SBBS_110.DOC

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▄██▄ v1.10

SuperBBS designed and programmed by:

Aki Antman and Risto Virkkala

Some external programs by:

Jouni Malinen

Documentation by:

Frank Hemmelder

Documentation (v1.10FH01) for SuperBBS v1.10, february 1991.

SuperBBS, the specific external utilities and this documentation are pro-
tected under the copyright laws of Finland and other countries. You are not
authorized to edit, change, loan etc. these files without the written
permission of the copyright holder(s).

Woerden, Holland, 31-01-91, 17:53.

Release date: 1 february 1991, Woerden.

SuperBBS documentation index:

1. General information
1.1 About this documentation.................................2
1.2 Credits..................................................2
1.3 How to get help..........................................3
1.4 How to contact us........................................3
1.5 Disclaimer and other legal stuff.........................4
1.6 Registrations............................................5
1.7 Registration costs.......................................5
1.8 Differnces between registered and unregistered...........7
1.9 Distribution files.......................................8

2. Installation
2.1 Unpacking the archive....................................9
2.2 Configuring SuperBBS....................................10
2.3 SBBS environment variable...............................29

3. Language support and converting from QuickBBS/RemoteAccess
3.1 Running the language program............................29
3.2 The Language.ctl file...................................31
3.3 Converting from other software..........................31

4. System requirements
4.1 Software................................................32
4.2 Hardware................................................32

5. Menus
5.1 Setting up a menu system................................32
5.2 Menu commands...........................................34
5.3 Menu templating.........................................47
5.4 Changing hard coded menu options........................48
5.5 Control codes in ANS/ASC files and menus................49
5.6 Additional control characters...........................51
5.7 Include1.Mnu menu file..................................51

6. Message base
6.1 General information.....................................52
6.2 Sysop keys available....................................52

7. File base
7.1 General information.....................................53
7.2 The extract, view and Temp-dir option...................53

8. Support files
8.1 General information.....................................53
8.2 ANSI and ASCII support files............................54
8.3 .CTL, .LNG and .BBS support files.......................57

9. Questionnaire
9.1 General information.....................................60
9.2 Available commands and example..........................60

Page 1a SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

10. Running SuperBBS
10.1 General information....................................65
10.2 Command line options...................................65
10.3 On-line sysops keys....................................66
10.4 On-line users keys.....................................67
10.5 Errorlevels............................................68
10.6 Chat and yell..........................................68
10.7 Alias system...........................................68
10.8 View a file............................................69
10.9 Menu file to run.......................................69

11. Multi tasking and multi-node
11.1 General information....................................69
11.2 Setting up multi-node support..........................69
11.3 Multi taskers..........................................70

12. Net and echomail
12.1 General information....................................71
12.2 Netmail................................................71
12.3 Echomail...............................................71

13. External files and utilities
13.1 General information....................................72
13.2 Userpack...............................................72
13.3 Sbbsuser...............................................73
13.4 Sbbsutil...............................................74
13.5 Usersort...............................................74
13.6 Non SuperBBS programs..................................74

14. Documentation
14.1 General information....................................75
14.2 Missing parts and credit...............................76
14.3 Support nodes..........................................76

15. Appendixes
A. Batchfiles...............................................77
B. Hardware tested with SuperBBS............................79
C. Turbo Pascal errorlist...................................80
D. Bugreport form...........................................81
E. Suggestion form..........................................82

Notice:

There is no index supplied with this documentation file. Please
read the information in this document carefully. The writer of
the documentation is not responsible for any damage to you or
your system(s) comming from the use of this documentation.

Page 1b SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

1 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 This is now the seventh public release of SuperBBS, which is still under
development. There have been quite a few changes from the first public
release (v1.00). This is the documentation for version 1.10.

I'm not planning to write documentation for every SuperBBS release,
because I simply don't have enough time for that. When there are enough
new features in SuperBBS, I will write an updated documentation. Smaller
updates will be covered in a special 'What's new' file with every
release. I hope this is fine with you.

Also note that English is not my native language, so there might be some
strange words in this documentation. (I'm Dutch and having WordPerfect
helps, but still...... ;-)

SuperBBS has become a very big and powerful bulletin board software
program with many new and useful features, which other BBS programs
don't offer. We hope you will enjoy running SuperBBS on your system.

In this small time we have established an international FidoNet echomail
area named 'SUPERBBS'. Ask for it at your Fidonet Hub or Host. This way
you will be kept up to date on the latest developments on SuperBBS and
the utilities. There is also a SuperBBS SDS support area.

1.2 Here are the credits of SuperBBS:

Programming and designing:

Aki Antman and Risto Virkkala

Documentation originally by:

Pasi Haatanen

Documentation updated and revised by:

Frank Hemmelder

Protocol Engine (PE):

Page 2 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

1.3 How to get help if you have problems:

SuperBBS HeadQuarters
BBS: SuperBBS H.Q.
+358-(9)0-341-1398
HST, V32 DS, 24 Hrs
FidoNet: 2:220/620
SysOp: Aki Antman

or by mail:

Address: Aki Antman
(SuperBBS H.Q.)
Porslahdentie 23 G 40
SF-00980 Helsinki
Finland, Europe

1.4 You can simply contact us one of the following ways:

1. Send a snailmail letter directly to the authors of SuperBBS (to
above SuperBBS H.Q. address. Please include payment for returning
the answer!!!)

2. Send a netmail message from any FidoNet or SuperBBSNet board to
above Fidonet addresses. (Please include Fidonet address where to
send answer to!)

3. Enter a public message in the international SuperBBS echomail area.
You will receive your answer in the same echo area. Depending on
the location you posted your message, this could take some time.

FidoNet is a worldwide network, and contains over 8,000 systems around
the world, so it is easy to post a message from any country through
Fidonet.

Page 3 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

1.5 Disclaimer:

The authors of SuperBBS and the utilities are NEVER responsible for any
damage occurring through the use of SuperBBS and/or utilities. We only
guarantee that SuperBBS will take up space on your harddisk. It has been
tested on several systems and it works there, but this doesn't mean it
won't destroy your HDU or kill your cat or dog. Use at your own risk!

However, if you do find an undocumented feature or are having problems
with running SuperBBS on your system, we would like to hear from you.
Please contact us, so we might be able to fix the problem.

SuperBBS may not be used in any UNLAWFUL manner or illegal activity. If
this will happen, we will inform the local authorities.

You are not allowed to modify ANY of the executable files of SuperBBS or
to change this documentation.

The authors don't guarantee any future releases of SuperBBS.

All files belonging to the SuperBBS package are Copyrighted 1990/1991
by, in alphabetical order: Aki Antman, and Risto Virkkala. Current
documentation is copyrighted by Frank Hemmelder. (1991)

You are not allowed to modify, patch, disassemble (or anything like
that) these files without the written permission from the copyright
holders. You are not allowed to ship the SuperBBS programs, or part of
the programs, in other software/hardware packages without written
permission from the copyright holders.

Sysops of bulletin boards are allowed to post the SuperBBS software
package for download to their users in an unmodified version and as long
as no charge is asked for downloading the software. It is not allowed to
add BBS commercials to the software archive.

Page 4 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

1.6 Registration information:

SuperBBS is released under the ShareWare concept, so you can try it for
30 days before you have to register this product or stop using it. If
you are using this software after the 30 days trail limit, you MUST
register. This software is not cripple in any way. You can test the
whole package, except for some special functions which are only availa-
ble to registered users.

Please support the shareware concept. Through this concept it is possi-
ble to test the software before paying for it. If you decide the softwa-
re is 'just what you wanted', you will need to register. If you don't
register, you will violate the Shareware concept. This could mean that
the next version will be a commercial one, so you won't be able to try
it before buying.

>>>> Register ShareWare - Guarantee the future of SW programs. <<<<

Registration of SuperBBS entitles you to use the software after a period
of 30 days. It will also give you access to the functions in the main
program only available to registered users. Registration entitles you to
use any SuperBBS release up to version 1.99. (Currently v1.10) This will
take a long time and many new releases and improvements.

1.7 Registration costs:

Registration in FINLAND: (Only Finland !!)

Send FIM 150,- to the account: '710125 - 313639 STS', _PAYABLE_ to Risto
Virkkala and send in the registration form with the following informati-
on:

- The Sysop name to register SuperBBS to
- The BBS name to register SuperBBS to

Please note that upper and lower case are different!

- Your real name
- Your address
- Your voice and data phone numbers
- Your FidoNet address (if available)

When we received your payment, your registration code will be posted to
you. This can take some time, so please be patient.

Page 5 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Registration abroad:

Send US $50 cheque or money order to the SuperBBS HeadQuarters address
posted. Make cheques payable to: Risto Virkkala. Make sure your shipment
arrives in good order. Creditcards can't be accepted at this moment.

Please include the following information. Note that upper and lower case
are different with the registration names!

- The Sysop name to register SuperBBS to
- The BBS name to register SuperBBS to
- Your real name
- Your full address including Country
- Your full (international) voice and data phone numbers
- Your Fidonet address (if available)

If you are part of Fidonet, please include your BBS opening hours, so we
can crash your registration key to your board. This will give a faster
turn around time then by mail.

You will receive your registration key after we have received your
money. Please allow some time for processing and handling.

Site registering (licensing) is also available:

5-9 boards..... US $45
10-more boards..... US $40

Please authorize one of you to register all boards on the site. This
person has to send us the information and money for the registration and
we will send him/her the registration codes for all boards. Do not send
the money separately! Send money and information required to the Su-
perBBS HeadQuarters.

Registration on Support nodes: (No Site registrations!)

Germany:
SuperBBS Distribution Germany +49-72037594
Rondo-Box Munich +49-89763452

Canada:
The Redstone BBS +1-509-7427549

Switzerland:
Graphics Plus BBS +41-1-7411749

Holland:
Nederlands Net Nieuws (Super)BBS +31-3480-24801

England:
Tug II Droitqich +44-905-775191
Enigma Variations +44-905-795002

Page 6 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

1.8 Differences between registered and unregistered versions:

There are a few changes between the registered version and the unregis-
tered version. These are the differences:

When somebody is login in to your system, a message will be displayed to
him/her:

Registered version:

"SuperBBS v1.10, registered to: <Your name>"

Unregistered version:

"SuperBBS v1.10, unregistered evaluation copy."

This message will also be displayed if you choose the display version
number menu item.

The tearline in the echomail areas originating from your board will look
like:

Registered version:

"--- SuperBBS v1.10 (Reg)"

Unregistered version:

"--- SuperBBS v1.10 (Eval)"

You will also be able to use the Tempdir and archive extract options,
which are only available to registered users. These options will allow
you and your users to extract, view and repack archived files.

Page 7 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

1.9 Distribution files:

SuperBBS is distributed in an archive named 'SBBS_nnn.xxx', where nnn is
the version number and xxx the archive type. Please do not modify this
file in any way. Do not add your own adds to the archive. (Some archi-
vers do however allow you to add a archive header.)

The SuperBBS archive file should have the following files:

BBS.EXE Main executable file
OVRBBS.OVR Overlay file (only in overlay version)
CONFIG.EXE Configuration program file
LCONFIG.EXE Language/String configuration file
YELLCFG.EXE Yellsound editor program file
EXTPE.EXE Protocol driver

UTILS.ZIP SuperBBS utilities, containing:

USERFIX.EXE User database fixer
USERPACK.EXE User database packer
USERSORT.EXE User database sorter
SBBSUSER.EXE User database editor
SBBSUSER.HLP SBBSUSER.EXE help file
SBBSUTIL.EXE SuperBBS utilities

Also included is an archive with startup files, which makes it possible
for you to start a bulletin board in a short time. Documentation concer-
ning registration, update information, technical descriptions and menu
types is also included.

You may distributed the unregistered version of SuperBBS freely, as long
as no fee is asked or any profit is made.

Page 8 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

2 INSTALLATION

2.1 Unpacking the software:

Move your SuperBBS archive to the main directory you want your BBS files
in. (In our example C:\SBBS) Unpack the archive. You can move the
documentation files to another directory if you want. Make a directory
for your menu files, your textfiles and the TEMPDIR. Also create a
directory for your message files if you don't want them in your main BBS
directory. You would get something like this (for single line operations
only):

C:\SBBS
C:\SBBS\TEXT
C:\SBBS\MENU
C:\SBBS\MAIL
C:\SBBS\TEMP

See chapter 11 about running SuperBBS multi-node.

Now you need to start the configuration program CONFIG.EXE.

The directory setup for the multi-node operations are a bit more diffi-
cult. You will have to make a directory for every node you plan to run,
even if it's only a local node. Your directory setup could look like
this:

C:\SBBS
C:\SBBS\LINE1
C:\SBBS\LINE2
C:\SBBS\LINE3
C:\SBBS\MAIL
C:\SBBS\TEMP
E:\ <== Common path for all nodes on RAM disk.

Check chapter 12 for a more detailed description of running multi-node.

Page 9 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

2.2 Configuring SuperBBS with CONFIG.EXE:

CONFIG.EXE is the main installation program for SuperBBS. You need to
run this program to set all settings correct for your system. You can
run the configuration program as often as you like, it will save the
current configuration when you exit the program.

When you start CONFIG.EXE, you will be presented with the following
screen:

SuperBBS 1.10 Configuration utility Copyright by Risto Virkkala &
Aki Antman.

0. System paths
1. Modem
2. Netmail
3. New user parameters
4. General (Page 1)
5. General (Page 2)
6. General (Page 3)
7. Restrictions

C. Colour config
A. Alt Fkeys
S. String configuration
M. Message base editor
E. Event editor
F. Filearea editor
L. Limits editor

<ESC> to exit

You can choose any option from here. If you press <ESCAPE>, you will be
brought back to DOS and the configuration will be saved. This file is
called CONFIG.BBS and should never be deleted, unless you want to start
all over again. This file contains all information about your systems
settings.

Available options:

Note: SuperBBS v1.10 now supports multi-line. You will have to
setup separate directories for every line. See for further informa-
tion on running multi-line, the multi-line part of this documenta-
tion.

(0) System paths:

Text path Path to your text(support)files directory
(In our example: C:\SBBS\TEXT)

Menu path Path to your menu files
(In our example: C:\SBBS\MENU)

Page 10 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Net path Netmail message path. You will need this only
if you are part of a network, like Fidonet.
This will be the same directory as your Net/
Echomail processor will use. If you use D'Brid-
ge with a QuickBBS type netmail area, point
this option to a not used directory.

MsgBase path Path to your MSG???.BBS files. Usually this is
your main BBS directory. (Some external utili-
ties want it that way.) The MSG???.BBS files
will be created by SuperBBS when you start the
program the first time.
(In our example: C:\SBBS\MAIL)

Temp path Path to your temporary storage directory. Files
will be placed in here when using the file
extractor, viewer and repacker with registered
versions of SuperBBS.
(In our example C:\SBBS\TEMP)

System path Path to your main BBS system files. This is the
directory you run the CONFIG.EXE program from.
(In our example: C:\SBBS)

Ext. editor Path and filename of your fullscreen editor.
The most used is Quicked. If you don't have a
fullscreen editor, leave this option blank.
(Example: C:\SBBS\QUICKED.EXE)

Multi-node config:

Lines in system Number of lines your system is running. Set
this to 1 if you are running single line. This
option has to be the same in all lines!

Common path This option must be the same for all lines. If
possible a RAM disk of 30 to 50 KBytes. (See
chapter 11 of the documentation for more infor-
mation about running multi-node.)

(1) Modem:

Port The number of the COM port to be used. This is
the port your modem is connected or switched
to. (Example: 1)

Initial. baudrates Baudrate that the modem will be initialized at.
Mostly this is the highest speed your modem can
handle. (Example: 2400)

Initial. tries Number of times SuperBBS tries to send the init
string to your modem and waits for a 'OK'.
(Example: 5)

Page 11 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Sec. to wait car. How long has the modem to wait for a remote
modem's carrier detect signal.

