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1989-08-25
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INSTALLATION/CONFIGURATION DOCUMENTATION
By William Daystrom
Copyright (c) 1989 White Star Software
Installation/Configuration
CONTENTS
INITIAL SETUP........................................................ 1
Necessary Files................................................... 1
Definitions of Common Terms....................................... 1
Installing WWIV................................................... 3
PRIMARY CONFIGURATION................................................ 5
Using INIT........................................................ 5
System Info................................................. 5
More System Info............................................ 7
Paths....................................................... 9
Modem Info.................................................. 10
Modem Result Codes.......................................... 11
External Programs........................................... 11
External Protocols.......................................... 13
External Editors............................................ 14
SecLev Data Change.......................................... 14
Auto-Validation Data Change................................. 15
General Text Files................................................ 16
Menus............................................................. 17
EXECUTING THE BBS.................................................... 18
Startup........................................................... 18
Creating the Sysop Account........................................ 19
Installation/Configuration
SECTION ONE - INITIAL SETUP
Hardware Requirements
In order to run WWIV v4, you will need the following system hardware:
An IBM PC/XT/AT, PS/2, or compatible
PC/MS-DOS v3.0 or later
512k (640k recommended)
A modem, preferably Hayes compatible
A 10 meg (or larger) hard disk
Definitions of Common Terms
Before getting too involved with creating your bulletin board, there are
some terms which will show up from time to time that you need to be aware.
SL: SL stands for Security Level, and is the main determinant of what a
caller can and can not do. The most obvious effect of different SL's
is time allowed on the system. For higher SL's, more time is allowed
on the system, and the caller is able to send more mail, and post more
messages.
Higher SL's also generally give more anonymous privileges. Any of
these privileges can be changed in the INIT program, described later.
The default settings are as follows:
70+ = can post anonymously on any message base
80+ = can send anonymous email
90+ = can read names of anonymous posts
95+ = can read names of anonymous email
99+ = can delete and validate messages
100+ = can access any co-sysop functions
255 = can access any sysop function
An SL of 100 will allow a caller to perform just about all of the
functions necessary to the day-to-day running of the BBS, except
validating new callers. SL's of 100 should be given out VERY
sparingly, as anyone with an SL of 100 could do enormous damage to the
BBS if they wanted to.
A SL of 255 has a few things different from other SL's. First off, a
caller with an SL of 255 needs to enter the system password in order
to log on remotely. This means that any caller with an SL of 255
needs to know the system password. With an SL of 255 and the system
password, a user can do ANYTHING with the BBS, with the exception of
running the INIT program remotely. The caller could also drop to DOS,
and do anything to any files on your computer, INCLUDING DELETION OF
FILES ON YOUR DISK. For this reason, you should give SL's of 255 to
other people only where ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY.
The SL also helps determine which subs a caller has access to.
Generally, a higher SL allows a caller access to more sub-boards.
Also, the SL helps determine access to on-line programs, and gfile
sections.
- 1 -
Installation/Configuration
DSL: The DSL is like the SL, only in a more limited sense. The DSL stands
for "Download Security Level," and the only place the DSL matters at
all is in the file section. The only effect of the DSL is to help
determine which directories that caller has access to. Also, a DSL
of at least 100 allows the caller to perform co-sysop functions in
the transfer section, but NOT in the main BBS.
AR: AR stands for access required, and helps determine (along with the
SL) which sub-boards a caller can access. It also helps determine
access to on-line programs and gfile sections. Each caller can have
from zero to 16 AR's set. Each AR is given a letter, from A to P. Each
sub-board can also have ONE AR set. In addition to other
requirements, for a caller to have access to a sub-board with an AR
set, the caller must also have the same AR set. For example, you could
have a sub-board for sysops with an AR of A. Then, whenever you have
another sysop log on, you could give that person an AR of A, and he
would then have access to the sysop sub.
DAR: Just like AR, only for the file section, and directory access.
Continuing above example, you could give a sysop file directory a
DAR of A. You could then give the calling sysop a DAR of A, and he
would then have access to the sysop file directory, whereby all other
callers would not.
Sub: A Sub (or sub-board or message base) refers to an area where
messages can be posted by callers about a certain topic.
WFC: WFC stands for "Waiting For a Caller," and signifies the mode where
the screen is blank, and the BBS is ready to accept calls.
Sysop: The sysop is the primary operator of the bulletin board. The
security level of the sysop is almost-always 255, and the sysop has access
to every area of the bulletin board.
Co-Sysop: The co-sysop is an assistant to the sysop. The security level of
the co-sysop is usually anywhere from 100 to 255, and the co-sysop has
access to most if not all areas of the bulletin board. The co-sysop's job
usually consists of handling routine maintenance of the bulletin board.
