Welcome to PcConnect version 3.00
P c C o n n e c t
"the alternative BBS"
Version 3.00 (August 1989)
R E F E R E N C E M A N U A L
Gary Smith
6122 Cedar Wood Drive
Columbia, MD 21044
(301) 740-5880
(301) 596-1180 The Programmer's Corner DC Line
(301) 995-3744 Baltimore Line
WHAT IS THIS PROGRAM?
This program is an electronic bulletin board system. It allows
other computer users to call your system and leave messages,
and exchange files. PcConnect is a full-features BBS that
supports multiple nodes (phone lines), all popular file
transfer protcols, and large message (32,000 per message area)
and user (2 Billion users) capacity for even the largest bulletin
board systems. It also has a powerful file search and retrival
system that allows users to find files quickly and efficiently.
PcConnect supports most multi-taskers, and is compatable with all
local area networks that provide MS-NET share file sharing, and
with Novell networks. 9600 Baud modem support, along with MNP
error-correcting protocols are also supported.
Copyright (c) 1897, 1988, 1989 PC
All Rights Reserved
This version of the documentation, software and copyright
supersedes all previous versions of PcConnect. Aug 1989.
PcConnect software copyright (C) 1987, 1988, 1989 by Gary Smith
All rights reserved.
This document copyright (C) 1989 Gary Smith All rights reserved.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Most of the hardware names in this manual are trademarks or
trade names of specific manufactures.
LICENSE
This version of PcConnect is NOT public domain or free software, but
is being distributed as "shareware".
PcConnect is copyright (C) 1987, 1988, 1989 by Gary Smith
Non-registered users of this software are granted a limited
license to make an evaluation copy for trial use on a private,
noncommercial basis, for the express purpose of determining
whether PcConnect is suitable for their needs. At the end of this
trial period, you should either register your copy or
discontinue using PcConnect.
What does all this really mean? If you regularly use this
program - i.e., once a week or more - then you should pay for
your copy. That way We'll be able to provide you support,
updates and stay in business.
A PcConnect registration entitles you to use the program on any and
all computers available to you, with the following restriction:
If other people have access to this program or may use it, then
you should purchase a site license. See the following section
for information about site licensing or quantity discounts.
All users are granted a limited license to copy PcConnect only for
the trial use of others and subject to the above limitations.
This license does NOT include distribution or copying of this
software package:
1. In connection with any other product or service.
2. For general use within a company or institution.
3. For any consideration or 'disk fee'.
4. Distribution in modified form, i.e., the file containing
this license information MUST be included, along with the
full PcConnect documentation.
Operators of electronic bulletin board systems (Sysops) are
encouraged to post PcConnect for downloading by their users, as
long as the above conditions are met.
If you are the distributor of a public domain or user-supported
software library, then you may be eligible to distribute copies
of PcConnect. You must meet all of the above conditions and acquire
written permission from Gary Smith before doing so, however.
Please call or write for details.
DISCLAIMER
Use of this program acknowledges this disclaimer of warranty:
"This program is supplied as-is. Gary Smith disclaims all
warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation,
the warranties of merchantability and of fitness of this program
for any purpose. Gary Smith assumes no liability for damages
direct or consequential, which may result from the use of this
program."
TRADEMARK
MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
PC-DOS is a registered trademark of IBM Corporation.
Compaq is a registered trademark of Compaq Inc.
Tandy 1000 is a registered trademark of Tandy Corporation.
ORDERING INFORMATION
A PcConnect registration licenses you to use the product on a
regular basis. Registration includes notification of updates and
telephone support. Users need register only one version of
PcConnect; registration includes licensed use of all upgrades.
Registered users can always get the most current version of the
program at a nominal fee ($10.00 as of this writing) by calling
or writing PC
Individual registrations for PcConnect come in two forms. The
first, registration only, costs $75 and assumes you have already
received a copy of the program from whatever source. We will
also send you the next major upgrade of PcConnect when it is
released. Alternatively, if you so specify, we will send you
the current version of the program. We also offer PcConnect with a
printed manual. For $100.00 we will send you the current version
of PcConnect, along with a printed manual.
CORPORATE SITE LICENSES AND QUANTITY PURCHASES
All corporate, business, government or other commercial users of
PcConnect must be registered. We offer quantity discounts starting
at the second copy. Corporate or site licensing is also available.