Init. String Initialization string for your modem. This will
be send to your modem when SuperBBS tries to
init your modem. See your modem documentation
for the correct string. (Example: ATH0S0=1|)

Init. response Response from your modem after a successful
initialization. See your modem documentation
for the correct string. (Normally: OK)

Offhook string String send to the modem to set the telephone
'offhook'. This means callers will get a busy
signal. Not all modems support this option and
in some countries it is illegal to switch your
modem to a busy situation. Check your modem
documentation for the correct string.
(Normally: ATH1|)

Offhook response Response from your modem after a successful
'offhook' initialization. See your modem docu-
mentation for the correct string.
(Normally: OK)

300 Baud connect Response from your modem after it detects a 300
baud caller on-line. See your modem documenta-
tion for the correct string.
(Example: CONNECT|)

1200 Bps connect Response from your modem after it detects a
. 1200 baud caller on-line. See your modemdocu-
. mentation for the correct string.
. (Example: CONNECT 1200)
.
.
.
38400 Bps connect Response from your modem after it detects a
38400 Bps caller on-line. See your modem docu-
mentation for the correct string.
(Example: CONNECT 38400)

Page 12 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

(2) Netmail

This section of the configuration is only of interest to you if you
are part of a network, like Fidonet. Systems in a network exchange
messages through netmail and echomail. If you are running a system
not connected up to a Fidonet like network, you can skip this
section. You'll need a mailer like D'Bridge, Frontdoor, Binkley or
Dutchie if you want to use netmail. These programs are not supplied
with this SuperBBS program.

The number which you have to enter in this section will be assigned
to you through the network coordinator. This is mostly the system
with number 0 or 1. Do not enter a number of your own if you are
part of a network. Only a number assigned by the network coordina-
tor is to be used. If you do enter a number other than the above,
you could cause 'dupes' and this could cost other Sysops a lot of
money. A number consists of 4 parts.

Zone World region you are part of. Zone 1 is the
USA, zone 2 is Europe, Zone 3 is Australia.

Network The network you belong to. For example: 2:515
is a network in Finland.

Node Your BBS number in the network. For example:
2:515/620 is the SuperBBS HQ in Finland and
2:286/410 is the Nederlands Net Nieuws
(Super)BBS in Holland.

Point This is only needed if you are not a real BBS,
but acting as a point from a BBS. For example
2:515/620.1 would be the first point from the
SuperBBS HQ.

Other relevant information:

AKA Address Beside a main address some systems are part of
other networks. These addresses can be entered
behind the AKA option. You can use up to 6
different network addresses. In the echomail
area you will be able to choose from these 6
areas as your address.

Netmail board The number of the board you will be using as
your netmail area. (Example: 1) Some echomail
and netmail processors need this information.

Zone Net Node Point
Main address
Aka Address 1
Aka Address 2
Netmail board:

You can define up to 6 different addresses. One main address and
five 'alias' addresses.

Page 13 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

(3) New User parameters

This section of the configuration program defines the new users
level and flag settings. This means that if you get a new caller
on-line, he/she will get this level and these flagsettings.

New user security level Newuser's security level
New user A flags Newuser's flagset A (--------)
New user B flags Newuser's flagset B (--------)
New user C flags Newuser's flagset C (--------)
New user D flags Newuser's flagset D (--------)

See the limits part in this manual for a more detailed description
about working with userlevels and flags.

(4) General (Page 1)

Quote string String which will be used when quoting
messages. Please remember the echomail is
costly and you should use quotes with ca-
re. (Example: > )

Upload time credit User upload time credit multiplier. This
allows you to control what happens with
the users time, if he/she uploaded somet-
hing. Available options:

0 - Option not activated
1 - User won't lose any time when
uploading. (After the upload
he/she will get the time back
needed for the upload.)
2 - User will get the time * 2 back
after an upload.
3 - User will get the time * 3 back
after an upload.
4 - etc.

Inactivity time (sec) This is the time the system will wait be-
fore disconnecting the user on-line, when
he/she didn't touch a key for the given
period. This way nobody can keep your sy-
stem busy, while doing something else.

Max. logon time (min) This is the time limit you set for new
users to login to your system. Depending
on the size of your questionnaire, you
should set this to a safe amount of time,
otherwise your user will be logged of in
the middle of the questionnaire.

Page 14 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Menu border colour (0-7) What colour should all menu borders have.
Available colours are:

0. Black
1. Blue
2. Green
3. Cyan
4. Red
5. Purple
6. Brown
7. Grey

Please remember that the colour Blue gives
an underlining with monochrome Hercules
monitors.

Entry fields color (0-7) What colour should the background of an
entry files look like. (See above for
available colours)

Max. password tries Maximum number of times a user can try to
get a right password before he is forced
off-line. Don't set this number to high.
(Example: 3)

Max. pages per call Maximum number of times a user can page
the Sysop during one call. If he/she tries
one more time a message will be displayed.

Page bell length (sec) Number of seconds the page melody will be
played at the Sysop machine. If you don't
use Yellcfg.exe, this will be a 'fiuus'
sound.

Sysop security level The security level of the system operator,
mostly you!

Registration code A The registration code as supplied by the
authors of SuperBBS. See above on how to
register your copy of SuperBBS. If you are
not registered, leave this space blank.

Registration code B Registration code for Beta testers only.
Leave this space blank if you are not a
Beta tester.

Sysop name The name of the person who registered Su-
perBBS. This must be exactly the same as
on your registration, otherwise your sy-
stem will not display the 'Registered'
message. Normally this is the Sysop's na-
me. Any message written to the Sysop will
be addressed to this name.

Page 15 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

System name The name of your system as set on the re-
gistration form. This has to be an exact
match, otherwise SuperBBS will not display
the 'Registered' message.

Redirect device Device which will be used to redirect com-
munication when using, for example, the
Tempdir option. The 'Gateway' driver,
which is to be found on most BBS's, is
perfect for this. If you don't have Gate-
way, use COMn. (n = your COM port number)
The redirect will make sure that everyt-
hing which is displayed on your local
screen will be displayed on the remote
screen and the remote keyboard will work
as input device. Gateway allows you to use
both the local and remote screen and key-
board.

Comment answer board Which message area will reply's on the
logout comment be written to. If you set
this to '0', no reply is possible. Normal-
ly this could be your 'general' area. Mes-
sage areas range from 1 to 200.

Entry colour (0-15) Type of colour used to display the user's
answers in entry fields. Do not use '0',
because this is black and the user would
not be able to read his/her answers. Avai-
lable colours:

0. Black (Do not use this!)
1. Blue
2. Green
3. Cyan
4. Red
5. Purple
6. Brown
7. grey
8. Dark grey
9. Light blue
10. Light green
11. Light cyan
12. Light red
13. Light purple
14. Yellow
15. White

File before ratio check This option allows you to control the
amount of files a user can download before
a file or kilobytes ratio check.

Page 16 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Minimum upload space The amount of free diskspace in Kbytes
needed for an upload. If your free disk
space is under this amount, users won't be
able to upload any more.

Password failure board Defines the message base board users can
write a message in after they have entered
a wrong password three times. They will be
logged of after they wrote a message to
you. If you set this option to '0' the no
password failure messages is inactive.

Max. time in bank Maximum amount in minutes of time a user
is allowed to put in the internal time-
bank. (Example: 240)

Max. filedescription SuperBBS allows you to use more then one
filedescription lines per file. This opti-
on allows you to set the maximum number of
lines any user will get to give a filede-
scription in after an upload. Maximum num-
ber of lines is 5.

(5) General Options (Page 2)

Output ^E character The ^E or ENQ character is used by some
communications programs to determine the
begin of a session. For example Telix's
Salt language can react to it.
(Options: Yes/No)

Use direct screenwrites Allow SuperBBS to write directly to the
screen or through the BIOS only. If you
have a CGA screen with 'snow' choose for
the BIOS option. (Options: Yes/No)

Snow checking Allows you to check for 'snow' on your
monitor. This is normally only on old CGA
screens. (Options: Yes/No)

Exit on Net/Echomail Exit with an errorlevel after an user en-
tered net or echomail messages on your
system. This allows you to start the net
or echomail processor to pack the mail.
(Option: Yes/No)

Ask voice phone number Do you want the new users to be asked for
their voice phone number at logon.
(Option: Yes/No)

Page 17 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Ask data phone number Do you want the new users to be asked for
their data phone number at logon.
(Options: Yes/No)

Show security in list Do you want the security levels be dis-
played when a user looks in the userlist.
(Option: Yes/No)

Show password to Sysop Do you want to display the user's password
at the bottom of the screen in the infor-
mation display at logon. This will be only
visible at the Sysop side.
(Options: Yes/No)

Allow @ controlchars Do you want to allow the use of special
control characters in messages. Some users
who know the codes can make a message say-
ing something like: Hey dude, what's .....
for a password. The ..... is replaced by
the current user's password. Although the
writer couldn't see the next users pass-
word, the user still might think so. The
last user used a control character to dis-
play the current user's password.
(Options: Yes/No)

Use 7bit characters This allows you to control the fact that
7bit characters are to be used. SuperBBS
will convert them if you say 'Yes'.
(Options: Yes/No)

Run system in mono mode If you're using a monochrome monitor on
your system, you can set this option to
'Yes'. This only affects the BBS system
side of your system. Your users will still
see the colours if available.
(Options: Yes/No)

Clean temp dir If you want SuperBBS to clean the tempora-
ry directory after the user leaves your
system, set this option to 'Yes'. This
will prevent files being left in your tem-
porary directory. (An option only availa-
ble to registered users.)
(Options: Yes/No)

Ask ANSI at logon If you have an ANSI version of your
LOGO.ASC available, you can tell SuperBBS
to ask every user at logon if he/she wants
to see the ANSI version or you can have
the SuperBBS program detect if the caller
has ANSI available. The complete logon to
your system will then be shown in ANSI
colours. (Options: Yes/No/Detect)

Page 18 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Allow one word names If you allow users to enter your system
with just one word or multi word names, set
this option to 'Yes'. Otherwise users are
asked for there first- and last name.
(Options: Yes/No)

Sysop fast logon This option allows you, the Sysop, to lo-
gon to your system locally by just ente-
ring your password. Don't use this option
if there are more people to logon to your
system locally, since SuperBBS won't ask
for your name. (Options: Yes/No)

Exclude Sysop from list If you don't want your (Sysop)name in the
lists SuperBBS generates, like last cal-
lers, userlist etc., set this option to
'Yes'. (Options: Yes/No)

Check for personal mail If you want to allow the users to check
for new mail at logon, set this option to
'Yes'. The user will be asked at his/her
first logon, if he/she wants to scan for
mail. If you don't allow users to scan for
new mail, a new user won't get the questi-
on if he/she wants to check for new mail
at logon. (Options: Yes/No)

Check new files This is the same as the mailscan, except
it scans for new files. The same rules
apply here as for the new mail scan above.
(Options: Yes/No)

Ask aliases SuperBBS supports a full alias system and
will ask a new user if he/she wants to use
an alias if you set this option to 'Yes'.
You will still be able to deny the use of
an alias in your message areas. If you set
this option to 'No', no aliases are allo-
wed on your system. (Options: Yes/No)

Swap SBBS at DOS shell If you want to allow SuperBBS to swap it-
self to disk if you shell to dos (Alt-J),
set this option to 'Yes'. This will leave
about 4 Kbyte of SuperBBS in memory.
(Options: Yes/No)

Don't ask birthday If you don't want to ask your users for
their birthday at their first logon to
your system, set this option to 'Yes'. If
you set this to 'No', users will be asked
for their birthday. (Options: Yes/No)

Page 19 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

(6) Restrictions

Min. bps rate to logon This allows you to prevent users with a
certain bps rate to enter your system.

Min. bps rate for ANSI This allows you to set the minimum bps
rate for users to use ANSI graphics.

Min. bps rate for files This allows you to set the minimum bps
rate for users to transfer files.

300 Bps usage time This allows you to control when 300 Bps
callers are not allowed on your system.
(Time in 24 hour format.)

Downloading time This allows you to control when file
transfers are available and when not.
(Time in 24 hour format.)

Sysop page times This allows you to control the hours the
Sysop can be yelled for by a user.
(Time in 24 hour format.)

You can change many of the colours used within SuperBBS. Your users
will be able to change them personally if you supply the menu
options, but this option allows you to set the 'Standard' colours.

You'll be presented with an overview of the current colours. Press
the number of the item you want to change and use the cursorcontrol
keys to change the colour. The following keys are active:

[ESC] Exits and saves the current colour settings.

[D] Set colours to default values.

[0-9] Available options key

[CURSOR KEYS] Change colour

The user can set the colours to his/her own liking with the avail-
able menu option. These settings are however your 'standard'
settings for all user's.

Page 20 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

(A) Alt Fkeys

From within the SuperBBS program, you have access to 10 programma-
ble keys, Alt-F1 to Alt-F10, for your own programs. These keys only
work in local mode and are available from within SuperBBS.

An example: If you want to use the SuperBBS user editor, you
would setup a key like this:

Alt-F1: C:\SUPERBBS\SBBSUSER.EXE *S

The *S tells SuperBBS to swap itself to disk, before
executing the requested program if you press Alt-F1.
All ten keys are available for your own use.

(S) String configuration

This part allows you to set up a few strings used in the SuperBBS
program. These will be shown to your users if needed. Note that you
can setup different language support through the use of Lconfig.
Lconfig and running multi-language will be described in detail
later in this documentation.

Loading prompt Will be shown to your users at a type
7 or 15 exit from SuperBBS, when the
program is executing an external pro-
gram. (See for a detailed description
about the menu type 7 and 15, the
menu section in this manual.)

Selection menu prompt Shown to your users after displaying
the index file from a selection menu.
This prompt should include the follo-
wing options:

[ENTER] To return from the selecti-
on menu to the normal menu.

[L] To show the index file
again from the selection
menu.

[1..9] Options available. This
depends on the amount of
options available in the
selection menu.

See for more information about the
selection menu option, the menu sec-
tion in this manual.

Page 21 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Origin line This string will be added to every
echomail message send from your sy-
stem. The maximum length is 80 cha-
racters, including your address set
up in the netmail part of the confi-
guration. You are not allowed to use
extended ASCII or ANSI codes in this
line.

(M) Message base editor

SuperBBS allows you to setup 200 different message areas. All these
areas have their own security levels and flag settings. You can
even setup a different origin line for every echomail area. (See
the part on control files in this manual.)

You can move around the fields through the use of the arrow keys.
The <PgUp> and <PgDn> keys will skip you to the previous or next
message area. <Esc> will save the settings.

These files are available:

Message board name Name assigned to the current message
area. Leave this blank if you want to
skip this area. This name will appear
in the change message area menu build
in to SuperBBS. (See menu section.)

Type of messages SuperBBS has three different type of
messages. Which to use depends on the
way you want to use the message area.
The types are:

1. Standard
This type is used for local are-
as on your board.

2. Netmail
This type is used for your net-
mail area. (See the part in this
documentation on netmail.)

3. Echomail
This type is used for your echo-
mail areas. An origin line will
be appended to every message
written in this type of area.

Page 22 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Status of messages There are four different type of mes-
sages available, depending on the
type of area you choose in the above
option. The types are:

0. Both public & private
This type is mostly used in your
local message areas. The user
will be asked for if the message
is private or not. Private mes-
sages can only be read by the
writer, addressee and people ha-
ving Sysop access levels.

1. Private messages only
This type is mostly used in your
netmail area. All messages will
be private. No question will be
asked about private or not.

2. Public messages only
This type of messages is mostly
used in echomail areas, since
all messages can be read by eve-
ryone. No private messages are
allowed in (Fidonet) echomail.

3. Read only messages
This type of messages can be
read by everyone, except you
can't reply or send a message in
this type of message area.

AKA to use (0 = primary) SuperBBS allows you to have different
addresses for every echomail area.
The 0 stands for the main address.
The 1 to 5 stands for the available
AKA's. (= addresses.) This allows you
to have an echomail area for one fi-
donet and one for another.

Read security level Security level of the user needed for
reading messages in this area. If the
user doesn't have the correct level,
he/she will be displayed a message,
stating that access has to be gran-
ted.

Read flags A These are the flagsettings you can
Read flags B use to give somebody permission to
Read flags C read a message in this area. (For a
Read flags D more detailed description of security
through level and flags, see the li-
mits part of this documentation.)

