT up to 26 for external
. . protocols A through Z)
. .
. .
PROTOCOL.TXT (list of file transfer protocols)
DSZ.EXE or DSZ.COM (DSZ by Omen Technology -- this is the
program you need to do file transfers
with AutoBBS. It is a separate program
and must be acquired from Omen
Technology. The 'shareware' version is
probably available from a BBS near you.)
In addition, all files that end with the extension .TXT can have graphic
counterparts ending in .GR1 -- with the exception of AUTO_HEL.TXT which is
displayed prior to knowing whether a user has graphics capability or not.
--- Chapter 7, AutoBBS restrictions -----------------------------------------
You are encouraged to make AutoBBS available for download on your system --
provided no money (tax, fee, etc) is charged specifically for downloading
AutoBBS. Also, you may not modify the software or this document nor may you
add any other files to the archive containing AUTOBBS.EXE and AUTOBBS.DOC.
--- Chapter 8, AutoBBS Configuration and Command Reference ------------------
--- 8.1 Options available from the Screen Saver (waiting for a call)
There are four functions available from the Screen Saver. (The Screen Saver
is displayed while AutoBBS is waiting on a call.) They are:
[Escape] key: At any time the Sysop can press Escape and bring the BBS
down. When this key is pressed, an empty file named AUTOBBS.END is
created. If you are using any variation of the /1 switch to cause AutoBBS
to terminate after each call, the presence of this file can be detected by
your vatch file to determine whether to restart the BBS or not.
[F1] (function key F1): To log in locally, press the F1 key and AutoBBs
will allow you to log in on the console. Note that the phone is taken
off hook while someone is logged in at the console.
[F3] (function key F3): This key causes AutoBBS to run the nightly
maintence event -- including the batch file, AUTO_EVT.BAT. If you have
made a change to AUTO_EVT.BAT and wish to test it, press F3 and AutoBBS
will start the nightly event within 10 seconds.
[F5] (function key F5): Terminal mode (labeled Modem on the Screen Saver) lets
you type directly to the modem. This is a very simple TTY (teletype) emulator
and offers only one significant feature: Zmodem upload and downloads are
available if DSZ.COM or DSZ.EXE is present in the AutoBBS directory. All
uploads and downloads come from or go to the AutoBBS download files directory.
Note that your modem speed will be set to your maximum modem speed when you
enter Terminal mode. If you wish to use the ATDT command to call another BBS
with a slower modem, you will first have to change your speed with the F2 key
from within Terminal mode.
--- 8.2 Time limit settings (Sysop menu option 2)
This allows you to set the daily time limits for users of each access level
and includes suggested values to start with. If you wanted to set new users
(who always start out with an access level of 1) to a limit of 15 minutes per
day, you could do it here.
You can also set the 'upload credit multiplier' value here. If set to 0,
AutoBBS will give no time credit for time spent uploading. If set to 1,
time will be returned on a 1 to 1 ratio for time spent uploading. If set
to 2, two minutes will awarded for each minute of uploading time -- and so
on... The maximum multiplier is 9, producing 9 minutes for each upload
minute.
Note: This screen will also show you the 'purge cycle' -- a value that is
used to determine how many days a user may go without calling before being
subject to automatic deletion from the user file. You should NOT normally
change this value -- it is automatically optimized by AutoBBS in the nightly
maintenance.
--- 8.3 Access level settings for commands (Sysop menu option 3)
This allows you to set access level limits on the commands available to users.
For example, if you wanted to prevent all users from ringing the page bell, you
could set that option to 9 to disable the option completely. Likewise, if you
have trusted users of level 6 and above, for example, who you trust to set the
access level limit on files that they upload, you could set that option to 6.
--- 8.4 BBS Configuration options (Sysop menu option 4)
When you first install your BBS, you will be asked for all of the following
information. In most cases, a value has been pre-selected to allow you to
simply press <Enter> for those values that are correct. Other values (such
as the Sysop name and BBS name) have no 'defaults' and must be entered.
Sysop menu option 4 lets you view all settings for the BBS that aren't
included in options 2 and 3. Since this option controls many variables that
can bring down your BBS if set incorrectly, updates to these values are only
supported from local logins. It is still viewable from a remote Sysop
session, however.
- 8.4.1 BBS name, Sysop name, Main Conference settings
BBS name/Conference 0 name (main confernece): Lets you set the name of your
BBS. This will also be the name of your 'main' conference (conference 0),
to which all users should normally have access.
Access level for main conference: Lets you set the access level to give
access to users who haven't explicitly been made members. If a user logs in
and is ineligible for ANY conference, that user will be automatically placed
in conference 0 (main). In addition, when AutoBBS selects a file for purging,
it places the announcement in the main conference. Unless you have a desire
to isolate some users completely from others, this conference should have an
access level of 0 to make everyone members.
Conference 0 message base size: The size of the main message base is set here.
Since each message is 1024 characters in size (1K), a 50 message message base
would be 50K in size. It is possible to increase the size of a message base,
but you can't reduce it. If in doubt, make it smaller than you might need.