For single unit orders, use the enclosed order form. We accept
purchase orders in amounts over $150 only. All other orders
should be prepaid.
Please call or write for quantity discount pricing.
Corporate site licensing agreements allow duplication and
distribution of specific numbers of copies within the licensed
institution. Duplication of multiple copies is not allowed
except through execution of a licensing agreement. Site license
fees are base upon estimated number of users.
Note that with a site license, only one copy of the program will
be sent. You will be responsible for distributing additional
copies.
Please call or write for site licensing pricing.
ALL PRICES AND DISCOUNTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
Discounts are not cumulative; they apply to single orders of
like products only. Unit prices are the same as for individual
users.
WARNING: YOU MAY NOT USE PcConnect WITHIN YOUR ORGANIZATION WITHOUT
A PRIOR PURCHASE OR LICENSE ARRANGEMENT.
Please use the enclosed order form when placing an order.
Sorry, no C.O.D. orders will be accepted.
Educational institutions, full-time students can apply a
20% discount on all prices. PLEASE include your
educational institution letter head (with your title) or a
photocopy of your most recent registration slip,along
with any other relevant information.
CUSTOM VERSIONS
We can produce custom versions of PcConnect, for your private or
commercial use (i.e., to be distributed with your software).
Give us a call. Our prices are very reasonable.
Please direct all inquiries to:
Gary Smith
6122 Cedar Wood Drive
Columbia, MD 21044
Phone: (301) 740-5880 6:00 - 9:00 EST ONLY.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
FEATURES
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
QUICK START
APPENDIXES
WONDERFUL WORK OF ARCHIVERS
PcCONNECT EDITORS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
INTRODUCTION
This manual describes the use and operation of PcConnect, a
full-featured Bulletin Board System for the IBM PC and compatible
computers. The manual includes installation instructions, an
overview of PcConnect's major features, and a reference guide for
all of PcConnect's commands.
You may be asking, why another BBS package? This is a good
question, and one I hope I can answer. The main reason that
I set out writing PcConnect was because I was frustrated with the
existing BBS packages. I was basically a Sysop who had tried lots of
BBS software, but all of them had serious problems in my eyes.
Because I am the type who feels I can always write a better system, I
set out to do that. At first I only wanted to provide myself with
a powerful, yet flexible system, however I quickly got a several
messages from my users asking when I would be releasing PcConnect.
Well at first I wanted to keep it to myself, but have since decided
to share my work with others.
PcConnect's personality is heavily influenced by the goals set in
developing PcConnect. These were and are:
- Fast operation. Above all else, PcConnect was designed to
operate quickly, especially in these areas:
- Message reading and searching
- File listing display and searching
- Multiple Node access while multitasking
- Greater speed when using multitaskers
- Accessing communication ports
- Ease of use. This version of PcConnect incorporates many features
not available with other BBS software. The main focus in its
design was making the initial user log-on as painless as possible.
- Compactness. Every effort was made to keep the code size as
small as possible. Even though memory is getting cheaper all
the time, we didn't want PcConnect to require any more memory
than absolutely necessary.
FEATURES
These are some of the many features you will enjoy while using
PcConnect:
- VERY FAST!
- Reliable
- Easy to use
- Very easy for first-time users
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
PcConnect will run on the IBM PS/2, PC/AT, PC/XT, PC, and on
IBM compatible computers including the Compaq 386/20, Tandy 1000,
and Epson PC's. Minimum requirements are:
300 KB of memory (although PcConnect will use up to 640 KB if
it is available).
PC-DOS or MS-DOS 2.0 or greater.
One 10 Meg or larger Hard drive .
Either a color or a monochrome monitor with 80-column
display.
QUICK START
We have tried to make using PcConnect very simple and
straightforward.
- Getting Started
After running SETUP.EXE, all user areas and records will be
written and created. Setup will ask you where you want to
place all of PcConnect's files and it will then move them to
that drive. The actual directory tree and a list of all files
that belong in each directory is at the end of the documentation.
Setup will also ask you some information about yourself, such as
phone number,password, etc. These are used if you log on remotely,
and can be changed at any time using the user editor. At this
point you will only need to run the actual program PCC.EXE, either
from the command line or in a batchfile (P.BAT) that would look
like this :
C: - Change to correct drive
SET DSZLOG=\PCONNECT\SYSTEM\DSZLOG.PCC - File log directory
Cd \PCONNECT - Change to correct directory
pcc.exe - Run PcConnect
if errorlevel 2 goto done - exits batch file if F10 was
pressed while in PcConnect.