Page 23 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Write security level Security level of the user needed for
writing messages in this area. If the
user doesn't have the correct level,
he/she will be displayed a message,
stating that access has to be gran-
ted.

Write flags A These are the flagsettings you can
Write flags B use to give somebody permission to
Write flags C write a message in this area. (For a
Write flags D more detailed description of security
through level and flags, see the li-
mits part of this documentation.)

Sysop security Security level needed for the extra
Sysop options available in this area.
Users who have this level will be
able to read, delete, edit and change
attributes of all messages, private
or public, in this area.

Sysop flag A Flagsettings needed for having Sysop
Sysop flag B access to this area. (For a more
Sysop flag C detailed description of security
Sysop flag D through level and flags, see the li-
mits part of this documentation.)

Are aliases allowed This option allows you to give users
the option to use their alias in the
'From' field of the message. Please
note that most echomail areas don't
allow the use of an alias.
(Options: Yes/No)

Use in combined mode Will this message area be available
from the 'Combined board'. This spe-
cial message area displays all avai-
lable messages from the, by the user
selected, areas in selected order.
(See the menu part of this documenta-
tion for a more detailed descripti-
on.) (Options: Yes/No)

Default combined board If you want this message area to be
in the combined area list by default,
set this option to 'Yes'. Note that a
user can still deselect the area.
(Options: Yes/No)

All these options have to be set for every message area you want to
setup. You can change the settings at any time.

Page 24 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

(E) Event editor

SuperBBS allows you to setup 30 events, which will be executed at
the set time and weekday(s). This allows you to run maintenance,
clean up actions and other activities at quiet moments.

You have to setup SuperBBS with a batchfile and errorlevels if you
want to use this option. Otherwise SuperBBS will exit at the given
time and weekday, but will never return.

You can move around, just like the messagearea setup, with the
cursorcontrol, <Pgup> and <PgDn> keys.

Available options in this section:

Status (0=Off/1=ON) This allows you to control whether
the event is active (1) or in-active
(0). (Options: 0/1)

Runtime Time the event has to be executed in
24 hours format.

Errorlevel Errorlevel SuperBBS exits with at
time of the event. This allows you to
start an external program from your
batchfile. Do not use errorlevels
from 0 to 10, because these have spe-
cial meanings for SuperBBS. If you
are not familiar with the use of er-
rorlevels, consult your DOS manual.
(Options: 0-255)

Forced If an event is scheduled, but a user
is on-line, the event will be overdue
and not be executed till the next
time setup in this editor. If you
want the event to be run every time,
set this option to 'Yes'. This will
reduce the time for a caller who's
time limit would exceed the event
starting time. He/she will see a war-
ning message telling him/her how much
time there is left before the event
is executed. Within 5 minutes for the
event, SuperBBS will not allow any
caller on-line. (Options: Yes/No)

Days to run the event SMTWTFS
-------

This tells SuperBBS on what days the
event has to be executed. (Sunday to
Saturday) Mark the days you want to
run the event with an 'X'.

Page 25 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

(F) Filearea editor

SuperBBS uses a file called FLSEARCH.BBS to store it's file areas
in. This file is edited through the file area editor. Please note
that the FLSEARCH.BBS file is not a plain ASCII file, like the
QuickBBS file FLSEARCH.CTL.

When you start the file area editor, the program will look for the
FLSEARCH.CTL file. If this file is found, SuperBBS asks you if you
want to convert this file to the FLSEARCH.BBS file type. (All
information not given in the .CTL file is replaced by 0's or all
Bps rates.) You don't need a FLSEARCH.CTL file to start the editor!

When you are in the editor's main screen, you'll see one open
window. Here you choose the file area to edit and insert or delete
file areas. The following keys are active:

[RETURN] Edit the area marked by the inverse bar.

[INSERT] Add a new area to the file area list.

[DELETE] Remove an area from the file area list.

[CURSOR KEYS] Move around the file areas with the cursor keys.

[F1] Converts FLSEARCH.CTL to FLSEARCH.BBS

After you choose an area, you will be presented with a window with
the following options:

Name The name you want to give to this area and
which will be displayed at a newfiles scan and
if you do an area change through the build in
menu command.

Directory The dos directory path to your directory. This
is the place the file are, so people can down-
load them.

List name Directory path AND name of the FILES.BBS file
for this file area. This option is only needed
if you use a CD-Rom and want your FILES.BBS
file in another directory then all the files
are. If you leave this space empty, SuperBBS
will look for the FILES.BBS list in the direc-
tory given in the directory option above.

Security The security level needed to access files in
this file area.

Age The lowest age needed to access this file area.
This option only works if you have asked the
users for their birthday at the first logon.

Page 26 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Flag A Flag setting needed by the users to get access
Flag B to this area. (For a more detailed description
Flag C about security levels and flagsettings, see the
Flag D limits part of this documentation.)

Template SuperBBS allows the use of 'menu templating'.
This means that you can have one menu for all
your file areas. (See the menu part of this
documentation.) If you don't want this area to
be part of the menu templating, set this option
to 'No'. (Options: Yes/No)

Downloads Option to disable downloads from this area. If
you set this option to 'No', no downloads are
possible from this area. (Options: Yes/No)

Uploads Option to disable uploads to this area. If you
set this option to 'No', no uploads are possi-
ble to this area. (Options: Yes/No)

Press [ESC] when you're ready editing this information. You will be
back in the main window. Then you can insert another file area and
supply the information needed for that area. Press [ESC] from this
window to exit the file area editor.

(L) Limits

The LIMITS.BBS file contains all information about the security l-
evels and flagsettings for all users. This file is the control
centre for the time allowed on-line, download limits, ratio checks
and calls allowed per day. Note that this file is not an ASCII
file. You can only edit this file through this option.

Security levels can range from 0 to 32000, where 0 is the lowest
level and 32000 the highest. Take a little time to think about how
many security levels you will need and if you need any flagset-
tings. The flagsettings are an easy way to give somebody access to
an area, while others with the same (or higher) security level
don't have access to. Take this example:

Menu option sec level: 25
Flagsettings A: --------
B: -------X
C: --------
D: --------

An user with security level 25 and flag B8 ON, will have access to
this menu option. Another user with level 10 and flag B8 ON, will
have no access, because his/her security level is to low. Another
user with a security level of 200 and flag B8 OFF, will also have
no access. His/her security level is high enough, but flag B8 is
OFF. Even the Sysop has no access to this area if the flagsetting
is incorrect.

Page 27 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

If you enter the Limits editor, you'll be presented with a file
area editor look-alike screen. The options available in here are
the same as in the file area editor:

[RETURN] Choose the marked level for editing
[INSERT] Add a security level
[DELETE] Remove a security level
[F1] Convert a LIMITS.CTL file to LIMITS.BBS

SuperBBS will search for a LIMITS.CTL file at startup of the limits
editor and ask you if you want to convert this file to the SuperBBS
format. All information not provided in the .CTL file will be
filled with 0's. Note that you don't need a LIMITS.CTL to start
this option.

Options available in the edit window of a security level:

Security level Current security level

300 Bps download limit Download limit per day in Kbytes for
. 300 Bps users
.
38400 Bps download limit Download limit per day in Kbytes for
38400 Bps users

Time limit Maximum time allowed on-line per day

Calls allowed per day Number of times user can call per day

DL/UL ratio in Kbytes Users download/upload ratio in Kby-
tes. This means that if a caller
downloaded xx KBytes, he/she has to
upload yy KBytes before another down-
load can be done.

DL/UL ratio in files Users download/upload ratio in files.
This means that if a caller downloa-
ded xx files, he/she has to upload yy
files before another download can be
done.

Description Description for the current user le-
vel. This can be used in your textfi-
les and menus through the use of a
control code.

Press [ESC] when you're ready editing this security level. You'll
be back at the main window, so you will be able to add/delete other
security levels. Press [ESC] from this window to exit the editor.

You now finished setting up the system parameters, messagebase areas,
file areas and supporting information. SuperBBS does however support
multi language files, which are setup through the LCONFIG.EXE program.

Page 28 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

2.3 SuperBBS environment variable

As of version 1.10, SuperBBS needs an environment variable SBBS. This
variable needs to be set before starting SuperBBS. Your AUTOEXEC.BAT
file or SuperBBS startup file is a good place for it. Setting the
variable works like this:

SET SBBS=<Drive+directory name>

The drive and directory should point to your main SuperBBS directory. If
you don't know how to make an AUTOEXEC.BAT file, consult your DOS
manual. If you get an error like: 'Out of environment space', you will
have to enlarge the environment in your CONFIG.SYS file. See your DOS
manual for further information.

Setting this variable is needed for single and multi-line options.

3 LANGUAGE SUPPORT

3.1 Lconfig

SuperBBS supports the use of many different language files, so you can
set up menus and supporting textfiles in you're own language or several
different ones. The language support is done through the use of the .LNG
files. These files can be edited with the LCONFIG.EXE program.

You can start this program in two ways, the normal way is to start
LCONFIG.EXE without any parameters, but you can also enter as a parame-
ter which file you want to edit. Example:

LCONFIG.EXE <Xmit> or LCONFIG.EXE ENGLISH.LNG <Xmit>

The second option will load the language file ENGLISH.LNG at startup.
The first option will ask you for the language file to edit.

When you start LCONFIG, you'll be presented with the following menu:

0. Path & description
1. Logon strings (part 1)
2. Logon strings (part 2)
3. MsgBase strings
4. FileBase strings
5. Other strings (part 1)
6. Other strings (part 2)
7. Other strings (part 3)
8. Month strings
9. Weekday names

Description :
Menu path :
ANSI path :

Page 29 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

You can setup a different menu and textfile path for every language you
use. This way you are able to have all files and menus in the language
you choose and setup. Let's have a look at an example:

English setting: Menu path: c:\sbbs\menu-uk
Text path: c:\sbbs\text-uk
Dutch setting: Menu path: c:\sbbs\menu-nl
Text path: c:\sbbs\text-nl

If a user chooses the dutch language file, SuperBBS will look in the
directory setup in the dutch language file, i.e. c:\sbbs\text-nl and
c:\sbbs\menu-nl for the text files and menus. All systemfiles are in the
normal directory specified in CONFIG.EXE. Even if you are using only 1
language, you still have to tell SuperBBS where to find his menus and
textfiles, so don't forget to setup the path in LCONFIG. The description
is shown to users who login for the first time and at the time they want
to change the chosen language.

If SuperBBS can't find the specified file in the language support
directory, it will look in the directory which you have setup in the
CONFIG.EXE program.

Moving around the LCONFIG program is the same as with the CONFIG pro-
gram. Move around with the cursor control keys. Press [ESC] to exit from
a menu or from the program. Your settings will be saved at time of exit.
Press the character from the option you want to change to get to edit
level. The following options are available from the main menu:

0. Path & description Directory path to you textfiles and
menu directory. The description given
to this language file.

1. Logon strings (part 1) Strings shown to the user during a
logon. (part 1)

2. Logon strings (part 2) Strings shown to the user during a
logon. (part 2)

3. MsgBase strings Strings shown to the user when selec-
ting the messagebase part of the BBS.

4. FileBase strings Strings shown to the user when selec-
ting the filebase part of the BBS.

5. Other strings (part 1) General strings shown to the user.
(part 1)

6. Other strings (part 2) General strings shown to the user.
(part 2)

7. Other strings (part 3) General strings shown to the user.
(part 3)

Page 30 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

8. Month strings Strings shown to the user when
SuperBBS needs to display a date.

9. Weekday strings Strings shown to the user when
SuperBBS needs to display a weekday.

A note concerning the current string option you are working on is shown
at the bottom of the screen. If you're unfamiliar with the locations of
all the strings, the best way to make a new language file is this:

- Copy the supplied ENGLISH.LNG file to your own name.
- Now start LCONFIG with your new language file name.
- Edit the strings. You'll be able to see what the current string
is and if it needs special characters like '?' and ':'.
- Exit the program after you checked all options available.

3.2 Language.ctl

This file controls which languages are available and which language is
the 'main' language. This file should be in your main SuperBBS directory
and is a plain ASCII file with the following format:

The first language will be the language SuperBBS starts with. This means
that the strings given in this language file will be shown to users,
until SuperBBS knows who is on-line and what his/her settings are.

When a newuser calls to your BBS some textfiles will be shown to him/her
before SuperBBS will ask which language they want. These files are:

- NOTFOUND.A??
- NEWUSER1.A??

See for more information about these files the textfile part of this
documentation.

3.3 Converting from QuickBBS or RemoteAccess

When converting to SuperBBS from QuickBBS or RemoteAccess, your userfi-
le, messagebase and most systemfiles can be used by SuperBBS. There are
some different menu options and some controlcodes are not the same.
SuperBBS can store it's messagebase anywhere you want, which is not
available in QuickBBS. If you do run into serious trouble converting
from QuickBBS or RemoteAccess to SuperBBS, contact one of our Support
nodes or the SuperBBS HQ.

You will need to run USERFIX.EXE on your userfile. This program will
scan your userfile so it won't have trouble with the 7/8 bits characters
used in Scandinavian countries. SuperBBS fully supports these charac-
ters. Put the USERFIX.EXE file in the same directory as your USERS.BBS
file is and run the program.

Page 31 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

4 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Software requirements

Besides the SuperBBS files, you will need some external files before you
can run SuperBBS. These files can differ from system to system, depen-
ding on the way you've set it up. You will at least need these files, or
compatible:

MS-Dos Sounds logical, without this your system won't even
run (or not with an operating system SuperBBS will
run in). You'll need version 2.0 or higher. SuperBBS
has been tested with Ms-Dos up to version 5.00, but
version 3.3 or 4.0x is recommended.

X00.SYS Fossil communications driver, a good replacement is
BNU. SuperBBS will not run without this file!

QUICKED.EXE The full-screen editor. (This file is optional.)

4.2 Hardware requirements

Some hardware is needed to run SuperBBS. SuperBBS uses about 160 Kbyte
base memory and can use EMS memory for the overlay file. Other require-
ments are:

Harddisk A harddisk with at least 2 MB of free diskspace is
needed to setup SuperBBS. You'll probably need more
if you set up a lot of utilities to run under
SuperBBS and have many mail areas.

Hayes Modem A Hayes compatible modem, either internal or exter-
nal, is needed.

5 MENUS

5.1 Setting up menus

Just like QuickBBS and RemoteAccess is SuperBBS using a menu system that
requires to be build up from scratch. (Although an easy installation
program with some simple menus is included.) You will have to setup all
menus and external screens. SuperBBS doesn't include a menu program, so
you'll have to use one from a third party. MenuMaster v1.20 is a good
choice, since this program supports SuperBBS. Any other menu program for
QuickBBS is usable, as long as it supports 'unlisted' menu types, since
SuperBBS has more menu options than QuickBBS has.

There are several ways to setup a menu system for your BBS. The most
used one looks like this:

|------------------- Message menus
|
Main menu ------------------------- File menus
|
|------------------- Other menus

Page 32 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Another method is to set up your menus by item:

Main menu ------------------------- SuperBBS file & message
|
|------------------- Modem file & message
|
|------------------- Graphics file & message

Either way, plan your menu structure carefully. Users like a menu
structure which is easy to follow.

Building a menu can be done in two ways. You can either build the whole
menu with the menu editor, so text is displayed if needed, or you can
start your menu with an ANSI/ASCII display option (with Hot-key) which
will display the menu and have all the commands in the menu file. Both
have advantages and disadvantages.

Using an ANSI/ASCII file as menu gives you the advantages that you can
use more colours on one line, use graphics and even animation. Disadvan-
tage is that all menu options will be visible to all callers, whatever
securitylevel they have. You need to setup a display file option with a
Crtl-A code, which means the command will be executed automatically.

Using the normal menu has the advantages that you can hide several
options from other security levels. Disadvantage is the limited use of
colour per line. It will be up to you which way you choose.

Be sure to check your menu files at every securitylevel you have set up.
Strange things can happen if you make mistakes. Building a menu is
simple, building a complex menu with several different options for
different securitylevels is more difficult. Take your time is a good
advice.

When building a menu, you will need to enter the following information:

Text to display Text shown to user for this menu option. (Leave
this empty if you use an ANSI/ASCII file to
display the menu.) This line should contain a
description and the character to activate it.