Display name for Sysop: The 'Display' name is NOT used for logging in and can
be anything. It is only used on BBS identification screens. You will be
prompted for the LOGIN name of the Sysop hen you first install AutoBBS.
- 8.4.2 Com port settings
Com port to run BBS on: You can select either COM port 1 or 2. No other
ports are supported. You can override the COM port selected when you invoke
AutoBBS by using the /COM1 or /COM2 command-line arguments.
Maximum modem speed: As of this version, the speeds of 300, 1200, 2400, 9600,
14400, and 19200 are supported.
Lock modem at it's highest speed: If you have V.42 or MNP-5 (or other data-
compressing protocol) built into your modem (and the modem can automatically
adjust its speed to match that of the incoming modem while holding the modem-
to-computer link speed onstant), you may choose to lock your com port speed at
the maximum speed of your modem here. Use this ONLY if you're sure you
understand the benefits and drawbacks!
Lock-out-300-baud: You can prevent users from connecting at 300 bps by
turning on this option.
- 8.4.3 Page bell, caller alarm, log file
Page bell on time: This allows you to set the start time for paging hours.
For example, to allow paging from 10am until 9pm you would set the 'on' time
to 10 and the 'off' time to 21 (24 hour format).
Page bell off time: Hour when the page bell is disabled.
Caller alarm: This option enables a bell that rings when a user logs on.
There is one beep for each access level. For example, a level 2 user will
cause two beeps and a level 7 user will cause seven beeps.
Log file enable/disable: The log file can be turned on or off. If left on,
it records such events as logins, page attempts, chat text, upload and
download information, etc. This information can be valuable -- it is
recommended that you keep logging on.
- 8.4.4 File directory settings and maintenance event
Download (& upload) file directory: This allows you to name your download
directory. If the directory is on a different drive or partition than AutoBBS,
you will need to supply the full path name. For example, if AutoBBS is
installed on drive C and your download directory is named BBSFILES on drive D,
the directory name would be:
D:\BBSFILES
Note that the directory name does not use a trailing \ character.
Disk space allocated to the download directory: This parameter controls how
much space to allow for AutoBBS files on the drive containing the download
file directory. The number is in 'K' (1K=1024 bytes). Therefore, if you
want to permit AutoBBS to keep up to 20 megabytes of files, you would enter
20000 for this limit. AutoBBS will then wait until it has almost 20 megabytes
of files before it starts to remove the oldest/largest/least popular files.
Upload conference: This selects the conference to force all uploads into.
If you want the uploads to go to the conference where the user is when the
upload occurs, select '*'.
Access level for uploaded files: This allows you to restrict access to newly
uploaded files to users at or above a certain access level. For example, if
you select 7 here, only users of access level 7 or above will be able to see
or download uploads -- until a sysop lowers the files' access level.
Disable/Enable automatic maintenance 'event': AutoBBS isn't very automatic
if you turn this off! Unless you are sure you need it off, leave it on.
Event hour: Sets the hour when the maintenance event should run. I recommend
that you set it to the hour with the fewest callers. Four a.m. is a good time
in most locations.
- 8.4.5 Call-back validation parameters
Local area code: AutoBBS needs to know the local area code so it can identify
long distance phone numbers.
Local call-back validation: Turn this on to enable automatic call-back valid-
ation of local callers.
Toll-call call-back validation: A 'toll-call' is a call within the local area
code but outside the local dialing area. Warning! If you turn this on,
AutoBBS will make toll-calls to validate users!
Long distance call-back validation: Turn this on to allow call-back
validation of users outside the local area code. Warning! If you turn
this on, AutoBBS will make long distance calls to validate users!
Access level for users successfully called-back: Set this to 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.
If set to 1, all call-back validation is disabled. Otherwise, users will be
assigned this access level after they complete the call-back validation
process.
- 8.4.6 User's initial conference settings
Home conference for new users: Set this to the conference number where you
want to put new users when they log on. If you have a dedicated new users
conference with helpful bulletins, files, and messages, you can force new
users into it upon login with this selection.
Conference table for new users: This item is simply a string of conference
numbers where all new users will have access. For example, if you set this
to 0458 all new users will be able to enter conferences 0 (main), 4, 5, and 8.
Home conference for call-back validated users: This works the same as the
home conference for new users except that this value is assigned to users who
complete call-back validation.
Conference table for call-back validated users: This works the same as the
conference table for new users but is instead assigned to users who complete
the call-back validation process.
- 8.4.7 Display information (graphics, ID screens, screen saver)
Allow use of .GR1 files: AutoBBS has the ability to select from two different
sets of bulletins and .TXT files, if this option is turned on. When enabled,
it will only affect users who have their personal graphics flag turned on. In
those cases, AutoBBS will display .GR1 files instead of of .TXT files, if the
.GR1 versions exist. See section 5.3 for a discussion of .GR1 files.
Suppress-Identification-screens: Turning this on prevents the user from
seeing the Sysop name, BBS name, time, and date when users connect. It also
suppresses the system information displayed by the I command.