P.BAT - Start Over when user leaves
: done
This file is included and placed in the \PCONNECT directory during
the setup procedure. Although PcConnect does not need to be run
from a batch file, it increases the reliability of the software.
For example if there was a run-time error (Heaven Forbid!),
PcConnect would log the error, alert the current user and exit to
DOS after cleaning up. This is the safest way to reliably allow
the system to resume operation. Hit the ESCape key to log on
locally and as the Sysop you will log in as either user number one,
or as SYSOP. After a quick run through, you will realize that
several files will need to be generated or created by the Sysop.
These include:
1) Any bulletins you may want. These are in the format:
BULLETIN.(Bulletin Number) - Simple text file
BULLETIN.AN(Bulletin Number) - Ansi file
2) LOGIN.TXT - Displayed immediately at log-in.
3) NEWUSER.TXT - Displayed immediately to a new user.
4) GOODBYE.80 and GOODBYE.ANS - which are displayed
to the user at log off.
5) All the help files for the Menu Command Prompts. These
are in the format:
MenuName.( 80 and ANS )
For example Welcome.80 and Welcome.Ans.
Those that are need are:
FILEMENU
MAINMENU
MESSMENU
QSTMENU
TRIVIAME
VOTEMENU
WELCOME
Sample menus are provided that you may customize.
5) Any Questionnaires that maybe wanted. These are in the
format :
QUEST( Questionnaire Number ).QST
Use an Alt-232 at the spot in the Questionnaire where
you want the user to input data. This symbol is Φ
A sample QUEST1.QST is provided that may be modified for
your application.
6) Any Trivia questions that you would like to enter. Use *
to enter the sysop menu.
7) Any Voting Booths that you may want. Again, use * to enter
the Voting Booth sysop menu.
- In PcConnect
All Sysop commands can be reached with an * at the menu prompts.
Only the Sysop has access to these commands.
- Getting Out
To get out of PcConnect, simply type L at the main command level
to log-out. This will recycle the board and wait for the next log
on, or the next local log on. Alternatively you may hit F10 at
any time to leave cleanly and exit the batch file and return to
the DOS prompt, or F9 to instantly drop carrier and recycle the
board. The F9 and F10 can be used either while logged in locally
or when a user is logged in remotely.
- Modem Configuration
One of the most painful and most difficult part of setting up
a BBS is trying to get a none Hayes modem to work with a BBS.
PcConnect was designed to be used with a wide range of modems, as
long as they are Hayes compatible. Mainly we are looking for the
ability to return verbal result codes, and provide for auto-answer.
The modem most also provide true Carrier Detect and DTR. For
example if your modem is not connected to another, carrier should
be false. Also when DTR is dropped your modem should drop carrier
and then return back on line. If you have problems with a specific
modem, please upload or send a copy of the documentation and we
shall try and work things out. To start with, follow these
guidelines :
1) In your modem initialization string, which can be changed
with the CONFIG.EXE program, use AT followed by
the required commands. For example, AT S0=1 X4 M0
You want to have :
E1 - Echo ON, displays commands, usually the default setting.
M0 - Turns speaker OFF, saves your ears.
Q0 - Quiet OFF, returns codes, usually default.
S0=1 - Turns on auto-answer
V1 - Returns codes in verbal format, usually default.
X1 or higher - Specific to modem, set at highest usually. Tells
modem to return full Hayes Verbal comments. Must return
Connect, Connect 1200, and Connect 2400 if using 2400 baud
modem.
Some modems :
&D and some number tells the modem to follow DTR. Refer to modem
manual. &C and some number tells the modem to perform carrier
checking, refer to modem manual.
So basically, you must have AT E1 Q0 S0=1 V1 X1 for PcConnect to
work. If some of these are the modem's default, you may (and
should) leave them out. For example for :
US Robotics 2400 - AT S0=1 X4 M0
Ven-Tel 2400 - AT S0=1 X4 M0
All FastComm modems - AT S0=1 X4 M0
- High speed modems
At this time PcConnect should work with most 9600 baud modems, and
MNP error correcting modems. PcConnect has been tested with all
FastComm modems, and several other 2400 MNP modems. If PcConnect
does not recognize the error correcting protocol, please get in
touch with us, and we will try and add support for your modem.