Optional data Optional data needed for the given menu type
command. (See the menu commands.)

Menu type Number of the menu type. (These will be listed
below with a full description and the optional
data needed.)

Security Securitylevel needed to access this menu
option.

Key Key which activates this menu option. This can
be any character on the keyboard.

Page 33 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Foreground Colour in which the foreground of the text to
display will appear. (Options: 0-15)

Background Colour in which the background of the text to
display will appear. (Options: 0-7)

Flags A-D Flagsettings needed to access this menu option.

Two special options are:

Hilight colour The hilight colour is a colour which can be
displayed on the text to display line through
using a '^' in front and behind the text you
want 'highlighted'. An example:

Foreground colour: 2
Background colour: 0
Hilight colour...: 14

Text: This is a ^test^ for a menu.
Result: This is a test for a menu.

The word 'test' will appear in yellow, the
rest of the line in dark green. Note that
the special characters are not shown when
displaying a menu.

Prompt Line displayed below the menu options, prompt-
ing the user for an action. This line can have
a different colour.

These descriptions can differ from menu program to menu program, but the
main idea stays the same. Use a menu editor which has an option for
'unknown' commands, since SuperBBS is expanding faster than the menu
editors are, so you will be able to use the editor in the future.

5.2 Menu commands

Now for the available menu commands. SuperBBS is pretty powerful and has
a lot of features, so read carefully. Make sure you take note of any
optional data needed to set up a menu option. Without this data the menu
option will not work or behave strangely.

Used characters in the optional data fields:

None = means no optional data needed
xxxxxxx = means the data entered here is mandatory.
<xxxxx> = means the data entered here is optional.

Page 34 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

The menu commands:

Type.........: 0
Description..: Text line
Display's the text you've entered in the menu editor for
this command. No other action takes place.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 1
Description..: Goto a new menu.
Will change the menu to the menu set up in the optional
data field.
Optional data: MenuName </F> </M> <Password>
If you want to protect your menu with a password, enter
it behind the menu name, separated with a space. Enter
the menu name without the .MNU extension. See for the /F
and /M the documentation about 'menu templating'.

Type.........: 2
Description..: Gosub to a new menu.
Same as option 1, with the difference that the previous
menu (the menu you left from) will be added to the stack
of menus you've visited. This way you can follow the
trail back through your menus.
Optional data: MenuName </F> </M> <Password>
The same as for menu type 1.

Type.........: 3
Description..: Return from last gosub.
Return to the menu you last visited. This option only
works if you use the type 2 menu option to get to a menu.
Optional data: None
You don't have to enter any menu name, since the stack
contains the name of the menu visited last. This name is
erased after the return, so you can use menu type 3 again
to return to the before last used menu.

Type.........: 4
Description..: Goto new menu and clear gosub stack
Clears the gosub stack used with menu options 2 and 3.
Then goes to the given menu in the optional data field.
Optional data: MenuName </F> </M> <Password>
The same as for menu type 1

Type.........: 5
Description..: Display .ANS/.ASC file
Display a textfile from the textfile directory setup in
CONFIG.EXE and LCONFIG.EXE. SuperBBS first looks in the
current language text directory. If not found, SuperBBS
will look in the directory specified in CONFIG.EXE. If a
user has ANSI on, SuperBBS will first look for an ANS
file, then for an ASC file. If the user has ANSI off,
SuperBBS only looks for the ASC file.
Optional data: FileName
The filename to be displayed, without an extension.

Page 35 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Type.........: 6
Description..: Selection menu
Display a textfile which has up to 9 options available of
other text files and display the Selection menu prompt,
as set up in the CONFIG.EXE program. You will need to
name all files the same, except for the last number.
Suppose your main file is called BULLET.ANS then your
other files will be called BULLET1.ANS to BULLET9.ANS.
(If you have 9 files.) The main file is shown to the
user. The user selects from the list displayed in the
main file, which file he/she wants to read. If the user
selects 3, the file BULLET3.ANS (or ASC) will be dis-
played. If the user selects 5, the file BULLET5.ANS will
be displayed. After viewing the file, the user will be
shown the main file again.
Optional data: FileName
This filename can be 7 characters or less. (Character 8
is reserved for the other textfile numbers.) The exten-
sion is always ANS or ASC and the files should be in your
textfiles directory.

Type.........: 7
Description..: Shell to DOS and run program
This option is used for starting other programs, like
doorgames and mailscanners, in SuperBBS. It shells to DOS
and starts the program given in the optional data field.
SuperBBS will return to the menu the exit started from.
Optional data: ProgramName <Parameters>
This menu is one of the difficult menu options available,
because of the large amount of parameters. These are the
parameters available:

*B Caller's bps rate. This will be 0 if Local, or
300 to 38400 if on-line.
*C Full path to your COMMAND.COM file as set in
the environment variable COMSPEC. (Consult your
DOS manual for more information about COMSPEC.)
This parameter is needed if you want to start a
batchfile from this type 7 menu command.
*E Read EXITINFO.BBS when returning to BBS. This
can be handy if the program used with the type
7 exit, changes some of the user's data.
*F User's firstname.
*G Status of ANSI graphics. (0=Off, 1=On)
*H Leave the Fossil driver (X00 or compatible) hot
when exiting from SuperBBS. Some programs
require this. (Most don't.)
*I Current text files path.
*L User's lastname.
*N Gives current node number.
*P Gives current COM port number.
*R User's recordnumber in the user database.

Page 36 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

*S Swap SuperBBS to EMS or disk. If you run a
program which needs more memory than the normal
amount available, specify the *S option, so
SuperBBS will swap itself to EMS or, if EMS is
not available, to disk.
*T Time left this call.
*U Path to current template file area. (See menu
templating.)

Mostly you just use the *C and *S parameters. With multi-
node operations, you will need the *N and *P options.
Normally the documentation from the program you wish to
run will supply the needed information.

Type.........: 8
Description..: Version and copyright notice
This option will show the user the versionnumber, copy-
right message and if your program is registered, the
registration name of the SuperBBS version you're using.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 9
Description..: Logoff from the system
This will disconnect the user from your system. Before
disconnect, SuperBBS will show the user the GOODBYE.ANS
(or ASC) file, if available.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 10
Description..: Display System Usage graph
Show the user the system usage graph. This gives you the
percentile use per hour.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 11
Description..: Page the Sys(tem)Op(erator) for a chat
See if the Sysop is available to talk to you. SuperBBS
will ask the user for a reason for the chat. If the Sysop
is not available, this reason will be stored in the
SYSTEM.LOG file.
Optional data: Prompt
Enter the string, which will be shown to users who try to
yell you.

Type.........: 12
Description..: Execute questionnaire file
Execute the given questionnaire, for example NEWUSER.Q-A.
The answers will be written in the same file name as the
questionnaire, but the extension will be changed to .ASW.
Optional data: FileName
Extension of a cessionaire must be .Q-A or SuperBBS will
not recognize the questionnaire. Answers will be written
in the .ASW file.

Page 37 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Type.........: 13
Description..: List/search user list
Gives the option to search for a name in the userlist or
display the whole list.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 14
Description..: Time statistics
Shows the user how long he/she has been on-line and how
much time is left. Also gives the current date and time.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 15
Description..: Exits to DOS with errorlevel
Leaves SuperBBS and returns to the batchfile which you
ran SuperBBS from. There you intercept the given error-
level and start an external action. (For more information
about errorlevels, consult your DOS manual and see the
batch examples in the appendixes of this manual.) If
possible you should use a type 7 exit, instead of this
type 15. Use the *S (and *E) when using a type 7.
Optional data: Errorlevel <MenuName>
The errorlevel will start the action required from your
batchfile. (Don't use errorlevel below 10.) The optional
MenuName tells SuperBBS to which menu it should return
after ending the type 15 exit. You should restart the
SuperBBS program with the -R option. (See Command Line
Parameters.)

Type.........: 16
Description..: Change City & State
Allows the user to change his/her City and State.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 17
Description..: Change password
Allows the user to change his/her Password.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 18
Description..: Change screenlength
Allows the user to change his/her screenlength.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 19
Description..: Toggle screen clearing on/off
Allows the user to toggle the sending of screen clear
codes (CLS) on and off.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 20
Description..: Toggle the 'More (Y/n)' prompt on/off
Allows the user to toggle the more prompt on and off.
Optional data: None

Page 38 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Type.........: 21
Description..: Toggle ANSI graphics on/off
Allows the user to toggle the ANSI graphics on and off.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 22
Description..: Scan for personal mail
This option will scan the userbase and report any unread
personal mail.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 23
Description..: Read messages
Allows the user to read messages in the current message
area. If a message is private, it will be skipped if it
is not from you or to you.
Optional data: AreaNumber or /M
Area number of the message base the messages should be
read from. (If you use menu templating, this can also be
the templating command /M.)

Type.........: 24
Description..: Scan messages
Gives a list of messages with the header information (who
from, who to and subject) and gives you the option to
mark messages for later reading.
Optional data: Areanumber or /M
Area number of the message base the messages should be
scanned from.

Type.........: 25
Description..: Quick scan messages
Gives a list like display of all messages in the area
with information about the sender, receiver and subject.
Optional data: AreaNumber or /M
Area number of the message base the messages should be
scanned from.

Type.........: 26
Description..: Delete messages
Removes messages from the message base. This only works
for messages from you or to you. (Unless you have Sysop
access to this area.)
Optional data: AreaNumber or /M
Area number of the message base the messages should be
deleted from.

Page 39 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Type.........: 27
Description..: Write a message
Allows the user to write a message.
Optional data: AreaNumber or /M </L> </T=First_Lastname>
Area number of the message base to write the message in
or the menu templating command /M. The /L will log the
user off your system after saving the message (with
display of GOODBYE.A??). The /T=First_Lastname will send
the message to the name given. Spaces should be set with
the underscore character. The /L and /T option only works
correct if you use an area number and NOT the /M command.
You could use the /L and /T parameters for sending a
message to the Sysop at logoff.

Type.........: 28
Description..: Select combined message areas
Area 0 is a special message area. You can't write a
message in this area, but you can read messages from all
areas connected in numerical order. This option allows
the user to select the areas he/she wants to use in
his/her combined board. You can select standard areas or
exclude areas from the combined board in the CONFIG.EXE
program, the Message base part.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 29
Description..: Move a file
Normally spoken an option only available to the Sysop. It
will allow you to move a file from one area to another.
It also moves the description in the FILES.BBS file.
Optional data: FullPath or /F
You need to give the full directory path from where the
file will be moved or the /F if you use menu templating.

Type.........: 30
Description..: MS-Dos directory
Like a normal DIR command, will SuperBBS display the
given directory.
Optional data: FullPath or /F
Give the full directory path or the /F.

Type.........: 31
Description..: List FILES.BBS
The normal way to show a user what's available in the
given directory. It will show the filename, date, size
and description. For CD-Rom users is an option build in
to have the FILES.BBS file in a different location then
the files itself are. See the CONFIG.EXE program, the
File area editor.
Optional data: FullPath or /F
Supply the directory or the /F command. CD-Rom users
should use the /F command.

Page 40 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Type.........: 32
Description..: Download a file
This option will send a file from the BBS to the user.
Optional data: None <FullPath> </F> <PassWord> <*>
If you leave the optional data field empty, SuperBBS will
use this command as a general download command. It will
search in every area the user has access to, trying to
find the requested file. Use the full path or the /F
option and SuperBBS will only look in the current area.
The FullPath and /F option allow the use of a password,
which need to be given before the download will be
started. If you use the asterisk (*), SuperBBS will not
check the fileratio, time or download limit.

Type.........: 33
Description..: Upload a file
This option will receive a file which the user sends to
the BBS.
Optional data: FullPath or /F
Supply the full directory or the /F option. By using the
full directory command, it is possible to receive all
uploads in one directory. The /F will place the file in
the current area.

Type.........: 34
Description..: View an archived file
Shows what the archive file contains. It supports ZIP,
LZH, PAK and ARC files.
Optional data: FullPath or /F
Supply the full directory path or the /F option.

Type.........: 35
Description..: Search for file by Keyword
Look for a word in the FILES.BBS files.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 36
Description..: Search for file by Filename
Look for a file in the FILES.BBS files. Wildcards are
allowed as search options.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 37
Description..: List new files on system
Shows the new files since the last login or the given
date.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 38
Description..: Type a textfile
Allows the users to read a textfile on-line from your
FILES.BBS list. (If there is a textfile in there.)
Optional data: FullPath or /F
Supply full directory path or the /F option.

Page 41 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Type.........: 39
Description..: Display a textfile
Show the user a textfile. This option is like menu option
5, except you have to supply the fullpath and filename.
This allows you to show any file you want. No 'Press
Return' is given at the end of the file.
Optional data: Fullpath+FileName
Supply the full path and filename to the textfile. Inclu-
ding the extension!

Type.........: 40
Description..: Display ANS/ASC file with Hotkey
Show the user an ANSI or ASCI file, but keep the hot keys
active. This can be used to display a menu file. If you
use this command to show the file, the user doesn't have
to wait till the whole screen is drawn, but can make his
choice at once. With a type 5 menu, the hot keys are not
active during the display of the file. This command is
mostly used in combination with a Crtl-A command in your
menu. (Crtl-A = Automatic execution)
Optional data: FileName
Supply the filename to be shown. Don't give an extension,
as SuperBBS will always look for a ANS or ASC extension.
The file has to be in the textfile directory.

Type.........: 41
Description..: Toggle Full Screen editor on/off
If you have a full screen editor installed, like Quicked,
you can allow your users to toggle the editor on and off
with this option. If it is off, the build in editor will
be used.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 42
Description..: RESERVED - Do not use

Type.........: 43
Description..: RESERVED - Do not use

Type.........: 44
Description..: RESERVED - Do not use

Type.........: 45
Description..: Display ANS/ASC file with 'Press ENTER to continue'
The same as menu type 5, except that SuperBBS will put a
'Press ENTER to continue' prompt after it showed the
file. This will pause the screen till a reaction from the
user is received.
Optional data: FileName
Supply the filename, without extension. The file has to
be in the textfile directory.

Page 42 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Type.........: 46
Description..: Show GIF pictures resolution
Show the resolution of the GIF picture (only of if it is
stored on you disk as a .GIF file), which name is sup-
plied by the user. This option doesn't look in archives!
Optional data: FullPath or /F
Supply the full directory path or use the /F option.

Type.........: 47
Description..: Write entry to System log
Write the text, given in the optional data field, to the
SYSTEM.LOG file. This is handy if you want to know if a
menu option is used or for any other information.
Optional data: Text to be written
The text given in this field will be written to the
system logfile.

Type.........: 48
Description..: Download a specific file
By using this option, you only ask the user which down-
load protocol he/she wants to use and then starts the
download. You supplied the filename in the optional data
field. This can be used to download your ALLFILES list.
Optional data: FullPath+FileName
Supply the file the users can download through the use of
this option.

Type.........: 49
Description..: RESERVED - Do not use

Type.........: 50
Description..: RESERVED - Do not use

Type.........: 51
Description..: RESERVED - Do not use

Type.........: 52
Description..: RESERVED - Do not use

Type.........: 53
Description..: Toggle mailcheck at logon on/off
Allows the user to toggle the mailcheck at logon on/off.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 54
Description..: Toggle newfiles check at logon on/off
Allows the user to toggle the newfiles check at logon on
or off.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 55
Description..: Show BBS list (Short)
Shows the user the build in BBS list in the short version.
Optional data: None

Page 43 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Type.........: 56
Description..: Add BBS to BBS list
Allows Sysops to add their BBS to your BBS list. Informa-
tion like telephone number, name, on-line hours, software
and Sysop name are stored.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 57
Description..: Leave comment to next user
A comment of 2 lines can be left behind for the next
user. This will be shown to the next caller at logon.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 58
Description..: Show last 15 callers
Gives a list of the last 15 callers with the time they
came on-line and went off-line. Also shown are bps rates
and age.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 59
Description..: Change colour configuration
Allows the user to change the colour configuration of the
BBS. This is the same as in the CONFIG.EXE program, but
only works for the current user, while the CONFIG.EXE
part, works for every user.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 60
Description..: Extract files ** REGISTERED USERS ONLY **
Allows the user to extract a file, then afterwards he/she
can view the files inside the archive and repack (some)
files. All from within SuperBBS. This option is only
available to registered users.
Optional data: None <FullPath> </F>
If you leave the optional data line empty, it means
extract the file which is IN the TEMP directory. This
TEMP directory is setup in the CONFIG.EXE program. If you
enter the full directory path or the /F, for menu templa-
ting, this menu type will react as extract TO the TEMP
directory. Note the difference!