Limited Co-Sysop: This person is an assistant co-sysop of one or more
message bases. The limited co-sysop usually has a security level of 99,
and can delete and/or validate messages in message bases specifically
assigned to be controlled by that limited co-sysop. The limited co-sysop
does not have the ability to handle routine maintenance.
Sysopsub: If a caller is a limited co-sysop, you can specify a sysopsub,
which restricts that caller's limited co-sysop status to only
one sub-board. The sysop sub should be the actual sub-board
number (as given in BOARDEDIT) for that sub. When a caller is a
limited co-sysop of a sub, he/she has all of the co-sysop
message base commands available to normal co-sysops FOR THAT
SUB ONLY. To deactivate a sysopsub, set the caller's sysopsub
to 255.
- 2 -
Installation/Configuration
Exemptions: This allows the sysop to exempt a caller from something.
There is currently only one exemption available to you. An
exemption of 1 will exempt a caller from any upload/download
ratio requirement you may have. To deactivate the exemption,
set it to zero.
Restrictions: This allows the sysop to restrict the caller from doing
certain things on the BBS. For example, you can restrict
the caller from being able to post. You can force the
caller's uploads to go to your sysop directory only, and
you can restrict the caller from using WWIVnet (if you are
a part of the network). See the section on UEDIT for
complete details of all restrictions.
Installing WWIV
In order to run WWIV v4, you will NEED the following files:
BBS.EXE
INIT.EXE
HELP.MSG
MENUS.MSG
The first step in installing WWIV is to create a directory for it on your
hard disk. You should install WWIV in a sub-directory made explicitly for
WWIV, and should NOT be installed in the root-directory of any drive. For
example, if you have a hard disk as drive C:, you should type the
following:
C:
CD \
MD WWIV
CD WWIV
This will make a directory called WWIV, and make that your current
directory. You will then need to copy the WWIV v4 files listed earlier
into that directory.
The next step is to run the initialization/configuration program. To do
this, simply type "INIT" at the DOS prompt. It is possible that when you
run INIT, you will receive the message "Abnormal program termination" or
"Program code corrupted." If you do receive this message, simply try
running INIT again. If you still have problems, try rebooting your
computer and running it again. If you are still having problems running
INIT, either you have a bad copy of WWIV, and need to get another copy, or
there is something in your system setup that WWIV doesn't like.
Once you run INIT (for the first time), you will be told that CONFIG.DAT
wasn't found, and you will be asked if you wish to perform the initial
installation. You should answer Y. INIT will then proceed to install the
necessary files and directories for WWIV to run. You should note that all
directories will be made as sub-directories of whatever your current
directory is, so be SURE that your current directory is the one you want
to use as your main WWIV directory, when you first run INIT.
- 3 -
Installation/Configuration
After a bit of disk I/O, you will be told that your system password has
defaulted to SYSOP. The system password is a password that should only be
known by the primary system operator. The system password should be
entered whenever you see the "SY:" prompt. You will need to enter the
system password whenever you run INIT, or run more sensitive sysop
functions from the BBS. After you are told what the system password is,
you will be given the "SY:" prompt, and you will need to enter the system
password, SYSOP.
After correctly entering the system password, you will be in the WWIV v4
initialization/configuration program. You will have a list of 10 options.
These options will be described in order. If you don't fully understand
some of the options, just leave them as they are, and their use will
probably become clear after playing with the system a bit, or reading the
WWIV sysop manual.
- 4 -
Installation/Configuration
SECTION THREE - PRIMARY CONFIGURATION
Using INIT
Once INIT is run, and after you have correctly entered the system
password, you will be presented with a menu listing ten options. This
section will describe each of them, giving examples of how to use and
modify your configuration.
1. System info (name, passwords, newuser info, etc)
This section will allow you to change general system information.
The things you can change are:
System password
The system password defaults to SYSOP, but you should be sure to
change it to something else, hopefully something that other people
will have a difficult time guessing. Selecting your own personalized
system password helps prevent other people from gaining unauthorized
access to your BBS.
System name
This should be set to the name of your BBS, but if it isn't set
correctly, nothing bad will happen.
System phone
This should be set to the phone number of your BBS. This isn't critical
information UNLESS your board is a member of WWIVnet.
WWIV Reg Num
If you have registered your BBS, you will have a registration number.
This is where you enter that number.
Newuser PW
This is the password people will have to enter in order to log on as
new users. If there is no newuser password, anyone may log on as a new
user. This should only be used if you wish to operate a "private"
system.
Newuser restrict
This sets the restrictions that all new users are given. This should
probably be left as-is until you fully understand what the
restrictions are used for. See "Restrictions" on page 2 for more
details.
Newuser SL
This sets the security level that all new users are given. The default
is 10. This should also be left alone until you understand what the
different security levels do, and even then, most sysops will probably
want to leave this set to 10.
Newuser DSL
This sets the download security level that all new users are given.