When the serial port speed is set at 9600 baud or higher, it will
lock in at that speed. This requires that the modem perform
automatic speed syncing with the incoming call. All popular
error-correcting modems will do this.
- Understanding the Basics
PcConnect is very similar to most BBS system currently in
circulation, but also is different in several ways. I will try
my best to explain the differences, but I will assume that
a potential PcConnect Sysop has experience in running a BBS, or
at the very least has used one of the more popular systems and
become familiar with their structure and operation.
The first major difference you may notice is that when a user
logs on remotely, the user is asked for the last four digits of
their phone number along with the usual password. This is added
as an extra protection against unauthorized entry under another
users account. If the user is logging on for the first time, they
will be sent to a new user area where they are required to fill out
basic information (i.e. Name, password, phone number, etc.). From
there the user is greeted by the usual welcome screen which will
be an ANSI screen if color is enabled, or a straight text file if
color is not requested. It is at this point that the user reaches
the main menu.
One of the strongest features of PcConnect is the file area.
Files are separated by category and stored in separate directories
that correspond to a unique file area created by the Sysop. For
example a Sysop may group all of his Utility files in a file area
called Utility Files which are all stored in the directory
c:\utility:
Communication File - c:\comm
Pascal Source - d:\pascal
C Source - c:\csource
etc..
In your FILE directory a file called DIR(File Area Number).PCC
lives. This file lists all of the files contained in that File Area's
directory. Along with the file name, a description, who uploaded the file,
how many people downloaded it, and the date it was uploaded are also
included with other important information about the file. This allows
rapid access to a given file by many different methods. PcConnect controls
unwanted downloading via a system of file points. Each file is assigned a
file point status, which represents the number of points required by a user
to download that file. File points can be assigned by the Sysop,
earned through uploading, or won by playing Trivia. This feature
is completely optional, yet does provide a powerful method of
controlling a specific upload to download ratio. PcConnect also
supports a rich set of transfer protocols including Zmodem,
Ymodem, Xmodem, Wxmodem, Sealink, Kermit, 1K-Xmodem, JModem, and
Megalink. All of these protocols are accessed through a separate
external module that is shelled out to. PcConnect operates this
way so that highly specific protocols can be included. These
transfer modules are not written by the authors of PcConnect, and
are included with the full documentation provided by their
individual authors. These programs are shareware and if used
they must be registered with their respective authors.
External protocols are not supplied with PcConnect, they must be
downloaded from the system where you downloaded PcConnect from, or
they can be downloaded from my board, The Programmer's Corner.
These programs should be placed in the systems directory, and
named:
DSZ by Chuck Forsberg - DSZ.EXE
Megalink by P&M Software Company - MLINK.COM
PKXARC & PKARC by PKWARE Inc. - PKARC.COM and PKXARC.COM
PKZIP & PKUNZIP by PKWARE Inc. - PKZIP.EXE and PKUNZIP.EXE
CLINK by System Enhancement Associates - CLINK.EXE
PCKERMIT by Jan A. van der Eijk NUS Corporation - PCKERMIT.EXE
JMODEM - JMODEM.COM
The message area is similar to the file area in that specific
topics or subjects are broken into unique areas that group topics.
For example a sample BBS may have three message areas :
Area #1 General - General messages between users
Area #2 Pascal - Messages concerning Pascal
Area #3 C - Messages concerning C
Users can enter messages to other users both as an open message,
or as a private message which only the sender and receiver can
view. Users can also request to read a message in a variety of
ways. All messages areas use a unique indexing scheme that
prevents messages from becoming corrupt if power is lost.
Powerful sysop functions allow you to delete ranges of messages,
add message areas, and transfer messages from one area to another.
Voting Booths are provided, which allow users to state their
feelings on questions posed by the Sysop. Users can either enter
new choices, or vote for a selection that has already been
entered. Selections are saved along with the user name in an ASCII
file for later analysis.
Questionnaires allow the Sysop to collect information on users.
The Sysop generates an ASCII files that lists individual
questions, followed by the ASCII character 232 Φ This symbol
tells PcConnect to collect the following input as the answer to
the previous question. This data is saved in an ASCII file along
with the user name.