Type.........: 61
Description..: Archive files ** REGISTERED USERS ONLY **
The user will be asked which files have to be archived.
This option is to be used with the extract option, menu
type 60.
Optional data: FullPath or /F
If you enter the full directory path of the TEMP dir, the
files will be packed from that area. If you use the /F or
the full directory path to your file areas, the requested
files from that area will be packed.

Page 44 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Type.........: 62
Description..: Delete files ** REGISTERED USERS ONLY **
The user will be asked which files have to be deleted.
This option is to be used with the extract option, menu
type 60.
Optional data: FullPath or /F
If you enter the full directory path of the TEMP dir, the
files will be deleted from that area. If you use the /F
or the full directory path to your file areas, the
requested files from that area will be deleted.

Type.........: 63
Description..: Show BBS list (Long)
Show the user the long version of the BBS list. The user
has the option to enter the name he/she wants to look
for. All available data about the BBS will be shown.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 64
Description..: Change BBS information in BBS list
Allows Sysops to change their BBS data in the BBS list.
Only you and the person named as Sysop in the BBS list is
able to do this.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 65
Description..: Delete BBS information from BBS list
Allows Sysop to remove their data from the BBS list. Only
you and the person named as Sysop in the BBS list is able
to do this.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 66
Description..: Download BBS list
Allows users to download the BBS list. Only the protocol
will be asked for.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 67
Description..: Change user's phone number(s)
Allows the user to change his/her phone number(s).
Optional data: None

Type.........: 68
Description..: Select message area from arealist
Allows the user to change area with the build in area
change command. This will display a three row list of all
the available (to this user) message areas. Use this for
changing areas when using menu templating.
Optional data: None

Page 45 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Type.........: 69
Description..: Select file area from arealist
Allows users to change area with the build in area change
command. This will display a one row list of all the
available (to this user) file areas. Use this for chang-
ing areas when using menu templating.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 70
Description..: Change alias
Allows the user to change his/her alias. Only works if
you allowed the use of an alias on your system.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 71
Description..: List aliases
Shows an user - alias list of all users. The user is
given the option to select a search criterium.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 72
Description..: Show user's balance in the timebank
Allows the user to see how much time he/she has deposit
in the timebank. You can set a maximum in the CONFIG.EXE
program.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 73
Description..: Deposit time in timebank
Allows the user to store time in the timebank.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 74
Description..: Withdraw time from timebank
Allows the user to withdraw time from his/her account.
Optional data: None

Type.........: 75
Description..: User online / Other line status
Show's who is on the other line(s) or the current status
of the other line(s).
Optional data: None </S>
If you leave the optional data field empty, SuperBBS will
show the user who is on the other line(s). If you use the
/S parameter, SuperBBS will show you the status of the
other line(s).

Type.........: 76
Description..: Send message to other user on-line
Allows the user on a line to send a on-line message to a
user on another line. This only works if the 'Do not
disturb' flag is not on.
Optional data: None

Page 46 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Type.........: 77
Description..: Change current language
Allows the user to change his/her current language file.
(If you run with more than one language file.)
Optional data: None

Type.........: 78
Description..: Toggle 'Do not disturb' on/off
Allows the user to toggle the 'Do not disturb' flag on
and off. This way he/she can prevent receiving messages
from other line users.
Optional data: None

That's it, all 78 available menu commands. If you are converting from
RemoteAccess, Prodoor or QuickBBS to SuperBBS remember that there are
different options available in SuperBBS, which the others do not have.
Please check your configuration carefully if starting with SuperBBS.

5.3 Menu templating

Maybe you remember the good old days. In those days you had to build a
menu for every available message and file area. Those days are gone. Now
there is menu templating. This means you have one menu for all your
message areas and another for all your file areas. How does it work?

First you design your menu. Then you enter all the needed information.
But instead of entering messagebase numbers, you enter /M. SuperBBS will
replace this with a message area number. The same for the file areas.
Design your menu, enter the /F instead of the directory. SuperBBS will
replace it with the information given in the CONFIG.BBS program.

Let's have a look at how to setup a message menu this way:

First you have to get from your main menu to the message menu. We
want to start in area 01. We use menu option 1 and the optional
data field would be: MAIL /M=1. MAIL is the menu name, /M=1 tells
SuperBBS to go to the first message area defined in CONFIG.EXE. If
you want to go to the second area, you could have said /M=2.

Now we need the read, write, scan, quickscan and delete options.
Set up the menu as you normally would, except instead of using the
messagebase number, use the /M in the optional data field. SuperBBS
will know in what area the user is. Even if the user goes to the
main menu and then returns to the messagebase, he/she will still be
in the area he/she left from.

You can use the /M (and /F for fileareas) for changing the area. If
you use a type 1 menu and as optional data field the menu name and
/M=+1, SuperBBS will change to the next area. If you use in the
optional data field the /M=-1, SuperBBS will change area to the
previous area. (Unless SuperBBS is at the highest or lowest area,
depending on the way you want to move.)

Page 47 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

So in short:

Menu type 1 - MenuName /M=1 = Goto message area 1
Menu type 2 - MenuName /F=3 = Gosub file area 3
Menu type 23 - /M = Read messages in current area
Menu type 32 - /F = Download from current area
Menu type 1 - /M=+1 = Goto next message area
Menu type 1 - /F=-1 = Goto previous file area

To show the name of the area you are currently in use these codes:

Ctrl-K 4 = File area name in ANS/ASC files
Ctrl-K 5 = Message area name in ANS/ASC files

@ (Ascii 64) = File area name in menu textline
' (Ascii 96) = Message area name in menu textline

These codes are replaced with the name you have set up in the CONFIG.EXE
program. If you use characters behind these codes, please think about
the fact that the codes will be replaced by the area name, so you might
have to check if your menu is still aligned the way you want it.
Example:

In your menu: Area @ SuperBBS HQ
For the user: Area General area SuperBBS HQ

5.4 Changing hardcoded menu options

SuperBBS has the option to allow the use of your own commands, instead
of the hardcoded menus in SuperBBS. These options can be used for these
menu commands:

23 Read messages
24 Scan messages
25 Quickscan messages

These are the available commands to replace the hardcoded box in
SuperBBS. You need to set these options in the optional data, when
editing a menu.

/F Read messages in forward order
/R Read messages in reverse order
/I Read individual messages
/N Read new messages
/S Read selected messages
/M Read marked messages

These options are also available in template menus, so you're able to
build a very powerful (and in your own language if needed) message menu.

Page 48 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Here is an example of a menu. The first /M is from the message area the
second '/' option is to replace the hardcoded menu.

Menu Optional data Menu textline
---- ------------- ---------------------------------------------
23 /M /F Read messages in forward order in current area
23 /M /M Read marked messages in current area
24 8 /S Read selected messages in area 8
25 /M /N Quickscan new messages in current area
27 /M Write a new message in current area
68 Choose other area from area list

And your imagination can do the rest. It is just an example, so don't
use it as a complete menu!

5.5 Control codes in menu and textfiles

You can now use several control codes in your menu. They don't have to
be displayed through an ANSI or ASCII file, but can be used on the menu
textline itself.

Here's a complete list of all the control codes you can use, either in
an ANSI or ASCII file or in your menu textline: (^ = Ctrl key)

ASCII Char. Function description
--------- -------- ----------------------------------------------
1 ^A Wait for ENTER key to be pressed
2 ^B Turns OFF aborting with S key
3 ^C Turns ON aborting with S key
4 ^D Turns OFF the 'More' prompt
5 ^E Turns ON the 'More' prompt
6 ^F Not used alone (See below)
7 ^G Generates a 'BEEP'
8 ^H Backspace
9 ^I Tabulator
10 ^J Linefeed
11 ^K Not used alone (See below)
12 ^L Clears screen
13 ^M Carriage return

The ^F codes available: (All codes apply to current user!)

ASCII Char. Function description
--------- -------- ----------------------------------------------
6 65 ^FA User's full name
6 66 ^FB User's city and state
6 67 ^FC User's password (Use with care!)
6 68 ^FD User's business/data phone number
6 69 ^FE User's home/voice phone number
6 70 ^FF User's last calling date
6 71 ^FG User's last calling time (24 hrs format)
6 72 ^FH User's A flagsetting
6 73 ^FI User's B flagsetting
6 74 ^FJ User's C flagsetting

Page 49 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

ASCII Char. Function description
--------- -------- ----------------------------------------------
6 75 ^FK User's D flagsetting
6 76 ^FL User's netmail credit
6 77 ^FM Number of messages user has written
6 78 ^FN Highest message number user has read
6 79 ^FO User's security level
6 80 ^FP User's number of calls
6 81 ^FQ User's uploads in files
6 82 ^FR User's uploads in KBytes
6 83 ^FS User's downloads in files
6 84 ^FT User's downloads in KBytes
6 85 ^FU Elapsed time this call in minutes
6 86 ^FV User's screen length
6 87 ^FW User's firstname
6 88 ^FX Status ANSI graphics (ON/OFF)
6 89 ^FY Status More prompt (ON/OFF)
6 90 ^FZ Status CLS codes (ON/OFF)
6 48 ^F0 User's Sysop comment
6 49 ^F1 Status Full Screen editor (ON/OFF)
6 50 ^F2 User's age
6 51 ^F3 User's birthday
6 52 ^F4 User's time of first call (24 hrs format)
6 53 ^F5 User's date of first call
6 54 ^F6 Status of mailcheck at logon (ON/OFF)
6 55 ^F7 User's up/download ratio in KBytes
6 56 ^F8 User's up/download ratio in files
6 57 ^F9 Status new files check at logon (ON/OFF)
6 33 ^F! Total minutes used

The ^K codes available:

ASCII Char. Function description
--------- -------- ----------------------------------------------
11 65 ^KA User's total number of calls
11 66 ^KB Name of the last caller
11 67 ^KC Number of active messages on system
11 68 ^KD Number of lowest message on system
11 69 ^KE Number of highest message on system
11 70 ^KF Number of times user has yelled SysOp
11 71 ^KG Day of the week in full
11 72 ^KH Number of users on system
11 73 ^KI Current time (24 hrs format)
11 74 ^KJ Current date (DD-MM-YY)
11 75 ^KK Number of minutes connected this call
11 76 ^KL Number of seconds connected this call
11 77 ^KM Number of minutes used against time limit
11 78 ^KN Number of seconds used against time limit
11 79 ^KO Number of minutes remaining this call
11 80 ^KP Number of seconds remaining this call
11 81 ^KQ Time Limit this call (Minutes)
11 82 ^KR User's baud rate (300-38400)
11 83 ^KS Abbreviated day of week
11 84 ^KT Download Limit in KBytes

Page 50 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

ASCII Char. Function description
--------- -------- ----------------------------------------------
11 85 ^KU Number of minutes until next system event
11 86 ^KV Time of next system event (24 hrs format)
11 89 ^KY User's maximum up/download ratio in KBytes
11 90 ^KZ User's maximum up/download ratio in files
11 48 ^K0 Current language file description
11 49 ^K1 Status of scroll lock
11 50 ^K2 One second pause
11 51 ^K3 Display securitylevel comment (from LIMITS.BBS)
11 52 ^K4 Name of the current filearea
11 53 ^K5 Name of the current messagearea
11 54 ^K6 User's alias
11 55 ^K7 User's time in bank
11 56 ^K8 User's number of calls today
11 57 ^K9 Number of messages in current area
11 33 ^K! Status of do not disturb flag (ON/OFF)

Do not use the ^Q, ^S and ^Z commands, because these are dangerous and
can give you unexpected problems. To enter a code in your textfiles, use
the ^x command. This means, press the control key, hold down while
pressing the mentioned key, release and press the second character (in
case of the ^F and ^K keys.) Another way is holding down the ALT key and
pressing the ASCII value from the numeric keypad on the right of the
keyboard. This only works on EXTENDED keyboards!!

5.6 Additional control keys

Some additional control keys can be used within the messagebase from
SuperBBS. These codes are:

@1 User's name
@2 User's City & State
@3 User's security level
@4 User's birthday
@5 User's age
@6 User's firstname

These codes can be used, if you did allow them to be used in CONFIG.EXE,
in messages written in SuperBBS.

5.7 INCLUDE1.MNU

This is a very special menu file. This menu allows up to 10 commands to
be entered, which then will be added to all your existing menus. If
SuperBBS finds this file in your menu directory, all menu commands are
available to the user at any menu in your BBS. Very useful for the
logoff command, paging the Sysop, help and what you can think of. Design
the menu as you normally would design a menu.

Page 51 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

6 MESSAGE BASE

6.1 General information

The SuperBBS message base is fully compatible with QuickBBS and Remote-
Access. This will not guarantee that this will stay this way in the
future. Either SuperBBS or the other programs might come up with a
better type of message base. Currently you can use your old messagebase
when converting from RA and QuickBBS to SuperBBS. You should set up the
location of your messagebase in the CONFIG.EXE program as described in
chapter 3.

User's (and Sysop) are able to read, write, scan, quickscan and delete
messages. The messages are numbered in upgoing order. The first message
starts at one, the second at two and so on. This doesn't mean both
messages are in the same area. Besides the message number, SuperBBS also
keeps track in which area the message belongs. When reading messages,
you will see a notice stating that there are xxxx messages active. And
that the lowest message is numbered yyyy and the highest zzzz. Also
stated is the amount of messages in the current area. It looks something
like this:

Active messages: 1234. Lowest message: 1. Highest message: 23460.
Number of messages in this area: 25.

This means that from the 1234 messages, which starts at 1 and ends at
23460, there are 25 messages in the current area.

6.2 Sysop keys available

The following options are available to the Sysop when reading messages:

<A>gain Show current message again.
<N>ext Show next message
<B>ack Show previous message
<J>ump Jump to specified message
<R>eply Reply to the current message
<D>elete Remove the current message
<K>eep as unread Toggle the read/unread flag on/off
<X>port Send message to printer or file
<C>opy Copy current message to another user/board
<E>dit Edit the message information, like:
1. From Who wrote the message
2. To To whom message is addressed
3. Subject Subject of the message
4. Board Area number where msg exists
5. Quit Abort editing
6. Save Save message
<=>Private Toggle the private/public flag on/off
<S>top Stop reading messages

One undocumented option is available to Sysops when reading ECHO and NET
mail, the <!>. This allows you to see the information normally hidden in
a message through a Ctrl-A code.

Page 52 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

7 FILES BASE

7.1 General information

Just like SuperBBS messagebase is the filebase compatible with Remote-
Access and QuickBBS. SuperBBS uses a FILES.BBS file to display the
available files to the users. This file looks like this when viewed with
a normal ASCII editor:

SuperBBS will add the information like size and date if the file is
found in the current area. If not, the word OFF-LINE will be displayed
instead of the date and size. The description has to start on character
number 15. SuperBBS allows you to have more then one file description
line. You can set this information in the CONFIG.EXE program. If you
want to add a line with a text editor, use one who ends without putting
a Ctrl-Z at the end of the document, start the extra description line
with the ' >'(ASCII 32+62) sign. This will tell SuperBBS it is a file
description line and will display it at the right place.

7.2 Extract and view option ** REGISTERED USERS ONLY **

SuperBBS allows you and your users to extract, view and repack a file
while on-line. SuperBBS has support for ZIP, LZH, PAK and ARC files. You
can extract a file, view the contents of the file, read textfiles from
within the file and repack only the wanted files, while discarding the
rest. SuperBBS makes use for this option of the TEMP directory which you
have to set up in CONFIG.EXE.

After use, SuperBBS will clean the area in case the user doesn't and you
have set the option on in CONFIG.EXE.

This option is only available to registered users of SuperBBS.