- 5 -
Installation/Configuration
Newuser gold
WWIV keeps track of an amount of "gold" for use in on-line games, if
needed. This sets the default amount new users are given. The regular
distribution version of WWIV does not use gold for anything. If you
have registered your BBS and obtained the source code, modifications
are available which can allow you to use gold, for example, to regulate
downloads or game use by requiring that the caller "earn" a certain
amount of gold by posting.
Sysop name
At a few points in the BBS, the system will need to print out the name
of the system operator. This is where you can set what that name will
be.
Sysop low time
The sysop low time and sysop high time set the time limits that the
sysop is available to be chatted with. If, for example, you don't want
people to be able to request a chat between 11pm and 7am, then your
chat hours would be 7am to 11pm. The low time (when chat hours begin)
would then be 7am, and the high time (when chat hours end) would be
11pm. You enter the time in the standard 24-hour format, where 7am is
07:00 and 11pm is 23:00.
Normally, the scroll lock key determines when the sysop is available
for chat. If sysop hours are defined, the system ignores the status of
scroll lock during the hours the sysop is supposed to be unavailable.
In other words, if you followed the above example and chose available
hours to be from 7am to 11pm, callers will not be able to request chats
with you from 11pm to 7am, regardless of the scroll lock setting.
During the sysop hours (7am to 11pm), scroll lock IS monitored, and
will determine whether or not the sysop is available for chat. If the
scroll lock is on, callers will be told you are available, and if they
request a chat, a chat alarm will be sounded (unless you have turned
the beep off. See "Beep for chat" on page 6 for details.
Ratio required
Many sysops want to have up/download ratio requirements. This allows
you to set them. A caller's ratio is defined to be the number of k
(1024 bytes) of files uploaded divided by the number of k of files
downloaded. So, if you want a caller to be able to download 5k for
every 1k uploaded, the required ratio would then be 1/5=0.2, so you
would set the ratio required to be 0.200. This way, when a caller has
violated the ratio (downloaded over five times what he/she uploaded),
the caller would not be allowed to download again until the caller
uploaded enough data to clear the ratio.
Max waiting
Each caller may have a number of pieces of mail waiting. This allows
you to set the maximum number of pieces of mail a caller can have
waiting. NOTE: The sysop (sl=255) can have 5 times this number of mail
waiting. So, if, for normal callers, 20 is the maximum, then 100 would
be the maximum for the sysop.
- 6 -
Installation/Configuration
Max users
The BBS requires you set the maximum number of users that can be on the
system. This defaults to 500, but you may increase or decrease it. The
absolute maximum is 32,767, but 2,000 is probably about the limit for
performance reasons (ie, the system slows down the more users you
have).
Caller number
If you have converted to WWIV v4 from another BBS (possibly an earlier
version of WWIV), you may set the current caller number with this
option.
2. More system info (net, status, etc)
System number
If your system is a member of WWIVnet, this is where your node number
is entered.
Net low time
You can specify hours during which your BBS will only accept WWIVnet
connections. Anyone else calling at that time will be asked to call
back later and be disconnected. The net low time is the time from
which your BBS will stop accepting regular calls. The time is entered
in 24-hour format, just like the sysop hours (ie, 4pm = 16:00).
Net high time
This parameter, used in conjunction with the net low time, specifies
the time at which regular calls will be accepted again.
Closed system
If you don't want to allow new callers on at all, set this option to
"Y," and no new callers may log on remotely.
Local system
It is possible that you may want to run the BBS on a computer that you
don't have continual access to. Setting no local to "Y" will: a)
disable all function keys, b) disable the top of screen data, and c)
disable sysop functions while the BBS is waiting for a caller.
Beep for chat
Normally, the BBS will make a horrid beeping noise in an attempt to
attract your attention when a caller requests a chat. If you would
prefer not to be such annoyed, simply set this to "N," and the BBS will
no longer beep at you for chat requests.
Phone off hook
When the sysop wants to check up on his system locally, remote callers
can not log on. If you would prefer people calling while you are on to
get a busy signal (instead of ringing), set this to "Y," and the BBS
will pick up the phone while you log on locally, or read feedback, or
use any other WFC command that is likely to take some time.
Two color chat
Normally, in chat mode, all text will be the same color. If you would
prefer text typed locally and remotely to be two different colors (if
the caller supports ANSI graphics), set this option to "Y."
- 7 -
Installation/Configuration
Two way chat
Under normal conditions, two way chat mode will be used when the caller
has ANSI and is calling at 1200 bps or higher. This option allows you
to disable two-way chat capability. Chat is discussed in detail in the
SysOp Guide.
Allow aliases
If you would prefer to disallow the use of aliases on your BBS, set
this option to "N."
Close transfers
This option will allow you to close the transfer section of your BBS.
