
                            The User's Guide to WWIV





                  Copyright 2000 WWIV Software Services, LLC.
                              All Rights Reserved.





          Based on the documentation from Filo (a.k.a. Wig De Moville,
            Michael Coyne, and William Daystrom, and Will Crawford)





                          Updated By Robert Clevenger
                          Saturday, November 13, 1999


                               Table of Contents
                                                            

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

1.1     PREPARATION AND CONNECTION
1.2     LOGON
1.3     REGISTRATION
1.3.1   FeedBack Message
1.3.2   Logon Message
1.3.3   Auto-Message
1.3.4   Last Callers List & Additional Information
1.4     THE MAIN PROMPT
1.4.1   Changing Conferences -- Enter J
1.5     WWIV SOFTWARE ORGANIZATION
1.6     THE MESSAGE EDITOR
1.7     /HELP
1.7.1   Changing Colors

COMMANDS FROM THE MAIN MENU
2.1     MISCELLANEOUS SECTION
2.1.1   (A) Auto-Message
2.1.1.1 (R) Read Auto-Message
2.1.1.2 (A) Auto-Reply to Auto-Message
2.1.1.3 (W) Write Auto-Message
2.1.2   (B) View BBS List
2.1.2.1 Add to BBS List
2.1.2.2 Net Listing
2.1.3   (C)  Page Sysop for Chat
2.1.4   (D) User Default Section
2.1.4.1 Screen size
2.1.4.2 ANSI
2.1.4.3 Pause on screen
2.1.4.4 Mailbox
2.1.4.5 Configured Q-scan
2.1.4.6 Change password
2.1.4.7 Update macros
2.1.4.8 Change colors
2.1.4.9 Full screen editor
2.1.4.10        Extended colors
2.1.4.11        Optional lines
2.1.4.12        Conferencing
2.1.4.13        Internet Address
2.1.4.14        Configure Menus
2.1.4.15        Clear Screen before Messages
2.1.4.16        WWIV Registration Number
2.1.4.17        Allow User Messages
2.1.5   (I) System News and Info
2.1.6   (L) Caller Log for Today
2.1.7   (O) Log Off the System
2.1.8   (U) View User List
2.1.9   (V) Voting Section
2.1.10  (X) Expert/Novice Toggle
2.1.11  (Y) Your Personal User Statistics
2.1.12  ($) Time Bank
2.2     MESSAGE BASE COMMANDS
2.2.1   (*) List Available Subs
2.2.2   (N) New-Scan All Subs
2.2.3   (P) Post a Message
2.2.4   (Q) New-Scan Current Sub
2.2.5   (R) Remove a Message
2.2.5.1 Message Base Commands
2.2.5.2 (S) Scan Message Titles
2.2.6   (Z) Continuous N-Scan
2.2.7   (#) Go to Message Base #
2.2.8   (/Z) Zipped Continuous N-Scan
2.2.9   (H) Hop to Another Sub
2.2.10  "CTRL Y" Toggle Pause
2.3     ELECTRONIC MAIL COMMANDS
2.3.1   (E) E-Mail a User
2.3.2   (F) Feedback to Sysop
2.3.3   (K) Kill E-Mail You Sent
2.3.4   (M) Read Your Mail
2.3.4.1 WWIV E-Mail Commands
2.4     SYSTEM FEATURES
2.4.1   (G) General Text Files
2.4.2   (T) Transfer Section
2.4.3   (.) Online Programs
2.5     THE SLASH COMMAND MENU
2.5.1   (/O) Fast Log Off
2.5.2   (/E) Send Multiple E-mail
2.5.3   "//CLS" Clear Screen
2.5.4   "//VER" WWIV Version Number
2.5.5   "//NET" Complete Network Connection List
2.5.6   "//QSCAN" Clear Q-Scan Pointers
2.5.7   "//UPLOAD" Upload text for your next post
2.5.8   "//WHO" Who is online
2.5.9   (/C)  - Enter Chat Room


TRANSFER SECTION COMMANDS
3.1     MISCELLANEOUS
3.1.1   (C) Page Sysop for Chat
3.1.2   (E) Extract ARC'ed File
3.1.3   (A) ARC Commands
3.1.4   (O) Log Off the System
3.1.5   (R) Remove a File
3.1.6   (Q) Quit to Main Menu
3.1.7   (T) Transfer Options
3.1.7.1 Set N-Scan Directories
3.1.7.2 Set Transfer Options (Chose default Protocol)
3.1.7.3 N-Scan after Message Base
3.1.7.4 Scan Extended
3.1.8   (Y) Personal User Stats.
3.1.9   (?) Display This Menu
3.1.10  (+) Advance One Dir. #
3.1.11  (-) Retreat One Dir. #
3.2     LISTING FILES
3.2.1   (V) View Archive Listing of a Fi
3.2.2   (F) Find Text in Description
3.2.3   (L) List Files in Directory
3.2.4   (N) New Files Search
3.2.5   (P) Set New Files Search Date
3.2.6   (S) Search All Directories
3.2.7   (*) List Available Directories
3.2.8   (H) Hop to Another Directory
3.2.9   (J) Join Conference
3.2.10  (W) WWIV Slash Commands
3.3     FILE TRANSFER COMMANDS
3.3.1   (B) Batch Upload/Download
3.3.1.1 Batch Upload/Download Menu
3.3.2   (D) Download a File
3.3.3   (U) Upload a File
3.3.4   (Z) Upload to Sysop Directory

APPENDICES
4.1 BBS RESOURCES ON THE INTERNET
4.1.1   Internet Web Sites

GLOSSARY




                              INTRODUCTION

This segment of the WWIV documentation is a comprehensive manual for
users who connect to a BBS via a modem, a telnet session, or some new
technology, as it becomes available, and sysops alike. For users, it
will review each of the commands for the default WWIV menu set (The BBS
that you are connecting to may offer additional menu structures as
well).  You are also presented with some examples of usage for each
command. For sysops and co-sysops, it will elaborate on the sysop
functions and their usage.  This manual is written specifically for WWIV
v4.30.  Updates of this manual will be available along with new versions
of WWIV.

WWIV BBS Software is copyrighted and written by WWIV Software Services,
LLC.  It was purchased from Wayne Bell who was the original author of
WWIV.  The project began while Wayne was in high school and the original
WWIV was written in BASIC.  The basic versions, which are of historical
interest, were numbered with versions starting at 1.00, and are
available from several WWIV support boards as well as many others.
These versions were followed by a Pascal version where the numbers
started with 2.00, and a major re-write of the Pascal version where the
numbers started with 3.00.  The final release of the Pascal version was
WWIV v3.21D, and was written with Turbo Pascal 3.0.
 
Beginning with WWIV version 4.0, WWIV is written in the C programming
language.  The most current version is WWIV v4.30.

Just as the BBS Software has evolved over time, the documentation also
has a short history.  The initial versions of WWIV had very short
documentation that was oriented primarily toward the sysop who would run
and operate the software. Michael Coyne developed an "illustrated" user
guide for WWIV in which he took the user methodically through the
commands that were available on WWIV. William Daystrom based his
documentation, THE WWIV USER'S GUIDE, which was copyrighted by White
Starlines Software, from that original text.  William's excellent
documentation is clearly the "father" of the current USER'S GUIDE TO
WWIV; however, significant efforts have been made to avoid copying
Will's approach in order to avoid possible copyright infringements.

The current copyright for this document is held by WWIV Software
Services, LLC. in order to facilitate future versions of the
documentation.



1.1	Preparation and Connection

A user can connect with two main methods to a WWIV BBS; Dial up over a
modem, and over the Internet with Telnet.  Some WWIV BBS's will support
one or both of these methods.

In order to connect to a WWIV BBS over a modem, the user should
configure their terminal program for settings of 8-N-1. You should
choose a terminal program that supports either "ANSI" emulation or
"ANSI-BBS".  Most WWIV bulletin boards are very colorful, have special
menus and screens designed to appeal to the user, and use color
extensively.  The software is capable of detecting whether or not the
user supports ANSI emulation and thus will automatically adjust itself
to the appropriate color or non-color configuration for the user. The
user, however, can override these settings in his initial logon or by
using the defaults configuration, both of which are described
subsequently.

In order to connect to a WWIV BBS via telnet, the user needs a telnet
client.  A simple telnet client is included with Windows 95/98/NT/2000,
however this telnet application does not support "ANSI" terminal
emulation.  There are better telnet clients available on the Internet
that supports this emulation (as well as available for download on many
WWIV BBS systems).

1.2	Logon

After a connection is established, one of two things will happen. If the
BBS has an ANSI welcome message (WELCOME.ANS) and ANSI emulation is
detected, the caller will be shown the Welcome Screen in color,
otherwise plain text will be used (ASCII).

After the Welcome Message, three prompts will appear in sequence.  The
first prompt asks for the caller's name or number.  If the caller types
"NEW" at the prompt, they will be taken to the new user registration
procedure. Otherwise, once the caller's name or number has been entered,
the BBS will prompt for the caller's password. On the sysop's screen,
topscreen information will appear at this point which, among other
things, includes the caller's password on the far right of the lower
line (this reverts to the caller's time- left once logon is complete).

After the caller has entered the password, the BBS may prompt for the
last four digits of the caller's telephone number.  If the user is not
prompted for the last four digits of the telephone number, it is because
the sysop has configured his system to permit "freeform" telephone
numbers.  This configuration facilitates the logon on of international
callers whose telephone numbers probably do not conform to the format
used in the USA.  If the sysop has chosen the freeform option, then the
user enters the telephone number when logging on as new, but the user
will not be prompted for such information on subsequent logons.  If any
of the information entered does not match what the BBS expects, an
illegal logon attempt will be recorded in the sysop log, and the caller
will have another chance to logon.  The software permits the caller to
have three attempts to correctly answer all three prompts - name or
number, password, and last four digits of their telephone number. If the
caller has tried to logon three times without success, the caller will
have a chance to send an e-mail message to the Sysop before being
disconnected.
 