8 SUPPORT FILES

8.1 General information

SuperBBS uses a whole range of extra ANSI and ASCII support files. You
can define these files yourself, or use the build in (English) support
files. This way you can personalize your system. If a file is not
available, SuperBBS will display a message of it's own, if needed.

You can make these ANSI and ASCII files with a program like Thedraw. It
even allows you to use animation in your ANSI files. Do remember that
users are calling in and that a long screen build up will scare them
away, or they switch to ASCII.

SuperBBS will first look for the files in the ANSI/ASCII textfile
directory specified in the language files, then in the text directory
specified in the CONFIG.EXE program and if still no file is found, it
will display the message of it's own, which is normally just a textline
explaining what is going on.

Page 53 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

8.2 ANSI and ASCII Support files

These are the support files:

Name.........: 0001 (0102, 0203......2223, 2324)
Type.........: ANS/ASC
Description..: File to be displayed at logon, between 00:00 and
01:00 hrs. This way you can setup a file for every
hour. 1516.ANS would be between 15:00 and 16:00 hrs.

Name.........: ALIASASK
Type.........: ANS/ASC
Description..: This file is displayed at logon of a newuser just
before asking the alias he/she wants to use. This
file should contain some information about the use
of an alias on your board.

Name.........: BIRTHDAY
Type.........: ANS/ASC
Description..: Shown when a user calls on his/her birthday.

Name.........: DNLDHRS
Type.........: ANS/ASC
Description..: Shown to a user who wants to download when download-
ing is not allowed as specified in CONFIG.EXE.

Name.........: EDITHELP
Type.........: ANS/ASC
Description..: Shown to the user when he/she asks for help within
the message editor.

Name.........: GOODBYE
Type.........: ANS/ASC
Description..: Shown to the user at logoff, just before the modems
disconnect.

Name.........: LOGO
Type.........: ANS/ASC
Description..: Shown to the user before asking the user's name at
logon to your system. At this moment is SuperBBS not
aware which language a user is using, so it uses the
directory specified in the first language file in
LANGUAGE.CTL.

Name.........: MAXPAGE
Type.........: ANS/ASC
Description..: Shown to the user when trying to page the Sysop more
times then specified in CONFIG.EXE.

Name.........: NEWS
Type.........: ANS/ASC
Description..: File displayed to every user at logon. Useful for
newsflashes. Programs like NEWS_140.xxx are easy for
creating and editing this file.

Page 54 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Name.........: NEWUSER1
Type.........: ANS/ASC
Description..: Shown to newusers after he/she has verified his/her
name and before the other logon questions are asked.
At this point does SuperBBS not know which language
the user wants to use, so you should make this file
contain all available languages.

Name.........: NEWUSER2
Type.........: ANS/ASC
Description..: File displayed to a new user after he/she answered
the questions about system options and selected a
password, but before the NEWUSER.Q-A questionnaire
is answered.

Name.........: NO300
Type.........: ANS/ASC
Description..: Shown to the user trying to logon to your BBS at 300
Baud when this is not allowed as specified in the
CONFIG.EXE file.

Name.........: NOPAGE
Type.........: ANS/ASC
Description..: Shown to the user when you are paged, but you dis-
abled yell with the Scroll-lock key.

Name.........: NOTAVAIL
Type.........: ANS/ASC
Description..: Shown to the user when you are paged outside yelling
hours.

Name.........: NOTFOUND
Type.........: ANS/ASC
Description..: Shown to the user if the system can't find the
user's name in the user list. At this moment is
SuperBBS not aware of the language the user is using
or want to use. This file should therefore contain
all available languages.

Name.........: PAGEABRT
Type.........: ANS/ASC
Description..: Shown to the user when the Sysop aborts the yell
from the user.

Name.........: PAGED
Type.........: ANS/ASC
Description..: Shown to the user after a yell for the Sysop, incase
the Sysop didn't answer.

Name.........: PASSWORD
Type.........: ANS/ASC
Description..: Shown to the new user just before the system asks
for a password, or just before the user has the
option to change his/her password.

Page 55 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Name.........: PRIVATE
Type.........: ANS/ASC
Description..: Shown to the user if your system is a private system
and a non-registered user is trying to get in. The
user will be disconnected after displaying the file.

Name.........: RATIO
Type.........: ANS/ASC
Description..: Shown to the user when the upload/download file
ratio is exceeded as configured in CONFIG.EXE.

Name.........: RATIOK
Type.........: ANS/ASC
Description..: Shown to the user when the upload/download kbytes
ratio is exceeded as configured in CONFIG.EXE.

Name.........: READHELP
Type.........: ANS/ASC
Description..: Shown to the user if he/she asks for help with the
read, scan and quickscan commands.

Name.........: SECxxxxx
Type.........: ANS/ASC
Description..: Shown to the user just after the welcome screen if
he/she has the security level 'xxxxx'. 'xxxxx' has
to be a value between 0 and 32000. (SEC20.ANS will
be shown to security level 20 user's.) If this file
is not found, SuperBBS will look for SECALL.A??.

Name.........: SECALL
Type.........: ANS/ASC
Description..: Shown to the user if for his/her security level no
SECxxxxx.A?? file is available.

Name.........: TIMEWARN
Type.........: ANS/ASC
Description..: Shown to the user when his/her time is adjusted due
to an upcoming event.

Name.........: TOOSLOW
Type.........: ANS/ASC
Description..: Shown to the user when trying to logon to the system
at a bps rate which is not fast enough, as
configured in CONFIG.EXE.

Name.........: TRASHCAN
Type.........: ANS/ASC
Description..: Shown to the user when his/her name was found in the
TRASHCAN.CTL list. The user will be disconnected
after displaying the file.

Name.........: VIP
Type.........: ANS/ASC
Description..: Shown to the user after the welcome screen if
his/her name was found in the VIP.CTL list.

Page 56 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Name.........: WELCOME
Type.........: ANS/ASC
Description..: Shown to the user after he/she entered her name and
password.

Name.........: XFERHELP
Type.........: ANS/ASC
Description..: Shown to the user when the user asks for help with
the transfer protocols and file transfer.

8.3 .CTL, .LNG and .BBS Support files

Besides the ANSI and ASCII files, SuperBBS uses a couple of .CTL, .LNG
and .BBS files to control his behaviour. The .CTL files are all plain
ASCII files and can be edited with every normal texteditor, even Edlin
if you like. The .BBS files are all controlled through the CONFIG.EXE
program. The .LNG files are language files and are controlled through
the LCONFIG.EXE program. The .BBS and .LNG files are mentioned here as
reference, so you know what every file is for. Their set up is explained
in detail in chapter 3.

*.LNG Language support files.

AREAS.BBS Not a file needed for SuperBBS, but most echomail
processors need this file, that's why we mention it.
It contains information about your message areas and
who to send them to. The format is as follows:

Don't use the first three lines of the file. Just
put a ';' in there. This is just a plain ASCII file.

CONFIG.BBS Contains the complete setup from your system. This
file should never be deleted, because you will have
to setup your system again. This file is 100%
QuickBBS compatible.

DORINFOx.DEF One of two files, the other is the EXITINFO.BBS
file, which contains information to be used by pro-
grams running outside SuperBBS. These files are
generated when you do a type 7 or 15 exit.

ECHOORIG.CTL Plain ASCII file. With this file it is possible to
have a different origin line in every mail area. The
format of the file is as follows:

<AreaNr.> <Origin line>

Place this file in your main system area.

Page 57 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

EXITINFO.BBS One of two files, the other is the DORINFOx.DEF
file, which contains information to be used by pro-
grams running outside SuperBBS. These files are
generated when you do a type 7 or 15 exit.

FLSEARCH.BBS Contains all information about your file areas.
Location, securitylevels, flagsettings, age to have
access and if in the menu templating is stored in
this file.

LASTREAD.BBS Contains information about every user and his/her
lastread message number. Never delete this file,
because all message will be displayed as new mess-
ages to the user's.

LIMITS.BBS Contains the information about userlevels and their
limits. SuperBBS checks this file to find the infor-
mation about the userlevels.

MSGIDX.BBS Contains the information about the messages on your
MSGINFO.BBS system, the header from the messages and the text in
MSGTOIDX.BBS the messages. Never delete these files, unless you
MSGHDR.BBS want to start all over with an empty message base,
MSGTXT.BBS or when something happened to your message base.

PFILES.BBS Contains information about private uploads done to
you. This is a normal ASCII file. All private upload
descriptions are stored in this file.

SLCALLER.BBS Contains information about the last 15 users to your
BBS. You can delete this file if you want, but there
should be no reason for it.

SUSERS.BBS Contains the extra user information like age, birth-
day, sex etc. Only delete this file if your userbase
is messy and you want to clean it up. SuperBBS will
ask every user for the needed information again.

TIMELOG.BBS Contains information about the usage of the BBS. The
usage log is created out of this file. If you want
to start all over with your usage log, delete this
file.

TRASHCAN.CTL Contains user names you don't want to have on your
board, like Sysop, Dr., Hacker etc. This is a plain
ASCII file in the following format:

Page 58 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

USERS.BBS Contains the information about the users. All normal
user information is stored in this file. Only delete
this file if you want to start with 0 user's. Backup
this file often to prevent damage to your userfile
incase something happened.

VIP.CTL Contains information about special users to your BBS
system. SuperBBS will show the file VIP.A?? to them
at logon. This is a plain ASCII file with the fol-
lowing format:

SuperBBS uses two logfiles for storing system information. One you
hopefully never have to see. These files are:

ERRORS.LOG Contains all errors which occur during operation of
SuperBBS. Please take note of this file and send the
information to us, when you come across an error.
The error notice will be in this format:

---------------------------
Version : 1.00 Beta (Compiled on 12-May-1990)
Date : 25-May-1990
User : Aki Antman
Code : 100
Addr : 0B75:1C5F
---------------------------

Send this information to our support nodes or the
SuperBBS HQ.

SYSTEM.LOG Contains all information about what the user did on
your system. Information like name, userlevel,
alias, wrong passwords, exits to doors and time on-
line are stored in here. This file is a plain ASCII
file. If this file is missing, SuperBBS will create
it the next time it is run, so you can delete this
file as many times as you wish.

Page 59 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

9 QUESTIONNAIRE LANGUAGE

9.1 General information

SuperBBS has a powerful questionnaire language available to the Sysop
for designing question files. SuperBBS will run the questionnaire called
NEWUSER.Q-A if a new user enters your system and the file is found.
Answers will be stored under the same filename, but with the extension
.ASW. All questionnaires have to have the extension .Q-A and all answer
files will have the extension .ASW. You can design as many question-
naires as you like. You can run a questionnaire from a menutype 12. On
the optional datafield, you have to supply the name of the question-
naire.

9.2 Available commands

Here's a list of the available commands in the questionnaires:

Used codes: <.......> = Mandatory
[.......] = Optional

Command.....: ASK <length> <variable> [default]
Description.: Asks for a string from the user. Length defines the
number of characters the answer can take, the vari-
able is the answer number, which you can use in
combination with other commands. The option Default
allows you to enter some information as default in
the answer field. If you use as default USERNAME,
this will be replaced through the username of the
user answering the questionnaire.
Example.....: ASK 40 1 USERNAME

Command.....: CAPITALIZE <on/off>
Description.: If capitalize is on, all first letters of the words
entered in an answer field will be capitalized. If
off, the user decides if a letter is capitalized
through the use of his/her Shift(-Lock) key.
Example.....: CAPITALIZE ON

Command.....: CHANGECOLOR <foreground> <background>
Description.: Changes colour to the given combination. Foreground
(or textcolour) can be between 0 and 15, background
between 0 and 7. See earlier in this documentation
for a complete list of the colours.
Example.....: CHANGECOLOR 14 1

Command.....: CLEARSCREEN
Description.: Clears the screen if user has selected CLS codes.
Example.....: CLEARSCREEN

Page 60 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Command.....: DISPLAY <"text">
Description.: Displays a text to the user. The pipe symbol '|'
acts as a carriage return. Every textline should not
exceed the screen width. If no '|' is given, Su-
perBBS will continue at the end of the last line.
Use the '|' also after the GETCHOICE command as the
first character of a textline. You can use as many
'|' symbols behind each other as you like.
Example.....: DISPLAY "Welcome to this BBS system.|"

Command.....: DISPLAYASW <variable>
Description.: Shows the answer given to the question given as the
variable. This should be the same variable as used
with the question.
Example.....: DISPLAYASW 1

Command.....: DISPLAYFILE <filename>
Description.: Displays the file given as filename from the text-
file directory. If the user has ANSI enabled this
will be the ANSI version if available, otherwise the
ASCII version is shown. SuperBBS first looks in the
directory specified in the language file, then in
the directory specified in CONFIG.EXE.
Example.....: DISPLAYFILE WELCOME

Command.....: DOMENUC <menutype> <"data">
Description.: This command will run the menu command (see list for
numbers) given as data in the menutype field. The
information given in the data field will be dis-
played to the user.
Example.....: DOMENUC 11 "Yelling Sysop"

Command.....: ENDIF
Description.: Use this command as the end of an IF loop. (See the
IF command.)
Example.....: ENDIF

Command.....: EXEC <command>
Description.: Executes the program given as the command option.
This allows you to execute an external program. This
program should be in the path or current directory.
Example.....: EXEC USERCHEC.EXE

Command.....: GOTO <label>
Description.: This command allows you to jump to a character or
value. Label must be ONE character or a value. The
place GOTO will jump to is determined by the same
character or value preceded by a colon ':'. So the
command GOTO A, will jump to :A.
Example.....: GOTO B

Page 61 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Command.....: GETCHOICE <options> <variable> [default]
Description.: This command allows you to ask the user a question,
with only a limited one character answer available.
Options are the characters which are valid for this
answer, variable is the question number the answer
should be stored under in memory and default is the
default answer, so when a user just presses ENTER,
it will default to the answer stated in default.
Example.....: GETCHOICE YN 2 Y

Command.....: IF <variable = "string">
Description.: This command allows you to jump over certain parts
of your questionnaire if the compiled variable does
not match the given string. Variable is the question
number stored in memory and string is the string to
match. SuperBBS will compile the user's answer and
compare it to the string. If this doesn't match,
SuperBBS will jump to the first ENDIF found.
Example.....: IF 1 = "Frank Hemmelder"

Command.....: OUTPUTANSWER ["string"] <variable>
Description.: This commands allow you to store the answers given
by the user in an ASCII file with the same name as
the questionnaire, but with an ASW extension. String
is the text which should be placed in front of the
answer, variable is the number of the answer stored
in memory.
Example.....: OUTPUTANSWER "Full name : " 1

Command.....: POSTINFO
Description.: This command will write the current system time,
data and the username to the answer file. This com-
mand should be used in front of the OUTPUTANSWER
lines. Some programs, like READANS.EXE, allows you
to upgrade newusers easily by reading the answers in
the NEWUSER.ASW file, but they need the information
from POSTINFO to seperate the different users.
Example.....: POSTINFO

Command.....: QUIT
Description.: Ends the questionnaire. This does not nessecarily
mean this command has to be at the end of all the
questions. If you use the IF and ENDIF commands,
this could be half way through your questionnaire.
Example.....: QUIT

Command.....: SETFLAG <flag> <on/off>
Description.: Allows you to change a flagsetting from the current
user. Flag should be a character/number combination,
flags are numbered A1 to D8, and they should be
followed by the on or off command.
Example.....: SETFLAG B5 ON

Page 62 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Command.....: SETSECURITY <level>
Description.: Allows you to change the userlevel. Level should be
the new level.
Example.....: SETSECURITY 0

Command.....: WAITENTER
Description.: This command displays the 'Press ENTER to continue'
string and waits for the user to press the ENTER
key. The 'Press ENTER....' will be done in the cur-
rent language.
Example.....: WAITENTER

Now let's have a look at this little example. You could use it, but I
recommend you change it and make it better. It will first display a
textfile to the user, stating the rules of the BBS, then ask the most
important questions and asks if you are a Sysop. If you are, you'll be
able to enter your BBS information. Then all answers are displayed, so
the user can check them and eventually start all over if he/she made a
mistake.