All UL to sysop
This option forces all uploads to be placed in your sysop directory.
Directories are discussed in detail in the SysOp Guide.
Sysoplog to printer
If you would like the sysoplog to be printed out to the printer as
events occur, then set this option to "Y." Please note that you must
have a printer connected and ready on LPT1: in order for this to work.
Use list utility
If you have a text file viewing utility, you may use it to view your
sysop logs from WFC. The utility must be named "LIST" and be placed in
the DOS path (or main BBS directory). If the list utility is not used,
sysop logs are always printed to screen as if TYPE were used.
- 8 -
Installation/Configuration
3. Paths (messages, gfiles, data, etc)
If you have more than one hard disk, you may wish to split up the BBS
files among your hard disks, in order to better use the space. Using this
option, you may change the directories that the BBS looks to for certain
things. Please note that changing any of the options here will only
change where the BBS looks for the data; IT WILL NOT ACTUALLY MOVE ANY
FILES OR DIRECTORIES.
Messages dir : stores e-mail and posts
Gfiles dir : stores BBS text files
Data dir : stores BBS data files (NO text files in here)
Dloads dir : used to set the default directory for new file sections
Temp dir : used to temporarily store files for the BBS
You may freely change the dloads dir and temp dir to whatever you want
without hurting anything. HOWEVER, the temporary directory MUST exist. If
you can, have the temporary directory exist as a ramdisk. If the temp dir
is a sub-dir of a ramdisk, MAKE SURE that that directory is created BEFORE
the BBS is run. In other words, run the BBS in a batch file that first
creates the temp directory.
Please note also that any files found in the temporary directory when the
BBS is run will be DELETED. If you point the temporary directory to your
root directory, or the BBS directory, ALL THE FILES IN THAT DIRECTORY
WILL BE ERASED. Therefore, have the temporary directory be one that
doesn't contain any files you care about.
The others (messages, gfiles, data), however, will have files in them
that the BBS needs to find in the appropriate directories. Use the
following guidelines for selecting and naming new directories (if you wish
to use any):
1. Never use the root directory of any drive to store BBS files; the root
directory can only hold a fixed number of files, while any
sub-directories may hold an unlimited number of files in them.
2. Always have a backslash on the end of the path/directory name.
3. The directory may be specified relative to the main BBS directory, or
as a full pathname. In other words, "msgs\" is recognized as a
sub-directory of the main BBS dir. In most instances, however, you
won't need to change the default directories. If you choose to have
directories located on another drive, remember to include the drive
letter in the pathname.
If you change the messages, gfiles, or data directory, you must then:
1. Go to DOS and create the new directory.
2. Move all the files from the old to the new directory.
3. You should then probably erase the old files and old directory, to
ensure you aren't confused by multiple copies later on.
If you have any gfile sections (described later), you will have
sub-directories of the gfiles directory, ie, "gfiles\section1\". You will
then need to create sub-directories, of the new directory, with THE SAME
NAME, and copy all files from the old sub-directory to the new one.
- 9 -
Installation/Configuration
4. Modem info (speed, port, etc)
Modem initialization
This is the string that the BBS sends to the modem to initialize it.
The "{" on the end means to do a carriage return at the end. You
should ALWAYS have a "{" at the end of the initialization string. If
your modem is faster than 300 baud, you will also need to put an X1 in
the modem initialization string, so it would read
"ATS0=0M0Q0V0E0S2=1S7=20X1{". You may find occasion to need to change
the initialization string, most likely if you use a high-speed modem or
one that doesn't use dip switches to change settings. Any commands you
would need to add would be placed after the X1 and before the {. Unless
you really know what you are doing, leave the default options as they
are, and only add things on to the initialization string as needed.
Also note that your modem should NOT be set to auto-answer. The BBS
will detect the phone ringing and answer it automatically after the
first ring. See the modem documentation for more information.
Return codes
Modem return codes are those that your modem issues to indicate various
states of activity. In this section, there is just one result code you
can change - Ring. This code tells the BBS when the modem is receiving
a telephone call.
Stay at highest speed
If this is set to "Y," the BBS will keep communicating with the modem
at the highest baud rate set, even if a caller has connected at a
slower speed. This is only used (and then not always) for 9600 and
19.2 modems. Please check your modem manual if you feel you should use
this option.
Use flow control
Setting this to "Y" will cause the BBS to use control lines for flow
control when communicating with the modem. Again, this is only used for
9600 and 19.2 modems.
Com port
This sets the com port number that your modem is connected to. If this
is set to zero, the result is that the BBS will not use a modem at all
(same as /m parameter, page 17).
Baud rate
This sets the maximum baud rate for your modem.
Interrupt
This allows you to manually change the interrupt used by the BBS. You
will probably not need to modify this.