                                                            
1.3	Registration                                           

If the caller entered "NEW" at the first logon prompt, the registration
procedure is initiated. The BBS will display two messages to the user.
First, SYSTEM.MSG, from the GFILES directory, is displayed which may
describe the theme or any other information that the Sysop included.
Next, NEWUSER.MSG is printed. This file contains information new callers
might need to know, such as a brief explanation of how on-line help
(Control-O) works, or what the sysop expects from the caller. Following
the output of these two files, the actual registration questions are
asked. These questions may ask for the following information; the
caller's name (or alias), real first name, voice phone number, gender,
date of birth, computer type, screen width and height, ANSI support,
color monitor (if ANSI is supported), and password. With the password
prompt, the caller is first offered a randomly selected password to use.
Callers may optionally pick their own password.  After the caller has
entered all of the requested information, a summary of the answers is
provided.  At this point, the caller may change any of the information
if errors are present. This is the only opportunity the caller will have
to change this data (except for the password, ANSI support, and screen
parameters), without sending e-mail to the Sysop asking for this
information changed.

1.3.1	FeedBack Message

Once the caller has confirmed that all is correct, FEEDBACK.MSG is
displayed, and the caller is prompted to write a validation letter.
FEEDBACK.MSG tells the caller what to write in the letter, which is a
request for access.  All callers should write validation letters;
otherwise, the sysop's task of finding new callers is much more
difficult.  The sysop is able to validate the user as the validation
letter is read. If there is not validation letter, the sysop may not
even be aware that an "unvalidated" user has logged on the board. Not
sending this initial e-mail message may lead to a delay in validating
your account.

1.3.2	Logon Message                                         
                                                            
If the caller is registered (note the distinction between registered and
validated; a registered caller isn't necessary validated), LOGON.MSG (or
LOGON.B&W or LOGON.ANS, depending upon the caller's ANSI setting) will
be displayed.  This file may contain system news from the sysop.  Next,
a list of the last few callers is displayed. This list will be longer
for sysops and co- sysops than regular callers. The information given
will be the last few caller names, user numbers, connect speed, and
times logged in for that day.
                                                            
1.3.3	Auto-Message
                                                            
After the LOGON.MSG is displayed, the auto-message is shown. The auto-
message may be thought of as a public five-line bulletin, which the
callers may change. They can use it, for example, to advertise another
BBS, or to make a quick announcement to the other callers. The file used
to store the auto-message is called AUTO.MSG. If that file does not
exist, the text "No auto-message" will be displayed. The file is created
once a caller or sysop enters a new auto- message, so sysops probably
won't need to alter the file manually. If the current auto-message is a
message from the sysop, the user might exercise discretion in changing
it since the sysop may be using it to convey a short message to all
callers.

The auto-message displayed on Mystic Rhythms BBS is shown below as an
example of what one of these messages might look like:


      Ŀ
       Auto message by: Rushfan #1                                     
                                                                       
       We need 1 more player to start a game of Global War.  Also, BRE 
       (Barron Realms Elite) and Falcon Eye needs some players.  They  
       Are Available under the Chains Menu.                            
      


1.3.4   Last Callers List & Additional Information
                                                            
Following the system news, list of last callers, and auto-message, a
brief list of additional information is given. Various types of
information is displayed about the user and BBS system.  If the BBS is
registered, the registration number appears after the version number. If
the BBS is a part of a WWIV network, the node number will also be
listed.

A user would see a screen similar to the one displayed below upon
logging on to a board using WWIV v4.30:


Here is a an example of the last few callers listing:
Ŀ
                                                            
 Last few callers:                                          
                                                            
 Number Name/Handle       Language  Time  Date  Speed   ##  
 =========================================================  
 488    Loftlore #54      English   00:53 06/20 33600    1  
 489    Loftlore #54      English   01:03 06/20 TELNET   1  
 490    Loftlore #54      English   01:25 06/20 TELNET   2  
 491    Gremlin #6        English   09:08 06/20 TELNET   1  
 492    Dave #57          English   10:46 06/20 TELNET   1  
 493    Gremlin #6        English   15:45 06/20 28800    2  
 494    Qui-Gon Jinn #35  English   17:01 06/20 TELNET   1  
                                                            
                                                            
  Name/Handle....... Rushfan #1                             
  Internet Address.. n561@filenet.wwiv.net                  
  Time allowed on... 546                                    
  Mail waiting...... 1                                      
  Times on today.... 7                                      
  Sysop currently... NOT Available                          
  System is......... WWIV v4.30 (Registered)                
  FILEnet node...... @561  (net37)                          
  FidoNet node...... @2112                                  
  WWIVnet node...... @1651                                  
  Instance.......... 3                                      
                                                            
  Rushfan #1 @561 read your mail on 06/20/99                
  Save this SSM (y/N)?                                      






If you have sent mail to someone, you will see a message similar to the
last two lines above if the person has read the mail that you sent them.
On some systems, depending upon what option the sysop selected when
setting up the BBS, you might see notices of who downloaded files that
you uploaded to the BBS. Users may also have the option of saving that
notification (SSM).  If a user saves the SSM, they will receive the same
notification on their next logon to the BBS.
                                                            
   The "Instance...3" should be noted.  Under v4.30, WWIV is capable of
having more than one "instance."  By this is meant that the BBS can have
more than one user on the BBS at the same time.  If you want to find out
whether or not other users are on at the same time, you may type //WHO
at the main menu to obtain this information.

   After the messages discussed above have been presented, the user
arrives at the Main Menu.  Some of the messages discussed above may be
skipped during the logon process by pressing spacebar during the
message.  This aborts the message and permits the user to continue
onward.  Users are advised to NOT get in the habit of space barring the
logon messages unless those messages are clearly non- changing.
                                                            
   Whether or not the user sees the Main Menu is a function of that
user's 'expert status'.  If the expert status is toggled on, the user
does not automatically see the menus. In expert status, if a menu is
desired, it may be seen if the user types a question mark. This does not
change the expert status of the user, but does permit the menu to be
seen.  The expert status may be toggled on and off by entering an X
while at the main prompt.
                                                            
1.4	The Main Prompt
                                                            
The main prompt is the place where most major commands are entered, by
both caller and sysop.  It will appear similar to this although the
information following "[1]" may be different if the first message base
accessible to the user has a title other than General.  The exact nature
of what the prompt looks like will depend upon two things.
                                                            
*   Whether or not the sysop has set the BBS up to use conferencing, and
*   Whether or not you have selected to use conferencing in the DEFAULTS
    area (option D from main menu).  To turn conferencing on, hit D at
    Main Menu and then C on the DEFAULTS menu.


With conferencing turned on, the prompt will appear something like this:

Ŀ
 Time Left: 46 minutes                      
 {Conference: General}[1] [System News]:    

 
Conference letters will be designated with A through Z.  The prompt will
include the time remaining for this call, the current conference, and
the current sub (message area or sub-board).

1.4.1	Changing Conferences -- Enter J 

To change conferences, enter J at the main prompt.  You will then see a
screen something like the following although your exact choices will be
a function of how that sysop has set up the BBS.

Ŀ
                                                               
                [ Mystic Rhythms BBS Conference Selection ]    
                                                               
 A) General                                                    
 S) Sysop and BBS related                                      
 I) Programming Related Internet Newsgroups                    
 P) Programming Related Topics                                 
 Z) Private Sub's for the SysOp                                
 W) Registered WWIV Sysop Areas                                
                                                               
 Select [ASIPZW, <space> to quit]:                             



A caller then enters the letter of the particular conference that you
wished to join.  You will see only those conferences for which you have
the security level, age, sex, and sufficient Access Rights.  The sysop
can configure the conferences to admit or exclude people from them based
on all of those factors.

In WWIV, a conference is a group of Subs that usually relate to a
particular broad topic or that share some other common feature such as
the conference on modifications and technical help shown in the example
above.

The Main Menu presents a list of all commands available from the main
prompt.

1.5	WWIV Software Organization

The standard look of WWIV Software may be thought of as being composed
of several distinct systems: Main Menu (from which all systems are
accessible), Transfer Menu, G-Files, E-Mail, and Online Programs
(chains).  Each of these systems will be discussed in this User Guide.
The message editor, discussed immediately below, is functional in both
the E-mail system and the Message system.  The Message system is part of
the Main Menu system.
                                                            
                                                            
1.6	The Message Editor
                                                            
When e-mail, feedback messages, or posts on a message base are made
while a user is on the BBS, a message editor is used.  [Note:  Many
users will prefer to use an off-line reader that permits downloading of
the new messages on selected subs, reading and replying off-line and
then uploading the responses, if any, back to the BBS.  Not all sysops
will have these external utilities setup, but many will have them.]
Unless the caller has specified a full screen editor to use (discussed
later), the standard WWIV editor is chosen. This editor is quite simple
to use, once you are familiar with the commands. The editor features
word-wrapping which will permit entering a message without having to be
concerned about where lines and/or words end.

A few editing features are also available to help correct mistakes. When
the editor is activated, it prompts for a title.  This is the heading of
your message. It should describe the topic of your message.  If this
message will be posted on a FidoNet style network, you will also be
prompted for the person to whom this message is addressed. You can
facilitate communication by entering a descriptive title rather than
using something like "Well" or "Hey" as a title. After the title is
entered, the editor provides information regarding the maximum number of
lines allowed for the message.  Users with higher security levels are
allowed to enter longer messages, so this information can sometimes be
very useful.  The information also includes a message regarding what you
need to do to get assistance.  Assistance is available by typing /HELP
when the cursor is at the left-hand margin. The /HELP command brings up
a menu of options available to you.