The Trivia Area is included to provide a little entertainment. The
sysop can enter trivia questions under specific categories, if the
user answers correctly, bonus points are awarded. This module is
completely optional, and can be eliminated through access levels
from the CONFIG program.
CONSOLE COMMANDS
The last two lines of the display are devoted to displaying to the
sysop information about the caller who is presently logged on.
To summarize:
Yell: This displays Y if currently in chat hours, N if not.
TLeft: The amount of time the user has left for today.
TOn: The amount of time the user has been on this session.
Logs: The number of times the user has logged on.
Lvl: The users current access level.
Age: What else, the users age.
DL: The number of files the user has DownLoaded from your BBS.
UL: The number of files the user has UpLoaded to your BBS.
Posts: The number of messages left by the user on your BBS.
number: The users IDNum.
username: The users name.
city,
state: Where the user is calling from.
LCall: The last time the caller visited your board.
There are several commands that can be used from the console while
as user is logged on. Besides your ability to just enter any
characters, the sysop may also enter the following commands.
Alt-A Adds Two Minutes to the users time for the day.
Alt-S Subtracts two Minutes from the users time for the day
Alt-X Activates Sysop Chat mode.
F8) Redraws the screen in case of bleedthrough using a
multitasker.
F9) Instantly hangs-up on user, does not clean up all files.
F10) Gracefully logs current user.
YELL
When a user Yells, Alt-X will answer the yell and enter chat mode.
When finished, simply enter Alt-X to return to the board. Alt-X
at any time will pop up the sysop chat window.
MENUS
This version of PcConnect includes a simple system of command menus.
These menus display most of the commands offered at the current
level, at the commands are activated by the first letter of the
command. For example if the menu was :
Main Command [ Message, File, Bulletin ]
M would enter the message area, F the file area, etc. For casual
users, new users, or for seldom used commands, this system is hard
to beat. When or if a user decides he no longer needs these menus,
a simply typing X at the main command for eXpert will prevent the
full menus from being displayed. For more intensive help, typing H
for Help will display a text file with the appropriate help. These
helps screens must be written by the sysop and can be regular ASCII
or ANSI files.
A Command Overview
PcConnect's main command line is where the user first gets to
make his first decision. The possible choices are:
Comment - Leaves a comment to the sysop in a private
message. This allows a user to easily leave a message
to the sysop with out having to enter the message area.
The message will be sent immediately to the sysop, and
the message will reside in the main message area.
Files - The File Area is where all Public Domain files
are held, and available for download. Files can be both
uploaded or downloaded via many protocols, those that are
available include Kermit, Xmodem, 1K-Xmodem, Ymodem,
Sealink, Megalink, Wxmodem, and Zmodem. Individual files
in archived files can be displayed or downloaded with
out sending the entire file. Files can be assigned a
point total so that file accounting may be maintained.
This prevents unwanted user downloading to specific files.
Messages - PcConnect supports a full-featured message area
that includes an easy to use message editor that includes
the ability to easily include color into message. Message
Areas can be created to separate messages into a logical
framework. Included in the message area is a unique
error-prevention system that provides for a robust message
system that provides full message integrity in case of
power outage while users are on the system.
Bulletins - Bulletins are supported via either a simple
user selection menu, or through the use of time stamps.
If a bulletins text file has changed, the system senses
this, and if the sysop wants, all users will be shown the
bulletin at log-in.
Setup - User setup allows the user to change certain
system setups such as password, phone number, ANSI
preference, etc.
Log Off - Logs user off, the preferred method of exiting
PcConnect, however loss of carrier will also cause the
system to log the user off. In addition the Sysop can
either use F9 or F10 to log of the current user. F10
will display the log-off message, while F9 will just
drop carrier.
Questionnaire - PcConnect supports several questionnaires that
are generated by the sysop. Answers are saved to a file,
available to the sysop as a text file. The sysop can
choose to force the user to answer the questionnaire,
or let them choose it at will.
Trivia - This was provided as a relaxing change of pace.
The sysop or a sysop designated user enters the questions,
and users try to answer the questions in order to get time
and file points.
Vote - This allows the sysop to pose controversial
questions to his users and provide a running total of who
voted for what, and what the total number of votes cast
are.
Xpert - Switches between full menus or partial menus.
Allows users to decide the amount of help that they want.