Base address
This sets the com base address used by the BBS, and is dependent upon
the com port number. It is set automatically when you change the com
port option, and you will not need to change this, unless necessary.
- 10 -
Installation/Configuration
Answer
This is the command sent to your modem to answer the phone.
Pick up phone
This is the command sent to the modem to tell it to pick up the phone.
Note that this is NOT the same as answering the phone.
Hang up phone
This is the command sent to the modem to tell it to hang up the phone.
Dial prefix
This allows you to change the command prefix used when the BBS enters
modem commands. The default is set for a standard tone operation. You
can change it if needed to operate on a pulse line (ie, ATDP).
5. Modem result codes (connect strings)
Connect strings
These are the RESULT CODES that the modem sends out to tell the BBS
that a caller has connected, and to tell the BBS at what speed the
caller has connected. You can add, modify, or delete codes as you need.
Any result code that has a modem speed of zero and a com speed of zero
will be interpreted as a "no carrier" result code. Please note that
only the 300 and 1200 baud result codes are standard. The code for
connect 2400 is usually 10, but for some modems, it may be 9. For
connect 9600 and 19200, you will need to check your modem manual,
and see what they are (if your modem supports those speeds).
6. External programs (arc, terminal, etc)
Terminal program
This should be set to the name of a batch file to run a terminal
program. If, for example, you want to run Qmodem, and your Qmodem
files are in the directory c:\qmodem, you should then set the terminal
program option to QMODEM. Then, in your main BBS directory, you should
create a file to run Qmodem, such as:
copy con qmodem.bat
c:
cd \qmodem
qmodem
^Z
You don't need to worry about changing back to the BBS directory when
done, the BBS will do that for you. One side note: Due to the size of
Qmodem, and the size of the BBS, you probably can't actually use
Qmodem. You would need to use a shorter terminal program. Also, you
don't necessarily have to run a terminal program with this option. It
simply allows you to run an external program from WFC. You could, for
example, run a file management utility from the BBS by running it
instead of a terminal program. The only limitation in that instance is,
again, the memory remaining.
- 11 -
Installation/Configuration
BeginDay Event
This is a batch file or program that the BBS will automatically run
after the first caller logs on after midnight, every night. You can
write a batch file, for example, to run the maintenance program of an
on-line game. Or, you can write a batch file to backup some BBS files.
Logon Event
This is just like the BeginDay Event, except that it is run every time
a caller logs on. This option may be used to run a program that gives
the caller a "quote for the day" or other similar utility.
Newuser Event
This is also like the BeginDay Event. This time, though, it is executed
immediately after a new user has saved the validation letter.
External Event
Again, this is not too different from the above-listed events. This
one, however, can be set to run at any pre-defined time. See the next
section for details.
Time for Event
This is how you can set the time that the External Event will run.
Time is calculated in minutes AFTER midnight. For example, if you want
a maintenance program to run at 2am every morning, you would set Time
for Event at 120 (120 minutes after midnight). Any caller that logs on
before the external event is set to run will have his/her time on-line
shortened so that the caller will be off the BBS before the event runs.
Archive Extension
This option is listed four times, as are the other extension-related
settings. This is because WWIV can support up to four different
archiving programs. In the transfer system, you or a caller may view
the files within an archive, extract individual files from archives,
and add those extracted files to a new archive. Archive Extension is
simply the filename extension of the archive program you want to
support. For example, ZIP, ARC, PAK, and LZH are all popular archive
extensions. NOTE: The first archive listed is the most important in one
respect: it is the only archive that will be used when the Add to
archive option is selected. For example, if a caller extracts a file
from within a LZH archive, and then wants to add the file to a
temporary archive to download later, ZIP would be used to create the
new archive if ZIP were listed first in INIT. Select which archive you
want to use for this role, and enter its extension first in order.
List Archive
This is the archive command used to see a listing of the files within
an archive. Some sample commands are:
(for ZIP): PKUNZIP -V %1
(for PAK): PAK V %1
(for LZH): LHARC V %1
The %1 is a parameter which the BBS uses to pass the filename of the
archive to be viewed.
- 12 -
Installation/Configuration
Extract Archive
This is the archive command used to extract a file from within an
archive. Some sample commands are:
(for ZIP): PKUNZIP %1 %2
(for PAK): PAK E %1 %2
(for LZH): LHARC E %1 %2
Again, %1 is replaced by the BBS with the filename of the archive to
be worked on, and %2 in this instance is replaced by the path of the
temporary directory (discussed earlier).
Add to Archive
This is the archive command used to add a file to the temporary
archive. As stated earlier, only the first "Add to Archive" entry is
important; you may leave the other three blank. Some sample commands
are:
(for ZIP): PKZIP -A %1 %2
(for PAK): PAK A %1 %2
(for LZH): LHARC A %1 %2
In this case, the BBS replaces %1 with the filename of the temporary
archive to be created, and %2 is replaced by the path and filename of
the file(s) to be added to that temporary archive.