Ŀ
 ** WWIV Internal Message Base Commands                           
 =======================================                          
 /S   - Save Message                                              
 /ES  - Save Message                                              
 /ESY - Save Message Anonymously                                  
 /ESN - Save Message NOT Anonymous                                
 /ABT - Abort Entire Message (Quit)                               
 /CLR - Clear Message and Start Over                              
 /RL  - Replace Last Line                                         
 /TI  - Re-Type Message Title                                     
 /LI  - List Message So Far                                       
 /C:  - Center Text After "                                       
 /C:" /SU/old/new  - Substitute Text With New Ctrl-P+Digit -      
         Change Color To Digit                                    
 =====================================                            



1.7	/HELP


The help menu for the editor will appear similar to this:                                
                                                            
All commands save the last one are entered by typing the command on a
blank line when the cursor is at the left-hand margin. The "/ESY" and
"/ESN" commands are basically time savers; if you are able to post
anonymously, you would be prompted if you wanted to do so after saving
the message. Those two commands bypass that prompt.  Also, "/S" may be
used to save a message as well as "/ES" (another time-saver).  When you
use "/RL", the last line you entered will be printed, and you will be
prompted to enter the line you want to replace it with. To delete the
last line that you entered, just hit [Enter] at that prompt. The center
command lets you center text on the screen. To use it, you would type
"/C:" immediately followed by the text you want centered.

The "/SU" command allows you to replace selected text in the last line
you entered. The "Ctrl-P+Digit" command is different from the others in
that it doesn't use the slash command system. It allows the colors of
the text you are typing to be changed (if you have ANSI active).  Each
color that may be used has a number assigned to it (ranging from 0 to 9
and a to z).  The colors associated with each number (0 to 9) may be set
in the default section. Since the colors which you see are determined by
your default settings, it is strongly recommended that you not change
them in order that you be able to see the same colors that others see.

1.7.1	Changing Colors 

To change colors, just press the control key, then P, then release those
keys and tap a number in the range from 0 to 9. The color of the text
which is typed from that point until the next color change or beginning
of a new line (whichever comes first) will be whatever you selected.
Below is a chart showing you what the default WWIV colors are; your
colors may differ.

Ŀ
                                                               
    0 - White            4 - Bright White on Blue              
    1 - Bright Cyan      5 - Green                             
    2 - Bright Yellow    6 - Bright Flashing Red               
    3 - Magenta          7 - White                             
    8 - Blue             9 - Brown                             
                                                               




COMMANDS FROM THE MAIN MENU 
                                                            
This section will detail all commands available from the Main Menu, as
well as the sub-commands available in options from the Main Menu.


2.1	Miscellaneous Section 

2.1.1	(A) Auto-Message 
                                                            
An auto-message is a short note that all callers see when they log on
the board. You can use it to send announcements or messages to other
callers (i.e., advertisements for new bulletin boards, endorsements or
challenges concerning the online games, happy birthday messages, etc.).
When you choose the Auto- Message selection, a prompt appears:
                                                            
Ŀ
 A-msg: R:ead, W:rite, A:uto-reply, Q:uit  :  


                                                          
2.1.1.1	(R) Read Auto-Message
                                                            
At this prompt, you can choose to read the auto-message, write an auto-
message to replace the existing one, or reply to the sender of the
current auto- message.
                                                            
2.1.1.2	(A) Auto-Reply to Auto-Message 
                                                            
If you choose Auto-reply, the board will take you to the E-mail section
and automatically address your reply to the person who wrote the current
auto message.
                                                            
2.1.1.3	(W) Write Auto-Message 
                                                            
This option allows you to write your own auto-message. NOTE: The Write 
Auto-Message option may or may not be present, depending on your access 
restrictions. 
                                                            
2.1.2	(B) View BBS List                                    
                                                            
This choice will display a listing of other BBS systems maintained by
this system.
                                                            
2.1.2.1	Add to BBS List 
                                                            
Adding to the BBS list will prompt the caller for a series of
information, such as the name and telephone number of the BBS to be
listed, the system's maximum baud rate, and the type of BBS it is.  If
the telephone number entered already exists in the BBS list, the caller
is told this and the entry is not accepted.

2.1.2.2	Net Listing                                         
                                                            
In addition, if the BBS is a member of a WWIV network, a listing of all
systems in that network can be read.  The systems are listed along with
their node numbers.  The node number information can be useful (see the
E-mail Section) for sending a message to a user on a different BBS
System if the system is part of the same network.
                                                            
If the system is a member of more than one network, then pressing N will
get you first a list of the networks that the BBS is on.  For example,

Ŀ
 1] WWIVnet         
 2] IceNET          
 3] WWIVlink        
 4] FIDONET         
 5] TestNet         
 Q] Quit            
                    
 Which Network?     

                                                            
After you select the network, you will be prompted for some criteria
that will narrow down your listing.  You may also choose to list all of
the BBS systems currently enrolled in the chosen network.
                                                            
2.1.3	(C)  Page Sysop for Chat                              
                                                            
If the sysop is available when you choose this option, the system will
alert the Sysop that the caller wishes to chat. If the Sysop is
currently available (as defined in the Sysop availability hours in
INIT), and then the caller will be asked for a reason for the chat.  At
this point, the Sysop will be paged. The reason given by the caller will
be displayed in the topscreen information of the sysop's screen. If the
sysop is not available, you will be informed of this and asked if you'd
rather send e-mail to the sysop. If you answer yes, you'll be taken
directly to the message editor to send feedback to the sysop.
                                                            
2.1.4	(D) User Default Section                             
                                                            
This is where you make changes to your configuration on the BBS.
Choosing this option invokes another menu of options:


Ŀ
 1. Screen size       : 80 X 24              
 2. ANSI              : Color                
 3. Pause on screen   : On                   
 4. Mailbox           : Normal               
 5. Configured Q-scan                        
 6. Change password                          
 7. Update macros                            
 8. Change colors                            
 9. Full screen editor: None.                
 A. Extended colors   : Yes                  
 B. Optional lines    : 10                   
 C. Conferencing      : Yes                  
 I. Internet Address  : me@myself.com        
 K. Configure Menus                          
 S. Clear Screen between Messages : Yes      
 W. WWIV reg num      : 12345                
 M. Allow user msgs   : Yes                  
 Q. Quit to main menu                        
                                             
 Defaults: (1-9,A-C,I,K,S,W,M,?,Q) :         




2.1.4.1 Screen size                                       
                                                            
      Screen size refers to the number of columns and rows (c x r) of
text your screen can display. Most computer screens display the default
80 columns and 25 rows. Some machines, however, display more or less
than this default. In addition, some terminal programs and telnet
clients may include a status-line, which may limit your screen length to
24 rows.  Other GUI based terminal programs and telnet clients may allow
any length you choose.  If you use a screen width of less that 80
characters, some of the text sent by the board may appear strange; line
breaks may occur at unusual places and some color screens may look
incomprehensible.
                                                            
2.1.4.2	ANSI                                            
                                                            
ANSI stands for American National Standards Institute, and it refers to
a set of instructions that handle video displays on DOS computers.  ANSI
(often referred to as ANSI-BBS) is also a mode of emulation that many
terminal programs and telnet clients support. Put simply, ANSI emulation
is used when you want to be able to display color on your screen. If
your terminal program or telnet client does not support ANSI emulation,
keep the ANSI setting in the OFF position. If your program does support
ANSI, you may choose color or black and white display modes.
                                                            
2.1.4.3	Pause on screen                                   

This option allows you to tell the board how to handle the screens.  If
you'd like the display to pause after each screen full, you should set
this option to on. When on, the BBS will print message similar to
"[PAUSE]" on the screen whenever the maximum number of lines have been
output (specified by your screen height), and wait for a key to be
pressed. This may be toggled while you are on-line with CTRL Y.
                                                            
2.1.4.4	Mailbox                                           
                                                            
This is used to determine whether your mail is forwarded to another
account on the BBS, an Internet e-mail address, or closed. There may be
times when you would prefer that your mail be forwarded to someone else
(for example, you are going on vacation and want somebody else to be
able to respond to mail that arrives for you). If the BBS is a part of a
WWIV network, you may forward mail to any account on any other WWIV
network system.  If the BBS is using Internet based network transfers,
you may forward mail to any Internet e-mail account.  Note, however,
that the network software is designed to prevent endless forwarding of
messages.  Thus, a message originating on a board in which you are a
member may be forwarded to another system, but a message originating
elsewhere that arrives on the board via the network cannot be forwarded
across the network again.
                                                            
                                                            
A user also has the option to "Close" his mailbox.  If the answer is
YES, the user will not be able to receive mail.  If the answer is NO,
the user is asked if he wishes to forward his mail.  Answering with a
number causes the software to forward the mail to that user number on
the system.  Answering with a user number AND an @ sign followed by a
node number causes mail to be forwarded to that user number on that
node.  For example, stating "2 @2050" would cause the mail to be
forwarded to user 2 at system 2050. If the BBS you are on is in more
than one network, it is possible that you will be asked to select the
system.  For example, if the BBS is on three networks, each of which
have a node 2050, then you will be given an opportunity to select the
proper network.
                                                            
2.1.4.5	Configured Q-scan                                 
                                                            
This allows you to choose which sub-boards are scanned for new messages
in an N-scan.  An N-scan will operate on all the message bases (a global
scan), EXCEPT any sub-boards you have locked-out of the N-scan with this
command in defaults.  If there is a message base you would prefer to
skip in an N-scan (for example, you are an IBM user and you don't want
to read the Apple messages), you can do it here. The sub-menu presented
is very simple. All message subs are listed, with asterisks next to the
subs enabled in N-scans. You use arrow keys or enter the sub number
toggle the asterisk on/off (depending on whether ANSI emulation is
enabled).
                                                            