CLEARSCREEN
DISPLAYFILE RULES
CHANGCOLOR 11 0
CAPITALIZE ON
DISPLAY "Do you still want to continue? (Y/n) "
GETCHOICE YN 1 Y
CAPITALIZE OFF
IF 1 = "N"
SETSECURITY 0
CHANGECOLOR 14 4
DISPLAY "You will be logged off now!"
QUIT
ENDIF
:A
CLEARSCREEN
CHANGECOLOR 10 0
DISPLAY "|Your full name........: "
ASK 40 2 USERNAME
CHANGECOLOR 10 0
DISPLAY "Address................: "
ASK 40 3
CHANGECOLOR 10 0
DISPLAY "City and State.........: "
ASK 40 4
CHANGECOLOR 10 0
DISPLAY "Telephone number.......: "
ASK 15 5
CHANGECOLOR 10 0
DISPLAY "|Are you a Sysop? (y/N) "
CAPITALIZE ON
GETCHOICE YN 6 N
CAPITALIZE OFF

Page 63 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

IF 6 = "Y'
CHANGECOLOR 10 0
DISPLAY "BBS name...............: "
ASK 40 7
CHANGECOLOR 10 0
DISPLAY "Telephone number.......: "
ASK 15 8
ENDIF
CHANGECOLOR 13 0
DISPLAY "|Thank you for filling out all the questions."
DISPLAY "|Now you can check your answers.|
WAITENTER
CLEARSCREEN
CHANGECOLOR 11 0
DISPLAY "|These are your answers: "
CHANGECOLOR 10 0
DISPLAY "|Name..................: "
DISPLAYASW 2
CHANGECOLOR 10 0
DISPLAY "Address................: "
DISPLAYASW 3
CHANGECOLOR 10 0
DISPLAY "City and State.........: "
DISPLAYASW 4
CHANGECOLOR 10 0
DISPLAY "Telephone number.......: "
DISPLAYASW 5
CHANGECOLOR 10 0
IF 6 = "Y'
CHANGECOLOR 10 0
DISPLAY "BBS name...............: "
DISPLAYASW 7
CHANGECOLOR 10 0
DISPLAY "Telephone number.......: "
DISPLAYASW 8
ENDIF
CHANGECOLOR 14 1
DISPLAY "|All answers correct? (Y/n)
CAPITALIZE ON
GETCHOICE YN 9 Y
CAPITALIZE OFF
IF 9 = "N"
GOTO A
ENDIF
CHANGECOLOR 12 0
DISPLAY "|Thank you for answering all questions."
POSTINFO
OUTPUTANSWER "Name.........: " 2
OUTPUTANSWER "Address......: " 3
OUTPUTANSWER "City & State.: " 4
OUTPUTANSWER "Phone........: " 5
IF 6 = "Y"
OUTPUTANSWER "BBS name.....: " 7
OUTPUTANSWER "Phone........: " 8
QUIT

Page 64 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

10 RUNNING SUPERBBS

10.1 General information

SuperBBS can be run as a stand alone program or with a frontend mailer
like Frontdoor, D'Bridge or any other mailer program. In both cases you
need to run SuperBBS from a batchfile. Two examples are given in the
appendixes of this documentation. One for running SuperBBS as stand
alone program and one for running SuperBBS in combination with a mailer.

If you are using SuperBBS with a mailer, please read all the documenta-
tion of the mailer program carefully, so you know how the two programs
interact with each other.

10.2 Command line options

SuperBBS can be started by running the program BBS.EXE without any
parameter. This will put the main SuperBBS program on-line. You will see
a SuperBBS screen with some information, like time and date, last user
and more. When this screen is visible (or the screensaver is working)
you have two options:

[L] This will put the BBS program in local mode. This way you
will be able to connect to the system, just like you are
running the system remotely. Beware that if you have any
door programs installed which uses a Carrier Detect
monitor, these won't run because there is no carrier
signal available.

[ESCAPE] Shutdown SuperBBS and returns you to the DOS prompt.

There is a third option, this is that you get a caller on-line. SuperBBS
will connect at the right modem speed and will handle the connection. A
carrier check is build in, so if the user disconnects, the system will
restart (if run from a batchfile).

To start the BBS program in local mode, use the -L option. This option
and the other command line options are as follows:

-Bxxxx Starts SuperBBS with a BPS rate of xxxx. This is a value
between 300 and 38400, depending on your modemspeed. This
option is mostly used in a batchfile running a mailer,
telling SuperBBS at what BPS rate the user is calling.

-Exxx Tells SuperBBS to exit the call with errorlevel xxx.

-L Starts the SuperBBS program in Local mode.

-Oxxxxxx This option will increase the overlay buffer with xxxxxx
bytes. (For a 286-12 Mhz machine this should be somewhere
between 50000 and 100000 bytes.) Experiment a bit with it
to find the right value. This will speed up the SuperBBS
operation on slow machines or machines with no EMS.

Page 65 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

-Px Tells SuperBBS what COM port to use for the connection.

-R Tells SuperBBS it is already connected to a caller and
just has to restart the main program. This option is used
after a type 15 exit.

-* Tells SuperBBS not to load the overlay file in EMS.

Combinations of these parameters are possible. These parameters are not
necessary to run the SuperBBS program, but are sometimes needed.

10.3 On-line Sysop keys

While the SuperBBS is on-line and a caller is in the system, the sysop
has several keys which he/she can use. All Fx keys refer to the status
line which is shown at the bottom of the local screen. All keys apply to
the current user on-line. All the available keys are:

F1 Shows user's information on status line. Name, city,
bps rate, securitylevel, times called, time left and
line number are displayed.

F2 Shows user's flags.

F3 Shows user's up/download levels and ratio.

F4 Shows chat reason (if any) and if the Sysop is
available.

F5 Shows sysop comment (from SBBSUSER.EXE) and alias
information.

F6 Shows the current time and date, user's phone num-
bers, total calls to system, number of messages
written and last caller.

F9 Remove status lines from screen. This gives you the
same view as the user.

F10 Gives information about the on-line keys

ALT-C Chat with the user. A message will be displayed to
the user at the start and finnish of the conversa-
tion.

ALT-E Run the on-line user editor. This allows you to edit
the current user. All changes will be saved in the
user file. A message will be displayed to the user,
unless you have CapsLock on.

ALT-F Change the current user's flagsettings. All changes
will be saved in the user file. A message will be
displayed to the user, unless you have CapsLock on.

Page 66 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

ALT-H Disconnect user without showing GOODBYE.A??.

ALT-J Shell to DOS from SuperBBS. SuperBBS can swap to EMS
or disk if allowed through the CONFIG.EXE program. A
message will be displayed to the user when you shell
out and when you return.

ALT-L Locks the user out of your system. He/she will be
disconnected and his/her level will be lowered to 0.

ALT-S Change the caller's security level. A message will
be displayed to the user, unless CapsLock is on.

ALT-T Change the timelimit for the user for this call.

ALT-1 Generate line noise. This can be useful if you want
a user off-line.

ALT-2 Toggle the ratio check for the current user on or
off.

ALT-3 Set a new download limit for this call.

ALT-4 Generates a BEEP on the user's console.

ALT-5 Toggle output to user's screen on or off.

ALT-6 Toggle user's keyboard on or off.

Up arrow Increase time limit with 1 minute.

Down arrow Decrease time limit with 1 minute.

Scroll lock Toggle Sysop availability on/off. Status lock on
means Sysop not available. Also no messages are send
to the user, when the Sysop changes the user infor-
mation.

10.4 User's on-line keys

Just as the Sysop has the user some special keys on-line. These are:

P Pause all output from text

S Abort current operation. This works in most places in the
SuperBBS program.

Ctrl-C Stops Sysop yell and message scan.

Ctrl-Y Clears any input line. (When answering a question.)

As of this version, SuperBBS supports the 'normal' text editor keys as
usable keys at input fields. This means you can use the arrow keys,
Ctrl-T, Ctrl-Y, Insert, Delete, Home and End keys while entering text.

Page 67 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

10.5 Errorlevels

SuperBBS normally exits with an errorlevel. You can influence the
'normal' exit through the -Exxx command parameter (see above), but there
are some more errorlevels reserved for SuperBBS. Here they are:

0 Normal exit, no problems encountered.
2 Sysop dropped to DOS by pressing ESCAPE in stand alone mode.
3 User logged off and entered Netmail.
4 User logged off and entered Echomail.
5 User logged off and entered both Net and Echomail.

In general it is useful not to use the errorlevel of 10 and below. These
levels are mostly used to control program behaviour.

10.6 Yell and chat

SuperBBS has a chat option build in to the main program. When a user
tries to yell for you, the SuperBBS program will ask for a reason. Then,
if a reason is entered, the system will page you. Normally this is a
creeping siren sound, but you can choose a melody through the use of
YELLCFG.EXE. This program allows you to choose a page melody. You can
even write your own tune, check the SBBSYELL.CFG file for an example. If
you want to randomly change the tune every day, run the following option
in your daily maintenance: YELLCFG.EXE CHANGE. This will take a differ-
ent melody from the list every time it is run.

The chat will be in two colours. One for the Sysop and one for the user.
(Naturally only when user has ANSI on.) If the Sysop starts a chat, the
user will get all the time spent in the chat back after ending the chat.
If the user starts the chat, the time will continue.

Three keys are available during a chat:

Ctrl-A Toggle capture file on/off
Ctrl-B Display an ANSI/ASCII file
Ctrl-Y Clears current line

The Sysop can end the chat with the ESCAPE key. Through the Ctrl-A key
is it possible to keep a capture file for later reviewing of the chat.

10.7 Alias system

SuperBBS allows a full alias system. The Sysop can select the use of an
alias in all message areas. (Most echomail areas don't allow aliases.)
Mailcheck at logon or after a menu type 22 command, will be done for the
user's real and alias name. No double aliases are allowed and SuperBBS
checks this after a caller enters an alias.

SuperBBS includes an option to view a list with real names and their
aliases. The alias system only works if you set the option in the
CONFIG.EXE program to Yes.

Page 68 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

10.8 View a certain file

An option in the user record is the field: File to view. Here you can
specify per user a file which will be displayed to the user. You can
select this file through the use of the SBBSUSER.EXE program. There is
an option to allow the file to be deleted after viewing and only showing
the file once.

10.9 File to run

SuperBBS allows users to enter the system at another menu then the
TOP.MNU menu. In the SBBSUSER.EXE program is a field for this option.
Here you can enter the name of the menu the user wants to start at.
SuperBBS will then pass the user directly to the menu given in the
MenuToRun field. This menu can be different for every user.

11 MULTITASKING & MULTILINE

11.1 General information

SuperBBS is now able of running a system with more lines. Version 1.10
of SuperBBS is the first official multi-node release, so it might not be
perfect yet. That's why we ask everybody who uses SuperBBS to give their
opinion and ideas. That way we can expand and improve the multi-node
option. SuperBBS currently uses 160 KByte memory per line.

11.2 Setting SuperBBS up for multi-node support

Running SuperBBS as a multi-node system is not to difficult. Prepare a
directory for every line you are going to use. Copy the following files
into every directory:

- FLSEARCH.BBS
- LIMITS.BBS
- CONFIG.BBS
- SCONFIG.BBS
- SBBSYELL.CTL (If you use it)
- LANGUAGE.CTL
- All language files (.LNG files)

If you don't copy the FLSEARCH.BBS and LIMITS.BBS to all directories,
SuperBBS will look for them in the directory specified in the SBBS
variable. (Set SBBS=<drive+path>)

In this directory SuperBBS will also create the userfiles, BBS list and
other support files. The message base files will be created in the
directory specified in CONFIG.EXE or, if none specified, the current
directory.

Make sure you set the common path of all nodes to the same directory. If
possible a 30-50 KByte RAM disk. Here all the information about the
operations is stored.

Page 69 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Also make sure you set the number of lines in all config files the same.
(Remember, every line has it's own configuration file!) Set the system
directory path in CONFIG.EXE to the directory you are running the node
from. Do this for every line.

Multi-node can't run without SHARE.EXE, so load this file at startup of
your system. This file should be supplied with your DOS files.

You have to start SuperBBS with the -Nxx command line parameter to tell
SuperBBS which line it is running on. For example: BBS -L -N2 will start
SuperBBS in local mode on line 2.

At type 7 exits, two new command options are available:

*N Gives you current node number
*P Gives you current COM port number

If SuperBBS won't run on your system in multi-node mode, let us know.
Remember, it is the first release, but we're trying hard!

11.3 Multitaskers

SuperBBS has been tested with these multitaskers:

- Desqview 2.25 (Normal and 386 versions)
- Desqview 2.31
- DoubleDos 4.0

SuperBBS support multitasking with Desqview. It will release time slicks
and SBBSUSER will ask from Desqview what memory to use for direct screen
writes.

If you run SuperBBS with any other multitasker, like Windows 386, let us
know. We're always interested in any information about SuperBBS and his
behaviour under a multitasker.

Page 70 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

12 NET & ECHOMAIL

12.1 General information

SuperBBS is a fidonet compatible BBS program. This means you can
exchange messages with other fidonet systems. These messages can be
NETMAIL or ECHOMAIL.

12.2 Netmail

SuperBBS doesn't use a nodelist, so if you want to run netmail, mail
from one node to another, you will need a mailer who will handle the
address part of netmail, for example D'Bridge or Frontdoor.

If you have setup a netmail directory, SuperBBS will ask you for the
address the message has to be send to. Here you have to enter a valid
fidonet address. There are several external programs available for
browsing through a nodelist. After you supplied the destination address,
SuperBBS will ask you if the message is a CRASH (or send immediately)
message. Third and last question is about File attachments. You can send
a file to another BBS this way. If you say YES to the previous question,
SuperBBS will ask you for the filename. Then you can enter your message.

Contact a BBS system running Netmail if you want more information on
this subject.

12.3 Echomail

Echomail is mail that is distributed every night over several BBS sys-
tems. This means your message could get all over the world, depending on
the area your in. This also is the most expensive form of mail. A
message written on your system can be read on hundreds of other systems.
All messages are always public.

You can setup every message area in SuperBBS for echomail use. You can
select a different AKA address (if you have them) and choose an origin
line for every area (through ECHOORIG.CTL). You will need a front end
program (also called mailer) to run Echomail.

To run echomail you need an echomail processor. These will unpack
messages from the archives they are send in and toss them to your
echomail area. They also pack new messages from your system and prepare
them to be transferred. Some processors are:

- ZmailQ Echo & Netmail scanner/tosser
- TosScan Echo & Netmail scanner/tosser

There are more programs available. Ask for them at a BBS near you,
running echomail.

You will also need some echomail utility program. This program must be
capable of linking messages, renumbering and deleting them. One of the
best programs around is MBUTIL written by Gerard van der Land. This
program can take care of all your echomail area maintenance and more.

Page 71 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

13 EXTERNAL PROGRAMS

13.1 General information.

SuperBBS comes with a few external programs. These are:

- USERPACK
- SBBSUSER
- SBBSUTIL

These programs are specially written for the use with SuperBBS. Other
programs are available, but do not always support all SuperBBS func-
tions.

13.2 Userpack

This program is designed to clean your user database. It will delete all
users from the USER.BBS and SUSER.BBS files who have the DELETE flag on.
The only exception are user's with the NO-KILL flag on. It will also
pack your userdatabase for faster processing.

Userpack allows multiple commandline parameters, but all parameters are
optional. These are the available options:

-B Makes backup of the user files. This will take the pro-
gram longer to run than without this option.

-Dxxx Deletes users from the list who haven't called in xxx
days.

-O Don't make backup copies if there is not enough disk-
space. Use this command in combination with the -B
option.

-R Removes backup copies after run is complete.

-Sxxx Deletes users with a securitylevel lower than xxx.

? Gives a short help screen. Use only as single command
line option.

If you run userpack without any options, it will just pack your user
base and delete every user with the DELETE flag on.

Page 72 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

13.3 Sbbsuser

This is the user editor for SuperBBS. You will be able to edit all
available information in the user record. It is a full-screen program,
with the function keys it uses displayed on the bottom line. Their are
two modes (or windows). Edit mode and the main window. Edit mode allows
you to change information from a caller. The main window is the command
centre of the program. Here all function keys are active. From here you
go to the edit window. These are the available keys:

Cursor Move around in the editmode of the program. This will
move you from edit field to edit field.