7. External protocols (other than X,Ymodem)
Using this option, you will be able to insert, delete, and modify external
protocols for the BBS to use. Following are some examples of commands to
use for various external protocols:
Name: Zmodem
Receive filename: dsz port %2 speed %1 rz %3
Send filename : dsz port %2 speed %1 sz %3
OK return code: 0
Name: Super8k
Receive filename: superk p%2 s%1 tS dR F%3
Send filename : superk p%2 s%1 tS dS F%3
OK return code: 0
Name: SEAlink
Receive filename: clink /p%2 /b%1 r %3
Send filename : clink /p%2 /b%1 t %3
OK return code: 0
The return code is only checked for sending files. Also, if you leave
either the send or receive command line blank, that protocol will be
disabled for the function omitted. In other words, if you didn't specify a
command for sending with Zmodem, callers would only be able to use Zmodem
when uploading to you.
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Installation/Configuration
8. External editors (full screen)
Full screen editors allow you and your callers (with ANSI) to write email
and posts using an editor that is not restricted to the line-by-line
approach used by WWIV's built-in text editor. Some editors allow the use
of function and arrow keys to move the cursor about the screen, in much
the same manner as a regular word processor. Full screen editors tend to
be awkward for callers to use, however, as while the sysop might use the
arrow keys to move the cursor, the caller must almost always use
control-key combinations to achieve the same thing -- not very easy.
Still, there are some great advantages to using a full screen editor,
especially from the sysop's point of view, and so provision is made in
WWIV for their use. The full screen editor must do all I/O through DOS
calls. The most well-known full screen editor, and perhaps the best in
terms of usage by the sysop, is FSED, written by Sagredo. The command
lines to use FSED could be:
remote: fsed +dosansi.cfg +wordstar.cfg -w%2 -h%3 -l%4 %1
local: fsed +console.cfg %1
You can experiment with the commands provided in the FSED documentation
to find a combination that you like best, but the above is probably the
best for general use - especially from the sysop's perspective.
9. Seclev data change
For each security level (0-255), there is a set of data that determine
what a caller with this SL may do. This option will allow you to change
that data.
Using {,},[,], you can scan through until you find an SL you want to
change. Then, hit enter to edit the data. You can then alter:
Security level
Changing this changes to that security level. The other data on the
screen is appropriately changed. Any data changed for the previous SL
is saved
Time per day
This gives the time, in minutes, that a caller with that SL is able to
be logged on the system per day, regardless of the number of calls.
Time per logon
This gives the time, in minutes, that a caller with that SL is able to
be logged on to the system per call. Normally, the time per day is 2.5
times the time per logon. Normally, the time allowed on is limited by
the time per logon, but after the second call that day, the time per
day may cut down the total amount of time on. Of course, the time
allowed on may be affected by uploads, chat time, and extra time
allowed by the sysop.
Messages read
This sets the number of messages that can be read (per call) by a
caller with that SL.
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Installation/Configuration
Emails per day
This sets the maximum number of pieces of mail that a caller with that
SL can send, per day. NOTE: Email excludes feedback. A caller is
allowed to send up to 5 pieces of feedback per day.
Posts per day
This sets the maximum number of posts a caller with that SL can post
per day.
Post anony
If set, this means that a caller can post a message anonymously on any
message base.
Email anony
If set, this means that a caller can send anonymous e-mail.
Read anony posts
If set, a caller with this SL can read the names on anonymous posts.
Read anony email
If set, a caller with this SL can read the names on anonymous e-mail.
Limited co-sysop
If set, a caller with this SL can validate and delete messages from any
caller. Normally, callers can only delete messages they themselves have
written.
Co-sysop
If set, a caller with this SL has access to all co-sysop functions.
10. Auto-Validation data change
The sysop can set the Alt-F keys (Alt-F1 through Alt-F10) to set certain
data for a caller. This function allows you to change that data. You may
set the SL, DSL, AR, DAR, and restrictions. Then, when a caller is
on-line, you may press any ALT-function key combination to immediately
change that caller's security levels, AR, and restrictions. This may be
useful for validating a caller - you can, for example, just hit Alt-F1,
and if you have that configured to give the caller standard access, the
caller will immediately receive said access. It all happens very quickly,
and there is no immediate indication on the caller's side that anything
has happened, save perhaps a dramatic increase in the time-left display.
Be careful, though. If you are logged-on locally, and hit an Alt-key
combination, your stats will be altered as well. This would do no
permanent damage, but it will cause an annoyance as you have to go to the
indignity of validating yourself again.