If you have selected to use conferencing, you will have the option to
configure your Q-scan by conferencing.  This feature should be helpful
on those boards that have a large number of subs for it reduces each set
to a more manageable size.
                                                            
2.1.4.6	Change password 
                                                            
Naturally, this option allows you to change your password.  You must
have your current password handy in order to change it; the board will
first ask you to enter your current password as a security precaution.
Please try to remember your password, and don't choose something easily
guessed by others (like your first name). Your password must be 3 to 8
characters long, and may contain any combination of letters and numbers.
Good security suggests that you should NOT use the same password on
every BBS system that you call.
                                                            
2.1.4.7	Update macros                                     
                                                            
Each caller can design three macros. A macro is a recorded set of
keystrokes that can be repeated by pushing a key combination. This can
be a real time-saver when used for often-repeated tasks. For example,
you may wish to enter a signature macro to use when "signing" messages
you write. By entering the update macro section, you can assign a key
sequence (either Ctrl-A, Ctrl-D, or Ctrl-F) to repeat a series of
keystrokes, saving you the time of typing them every time you need them.
Because these macros are used in the E-mail and Message section via the
Message Editor, you may use the special commands available there, like
/C: for centering text.  Other special commands such as CTRL M (shown on
screen as ^M) will cause a new line as explained if you enter Ctrl O
while in the message editor.
                                                            

Thus, if you enter as Macro A, the following information:                                                

      Ŀ
       /C:^P7Rushfan^M/C:^P7Mystic Rhythms BBS^M 
      

The macro would yield the following results when used: 


Ŀ
                            Rushfan                                 
                       Mystic Rhythms BBS                           


The Ctrl-P codes would cause all of the text to be displayed in the
color of Blue.  Both would be centered because of the /C: command.  The
^M creates a new line.
                                                            
2.1.4.8	Change colors                                     
                                                            
  This allows you to alter the colors the BBS will display for prompts,
messages, etc. There are ten configurable colors, which may be either
normal, intensified, flashing, or a combination of the three.  This is
generally left alone, but it is available to you should you want to
experiment with different settings. Monochrome callers may find this
useful in order to make certain text easier to read while in ANSI mode.
2.1.4.9 Full screen editor
                                                            
You may select which text editor you'd like to use when entering
messages or e-mail. Depending on the sysop's setup, a full screen editor
may not be available. If it is available, you may use it to write e-mail
and posts instead of WWIV's built-in line editor, which may be awkward
for some people to use. Full-screen editors are characterized by your
being able to move the cursor anywhere in the message in order to make
corrections or changes (similar to Qedit, Emacs, or other normal text
editing software).
                                                            
2.1.4.10	Extended colors                                  
                                                            
This option allows you to select extended color usage in the BBS.
Currently, this only affects the transfer section (described later),
where file listings will come out in multiple colors.

2.1.4.11	Optional lines                                   
                                                            
This option is supposed to allow you to enable or disable optional lines
in posts (especially networked posts).  Unfortunately, few people write
their posts to use this, so changing this value may have no visible
effect.  However, those people who do begin taglines and so forth with a
CTRL-D will cause that information NOT to show when you read their
messages.

2.1.4.12	Conferencing                                     

This option enables the user to use the conferencing system (if the
sysop has set it up) or to disable it.  The conferencing system allows
the Sysop to group related message areas together and place them into a
logical conference. If you have conferencing disabled, then all of the
message areas will appear together in one logical conference.  This
option is disabled by default.


2.1.4.13	Internet Address

You man enter or change your Internet e-mail address.  If you decide to
forward your mailbox to an Internet address, the system will use this
information and fill in the Internet address for you.


2.1.4.14	Configure Menus

                                                            
This option is new with v4.30.  In addition to the multiple language
support offered by WWIV in previous versions, the Sysop may include
multiple sets of menus.  This can be used to provide an emulation of
another style of BBS, or allow more creativity in the flow of the BBS.
If the BBS is configured for multiple menus or languages, the user will
be given a choice of menu system and language.  The menu structure of
the BBS will match the menu structure provided by the menu set chosen.
The prompts for the BBS should show up in whatever language is selected
by the user.
                                                            
WWIV only includes a default WWIV menu set and English language file
with the default distribution.  Tools to edit both menus and language
files are included with WWIV.  It is the intent of WSS that Menu sets
and language files will be available on SDS systems, and other WWIV BBS
systems.


2.1.4.15	Clear Screen before Messages

This option enables the user to decide if a screen clear code should be 
sent before each message is displayed.  This is in effect while reading 
messages.



2.1.4.16	WWIV Registration Number                         
                                                            
This field is for WWIV sysops to enter their registration number.  This
information is particularly useful for sysops who run a SDS board
(Source Distribution System) for other WWIV Sysops. Entering a number
here will have no effect on your access to the system; it is simply a
convenient place to put the number for your (and the sysop's) reference.
                                                            
Further, since the Sysop may now configure conferences to require a WWIV
registration number, it is this field in defaults that is checked in
order to determine that access.
      
2.1.4.17	Allow User Messages          


This field is a Yes/No toggle which controls whether a user logged in to
another node can send a one line instant message to this user.  If it is
enabled, another node may page you, possible to request chat in the WWIV
Chat Room.



2.1.5	(I) System News and Info                             
                                                            
This function will tell you the version number of the BBS, redisplay the
news and announcements file shown at logon, and show any additional
information the sysop has provided about the system (These are the
LOGON.MSG and SYSTEM.MSG files).
                                                            
2.1.6	(L) Caller Log for Today                             
                                                            
This choice will display the names and numbers of callers who have been
on the board today. It will also show the baud rate at which they
connected to the system, as well as the number of times they've been on
today. Note that the sysop is not included in the log of the day.
                                                            
2.1.7	(O) Log Off the System                               
                                                            
This will log you off the system, with confirmation requested by the
board. The log off message will be displayed, and the connection will be
broken.
                                                            
2.1.8	(U) View User List                                  
                                                            
Choosing this selection will display a list of registered callers who
have access to the current message section. Entrance to some message
sections requires higher security access than others; this is not
necessary a complete user list, but only a reflection of which callers
have access to the current sub-board.
                                                            
2.1.9	(V) Voting Section                                   
                                                            
This choice brings you to the voting booth, where you can cast your
votes for questions the sysop has set up. If you see "You haven't voted
yet" when you log on, choose this command to cast your votes. The voting
booth offers up to twenty questions to all callers (with access), each
question having up to nineteen possible answers. As each caller votes,
the BBS will compile statistics pertaining to how many votes were cast
per answer given, as well as what percentage of the total number of
callers had voted.
                                                            
2.1.10	(X) Expert/Novice Toggle                             
                                                            
This choice will stop the main and transfer menus from appearing on your
screen unless you specifically request them by typing a question mark at
the prompt. X acts as a toggle, turning the expert mode on and off.
                                                            
2.1.11	(Y) Your Personal User Statistics
                                                            
This item will display basic information the board maintains about you.  
The screen that appears looks similar to this:                                                    

                Ŀ
                                                     
                 Your name      : User #21           
                 Phone number   : 650-555-1212       
                 Sec Lev        : 50                 
                 Transfer SecLev: 50                 
                 Last on        : 06/04/99           
                 Times on       : 184                
                 On today       : 2                  
                 Messages posted: 61                 
                 E-mail sent    : 118                
                 Time spent on  : 823 Minutes        
                                                     
                
      The information presented there should be self-explanatory.


                                                            
2.1.12	($) Time Bank                                        
                                                            
The time bank allows you to "save" time that you are not using on the
current call to use on future calls.  The Sysop configures the ceiling
for total amount of time that can be stored.  This is accomplished by
the "time per day" allowed for the different security levels that he
chooses.  You are not allowed to save more than "one day's time".  This
time savings account may be useful to you if you wish to download a file
that will take more than your normal time per logon allows.
                                                            
2.2	Message Base Commands                                  
                                                            
2.2.1	(*) List Available Subs                             

Typing an asterisk at the Main Menu will produce a list of the message
areas to which you have access. If the BBS is a member of a network, any
network-linked sub-boards will be identified with >LOCAL<, <NETName>,
[NETName] or [GATED] preceding the title.  "LOCAL" means that the
message area is not part of a networked message area.  [NETName]
distinguishes a subboard where the sysop has enabled "message
validation" which means that posts will not be sent out on the network
until the sysop has validated them.  The network validation feature
provides a sysop with the means of insuring that users conform to any
rules which the sub host may have regarding the networked sub-board
messages.  [GATED] indicates that the sub is being gated by this board
from its original network host to another network.  Note: "NETName" will
be replaced by the name of the network that this message area is a
member. Examples of WWIV Message Networks include WWIVNet, FILEnet, and
FidoNet.
                                                            
If you enter * for a sub listing and you obtain a prompt similar to the
one below, then you know that the sysop has setup for conferencing:

      Ŀ
       Select [1-XX] [Enter]=Next Page, Q=Quit] : 
      
                                                            
From here, you may enter the numeric number of the message area to which
you wish to change.  If there is more than one page of message areas,
pressing the Enter key will list the next page of message areas.
Pressing the Q key will quit the list and return you to the same message
area you were in previously.

At the last page, if the conferencing system is enabled, The enter
prompt will be replaced with a "J" for Join Conference.