Yell - Allows the user to Yell for the sysop. If the
Sysop is available, (Sysop Hours can be set with the
CONFIG program), a loud beep will be heard for 30 seconds,
or until the Sysop answers the page.
Z - Prints the opening screen that shows what has
occurred on the BBS since the users last call.
Help - Provides full help and information to the user
about a given area. This file is created by the sysop
so that he may tailor make it for his board.
The Sysop functions available from the main command menu are:
Sysop Edit - Enters external user editor if memory allows
and Sysop is logged on locally. Otherwise, the Sysop
will enter the built in user editor. Both editors
allow the Sysop to edit an individuals user information.
Bad File List - This function allows Sysops to specify files that
are not allowed to be uploaded. This is useful to block
known pirated files, or old copies of popular programs.
This file is kept alphabetically, and the sysop can add
and delete files. An explanation of the why the file is
blocked is also provided.
In the File Area, the commands are:
Area Change - All files are held in file areas, use this
command to switch between the various areas.
File List - Displays all files in the current file area.
Allows partial listing by specifying a range of files.
Upload - Allows users to upload files, supports most
current file transfer protocols. Adds file points to
user if sysop selects file point accounting.
Download - Allows users to download files, supports most
current file transfer protocols. Subtracts file points
to user if sysop selects file point accounting.
Search - Search through all file areas for the specified
file. Supports full wildcards with the same
specifications as DOS. Files are found quickly even in
the largest of file collections.
New Scan - Lists all files uploaded or added since the users
last login, or by a specified date. Useful in finding new
files without having to search many areas.
Quit - Returns to main menu.
View Archive - Shows user the individual files that comprise
a given archived file. Also allows the user to display or
download an individual file belonging to an archived file.
At this time only ZIP and ARC files are supported, other
compression programs will be added as they are developed.
WhereIs - Where Is is a very powerful command. It allows
the user to search for a keyword or phrase in the file
area. It will search all file names, descriptions, and
uploaders. It is fully optimized, and can find any one
instance in thousands of files in mere seconds.
Z - Shows user statistics such as time remaining,
files uploaded, and files downloaded.
Help - Provides help in the file area.
* - Enters external Sysop utility if memory allows
and Sysop is logged on locally. Otherwise the user enters
the built in file editor which commands are:
Add File - Adds a file to the current file area.
Change File - Allows the Sysop to change certain
information concerning a file.
Delete File - Deletes a file from the current area.
Edit Area - Allows the Sysop to change certain
information concerning an area.
New Area - Creates a new area for files to be
stored.
Remove Area - Removes a file area.
Transfer File - Transfers a file from one area to
another.
Quit - Returns to File command menu.
In the Message Area, the commands are:
Area Change - Messages are kept in message areas in order
to logically separate messages into common groups. This
command allows the user to move between these groups.
Delete - Prompts the user for a message number to delete.
A user can only delete a message is To or From himself.
The sysop may delete any message.
Enter - Allows the user to enter a message that can
be either to a specific person or to a group of people.
Messages can also be sent privately which only allows
the sender or receiver to view the message. Others are
open messages that all can see.
The message editor commands :
Control-S - Skips a line and prints the users
signature.
Control-Z - Ends the message.
| - followed by a number from 00 to 15 selects
foreground color
@@ - followed by a number from 00 to 07 selects
background color
For example:
@@00 and |00 are Black
@@01 and |01 are Blue
@@02 and |02 are Green
@@03 and |03 are Cyan
@@04 and |04 are Red
@@05 and |05 are Magenta
@@06 and |06 are Brown
@@07 and |07 are Light Gray
|08 is Dark Gray
|09 is Light Blue
|10 is Light Green
|11 is Light Cyan
|12 is Light Red
|13 is Light Magenta
|14 is Yellow
|15 is White
And the Edit Menu commands are:
Abort - Aborts the message and does not send it.
Continue - Allows the user to continue writing after
typing Control-Z.
Save - Saves message and sends to receiver.
Replace - Allows a word or phrase to be replaced.
List - Lists the message as the receiver would see
it.
New Scan - Allows user to scan all new open and private
messages to them since last login. Also can be used to
view all mail from a specified date. NewScan pointers are
based on the last message read, not from the last time
that the user logs in.
Read - Prompts the user for a message to read or to
display all new messages in the current area.
Read commands are :
Again - Re-displays the last message shown on
screen.
Back-word Thread - Goes to the previous message after
the current message that shares the
same subject.