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Installation/Configuration
General Text Files
The GFILES directory contains a number of text files which the BBS will
use to accomplish various tasks. You can change any of them to suit your
desires. For files with a MSG extension, you can use any text editor you
want as long as the editor saves the files in standard ASCII format. For
files with a B&W or ANS extension, you need to use an ANSI editing
program. A note about MSG, B&W, and ANS files: ANS files are printed when
the caller has color ANSI selected in his/her defaults. B&W files are
printed when the caller has ANSI, but no color. MSG files are printed to
callers without ANSI. MSG files are the default. In other words, if the
caller is capable of seeing a ANS file, but it doesn't exist, the BBS will
look for a B&W file. It that doesn't exist either, it will print the MSG
file. So, you don't necessarily have to create ANS or B&W files. If you
don't have one or the other, the BBS will use MSG.
WELCOME.MSG [ANS]
This text file is printed out right after a caller connects, but
before he logs on. You will probably want to change this so that it
tells the name of your system, and perhaps gives a logo for your
system. If you have a WELCOME.ANS file, the caller will be asked upon
connection if he/she supports ANSI graphics. If the answer is yes, the
ANS file is printed. Otherwise, the MSG file is. B&W is not used.
LOGON.MSG [ANS, B&W]
This file is printed out after a caller logs on, but before he gets to
the main menu. This usually describes recent news that may affect the
system.
SYSTEM.MSG [ANS, B&W]
This file describes your system. It should probably tell what type of
system you run, what it's purpose is, what hardware it is run on, and
any other information you think necessary. This is the first text file
printed out to new callers. It is also printed when the caller hits 'I'
for system info.
NEWUSER.MSG
This is the second text file printed out to new callers, and is
printed out before they enter any information. It should describe what
you expect from new callers.
FEEDBACK.MSG
This text file is printed out after a new caller has entered his
information, but before he sends validation feedback to the sysop. This
should tell the caller what you expect to be told in the validation
letter.
LOGOFF.MSG [ANS, B&W]
This file is printed out just before a caller is logged off.
HELP.MSG
This is a large file which holds the context-sensitive help information
which is printed when the caller hits control-O. You probably will not
need to change anything in it.
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Installation/Configuration
TRASHCAN.TXT
This is a text file listing names (aliases) which you do not want
your callers to be able to use. Usually, this file will contain a
list of profane words, one per line, so that you won't have anyone
using certain names on your board that you don't like.
Menus
MENUS.MSG
This is a file which contains the menus WWIV may display at various
times. If a MENUSANS.MSG file does not exist (and it should), callers
will see the menus in this file.
MENUS40.MSG
This file contains a list of menus shown to 40-column callers only. You
don't really need to have this file.
MENUSANS.MSG
This file contains menus displayed to callers who have ANSI selected.
It may have true ANSI or WWIVansi codes. What does this mean? WWIV
does not use true ANSI codes to display color to you or your callers.
It uses what is called WWIVansi, which is a different system of
encoding colors in text. When WWIV displays a file written with
WWIVansi, it interprets the color codes and translates them to standard
ANSI format. WWIV will still display standard ANSI files correctly, of
course. WWIVansi is just a system you can use which doesn't force you
to use ANSI editors or strange escape codes. At any rate, MENUSANS.MSG
may have either format of ANSI in its menus.
MENU[0...14].MSG [ANS]
Each menu has a number attached to it by WWIV. You can see these
numbers listed at the beginning of each menu in the MENUS.MSG file. The
BBS will first look for a file named MENU*.MSG [ANS], where * is a
number from 0 through 14. If the caller has ANSI, the BBS will print
the ANS version of the MENU file if it exists. Following are the
numbers for the menus:
0 - Main Menu
1 - Message Base Commands
2 - Editor Commands
3 - File Transfer Menu
4 - Mail Menu
5 - Sysop and CoSysop Menu
6 - UEDIT Menu
7 - WFC Menu
8 - Sysop File Transfer Menu
9 - Batch Transfer Menu
10 - User Restriction Menu
11 - Sysop Editor Menu
12 - Multimail Menu
13 - Message Base Commands for Cosysops and Sysops
14 - Archiving Commands Menu
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Installation/Configuration
Rather than editing menus within the MENUS.MSG or MENUSANS.MSG files,
you can simply create the menu you want to change, name it with the
format described earlier, and the BBS will print that menu instead of
the one listed in one of the large menu files. For example, if you want
to change what your main menu looks like, you can create a file with an
ANSI editor (for color) or a text editor (for plain ASCII), name it
MENU0.ANS (or MENU0.MSG), and place it in your GFILES directory. The
BBS will print that menu when required.