      Ŀ
       Select [1-29, J=Join Conference, ?=List Again, Q=Quit] : 
      

                                                            
2.2.2	(N) New-Scan All Subs                                
                                                            
This command will cause the board to display all messages you have not
yet read. It will search all message bases that you have access to, and
have not removed them from your new message scan (see Default Section,
mentioned previously). For all of the message bases, after showing you
the new messages in a particular base, the board will ask if you wish to
post a message to that area. If you answer yes, the board will take you
to the message editor, where you can compose your message.  After
completing and saving your message, the board will jump to the next
message area, and the process will continue. If you answer no to the
post prompt, the board will jump to the next message base and display
all new messages there. When you have scanned all the message bases, you
will be returned to the Main Menu.  If you choose to bypass a message
area while scanning the area, the BBS will ask if you would like to
permanently remove that area from your new message scan.  Answering yes
to this question will remove the area from the new message scan, the
same as can be accomplished from the Defaults section (previously
mentioned).
                                                            
2.2.3	(P) Post a Message                                  
                                                            
This selection will take you to the editor to compose a message to be
posted in the current message area. The current (active) message area is
identified at the Main Menu prompt, as in the following example:

  Ŀ
   [2] [Complaints] :      
  

The above example shows you're in message base number two, and the type
of messages that should be posted there are complaints (hopefully not a
very popular message base). To change message bases, type the number of
the area you wish to go to at this prompt (i.e., 4 to go to area 4).
You may also repeatedly press '+' or '-' (or '<' and '>', or '[' and
']') to go forward or backward in base numbers, respectively.
                                                            
To change conferences, see the discussion of Option J. 





                                                            
2.2.4	(Q) New-Scan Current Sub 
                                                            
This function is similar to the N-scan (described above), showing you
all new messages, except that it works on the active message sub only.

2.2.5	(R) Remove a Message 
                                                            
This command allows you to remove (delete) old messages written by you
in the current sub only.

2.2.5.1	Message Base Commands


The exact choices that appear on this menu are determined by your
security access level; you probably will not have all of these. Most of
the commands above are self-explanatory. "B" will continue on to the
next sub in an N-scan, without bothering to read any remaining new
messages in the current sub. "A" will allow you to use the editor to
write a personal reply to the author of the message you just read. "W"
allow you to write a public reply to the message just read. "C" will
print out all remaining messages without prompting you after each post.

                        WWIV Message Base Commands 
                ķ
                 (ENTER) = Read Next Message             
                 #> Go to Message # Entered              
                 -> Back Up 1 Message #                  
                 A> E-Mail Author of Last Message        
                 B>ypass (Skip) Current Sub (For N-Scan) 
                 C>ontinuous Message Read                
                 D>elete Current Message #               
                 F>ind specific text in messages         
                 L> Load a File as a Post                
                 M>ove Message to Another Sub            
                 P>ost a Public Message in Current Sub   
                 Q>uit to Main Menu                      
                 R>e-Read Last Message #                 
                 T> See Titles of Next 15 Messages       
                 W> Reply with "Regards" to Last Message 
                 Y> Download Last Message                
                 @> Reply to Different Address           
                Ľ


The "F" command to find text will allow you to search through every
message in a sub to locate a specific word or phrase. This can be used
to find posts by a specific author or on a specific subject. When you
use it, you'll be asked what text to search for (the default is the
title of the current message). You will then be asked whether to scan
forwards or backwards (to check the messages that came before this one,
or after it). When you do subsequent scans, it will remember your last
choice until you leave the sub.

Remember that when you find and read a message ahead of your current
position, all the messages in between will be marked as read. For
example, if you've read up to message 30 out of 100, use the find
command, and end up at message 70, messages 31-69 will be marked read
and won't show up on N-Scans or Q-Scans. Keep this in mind when using
the Find command.

Where sysop commands are concerned, "N" allows you to mark the last read
message permanent; that is, it won't be auto-deleted as new messages are
added to the base. "V" will allow you to change the security and access
levels of the author of the current post.
                                                            
2.2.5.2	(S) Scan Message Titles
                                                            
This command also works only on the active message base, and is
equivalent to the "read" command most bulletin board programs use.  It
allows you to read any message in the current area. It will show you how
many messages are in the area, and ask you where you'd like to start
reading. The prompt looks like this (for the General message area):

              Ŀ
               12 msgs on General    
               Start listing at?     
              

You can type the number of the message at which you wish to start
reading, and that message will be displayed. If you hit [Enter] at this
prompt, the titles and message numbers of the first 15 messages will be
displayed, as in:

      Ŀ
       <1> last note                  : Lord Sigma2 #1 @5498          
       <2> Handles                    : Tai Pan #1 @2915 <Lord>       
       <3> Sure.                      : Rat Man #1 @6271              
       <4> Norton                     : Rat Man #1 @6271              
       <5> Now YOU are crazy          : Rat Man #1 @6271              
       <6> Misc. Stuff                : Rat Man #1 @6271              
       <7> 4.23 Beta                  : Rat Man #1 @6271              
       <8> T-Storm BBS shutdowns      : Rat Man #1 @6271              
       <9> Boardwatch                 : Blade Runner #1 @15267        
       <10> I'm not familiar          : -=*Road Rider*=- #1 @7711     
       <11> Can anyone help me?       : Einstein #1 @7716             
       <12> Re: os/2 and wwiv         : Starship Trooper #1 @3251     
       <13> RE: alphanumeric nodes    : Star Gazer #1 @3101           
       <14> Hmm.                      : Star Gazer #1 @3101           
       [15] Diff File for v4.23       : Filo #1 @2050                 
                                                                      
       [5] [S.A.L.T. (National Sysop Sub)]                            
       Read:(1-50,^15),? :                                            
      

Each message is given a number. If a number is enclosed in brackets
instead of parentheses, it means that you wrote it yourself.  The
information to the right of the titles shows the author of each message.
                                                            
Type the number of the message at which you wish to start reading at the
Read prompt. The asterisks identify messages you haven't read yet. A
question mark at this prompt will call up a menu of options.
 
The menu will be different depending upon ANSI settings, but will have
the following options:


2.2.5.2.1	WWIV Sysop Message Base Commands


If you are the Sysop of the system, you will have additional menu
commands to Network validate a message, make the message not anonymous,
and save the message to a local file.

2.2.6	(Z) Continuous N-Scan                               

This will read all new messages on all selected message areas, similar
to the N-scan, but without pausing between messages. This type of scan
is useful if you wish to capture the messages to a file for review and
replies off-line. During a Z-scan, pause-on-screen is disabled.

2.2.7	(#) Go to Message Base # 

After you've found the number of a message base that interests you (see
List Message Bases, above), you can change to that area by typing its
number at the Main Menu prompt. Type just the number, not the # sign.
For example, to change to message base that is number five, type a '5'.

2.2.8	(/Z) Zipped Continuous N-Scan 

This command will do a continuous scan as the "Z" command previously
mentioned, but additionally will compress the messages into a file which
you can download.  This is very handy for off-line reading; however, it
does not have as much utility as the actual use of an off-line reader,
since it does not provide you with a way to respond off-line.

2.2.9	(H) Hop to Another Sub                               
                                                            
This command permits you to hit 'H' and then, enter the name or partial 
name of a sub to which you wish to change.  This is handy when you do
not know the number of the sub but you do remember its name or part of
its name.  This enables you to quickly "hop" around the board without
having to remember sub board numbers.
                                                            
2.2.10	"CTRL Y" Toggle Pause                                
                                                            
This allows the user to toggle on and off the [pause] feature.  This may
be handy if you want to capture a long message or something else and
want the pause turned off, but want to be able to re-establish it easily
without returning to the Defaults menu.

2.3	Electronic Mail Commands                               

2.3.1	(E) E-Mail a User                                   

Choosing this selection will allow you to send E-mail to any user of the
board. You can address the message by using the name of the addressee,
or their user number. You can find another user's name and user number
by using U (user list) at the Main Menu.

If you are unsure about how to spell the name of a person you want to
write, you can type a partial name. The BBS will then search the user
list and begin listing all names that come close, prompting you if that
is the person you wanted to send mail to. The number of e-mail messages
you can send per day is determined by you security level, as is whether
you can send anonymous e-mail.

Sending feedback to the Sysop or a Co-Sysop does not detract from the
number of e-mail messages you can send.

After the user number, if you put an @ sign and a node number, you can
e- mail users on other systems if the sysop is participating in one or
more networks.  If the node number is not unique (i.e. exists on more
than one network), then the software will prompt you for which network
and provide the BBS name as it exists in the respective networks.

2.3.2	(F) Feedback to Sysop

This is the preferred method of sending mail to the sysop. The letter
will be sent to the sysop directly; you can send five feedback messages
per day.

2.3.3	(K) Kill E-Mail You Sent 

These commands do much more than kill old e-mail, despite the name.
Invoking this command will call up information pertaining all e-mail
messages written by you still on the board (i.e., have not been deleted
yet). When you enter this command, you will be asked if you want to see
the most recent e-mails first. Answering no will start listing e-mail at
the oldest e-mail on the system. You will be shown the message
recipient, message title, and how long ago it was sent. The screen
provided by this command is illustrated below.

       Ŀ
        To: John Smith #31                 
        Title: Your downloading habit...   
        Sent : 2 days ago                  
        R:ead, D:elete, N:ext, Q:uit :     
       

You then have the option of reading the text of the message, deleting
the message, or skipping the message. If you skip the message, the same
information about the next message will be displayed. This process will
continue until you've reviewed all messages sent by you, or until you
quit.  Messages sent to another system in the network (even messages
sent in the same logon session) couldn't be deleted or reviewed after
being sent unless the Sysop has made special provisions.

Note: Some Sysops have optionally installed a utility called LNET.  This
utility will allow you to delete e-mail sent over a network.  This only
applies until you have logged off the BBS.

2.3.4	(M) Read Your Mail

This command enables you to read any e-mail that may be waiting for you.
If you have one letter waiting, it will be immediately displayed.  If
you have more than one letter waiting, you will see a list of numbers,
next to which will be the author of that e-mail.  Newer messages will be
at the bottom of the list, and unread messages will have an asterisk
('*') next to the message number. Below this list, you will be prompted
to enter the number of the message you want to read, press enter to read
mail starting at the first letter, or press Q to abort. Once you have
read an e-mail message, another important prompt appears, illustrated
below.

