Enhanced DLX Home Page

A number of people have been asking about the EDLX program -
what it is, what makes it unique, how much does it cost, and
where to obtain it. I have designed this WWW page with answering
these questions in mind.

What is EDLX? 
In order to define EDLX, I would need to first
define its precursor, a program called DLX. So, let us start
there.

DLX was a program written over a span of about a decade by a man
named Richard Gillmann. It was designed to permit one computer
to run a bulletin board system (BBS) that could accept up to
thirty-two incoming modem connections and allow the users to
interact with each other. "Interact" could mean anything from
reading and writing messages to be read by the general public of
the population, sending private messages to other users,
conversing with other users both one-on-one and in groups
(popularly known as "chatting"), and sending and receiving texts
and programs in the file libraries.

DLX was not unique in its ability to run these kinds of BBSs - a
number of other programs were developed over the years that
provided these features. The DLX program, however, became a
popular favorite with the users whose primary interest was to be
able to "chat" with one another. In fact, it was not uncommon to
see small seperate "sub-cultures" spring up on DLX BBSs, as
people from different parts of town and different walks of life
would be able to talk to each other simply by typing. Couples
would meet (and perhaps find a "significant other"), conferences
would be held, and debates would spring up on a multitude of
topics. This happened so often, in fact, that many DLX BBSs
adopted a schedule of regular social gatherings for its users.

Eventually, Mr. Gillmann decided to move on to other goals in
his life, and released the inner workings of the DLX program
into the public domain, with the thought of allowing others to
pick up his work and do with it as they will. Thus was born the
EDLX program - a "second generation" DLX program with certain
enhancements and features in mind.

What makes EDLX different from DLX?  EDLX is first and foremost
a social BBS program. Whenever possible, the emphasis has been
placed on adding extra featues and streamlining processes to
allow the users of the EDLX BBS to socialize. Working with this
in a "dove-tail" process are several new security features,
which allow the sysop(s) of an EDLX BBS to better secure their
hard work. Finally, a great deal of time has been placed in the
customizability of the program - an EDLX BBS can grant its users
as much or as little of the new options (and a multitude of the
old options) as the sysop(s) wish.

EDLX can be set up in basically the same manner as a DLX BBS -
the time to convert a DLX BBS to a fully functional EDLX BBS is
minimal. In fact, during the customizing process, it is possible
to set up as much or as little of the features specific to EDLX
as the sysop feels comfortable. An EDLX BBS does not require any
special hardware or extra software for its use; there is no need
to buy expensive cables or hardware to "get the most" out of the
program.

Security 
Customizability 
User Enhancements 

...all can be found within the EDLX program. 

What doesn't EDLX do? In line with the philosophy of enhancing
the chat, security, and customizability areas of the original
DLX program, there are certain things that have received little
or no change. This can be due to priorities, philosophy, or
technical difficulties.

How much does it cost? The EDLX program is currently not for
sale. That doesn't mean that it is impossible to obtain a copy.
The rapid growth of the Internet has made the EDLX program
outdated, but hardly obsolete. If you are a DLX sysop and are
interested in EDLX, let me know. I enjoyed writing EDLX and I
hardly want to see the work stagnate.

Demo versions are available, though the last version
specifically compiled as a demo is well over three years old.
Completely functional versions are available for evaluation.