Continuous - Displays messages forward from current
message continuously.
Delete - Deletes the current message on screen. The
user must be the receiver or sender, or the
Sysop.
Next - Display the next message after the current
message on screen.
Previous - Display the previous message before the
current message on screen.
Reply - Allows user to reply either in an open or
private message to the current message on
screen.
Thread - Goes to the next message after the current
message that shares the same subject.
Quit - Returns to the message command menu.
Number(1,2,Etc) - Selects that message number if valid.
Quit - Returns to Main command menu.
Help - Displays message area help
* - Enters Sysop Message Editor which commands are:
Delete Area - Deletes a Message Area and all
messages contained in it.
Kill Message - Allows a range of messages to be
specified for deletion.
Modify Area - Allows Sysop to change certain
information concerning a message
area.
Rebuild Messages - No longer needed, use seperate
utility if needed. Highly unlikely
unless of disk surfice failure
Transfer Message - Transfers a message from one area to
another
Quit - Returns to Message command menu.
In the Voting Area the commands are :
Number (1,2,Etc) - Selects the Voting Booth to vote in.
Results - Allows the user to see how many people voted
for a given choice.
List - List all the Voting Booths available to vote in.
Quit - Returns to Main menu command.
Help - Displays voting booth area help.
* - Enters Voting Editor which commands are:
Add Booth - Adds a Booth to the Voting Area.
Change Booth - Allows Sysop to change a Voting Booth.
Delete Booth - Allows Sysop to delete a Voting Booth.
Quit - Returns to Voting command menu.
In the Questionnaire Area the commands are :
Number (1,2,Etc) - Selects the Questionnaire to fill out.
List - List all the Questionnaires available to fill
out.
Quit - Returns to Main menu command.
Help - Displays questionnaire area help.
* - Enters Questionnaire Editor which commands are:
Add Quest. - Adds a questionnaire to the system.
Delete Quest. - Removes a questionnaire from the
system.
Quit - Returns to Questionnaire command menu.
In the Trivia Area the commands are :
Number (1,2,Etc) - Selects the Trivia Category to try.
List - List all the Trivia Categories available.
Quit - Returns to Main menu command.
Help - Displays trivia area help.
* - Enters Trivia Editor which commands are:
Add Category - Adds a Category to the Trivia Area.
Change Category - Allows Sysop to change Category
Name.
Modify Category - Allows Sysop to change Questions and
Answers in a given Category.
Quit - Returns to Trivia command menu.
In the Bulletin Area the commands are :
Number (1,2,Etc) - Selects the Bulletin to read.
List - List all the Bulletins available for reading.
Quit - Returns to Main menu command.
Help - Displays bulletin area help.
* - Enters Bulletin Editor which commands are:
Add Bulletin - Adds a bulletin to the system.
Delete Bulletin - Removes a bulletin from the system.
Quit - Returns to Bulletin command menu.
CONFIGURATION
One of PcConnect's nicest features is its high degree of
configurability. With the supplied configuration program,
CONFIG.EXE, you can:
Change default colors.
Change default directories.
Assign user access levels.
Personalize your BBS.
And set many other options.
DIRECTORY TREE
\PCONNECT
pcc.exe - The actual PcConnect program
pcc.ovr - Overlay file for PcConnect
config.exe - Configuration program for PcConnect
p.bat - PcConnect's batch file
userlist.pcc - User Database file
filearea.pcc - File Area Database file
config.pcc - Configuration Database file
slist.pcc - Additional user information
\PCONNECT\MESSAGE
Mess1.DAT \
Mess1.IX \
Mess1.DIA | -- Message area files for area 1
messarea.pcc - Message Area Database file
D:\PCONNECT\SYSTEM
pkxarc.com - PkWare,Inc's fabulous un-arcer
pkarc.com - PkWare,Inc's fabulous arcer
pkzip.exe
pkunzip.exe
lharc.exe
pak.exe
fv.com by Vern Buerg
You MUST register these programs if you plan on using them.
Send a donation to PkWare and let them know you are using it
with PcConnect.
quotes.bbs - A large database of quotes that PcConnect uses
dsz.arc - Foresburg's fabulous Zmodem protocol. You must
register this program with Omen Technology, let
them know you are using it with PcConnect.
dsz.com
sysstats.pcc - Contains System Stats
logger.rec - Contains User Stats
errors.pcc - Hopefully you will never see this file, it
contains a data dump if an error occurs in
PcConnect, please pass it along to Gary Smith.
userlog.pcc - This file is an ASCII file that logs exactly what
a user did while he was logged on. This should
be deleted occasionally as it can grow fairly
large.