SECTION FOUR - EXECUTING THE BBS
Startup
Now your system should be initialized, and you are ready to go about
configuring it. To begin configuring your system, you first need to run
the BBS. There are several command-line switches you may select when
running the BBS. At the DOS prompt, the command format is:
C> BBS [/Brate] [/Nlevel] [A/level] [/O] [/H] [/M] [/P]
/B - someone already logged on at rate (specify 300, 1200, 2400, etc)
/N - normal exit level
/A - abnormal exit level
/O - quit WWIV after one caller done
/H - don't hang up on caller when he disconnects
/M - don't access modem at all
/P - for older IBM BIOS machines
Most are self-explanatory. Use /B if somebody is already connected to your
modem and you want to run the BBS. If you don't, the BBS would attempt to
initialize the modem upon startup, something you wouldn't want to happen
if somebody was already on-line. /N and /A are normally used as a pair in
a batch file. The following is an example of such a batch file:
copy con wwiv.bat
:bbs
BBS /N0 /A1 %1 %2 %3 %4 %5
if errorlevel 1 goto bbs
^Z
This batch file would run the BBS, allowing you to enter other switches if
necessary. If the BBS aborted abnormally for any reason (you did NOT hit
Q at WFC), the batch file would automatically reboot the BBS. If the BBS
was terminated normally (you hit Q at WFC), the batch file would end.
One last note about switches. The /M switch may be very useful to you as
you initially set up your BBS. It causes the BBS to totally ignore the
modem. So, you can run the BBS without a modem even attached to the
computer. If you were to try that without the /M switch, the BBS would
lock-up in it's attempt to initialize the modem.
Once you've entered the BBS command to execute the BBS, you will see a
copyright notice, the screen will clear, and "Waiting..." will flash on
the screen for a moment.
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Installation/Configuration
The "Waiting..." message means that the BBS is trying to initialize the
modem. If after 30 seconds, the Waiting... message is still on the
screen, you have a problem with your modem, or the BBS doesn't have the
right information about your modem. If Waiting... is still on your screen
for over 30 seconds, you will need to reboot your computer, and should
then recheck the modem information in the INIT program. If that all looks
correct, you should check your modem itself, perhaps running a terminal
program to make sure everything is working correctly.
After Waiting... disappears from the screen, the screen will be blank.
The system is now waiting for a caller. This mode is termed WFC, for quick
reference.
Creating the Sysop Account
Your first task will be to log on with the sysop account. To do this, you
will hit the spacebar at WFC. You will be asked if you want to log on.
You do, so hit Y. You will be presented with the welcome message, and
will be asked for your name or number or new. You will be new, so type
"NEW" and hit [Enter].
You will be prompted for: your name/alias, real name, phone number,
callsign, sex, birthdate, computer type, screen size, and ANSI support.
The BBS does internal ANSI decoding, so you can always see ANSI locally.
After entering this information, you will be presented with a list, and
asked if you want to change anything. Make sure all is correct, and press
Q.
After verifying your password, you will be logged on and taken to the main
menu. You now need to validate the sysop account. To do this, hit F1. A
window will pop up in the middle of the screen which displays the current
info about the account. You will want to set the SL and DSL to 255, and
the AR and DAR to "ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOP". To do this, enter 255 for SL, and
hit [Enter]. You will now be at the AR prompt. Hold down Z until all
letters appear. In the future, you can toggle letters by typing them. You
can remove a letter by pressing the spacebar while the cursor is over the
letter to be removed, and you can add consecutive letters by holding down
any key that is not an AR setting itself (ie, not A-P). Hit [Enter], and
repeat for DSL and DAR. If there are any restrictions highlighted, move
the cursor to that character (with the left & right arrow keys), and hit
the spacebar to remove that restriction (you can also press the letter
which is indicated to toggle it on or off, just like with the AR and DAR).
When done, hit escape (or F1 again) to quit back to the main menu.
The sysop account is now logged on and validated. Type /O to log off, and
you will be returned to WFC. Please note that there are a few differences
between logging on locally and logging on remotely. First, and most
obviously, the ANSI welcome message (if present) and logon message are not
printed out when you log on locally, because the system assumes you
already know what they are. Furthermore, when logging on locally, you will
not need to enter the system password. When you log on in the future
locally, you can simply press F after pressing the spacebar. That will
immediately log you on, without need of typing your password or phone
number. It will also bypass the welcome message and information screen.
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Initialization/Configuration
You have completed initial setup of your bulletin board. However, you are
far from going on-line with a full-featured BBS. What you have now is a
rather barren bulletin board with one user account - your's. Your BBS
will have one message base already installed, General, and two file
directories, Sysop and Misc. There are no g-file sections, no on-line
programs, no files for transfer, and no messages. Chances are, you do not
have most text files prepared (for news, new callers, info, etc.). Make no
mistake - you have a great deal of work ahead of you. Your next stop is
the WWIV SysOp Guide. It will show you in detail what your main BBS sysop
options are. You will learn how to create and modify message bases and
file directories. You will also see how on-line programs are installed,
and how g-file sections are added. Your bulletin board as it is now is
a shell, waiting for you to personalize with your own interests.
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