    Ŀ
    Mail {QSRIDAF?+-GY@} :
    

Typing a question mark at this prompt will call up a menu similar to the
following:
                                                            
2.3.4.1	WWIV E-Mail Commands

                     
       Ŀ
       (Q)uit to Main Menu                                       
       (S)ave Mail and Reply to Author                           
       (R)e-Read Last Mail #                                     
       (I)gnore Last Mail Read                                   
       (D)elete Last Mail Read                                   
       (A)uto-Reply and Delete Last Mail Read                    
       (F)orward Mail to Another User; does not permit comments  
       (-) Previous Mail #                                       
       (+) Next Mail #                                           
       (G)o to Specific Mail #                                   
       (Y) Download this Mail                                    
       (@) Reply to Different Address with quoting               
       
                                 
Most of this menu is self-explanatory. Auto-reply will delete the
current message, and then you'll be taken to the editor to compose your
reply. If you wish to save the message, use "Save" and reply. Again,
you'll be taken to the editor to write e-mail to the user who wrote the
original message. You can forward mail to another user; invoke this
command and the board will prompt you for the name or number of the user
you to which you wish to forward the mail. Normally, after a message has
been deleted or replied to, the sender of the mail is informed with a
note at logon that you read it. Sysops may bypass this message by using
"Z" at mail prompt to delete mail instead of "D." Sysops may also save
the mail to a text file in the GFILES directory for later viewing by
typing "E" at the prompt.  You will be asked to input a filename not
already in use.
                                                            
                                                            
2.4     System Features
                                       
2.4.1	(G) General Text Files                              
                                                            
This function is hierarchical. "G" at the Main Menu will bring you to a
sub-menu that displays a list of text file sections available on the
board, and ask you which section you'd like to enter.  Depending upon
the sysop's selections, this is an example of a main g-files menu:
                                        


                 [ Mystic Rhythms BBS G-Files Section ]

Ļ
 #              Name               #             Name              
Ĺ
  1Mystic Rhythms Bulletins         2Programming Humor             
  3Internet Newsgroups Listing     
21:22:36ļ

G-Files Main Menu
Which Section (1-3), (Q=Quit, ?=Relist) :

                    

Choosing a number from the list will bring you to that section, and
display the names of the text files available.  For example, choosing
section 1 from the above menu might produce this screen:

 

                          [ Programming Humor]

Ļ
 #             Name         Size #          Name            Size
Ĺ
  1Funny definitions         OFL  2The TAO of Prog.          OFL
  3What the Doctor means     OFL  4Which programming         OFL
Ĺ
  D  Download a G-file                                               
21:27:06ļ

Current G-File Section : Programming Humor
Which G-File (1-4), (Q=Quit, ?=Relist) :                          


You then choose, by number, the file you wished displayed. All the files
in these sections are text files, which will be displayed to the screen.
You can capture them to a file for later reading, or read them as they
are displayed. Remember that pressing 'P' will pause the screen if
you're going to read them on-line. After viewing the file, you'll be
left at the "Which G-file" prompt. To redisplay the list of available
files, type a question mark. Co-Sysops and sysops will have the option
of adding or deleting G-Files.  To add G-Files, the files must already
be present in the currently selected G-File directory on disk. When you
add G-Files, the BBS will list the filenames of all G-Files not yet in
the section, and prompt you for descriptions. When deleting G-Files, you
will be asked for the number of the g-file you want to delete. The BBS
will ask for confirmation, and will give you the option of actually
removing the file from your disk.
                                                            
Typing a Q will quit the section and bring you back to the "Which
section" prompt, one level above. Again, a question mark here will
redisplay the available sections, and Q will return you to the Main
Menu.



2.4.2   (T) Transfer Section
                                                            
This will bring up the file transfer menu. It is similar in appearance
to the Main Menu, but has a different set of commands.  The commands
available at this menu are discussed in another portion of this user's
guide. You must be a validated user to access the file transfer section.
                                                            
2.4.3	(.) Online Programs                                 
                                                            
Typing a period at the Main Menu will call up a list of external
programs available on the board, from which you choose the program you'd
like to run by its number. Most on-line programs are games designed for
the entertainment of callers. Some on-liners are utility programs, such
as those that tell you if your telephone prefix is local to the BBS or
not. The games are fun, but they can be abused as well.
                                                            
2.5	The Slash Command Menu                               
                                                            
From the main menu, you can enter W to get a menu of the extended
commands (slash commands) that are available in WWIV.  These commands
must start with a single or double slash mark (// or /).

2.5.1	(/O) Fast Log Off 

Put simply, /O is used when you really have to go quickly. It will log
you off immediately. No confirmation will be requested, and the log off
message will not be sent. Whether you prefer to use O or /O to log off
the system isn't important, what is important is that you log off
correctly. No damage will be done to the system if you drop carrier
inappropriately, but it is considered bad manners, and the sysop may
just decide to remove you from the user list if you do it frequently.
Additionally, you should never intentionally drop carrier when in the
on-line program section of the board, as this may cause your scores not
to be updated properly or may cause the board not to behave properly.

2.5.2	(/E) Send Multiple E-mail 

You can send identical e-mail to more than one user by choosing this
command. You will be asked to enter the names or numbers of the users to
which you wish the mail sent, one per line. An identical message can be
sent to up to twenty users this way. In some instances, you can choose
from a mail list that the sysop may have predefined.  Using a mail list
prevents your having to type in the name or number of each recipient.


2.5.3	"//CLS" Clear Screen 

This command will clear your screen. 

2.5.4	"//VER" WWIV Version Number 

This tells you the version of the WWIV program the BBS is using, along
with the date that the BBS was last compiled.  This will also give the
name and address of where the author of the BBS software can be reached.

2.5.5	"//NET" Complete Network Connection List 

If the BBS is a member of a WWIV network, this command will display the
names and numbers of all systems on that network.  It will also display
the number of hops (one hop is considered a message being sent from one
BBS to another) to other boards.  Also listed is the next hop a message
would take to get to its destination and the group to which that board
belongs.


Before obtaining that information though, if the board participates in
more than one network, you will see a menu such as the following:
              Ŀ
               1] WWIVnet      
               2] IceNET       
               3] WWIVlink     
               4] FIDONET      
               5] TestNet      
               Q] Quit         
               Which Network?  
              

After selecting the network that you are interested in, you will obtain
another menu as follows:

             Ŀ
               1) = List All               
               2) = Area Code              
               3) = Group                  
               4) = Area Coordinators      
               5) = Group Coordinators     
               6) = Net Coordinator        
               7) = BBS Name SubString     
               8) = Phone SubString        
               9) = Unconnected Systems    
               Q) = Quit NetList           
                                           
               Select:                     
             

The selections there should be rather self-explanatory.  Selection 1
lists all boards in the network.  Selection 2 will ask you for an area
code and then list all boards in that area code.  Selection 3 lists all
boards in a particular group.  Selection 4 provides a list of Area
Coordinators and Selection 5 provides a list of Group Coordinators.
Selection 6 identifies the Net Coordinator.  Selections 7 and 8 permit
you to search for particular information such as a BBS name or telephone
number.

Selection 9 is more for the benefit of Area and Group Coordinators. It
provides a listing of the systems listed on the network that do not have
any current connections.
                                                            
2.5.6	"//QSCAN" Clear Q-Scan Pointers                     
                                                            
The BBS keeps track of which messages you have not read.  This
information is used by the BBS as pointers so it can show you all new
messages in a New- Scan. This command will reset those pointers, so that
all messages on the system will be considered already read by the user.
                                                            
This command is most often used when there are a large number of new
messages in the message sub-boards, and you don't want to have to
New-Scan through all of them.
                                                            
2.5.7	"//UPLOAD" Upload text for your next post
                                                            
Upload a TEXT file for use in a post or E-Mail.  There may be times when
preparing your message offline may be easier than typing it into the
message editor. This command allows you to upload a text file for that
purpose.

After entering the command, you will be informed of the maximum size of
the file you can upload (determined by your SL), and you will be able to
select a protocol to use in the transfer. If the file you upload is
larger than the maximum size allowed you are not allowed to use the
file.
                                                            
This command is usually employed when you have a very long message or
any ANSI graphics screen you want to post. WWIV does not allow you to
upload an ANSI screen to a post using the ASCII protocol while in the
text editor, so when you want to post such a screen, this command is
your option. Sysops should use the //LOAD command for uploading files of
any size locally, as the //UPLOAD command only works when someone is
on-line remotely.
                                                            
2.5.8	"//WHO" Who is online
                                                            
This command allows you to see who is on the other instances of the BBS
that the sysop may have setup.  Not only does it report who is on line,
but it also reports what they may be doing: that is, it reports what
section of the BBS that person is in.  This is useful in determining
whether or not you wish to enter the "chat room" which is discussed in
the next section.

2.5.9	 (/C)  - Enter Chat Room                             
                                                            
When you enter the chat room, you will get a short set of instructions
that should be sufficient for you to use the features that are there.
To communicate with a specific other instance, you would type the
instance number of that user followed by a space and your message.
                                                            
Using inter-node chat is more difficult than regular chat because the
other person does not see what you have typed until you hit return.  For
that reason, it is best to keep your messages rather short.  After you
have entered the instance number the first time, it is not necessary to
enter it thereafter.
      


                       TRANSFER SECTION COMMANDS


This section of the WWIV help file will cover all the commands available
on the Transfer Section menu. The menu for the Transfer section looks
very similar to that of the Main Menu, but most commands are totally
different.