Screen saver delay: This value controls how many seconds AutoBBS pauses to
display its 'waiting-for-a-call' logo before moving it. Valid values are
from 1 to 7200 seconds (2 hours) and 7201. Note: if you set the screen
saver delay to 7201 the time will not be updated every second.
- 8.4.8 Modem setup, control, and escape strings
Modem setup string: This is a string of modem commands that is sent to your
modem when AutoBBS is initiated and each time it recycles between callers.
If you don't need a setup string, you can disable this by setting it to NONE.
Modem answer string: This is the modem command that is sent to the modem when
a ring is detected. This is the preferred method of answering the phone. If
you must set the modem to auto-answer, however, you should set this string
to NONE.
Modem hangup string: This string is sent to your modem after the escape code
when AutoBBS terminates a call. If you use the DTR-drop method of hanging up,
this should be set to NONE.
Modem reset string: This is sent to your modem prior to sending the setup
string. It can be disabled by setting it to NONE.
Modem off hook string: This is sent to the modem during local sessions and
while the maintenance event is running to prevent users from thinking your
BBS is down. It can be disabled by setting it to NONE.
Modem dialing code: If you use call back validation, this is the string sent
to your modem prior to sending the phone number of the user. If you have any
prefixes (such as might be used to get an outside line in local phone systems)
to dial before a phone number, they would go here. If set to NONE, call-back
validation will not work.
Modem escape code: On Hayes-compatible modems, this is normally set to +++
(three plus signs -- preceded and followed by s short pause when actually sent
to the modem). It is used by AutoBBS prior to sending the hang up string.
If you use the DTR-drop method of hanging up, you should set this to NON.
See section 2.5 for more discussion of the escape code.
- 8.4.9 Update, delete, or create conferences
For the conferences 1 through 9, you will be asked if you wish to "add/modify
a conference?" For each 'Y' answer, you will be asked to supply three items
to describe the conference in question. They are:
Conference name: The name of the conference.
Access level for the conference: The access level of users who can enter the
conference without explicitly being made members.
Conference message base size: The number of messages to allow before AutoBBS
starts to overlay the oldest messages with newer ones. If this is set to 0,
the conference will be unavailable to users.
--- Chapter 9, AutoBBS Support and Non-Guarantee ----------------------------
AutoBBS is not warranteed to be fit for any particular purpose. There is no
other explicit or implicit warranty. We cannot accept responsibility for any
damages, financial or otherwise, resulting from anyone's use, or inability to
use, AutoBBS or this documentation. Use AutoBBS at your own risk!
All support for AutoBBS is currently provided through the Anarchy Garden BBS
at (904) 878-7704. However, no support is promised or implied by my pro-
viding the above information or by any other information included in this
document. AutoBBS is available prior to registration -- you should verify
that you can get it to work on your system and that it will fullfil your
needs before registering it. If you have any problems, please leave a
comment on the Anarchy Garden BBS.
--- Chapter 10, AutoBBS Registration Information ----------------------------
There are two AutoBBS registration options. The standard registration includes
a registered copy of the current version mailed to you and unlimited free
upgrades by modem. The deluxe registration includes the standard registration
and a registered copy of the latest version of the Czarwars multi-player door
game. Also, one copy of the Czarwars Flagship Operations Manual is included
with the deluxe AutoBBS package. For both registration options, additional
utilities will be included as they are developed. A utility to produce user
information bulletins is already completed and is included with all registered
copies. This utility will produce the following bulletins: Recent callers,
Top callers, Top downloaders, Top uploaders, Top message posters, and Top door-
openers. In addition, registered copies of AutoBBS activate the J command
which allows users to change conferences. When you register any version of
AutoBBS, you will get a registration code that works with all versions; past,
present, and future.
Standard registration: $23 registration fee + $2 shipping. Total: $25
Deluxe registration: $33 registration fee + $2 shipping. Total: $35
To register AutoBBS send the appropriate amount in U.S. funds to:
Ray Yeargin
P.O. Box 5821
Tallahassee, FL, 32314-5821
Your registered copy of the latest version will then be mailed to you at the
address you specify. When registering AutoBBS, please include the following
information:
(Standard/Deluxe) AUTOBBS REGISTRATION
<Name to register AutoBBS to (either your name or your BBS name only please)>
<disk size preferred -- 3.5" or 5.25">
<Your Name>
<Your Address>
<City, State, Zip Code>
You may OPTIONALLY include the following:
<voice phone number>
<BBS name>
<BBS phone number>
<BBS hours and modem speeds supported>
Please note that your 'registration name' (your name or your BBS name) will
be used to generate a unique AUTOBBS.REG file for you to copy into your
AutoBBS directory. Please ensure that your spelling and capitalization are
correct and exactly like you want them to appear in the 'registered to' line.
Please allow 1-3 weeks for delivery. Thank you for your support!
--- Ray Yeargin, Anarchy Garden BBS, (904) 878-7704, 24 hours
--- End of AutoBBS Sysop Documentation --------------------------------------