Escape If in editing mode will ask you if you want to save the
information and leave the edit mode. If in the main
window, it will exit you to DOS.

Home Will move you to the first user when in the main window.

End Will move you to the last user when in the main window.

PgUp Will move you 10 users forward when in the main window.

PgDn Will move you 10 users backwards when in the main window.

F1 Display help screens for SBBSUSER.

F2 Goto general edit mode. This allows you to change most
information available. Changing the security level fast
is possible with the ALT-S option.

F3 Search for the user in the NEWUSER.ASW file and display
his/her answers. Useful if you want to update users.

F4 Search option. This allows you to search for part of a
name, alias or city.

F5 Put current user in window in the TRASHCAN.CTL file.

F6 Add a new user to the database.

F7 Change the user's colour configuration.

F8 Change the user's flagsettings.

F9 Change the user's attributes. The delete flag can also be
set from the main window through the ALT-D key.

F10 Exit the program.

Shift-F1 Add user to the VIP.CTL list.

Page 73 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

With the numerical keys you can select an userrecord. Just enter the
number of the record your looking for.

SBBSUSER.EXE let's you edit the USER.BBS and SUSER.BBS file. Other user
editors mostly allow only editing of the USER.BBS file.

13.4 Sbbsutil

SBBSUTIL.EXE allows you to convert some SuperBBS files to general
QuickBBS type files. This is useful for some external programs which
can't handle the specific SuperBBS type files. The program also gives
you the option to initialize your file directories. All commands are
done through the use of commandline parameters. Start the program as
follows:

SBBSUTIL.EXE <parameter>

The parameters are:

FLSEARCH Converts SuperBBS FLSEARCH.BBS to FLSEARCH.CTL,
which can be used with RemoteAccess and/or QuickBBS
utilities.

LIMITS Converts SuperBBS LIMITS.BBS to LIMITS.CTL.

INITFILEAREAS Will initialize all file areas listed in the file
FLSEARCH.BBS. Here you can use three extra parame-
ters:

-F Make FILES.BBS files if not available.
-D Make DIR.BBS files if not available.
-A Add all missing files, files which are in
the directory, but not in the FILES.BBS
list, to the FILES.BBS list.

Running the util program with the option ? will give help.

13.5 Usersort

Version 1.06 / 1.06-a of USERSORT didn't work correctly. Version 1.10
should work correctly, feel free to use it.

13.6 External programs, not specific for SuperBBS

Here's a list of programs which will run with SuperBBS although not all
of them were build to do so. Some programs have build in support for
SuperBBS, others use the QuickBBS standards. All files are copyrighted
to the authors of the programs. This is just a short list, we do not
pretend to have a complete list of all programs available. If you write
a program which supports SuperBBS, let us know!

Page 74 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Here's the list:

BIGBROOV.ZIP Ratio counter for SuperBBS systems.
BNU170.ZIP BNU fossil driver.
COMCREAT.ZIP Comment creator for SuperBBS v1.05.
DBEST_07.ZIP Statistics generator.
DM_400.ZIP Doormaster door converter.
FAST_410.ZIP File area statistics program.
FEBBS160.ZIP File area manager with SuperBBS support.
MBU_110.ZIP Message base utilities.
MENUP_11.ZIP Change prompt in all your SuperBBS menus.
MKNEW100.ZIP Replacement for scanning newfiles.
MM120.ZIP Great menu program with SuperBBS support and
'unknown' menu commands.
NEWMAIL.ZIP Scan for unread mail in areas.
PYVSB10.ZIP Display you against top user.
QBIM400.ZIP SuperBBS to bimodem interface.
QED120.ZIP Quicked full screen editor.
RQSEX140.ZIP Quick Mail Express with SuperBBS support.
SECHK203.ZIP Security checker for SuperBBS systems.
SMENU.ZIP Menu editor for SuperBBS systems.
SU_02.ZIP Edit special files from SuperBBS.
SX229Q1U.ZIP Silver Xpress mail program.
UBM_102.ZIP Userbase editor/utilities. Many options.
X00_V124.ZIP X00 fossil driver.

As you can see, programs enough. It is possible and most likely, that
some of these programs have been replaced with newer versions.

14 DOCUMENTATION

14.1 General information

This is my first attempt to write a set of documentation for a program.
This means it is probably full with illogical text. I still hope it can
be of use to you, the user of SuperBBS. If you have any comments on this
documentation, positive or negative, let me know. Here's my address:

Frank Hemmelder
Lekoord 43
3448 VS Woerden
Holland

BBS phone number...: +.31.3480.24801
Online hours/Bps...: 24 hrs / max. 2400 Bps
Fidonet address....: 2:286/410(.410)

or through the SuperBBS echomail area.

Please note that I'm not running a multi-node system, I'm no part of the
SuperBBS developers team and English is not my native language. I will
do my best to correct any error in this documentation in the next
version. I can not be held responsible if anything happens to you or
your system through the use of this documentation!

Page 75 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

14.2 Missing parts and credits

Any part of this documentation is written with the best possible inten-
tions, but I'm human, so I probably forget to credit people for things
they have done. Anybody who is not mentioned here, but has done some-
thing for SuperBBS or the external programs mentioned in this documenta-
tion, deserves credit. I'm sorry if I didn't mentioned you.

Here's a list of acknowledgments:

Product: Trademark of:
-------- -------------
Acer Multitech Inc.
Amstrad Amstrad (Electronics), Inc.
ARC System Enhancement Associates, Inc.
BinkleyTerm Bit Bucket Software
BNU David Nugent & Unique computing
DataBridge Chris Irwin
EasyData EasyData Inc.
Everex Everex Inc.
FidoNet Tom Jennings (IFNA)
FrontDoor Joaquim H. Homrighausen
Goldstar GoldStar Inc.
Harris Lanier Harris Adacom/Harris Corporation Inc
Hayes Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc.
Hyundai Hyundai Inc.
IBM International Business Machines
LHARC Haruyasu Yoshizaki
MS-DOS Microsoft Corporation
PKARC PKWare, Inc.
PKZIP PKWare, Inc.
Protocol Engine Joaquim H. Homrighausen
Qecho QuickBBS Group, inc.
QuickBBS QuickBBS Group, inc.
QuickEd Dror and Oren Tirosh
RemoteAccess Continental Software
Telix Exis Inc.
TosScan Joaquim H. Homrighausen
TurboPascal Borland Inc.
USRobotics USRobotics Inc.
Ventel Ventel Inc.
X00.SYS Raymond L. Gwinn
ZmailQ Claude N. Warren (Mojave Group)
ZOO Rahul Dhesi

And everybody who I forgot to mention. Sorry!

14.3 Support nodes

Because of the fact that the Support nodes are growing bigger and
bigger in number and not all support nodes are known to me, the writer
of this documentation, I omitted them from this file. See the separate
file for a complete list.

Page 76 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

15 APPENDIXES

Appendix A

To run SuperBBS you will need a batchfile. Two examples are given. The
first is a short one for running SuperBBS in stand alone mode. The
second is from a system with a Frontdoor mailer. This is the stand alone
version:

:start
cls
bbs
if errorlevel=2 then end
goto start
:end
echo SysOp dropped to dos

Nice and simple. Start the batch file and the screen will be cleared.
After that SuperBBS is started. If the Sysop presses the ESCAPE key,
SuperBBS will exit with errorlevel 2, which will end the batchfile.
Otherwise SuperBBS is restarted. See your DOS documentation for more
information about batch files and errorlevels.

Here's the second example. Everything behind the period is a comment and
should not be used in a batchfile, as is the period.

echo off . Stops echoing characters
:start . Defines 'start' label
D: . Changes to 'D:' drive
cd\front . Changes to 'front' dir
FD /M . Starts fd in mono mode
if errorlevel 240 goto 2400_baud . Checks if 2400Bps caller
if errorlevel 120 goto 1200_baud . Checks if 1200Bps caller
if errorlevel 100 goto unpack_mail . Checks if unpack mail event
if errorlevel 80 goto clean_up . Checks if cleanup event
if errorlevel 50 goto local_bbs . Checks if local call
if errorlevel 10 goto end . Checks if drop to dos

:unpack_mail . Defines 'Unpack_mail' label
echo ath1m0>com1 . Puts modem to offhook
cd\sbbs . Changes to 'sbbs' dir
zmailq q pu pi pf ei ni nf . Runs ZmailQ to unpack mail
goto pack_all . Go to 'pack_all' label

:pack_all . Defines 'Pack_all' label
echo ath1m0>com1 . Puts modem to offhook
cd\sbbs . Changes to 'sbbs' dir
zmailq pe q pa ef ee ne . Runs ZmailQ to pack mail
goto start . Go to 'start' label

:2400_baud . Defines '2400_baud' label
cd\sbbs . Changes to 'sbbs' dir
bbs -B2400 -P1 . Runs SuperBBS at 2400,com1
goto after_sbbs . Go to 'after_sbbs' label

Page 77 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

:1200_baud . Defines '1200_baud' label
cd\sbbs . Changes to 'sbbs' dir
echo Call detected...1200BPS . Echoes a message to sysop
bbs -B1200 -P1 . Runs SuperBBS at 1200,com1
goto after_sbbs . Go to 'after_sbbs' label

:local_bbs . Defines 'local_bbs' label
echo Local call detected . Echoes a message to sysop
echo Taking modem OFF-HOOK . Echoes a message to sysop
echo ath1m0>com1 . Puts modem to offhook
cd\sbbs . Changes to 'sbbs' dir
bbs -L . Runs SuperBBS at local mode
goto after_sbbs . Go to 'after_sbbs' label
:after_sbbs . Defines 'after_sbbs' label
if errorlevel 246 goto spurgux . Checks if request Spurgux
if errorlevel 220 goto bank . Checks if request TimeBank
if errorlevel 5 goto pack_all . Checks if caller enter echo
if errorlevel 4 goto pack_all . Checks if caller enter net
if errorlevel 3 goto pack_all . Checks if caller enter both
goto start . In other case, restart FD

:spurgux . Defines 'spurgux' label
cd\sbbs\doors\spurgux . Changes to sub-directory
ctty gate1 . Activates gateway redirect
spu.exe . Runs doorgame 'spurgux'
ctty con . DeActivates gateway
cd\sbbs . Changes to 'sbbs' dir
goto restart_sbbs . Go to 'restart_sbbs' label

:bank . Defines 'bank' label
cd\sbbs\doors . Changes to sub-directory
hambank.exe D:\SBBS M . Runs timebank (HamBank)
tym2qbbs D:\SBBS . Converts Hambank's files
cd\sbbs . Changes back to 'sbbs' dir
goto restart_sbbs . Go to 'restart_sbbs' label

:restart_sbbs . Defines 'restart_sbbs'label
bbs -R -P1 . Restarts SuperBBS after
exit to dos (menutype 15)
goto after_sbbs . Go to 'after_sbbs' label

:clean_up . Defines 'clean_up' label
echo ath1m0>com1 . Puts modem to offhook
cd\sbbs . Changes to 'sbbs' dir
msgpack . Runs MsgPack (QuickBBS's
msgbase packer/cleaner)
goto start . Go to 'start' label

:end . Defines 'end' label
Echo The SBBS HQ down . Echoes a message to SysOp

This is the end of the second batchfile example. Check the comments to
see what happens. Ask a Sysop near you for help if you have problems
running a batchfile like this.

Page 78 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Appendix B

SuperBBS has been tested with the following equipment:

Acer 500+ ( 8Mhz, Nv20 65,32 Mb HD, 640Kb,Hercules)
Adc 386sx (16Mhz, 386/sx, 65 Mb HD, 1Mb,VGA)
Amstrad PC1640 ( 8Mhz, 8086-II 17 Mb HD, 640Kb,Hercules)
GoldStar 286 (10Mhz, 80286 40 Mb HD, 1Mb,VGA)
Graph 386 (25Mhz, 80386 135 Mb HD, 4Mb,VGA)
Harris P2400 (12Mhz, 80286 120 Mb HD, 1MB,EGA)
Hyundai 286C (10Mhz, 80286 42 Mb HD, 1Mb,VGA)
Hyundai 386Sx (16Mhx, 80386 125 Mb HD, 2Mb,VGA)
Ibm PS/2-60 (12Mhz, 80286 2x45 Mb HD, 1Mb,VGA)
NoName 386 (25Mhz, 80386 190 Mb HD, 8Mb,SVGA)
Pinus Pc ( 4Mhz, 8088, 65 Mb HD, 640Kb,Hercules)
Sperry Pc ( 5Mhz, 8088, 20 Mb HD, 640Kb,Hercules)
Toshiba T3100e (12Mhz, 80286, 20 Mb HD, 1Mb,CGA/AT&T)

and with the following modems:

Acer 2400 2400Bps (external)
ATD V.22bis 2400Bps (external)
Discovery 2400S 2400Bps (card)
EasyData 2400 2400Bps (card)
Everex 2400 2400Bps (card)
Hidem 2400E 2400Bps (external)
Hyundai 1200P 1200Bps (card)
Prodem 2400H 2400Bps (card)
SmarTeam 1200BH 1200Bps (card)
Supra Modem 2400Bps (external)
USRobotics courier
HST dual standard 300-14400Bps (external)
Ventel 2400 2400Bps (PS/2-Card)

No problems have been found running these configurations. But if you
have any problem, let us know. Contact either the SuperBBS HQ or the
Support nodes.

Page 79 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Appendix C

Here are some Turbo Pascal errors. If you receive a message like:

Runtime error: ????

It means an error occurred. The following list might help you to dis-
cover what went wrong.

Code: Error: Problem:
=================================================================
2 File not found You've deleted Sbbs' files
(?) and Sbbs can't find them
now. Check which file is
possible missing and replace
it.
3 Path not found You've configured a non-
existing path in config.
4 Too many open files MsDos's 'Files=??' statement
in config.sys is too low,
increase statement.
5 File access denied You've used Hidden/ReadOnly
attributes with Sbbs files
(?), don't do that (!).
15 Invalid drive number You've configured illegal
drive in config.
100 Disk read error Your hard disk has problems,
check it / program error.
103 File not open Problems with open/close/read
files, try to increase
'Files=??' statement first.
150 Disk is write protected You've write protected disk
(?), don't do that.
151 Unknown unit You've configured illegal
unit/drive in config.
152 Drive not ready Problems with your disk
drive, check it.
156 Disk seek error Problems with your disk
drive, check it.
157 Unknown media type Operating system doesn't
recognize your disk drive's
format etc. Check it.
158 Sector not found Problems with your disk
drive, check it.
162 Hardware failure Problems with your hardware,
check it.
200 Division by zero Program error, inform authors
202 Stack overflow error Program error, inform authors

That's it. For more information about this, refer to the Turbo Pascal
manuals, or contact the nearest SuperBBS help support or the authors.

Page 80 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Appendix D

Bugreport form. Use this if you found a bug in the SuperBBS program.

Date: ... - ... - 199..

Your name.....: ______________________________________________

Your address..: ______________________________________________

______________________________________________

BBS name......: ______________________________________________

BBS phone nr..: ______________________________________________

On-line hrs...: ______________________________________________

Fidonet nr....: ______________________________________________

Hardware......: ______________________________________________

______________________________________________

Software......: ______________________________________________

______________________________________________

Information about the bug. Please be as clear as possible. Describe
the way the bug was found. Also report error messages. (ERROR.LOG)

________________________________________________________________

Send this report to a support node or the SuperBBS HQ.

Page 81 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

Appendix E

Suggest form. Use this if you have suggestions for the SuperBBS program.

Date: ... - ... - 199..

Your name.....: ______________________________________________

Your address..: ______________________________________________

______________________________________________

BBS name......: ______________________________________________

BBS phone nr..: ______________________________________________

On-line hrs...: ______________________________________________

Fidonet nr....: ______________________________________________

Write your suggestion down as clear as possible.

________________________________________________________________

Send this report to a support node or the SuperBBS HQ.

Page 82 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991

THAT'S IT, FOLKS.

This documentation contains over 23,000 words.

Page 83 SuperBBS v1.10 documentation 1 february 1991