Understanding these commands can make your time on-line more efficient
and less frustrating. After the menu is displayed, the transfer system
prompt is shown:

             Ŀ
               Time Left: 46 minutes                   
               Conference: General Files               
               [1] [New Uploads (Uncategorized)]:      
             

As is the case with the Main Menu, the last two lines on the screen show
you your time left on-line, and which file directory you're in
currently. Information about your time on-line is available by pressing
Ctrl-T. As always with WWIV software, pressing 'P' will pause a
scrolling screen (similar to Ctrl- S on other software), and pressing
the spacebar will abort the screen and bring you directly to the next
prompt. We will now examine each available command in detail.

You can also toggle the pause on and off with CTRL Y.

One other note: when you are prompted to enter a filename, the extension
is usually optional. This means that you don't have to type a file's
extension in order for the BBS to find it. One exception is when you are
uploading a file, or when more than one file exists in the same
directory with the same filenames but different extensions.

3.1	Miscellaneous 

3.1.1	(C) Page Sysop for Chat 

This command works exactly the same way in the transfer section as it
does at the Main Menu. If you choose this command, and the sysop has his
or her chat call enabled, the sysop will be summoned. If the sysop is
not available when you choose chat, you will be informed of this, and
asked if you'd like to send feedback to the sysop instead.  If you
answer yes, you'll be taken to the editor to compose your message.
Answering no will drop you back where you started.


3.1.2	(E) Extract ARC'ed File 
                                                            
WWIV allows you to create custom archives for downloading. Using various
commands available from the transfer menu, you can search any archived
file on the board, view its contents, extract individual files to a
temporary directory, archive your custom file, and download it. This is
useful if, for example, you wish to just grab the document files out of
an archive file to see if the program is what you are looking for before
downloading the whole file.  This is also helpful when the size of a
file makes downloading it in one session impossible due to time
restraints. Once you have identified the file you wish to extract (using
the list files command, discussed below), your first step is to extract
the file(s) of interest from the archive to the temporary directory.
This is accomplished by choosing the E:xtract Archive command. The types
of archives you can manipulate depends upon what the sysop has setup,
but most boards will support at least ARC and ZIP files. A prompt will
appear asking you to identify the file you wish to extract:

           Ŀ
               Extract to temporary directory:  
                                                
               Filename:                        
           

Type the name of the file you wish to extract at this prompt. If the
file is found (you must be in the directory that holds the file, and
spell its name correctly), the board will show you the information about
the file, followed by a prompt asking you what you wish extracted from
the file:

              Ŀ
                Extract what (?=list,Q=abort) ?  
              


Typing a question mark here will show you a listing of the files
contained in the archive. Enter the name of the file you wish extracted
(wildcards are supported), and the file(s) will be sent to the temporary
directory. Note: this is called the temporary directory because anything
you put here will be deleted when you log off.  You can send files from
as many archives as you'd like here. When you have finished, your next
step is to prepare the archive for downloading. This is accomplished by
using the next command on the menu...

3.1.3	(A) ARC Commands                                     

Choosing this command will call up a rather cryptic prompt, illustrated
below:

 
         Ŀ
          Archive: Q,D,R,A,V,L,T: 
         
                                                            


Typing a question mark at this prompt reveals the power of this command
by calling up the following menu:

           Ŀ
               A>dd to Temporary ARC File      
               D>ownload Temporary ARC File    
               L>ist Files in Directory        
               Q>uit to File Transfer Menu     
               R>emove File(s)                 
               V>iew Temporary ARC File        
               T>ext download file(s)          
                                               
               Archive: Q,D,R,A,V,L,T:         
           


Adding files to the temporary arc file will create an archive file
called, appropriately enough, TEMP.ZIP (the extension may vary,
depending upon which archive program the sysop has chosen to be the
primary one used on the BBS). You can manipulate the contents of this
archive by choosing other commands on this menu until it contains what
you want, then you can download it right from here. In addition, you can
type text files to the screen by choosing Text download file(s). These
can be read on-line (p pauses the screen here, too) or captured to a
file for later review. When you extract files to the temporary directory
(using the Extract File command discussed above), they are just that -
files. You must first Add files to the TEMP.ZIP file (i.e., create it)
before you can download it. In other words, other than using the Text
download command, you cannot download unarchived files from the
temporary directory. At least one file must first be A:dded to the
TEMP.ZIP file before normal downloading can occur.

3.1.4	(O) Log Off the System                             
                                                            
A self-explanatory command if there ever was one, choosing this will
cause the board (after confirming your intentions) to display the sign
off screen and drop the connection.

3.1.5	(R) Remove a File                                   

This command allows you to remove a file you uploaded to the board. It
is useful if you're uploading a later version of a program you uploaded
before (deleting older versions this way, by the way, is generally
appreciated by sysops). Sysops and Co-Sysops can remove any file on the
BBS.

3.1.6	(Q) Quit to Main Menu                                

This will end your session at the Transfer Menu and return you to the
Main Menu.

3.1.7	(T) Transfer Options                                 

Using this command, you can change the defaults the board uses when
you're in the Transfer Menu section. You will first see the following
screen:
              Ŀ
                                                               
               [1] Set N-Scan Directories.                     
               [2] Set Default Protocol.                       
               [3] N-Scan Transfer after Message Base (Yes).   
               [4] Number of lines of extended description to  
                   print (0 lines).                            
               [5] File tagging (Enabled)                      
               [Q] Quit.                                       
                                                               
               Which?                                          
                                                               
              

From here, you can set the directories and conferences searched by the
New Files command (discussed later), set the download protocol you wish
to use by default, tell the board whether you'd like to automatically
scan for new files after you've scanned for new messages (using the New
Messages command from the Main Menu), and specify the number of lines of
extended descriptions you want to see when listing files.

3.1.7.1	Set N-Scan Directories                             

%%TODO: Update this section
If you choose 1, the board will present you with a list of directories
available on the board. If the sysop has selected to conference his file
section, you will see the file conferences similar to the message base
conferences discussed in chapter 1, section 4 and Chapter 2, section 2J.
You can set it to skip those directories you're not interested in. The
directories presently included in the search (all by default) are
identified by an asterisk; the screen appears similar to below: Dirs to
n-scan marked with '*'

        * 0. Telecommunication / BBS programs
     	* 1. DOS utilities                                  
     	* 2. Educational Games                              
     	* 3. Games for the IBM                              
     	* 4. Unprotects and Patches                         
     	* 5. Graphics                                       
                                                            
     	Enter directory identifier, 
? to list, or Q to Quit    
Config:                                     




Enter the number of the directory you'd like to skip, and the board will
not include new files added to that directory in your New File scan.
This operates as a toggle, so you can turn a directory back on by
re-entering its number. Enter one directory at a time, and type a
question mark to redisplay the list, if necessary.
                                                            
3.1.7.2	Set Transfer Options (Chose default Protocol)       
                                                            
Choose number two from the Transfer Options sub-menu to set your default
protocol. If you have no default protocol set, and you download a file,
the board will ask you for a protocol with the prompt:
                                                            
     Ŀ
      Protocol (?=list) :
     
                                                      
When you set a default protocol, the prompt will change, allowing you to
hit [Enter] to choose. If, for example, you choose Zmodem as your
default protocol, the prompt will change to:
    Ŀ
     Protocol (?=list, <C/R>=ZMODEM) :
    

Notice that you're not committed to using just Zmodem (or whatever you
choose as a default protocol), as you can still type a question mark and
choose any available protocol, or, if you know the number assigned to
the protocol you wish to use, just enter that number here.


3.1.7.3	N-Scan after Message Base                          
                                                            
This option allows the user to choose to have new files in the transfer
section listed right after the completion of an N-Scan of the Message
Bases.


3.1.7.4	Scan Extended
                                                            
This option allows the user to set the number of lines of the extended
descriptions that he wishes to see when using the N scan feature in the
transfer section.
                                                            
3.1.8	(Y) Personal User Stats.                             
                                                            
This command shows you how much you've uploaded and downloaded (in
kilobytes), your upload/download ratio, and your download section
security level (DSL).
                                                            
3.1.9	(?) Display This Menu                               

Typing a question mark will redisplay the Transfer System menu.  This is
useful if you have expert level set to on, or if you accidentally
aborted the menu (with the spacebar) and wish to see it again.
                                                            
3.1.10	(+) Advance One Dir. #                                

This command advances the current directory level by one, or if already
at the highest number, rolls over to the first directory.  The same task
may be accomplished by using the right angle bracket ">", or the right
bracket "]".
                                                            
3.1.11	(-) Retreat One Dir. #                                

This command accomplishes the opposite of the previous command; it will
decrement the current directory level by one.  The same task may be
accomplished by using the left angle bracket: "<", or the left bracket:
"[".



3.2	Listing Files 

3.2.1	(V) View Archive Listing of a File 

This command will produce a display of the files contained in an
archive. You can then Extract files of interest, and download them if
you like, or just use this command to check the inside of an archive (to
be sure documentation is included, for example). See the Extract ARC'ed
File and ARC Commands options, described above.

3.2.2	(F) Find Text in Description 

This command will allow you to find a file or group of files by entering
a portion of the text in its description.  It will only search primary
descriptions (one-line), not extended descriptions.  It is not case
sensitive, and will search all available directories on the board.  The
command will also show partial matches (i.e., searching for "game" will
find game, games, gamer, etc.).
                                                            
3.2.3	(L) List Files in Directory
 %%TODO: Update this section; ListPlus, screen shots

This command will display to the screen a list of files in the current
directory. The Transfer Menu prompt identifies which directory you're in
currently. For example, the prompt below indicates you're in the
Miscellaneous directory with slightly more than fifty-nine minutes
remaining on this call. Again, if the sysop has set up the file area to
be conferenced, you will see the conference name as well.
 