Any other file protocols that you use must also be included in this
directory, such as :
Megalink by P&M Software Company - MLINK.COM
CLINK by System Enhancement Associates - CLINK.EXE
PCKERMIT by Jan A. van der Eijk NUS Corporation - PCKERMIT.EXE
JMODEM - JMODEM.COM
\PCONNECT\BULLETIN
bulletin.pcc - Contains Bulletin information
BULLETIN.(Bulletin Number) - Simple text file
BULLETIN.AN(Bulletin Number) - Ansi file
\PCONNECT\QSTNRE
question.pcc - Contains Questionnaire information
quest(Questionnaire Number).qst - Text file that is the questionnaire.
\PCONNECT\MENU
bullmenu.80 \
bullmenu.ans \
filemenu.80 \
filemenu.ans \
goodbye.80 \
goodbye.ans \
login.txt \
mainmenu.80 \
mainmenu.ans \
messmenu.80 | These files are the actual menu files. There
messmenu.ans | needs to be both an ANSI and text version of
| each. The Sysop MUST create these.
newuser.txt /
qstmenu.80 /
qstmenu.ans /
triviame.80 /
triviame.ans /
votemenu.80 /
votemenu.ans /
welcome.80 /
welcome.ans /
\PCONNECT\VOTE
vote.pcc - Contains Voting Booth information
vote(Voting Booth Number).CHS - Voting Booth Database
vote(Voting Booth Number).WHO - Text file listing what users voted
for what choice.
\PCONNECT\TRIVIA
Trivia.pcc - Contains Trivia information
Tquest.(Trivia Number) \ Trivia files that contain the Trivia
Trivia(TriviaNumber).Qst / questions and answers.
\PCONNECT\ARC
This directory should always be empty, it is only used as workspace
for the ViewArc segment of the program. Any files that may be found
in this directory can and should be deleted.
\PCONNECT\FILE
This directory holds all your DIR.PCC files. They will be in the
format DIR(File Area Number).PCC. If you use PcConnect's external
file editor (PCCFE) you will also have DIR.BAK and DIR.TMP files
in this directory.
APPENDIXES
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF ARCHIVERS
One of the best, and worst thing to have happened to the BBS world
lately is the much talked about archive wars. While this has brought the
BBS community a large set of archiving programs, with each new generation
being more efficient, it has also created some massive headaches. To solve
this problem, PcConnect now supports all the major archiving formats
(PKARC, PKZIP, LHARC, and PAK), and will continue to do so in the future.
The View Arc command now uses Vern Buerg's EXCELLENT file viewer, and then
that information is parsed and displayed to the user. If a user wants to
View an archive, PcConnect will use the appropraite unarchiver and display
the resulting file. For View Arc to work, the following files MUST be
included in your SYSTEM directory :
PKARC These files MUST be spelled correctly in
PKXARC order for them to function properly.
PKZIP If you have PkPak, rename it to PKARC,
PKUNZIP the same is true for PKUnPak. All
LHARC of these files are available from most
PAK quality BBS's. If you can not find them,
FV you can download them from my board.
EDITORS and SUCH
There are several additional files that may be of use to you
if you decide to set PcConnect up as a full time system. Many
of them can be downloaded from your favorite BBS, such as the
files above. However, we have also written some small programs
that will help you run a full time board. We have a user editor,
and file editor that are really needed to run a full-time BBS.
You do not need these to start out, but you will probably
want to get them. Other tools include a Quote editor, a log
viewing facility, etc. All of these files are available on
my board, or most other PcConnect BBS's. Any new user may
download them from my board on their first visit.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gary Smith is a native of Maryland. He graduated from the
University of Maryland, and since college has worked for
The Discovery Channel as a software engineer. In 1988 he
went into part-time consulting, specializing in systems and
applications work on Micros. Besides PcConnect, he is also
the co-author of numerous libraries for Turbo Pascal. When
he's away from the computer (which is very seldom these days)
he enjoys listening to classic rock music, driving one of his
three sports cars, and spending quiet evenings home with his
wife.