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1987-07-06
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--------------------------------------------------------------------
USBBSDOR version 1.0
FOR RBBS-PC 15.1x DOORS
for the
IBM Personal Computer & Compatibles
Copyright 1987
by
Brent Yandell
Box 382
Freehold, NJ 07728
DATA -- (201) 431-4088
July 6th, 1987
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USBBSDOR
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Page
----------------- ----
1.0 INTRODUCTION 3
1.1 Before Starting 3
1.2 Update Conventions 3
2.0 SETTING UP 4
2.1 Required Files 4
2.2 Converting Darwin's List 5
3.0 RUNNING USBBSDOR 6
3.1 Reporting Problems 6
3.2 Acknowledgments 6
Page 2 Of 6
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USBBSDOR
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
-----------------
USBBSDOR is a door program for RBBS-PC that allows the caller to
access the Darwin National BBS Listings as a database, based on
input from the caller. The Darwin list was selected as the database
for this door because of its outstanding reputation in the BBS
community.
1.1 Before Starting
--------------------
It is highly recommended that you read this documentation thoroughly
before attempting to install this door. You must have a copy of
Darwin's (latest) listing before using this door. This list is
available from many BBS systems around the country and is usually
called USBBSxxx.ARC where xxx is the latest version number. This
door will not run properly if you have not installed / created ALL
of the text files properly, so take your time and read thoroughly.
1.2 Update Conventions
-----------------------
This door will be updated as changes in RBBS-PC, the layout of the
Darwin list, or enhancements to the door itself dictate.
Page 3 Of 6
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USBBSDOR
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2.0 SETTING UP
---------------
The purpose of this documentation is to explain to you how to
install the USBBSDOR program. It assumes that you have already read
the documentation that comes with RBBS-PC (section 16) concerning
doors and their use. If you are not already running doors and/or
the explanation of doors in RBBS-PC's docs is confusing, you
should contact a system already running doors for assistance.
2.1 Required Files
-------------------
The following files should be contained in USBDOR10.ARC :
USBBS.EXE - The executable program file.
USBBS.HLP - A help file for when a user needs [H]elp in the
door.
USBBS.PRE - A prelog file displayed when entering the door.
USBBS.DEF - A definition file that contains information needed
by the door program such as time allowed in door.
USBBS.DOC - This documentation file.
MAKE-LST.BAS - A small basic program that will take your current
DARWIN list and make 3 needed files.
The following files will be made by MAKE-LST.BAS & USBBSxxx.LST :
USBBS.LST - The Darwin database containing only the
information on BBS listings.
USBBS.INF - The header from the Darwin listing. Gives caller
info about Darwin.
USBBS.SYM - The end of the Darwin listing, where the symbols
and the abbreviations used in the list are defined.
The following batch file to run the door must be created by you :
USBBS.BAT - Batch file to run USBBSDOR.
Page 4 Of 6
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USBBSDOR
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The file USBBS.EXE and all the files that are with this door must
all run together on the same drive and subdirectory. Also, the
MESSAGES and RBBS-PC.DEF files must also be located with these files
as certain info such as user name, COM port, baud, & parity are
pulled from these files when entering the door.
The files USBBS.PRE and USBBS.HLP were left outside the program as
text files so that you may change them as you please to customize
them to suit your board.
USBBS.DEF contains two lines. Line one is the minutes allowed in the
door, and line two is the number of times the same caller can log in
to the door each day. Change these to suit your board's needs.
USBBSDOR creates a file called USBBS.DAY which is how the door keeps
track of how many times a caller has accessed the door. The file is
changed on each new day by the door, so there is never any need to
modify or change this file. In fact, strange results could occur if
this file is modified. The local or remote sysop is exempt from any
limitations on entering the door. To log onto to the door locally,
the sysop must have either been the last person logged onto the
board or you must have the Com port set at 0 with config.
2.2 Converting Darwin's list
----------------------------
You should put MAKE-LST.BAS and USBBSxxx.LST on the same
subdirectory. Using either BASICA or GWBASIC, load and run MAKE-
LST.BAS. You will be prompted for the name of the list you are going
to put through the conversion - i.e. USBBSxxx.LST (again, where xxx
is the current version number). You will see the conversion as it
progresses, and it could take a couple of minutes depending on the
type of machine you are running. When the process is complete you
will have four files... Your original unchanged version of
USBBSxxx.LST, and 3 new files USBBS.LST, USBBS.INF, and USBBS.SYM.
Take a look at these 3 new files with your favorite word processor
or text editor. When a new version of the Darwin list is released
you may find it easier to create these files with an editor rather
than the enclosed MAKE-LST.BAS. (Note : If you use a word processor
for this task, be certain that you use the non-document mode and
create a normal ASCII text file so it can be properly displayed.)
Page 5 Of 6
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USBBSDOR
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3.0 RUNNING USBBSDOR
---------------------
Create the batch file USBBS.BAT ( or whatever you are going to call
the door ). In most situations, this file will only need to contain
two lines. In the first line, turn whatever version of WATCHDOG you
are using OFF....i.e. WATCHDOG OFF, or WATCHDG1 OFF. In the second
line, all you need to put in is the name of the executable program
you are going to run, in this case USBBS.
To review, the following files MUST ALL be on the drive and path
where you are running doors from...
USBBS.EXE USBBS.LST USBBS.INF USBBS.BAT
USBBS.SYM USBBS.DEF USBBS.PRE USBBS.HLP
3.1 Reporting problems
-----------------------
Should an error occur during the use of the door, a file should be
created called USBBS.ERR with information about the error. Any error
information should be reported to the author immediately. But first,
go through the 8 fliles listed at the end of section 3.0 and make
certain that they are correct and all located in the correct place.
The most common errors that occur are from one of the necessary
files not being available to the program.
3.2 Acknowledgments
---------------------
Thanks to the folks of Darwin, without whose fine listing this door
would never have come to be.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks to - Fleet and Dawn Senseman
Edison, NJ
DATA -- (201) 769-6830
For their BETA testing of USBBSDOR.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks to - The Staff of Tsymetryx, Ltd
Downingtown, PA
DATA -- (215) 269-9592
For their assistance in writing this documentation.
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The latest version of USBBSDOR can be found on either of these two
boards or on my board, DATA -- (201) 431-4088.
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