              Ŀ
               Time Left: 46 minutes                       
               Conference: Programming Related Files       
               [3] [DJGPP - Freeware GNU Compiler/WIN32]:  
              

The list of files will include a description of each file (if extended
descriptions were specified in Transfer Options, you might see anywhere
from one to ten lines of an extended description for each file) and an
indication of its size in Kb (1024 bytes = 1k).
                                                            
   The screen may scroll past rather quickly; remember that striking P
will pause the screen.
                                                            
3.2.4	(N) New Files Search                                 
                                                            
This command is used to list newly uploaded files. It will search all
the board's directories and show you the files that have been added
since your last search. This can save you a lot of searching, looking at
the same files over and over. The New Files Search will cover all
directories on the board unless you have configured it to do otherwise
in the Transfer Options section Pg. 18). As an added time-saver, you can
link this command to the New Message Scan, available on the Main Menu.
                                                            
If you do this, choosing N from the Main Menu will first show you all
the new messages that have been posted since your last scan, and then
proceed to the file area to also show you all new files. See Transfer
Options above for more details.


3.2.5	(P) Set New Files Search Date                        
                                                            
The New Files Search command (described above) automatically keeps track
of the last time you new-scanned for new files. A new file is one that
was posted to the board after the date of your last new file scan.
                                                            
You can use the Set New Files Search Date command to reset this "latest
scan" date.
                                                            
3.2.6	(S) Search All Directories                           
                                                            
This is a global search command. You will first be presented with a File
Mask: prompt. Use this to limit your search to specific files. For
example, entering *.doc will cause the command to display only those
files with the extension of ".doc". If you strike [enter] at this
prompt, it defaults to *.*, and shows you all files on the board.  If
you can open a log file from within your terminal program, you can use
this command to capture a listing of all files on the board.
                                                            
3.2.7	(*) List Available Directories                       
                                                            
This command works the same as the List Message Bases command on the
main menu, except that instead of listing the message bases available,
it shows you the file directories available on the board.  If the sysop
has "conferenced" the transfer area, you will see the conferences in a
fashion similar to what was displayed in the message base section of the
BBS.

3.2.8	(H) Hop to Another Directory 

This command allows you to hop to another directory by entering a name
or partial name.

3.2.9	(J) Join Conference                                  

Allows you to select a file conference if the sysop has conferenced the
file directories.

3.2.10	(W) WWIV Slash Commands                             

This command allows you to access a menu of single slash and double
slash commands that work in the Transfer Section of the BBS.




3.3	File Transfer Commands                                
                                                            
3.3.1	(B) Batch Upload/Download                            
                                                            
WWIV software handles batch uploads and downloads a little differently
than other BBS software you may be used to.  WWIV makes use of a "batch
queue" which holds the filenames for you until you are ready to send or
receive.  When you see a file you'd like to download, start the download
procedure as usual (discussed below under Download a File) and pick
batch as the protocol. You will then see the following message, and be
returned to the directory prompt.
                                                            
              Ŀ
               File added to batch queue.          
                                                   
               Batch: Files - 1  Time - 00:18:44   
              

The prompt, as can be seen above, tells you the number of files in the
queue, and the time it will take to transfer them. You are then free to
scan other directories and identify files you'd like to add to the
queue. When you've chosen all the files you'd like, choose Batch
Download, and you'll be presented with the following prompt:
                                                            
     Ŀ
      Batch: L,R,Q,C,D,U,B,? : 
     

Typing a question mark here will call up a menu that explains the
available commands. The batch sub-menu is shown below.
                                                            

3.3.1.1 Batch Upload/Download Menu

              Ŀ
               <L> List Files in Queue             
               <R> Remove File From Queue          
               <Q> Quit to File Transfer Menu      
               <C> Clear Queue                     
               <D> Download Files                  
               <U> Upload Files                    
               <B> Bimodem                         
                                                   
               Batch: L,D,R,Q,C,? :                
              

Here you can review what you've told the board you'd like to receive,
and modify the list if necessary. If you are all set, choose Download
(or Upload) Files.  You will then be presented with another menu whose
length will vary depending upon how many batch protocols the sysop has
installed for your use. You can select the particular protocol to be
used from the list.  The board will ask you if you wish to hang-up after
the batch transfer is completed. If you answer yes, you can walk away
and the board will send the files you've requested and log you off.
                                                            

In version 4.23, you can choose to use file tagging for batch downloads.
With file tagging, you do not need to type the names of the files that
you wish to download; instead, you can just type the numbers separated
by spaces, commas, or semi-colons.
                                                            
3.3.2	(D) Download a File                                 
                                                            
This command is used to tell the board you'd like to receive a file.
You'll be asked for the filename first.  Remember, in most cases, you
will not need to enter a filename extension. The BBS will search the
current directory for the file you requested. If the file is not found,
the BBS will begin to search all available directories for the file. If
the file is found, the information about the file will be displayed, as
in the example below, where VANS900.ZIP is given to identify the file I
want:

      Ŀ
       Time Left: 46 minutes                          
       Conference: Programming Related Files          
       [3] [ANSI Graphics Utilities]:                 
                                                      
       Download -                                     
                                                      
       Filename: VANS900.ZIP                          
                                                      
       Filename   : vans900.zip                       
       Description: VANS v9 ANSI Viewer               
       File size  : 143k                              
       Apprx. time: 0:12:52                           
       Uploaded on: 02/29/91                          
       Uploaded by: Electric Bill #1                  
       Times D/L'd: 4                                 
                                                      
       Extended Description:                          
       This is the latest version of a terrific ANSI  
       screen viewing program, with MANY options!     
                                                      
       Protocol (?=list, <C/R>=ZMODEM) :              
      


As you can see, this screen gives you quite a bit of information about
the file. The transfer time is an estimate only, and will vary with the
protocol you choose. Also notice that the protocol prompt shows that
hitting [enter] (carriage return, <C/R>) will automatically select
Zmodem as the protocol. This is because in this example, Zmodem has been
chosen as the default protocol (see Transfer Options). Typing a question
mark will produce a list of available protocols; you choose the one you
want by its number.
                                                            
3.3.3	(U) Upload a File                                    
                                                            
Choose this command to upload a file to the board. You will be asked to
provide a one line description of the file (58 characters max). Please
attempt to describe the file accurately, and not in all caps (unless the
sysop requests this). You will then be given the opportunity to write
what is called an extended description. This description may be up to
ten lines in length (54 chars per line), and may be used to more fully
describe the file you are about to upload.  You will then be asked for
the protocol to use for the transfer, and the file will be transferred
(unless you quit or select Batch).
                                                            
3.3.4	(Z) Upload to Sysop Directory
                                                            
Files uploaded to WWIV boards are generally available for download by
other people immediately, unless the sysop has specified otherwise in
the initialization program. If you wish to send a file privately to the
Sysop, choose this command.


APPENDICES

4.1 BBS Resources on the Internet

4.1.1	Internet Web Sites


WWIV Links
==========
http://www.wwiv.com             - WWIV Software Services, LLC.
http://filenet.wwiv.net         - Quixotic Quest's FAQs on WWIV and PPP
                                  and other subjects.
http://www.brware.com           - Home of WWIVMail/QWK and various other


                                  WWIV utilities

Telnet Clients
==============
http://ozone.eesc.com           - Home of mTelnet - wonderful console mode
                                  telnet client for WIN32 and OS/2
http://www.vandyke.com          - Van Dyke Technologies
                                - CRT, Windows 95/NT telnet client.
http://www.mustang.com          - Mustang Software
                                - Qmodem Pro/95, Windows 95/NT
                                  Terminal program and telnet client.



General BBS Sysop Resources
===========================
http://www.pcmicro.com          - PCMicro - Resources for BBS Sysops
http://www.darktech.org         - Resources for BBS Sysops, Also has it's
                                  own Dynamic DNS service


Dynamic DNS Servers
===================
http://www.dynip.com            - Another Dynamic DNS Service
http://www.dtdns.com            - Another Dynamic DNS Service


BBS Lists
=========
http://www.thedirectory.org     - Contains a listing of telnet BBS systems
http://www.usbbs.org            - USBBS List - Oldest and largest listing
                                  of BBS systems.





                                    GLOSSARY

BBS                     Bulletin Board System

WWIV                    This brand of BBS Software.  Originally stood
                        for World War IV.

ANSI,ANSI-BBS           The encoding to render colors and screen
                        positions used by many different types of

BBS software.           Also referred to as the Terminal Emulation.

G-Files                 General Text Files.  Similar to bulletins in
                        other BBS software.

Chains                  Online Games/External Programs.  Additions to
                        the basic BBS software

Board                   See. BBS.

Avatar                  Another encoding/terminal emulation.  Similar
                        to ANSI, but more compact.

FidoNet                 Pre-internet message network.  Designed for
                        various BBS software types.

WWIVnet                 Pre-internet message network designed for WWIV.

Sysop                   System Operator.  The one who runs a BBS

Telnet                  Internet Protocol for accessing remote
                        resources via a login shell.  Also used to
                        access BBS systems via the internet

Terminal Program        Application which is used to dial a remote
                        host via a modem

Handle, Alias           Nickname.

SSM                     Short System Message - Informative One-line
                        message sent to you from WWIV to inform you of
                        some event such as return receipts on e-mail.
                        ('XXXX has read your mail on XX/XX/XXXX')

FAQ                     Frequently Asked Questions.

Sub, Subboard           Message Area.  Similar to a forum or newsgroup.

ARC, archive            Compressed collection of files.

ARC                     Old standard for compression.

ZIP                     Compression routine that post-dated ARC.  Still
                        the most widely used.

Zmodem                  File Transfer Protocol that uses 32-bit CRC and
                        variable packet sizes.

Ymodem                  File Transfer Protocol similar to Xmodem but
                        with 1k blocks.

Xmodem                  File Transfer Protocol.  Used a checksum or 8
                        bit CRC checks

Protocol                Type of encoding/format used to transfer data

Download                Receive a file from a remote host to your
                        machine


Upload                  Send a file from your machine to a remote host.




